SEN bulletin February 2024

    Message from Madhu

    Dear SENCOs,

    I am pleased to inform you that the SENAS re-model began last week and we hope that the impact of this change will be evident over the coming months. Fabi, Jeff and Lucy are working hard to update our service protocols, guidance documents and panel processes to strengthen our service delivery. As always SENCOs are invited to attend panel meeting please speak Rhodri Griffiths, email GriffithsRh@ealing.gov.uk to book your place.

    I look forward to seeing you all at our annual conference on the 6th March at Trailfinders. David Bartram has kindly offered to provide every Ealing SENCO who attends a free copy of his book!

    Upcoming training

    View the latest training via Ealing CP Online Development Opportunities | Ealing Schools CPD Online (ealingcpd.org.uk). Here is a selection

    SENCO celebration conference 2024

    Wednesday 6 March 2024 9:30-2:30 A practical conference just for SENCOs – celebrate and nurture SENCOs and their good practice across Ealing. We are delighted to have David Bartram as our keynote speaker – so come and join the many schools who are already signed up for a fantastic day at Trailfinders. And queries contact Sam by email at sendline@ealing.gov.uk

    Lunchtime supervisor superheroes

    Therese Hoyle is leading this training for staff who can mean a lot to children with additional needs:

    "Thérèse delivered a high-quality and useful workshop on being a ‘Lunchtime Superhero’ that was tailor-made for my school and staff. The workshop provided particular emphasis on break/lunch times being a more harmonious part of the school day; more ownership to the Midday Meals Supervisors for the important role they play in school life, and how - via the use of games and activities - we can build strong relationships with all our children." ~ David Ritchie, Assistant Headteacher, Kings Avenue Primary School, London

    The course includes pre-workshop self-assessment and post workshop resources to put the training into practice. View course details.

    Whole school SEND online CPD

    This month why not sign up for an online discussion on a topic of interest to you? Specialist spotlights coming up include executive functioning and memory. These sessions link to the CPD units. Online CPD Units | Whole School SEND

    Signposts for Parents

    Family Information Service's guide - A guide to support available to Ealng families.

    SENDIAS have a new Facebook page for parents – lots of useful posts there.

    ADHDandAutism.org offer some inexpensive parenting courses for NW London residents - three different courses for families in Harrow, Hillingdon with some places for other NW London parents. Schools can share these posters with parents:

    Parents / carers need to complete this form.

    Speech and language therapy service buy in

    Our new Speech and Language Buy-In brochure for academic year 2024-2025 will be sent out week commencing the 19 February, so please check your inboxes for our new offers. Please email wlm-tr.sltbuyincontracts@nhs.net with any queries and we will be happy to help!

    If you have questions about your child’s speech, language and/or communication, you can contact our advice line and speak with a Speech and Language Therapist. Email us on: ealing.sltadvice@nhs.net Monday-Friday from 1-4pm.

    Visit our YouTube channel! Ealing Children's Services - YouTube. Here you can find a range of free bite-size videos and longer workshops for parents and practitioners, aimed at supporting children with and without communication needs.

    EYFS support framework

    This comprehensive document contains a list of support available for PVIs and Early years support for school nurseries.

    Early Start Send and Inclusion Team

    A reminder to consider contacting the Early Start SEND and Inclusion Team if you are concerned about a pupil that may have SEN in nursery. The team have been working hard to address a backlog from earlier in the year. Here is the referral form and Early Start SEND panel dates. Early Start Main Hub clcht.ealingadminhub@nhs.net / 020 8102 5888

    Progression and pathways event reminder for secondary pupils

    The Progression to Level 2 event for Ealing students will be held on Wednesday 19 June 2024. If schools are bringing students who are interested in courses at level 2 and below to the event please complete the Progression to Level 2 careers event 19 June 2024 booking form for schools. We are also keen for parents to attend. Please circulate this letter to parents/carers of students in Year 10 and 11 that you think could benefit.

    Annual review improvement project – update

    Many thanks to all the SENCOs who participated by suggesting improvements to the Annual Review Meeting Report form and the LA side of the process. The LA is taking on board the views of schools that have been shared and arranging further co-production meetings to incorporate this and the work in relation to Preparing for Adulthood, to make the annual review paperwork as efficient as possible for all.

    Top Tip

    Are you using laptops in school to support students with reading? In the Edge Browser, Ctrl + Shift +U to make a web page read aloud. Pupils can choose a voice and speed. In Word, select the Review tab and select Read Aloud. For younger pupils, Specialist word processor Clicker can really help – widely used in Ark schools: Clicker - Literacy Software | Crick Software

    Did you know?

    The providers of the new NPQ SEND have been announced. The courses begin in Sept 2024. Providers include The Best Practice Network, UCL and Teach First.

    NPQ SENCO providers announced | Nasen

    Contact:
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    Last updated: 27 Feb 2024

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