Services for children

SEN bulletin March 2025

    Message from Madhu

    It was fantastic to see so many of you at the annual SENDCo conference. I hope you found the day as thought-provoking, affirming, and inspiring as I did. Kerry’s challenges continue to resonate with me, prompting deep reflection on my own role in the neurodiversity and disability-affirming social justice movement.

    I’ve already seen schools putting Lydia and Esther’s can-do ideas into action – adapting environments and amplifying pupil voices. Many schools are celebrating neurodiversity Week this week, and several are showcasing innovative inclusive practicea s part of the Festival of Learning.

    I feel truly honoured to work alongside such dedicated, passionate and inspiring SENCos. Thank-you!

    SENCO conference resources

    Here is Kerry Murphy's presentation from the SENCo conference held 5 March: Neurodiversity affirming practice in Education

    Other resources:

    Ealing services for schools 25-26

    School order forms must be completed by 31 March. Do check with your HT and/or SBM that you have booked the services you require, including from the Educational Psychology Service. Services for schools (S4S)

    ELATT volunteers

    ELATT is an educational charity that helps Londoners succeed in life and work.

    They are looking to place seven trainee teaching assistants into schools in Ealing. The Volunteer TAs are already trained at L2 and are now specialising in supporting young students with SEND needs. They have a full understanding of Safeguarding and are already DBS checked. Many also speak community languages.

    This is your opportunity to bring in trained volunteers with an existing understanding of the education sector whilst helping ELATT students work towards their goal of securing fulfilling work in London. Contact phoebe@elatt.org.uk

    ELATT flyer

    Network meetings

    On the 21 May there will be no network meeting, however primary colleagues please look out for the EYFS Transition Event at Grasshoppers. This year the focus is on supporting transition for SEN and school SENCOs are warmly invited to come and meet colleagues from local PVIs – your EYFS leads can tell you more.

    Speech and Language Therapy

    We’re excited to introduce our brand-new Speech & Language Therapy Advice & Signposting Padlet Link. This resource hub is packed with expert guidance, strategies, parent/carer and staff workshops, as well as signposting to support children and young people with their communication needs. Explore, share, and make the most of this valuable tool!

    Therapeutic Thinking

    There are a range of twilight CPD packages in the Therapeutic Thinking one drive, including on trauma, consequences, emotions, and behaviour curriculum.

    • If you trained before Summer 2024 please do book a place on the Annual Refresher – 24 March
    • For those of you wishing to send colleagues on three day training, please book for 29 April – 1 May.

    For all TT related matters, contact Adam Brazier braziera@ealing.gov.uk.

    Autism Education Trust: this month’s resource

    Message from Dawn:

    In collaboration with the National Autistic Society (NAS), the Autism Education Trust (AET) are supporting the growing awareness and understanding of neurodiversity in our schools. In 2007, the United Nations designated the week of April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Week, and this continues to be a key date. Over time, the word 'awareness' has been revised, reflecting the growth of awareness, but the continuing lack of acceptance. April is now recognised as the month to promote acceptance in our schools and celebrate autism. Here is a short overview, from Sarinah, produced by BBC Scotland, about how we can get this right: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p09c4gyt

    You can download FREE teaching resources from the AET, including lesson and assembly plans, activities and resources, for different key stages, so suitable for all primary and secondary schools:

    Share a resource

    If you have a resource, a picture of great practice in action at your school, or a recommendation to share with SENCOs in the Bulletin, send a picture or a link to Sam sendline@ealing.gov.uk.

    SEN governors

    The SEN governors session on funding has been postponed until the autumn term. The new date will be shared here as soon as it is booked.

    Upcoming training and networks:

    Browse Ealing CPD Online for a full view of professional development in Ealing.

    Experts by Experience service from Contact ending

    Due to budget constraints, they will no longer be able to accept new referrals for the Contact Expert by Experience service. The single point of access for screening all referrals will continue until March 2026. For further information please email autismhubsupport@contact.org.uk

    SENAS update

    SENAS admin share information with families, which are also available on Ealing Families Directory | Ealing Local Offer:

    • The Statutory Timescales for an EHC needs assessment
    • Ealing’s Request for Statutory Assessment Guidance
    • ISAID Annual Review Guidance
    • Ealing EHE policy
    • Ealing EOTAS policy

    Do share with your staff so that they can confidently direct parents to the right place.

    Signposts for parents

    National supported internship day 27 March

    A range of workshops are available from DFN Project Search.

    • A webinar for people who want to become Employer Ambassadors 27March, 9:30-11am. Rrun by people with lived experience of Supported Internship Programmes. Discover how you can champion these programmes and inspire your colleagues and friends to support young people with learning disabilities and/or autism in their journey toward paid work!
    • A webinar for young people 27 March, from 3-4pm. This session, led by young people, will explore what a supported internship is, how it works, and the benefits it provides. Come along and learn from those who have lived experience!
    • A webinar for parents and carers 27 March, from 7- 7:45pm. Supported Internships are a valuable pathway to employment for young people with learning disabilities and/or autism. Many parents and carers have expressed they’re unfamiliar with these opportunities, help us raise awareness and make a difference together!
    Contact:
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    Last updated: 20 Mar 2025