SEND News and Updates

This page is frequently updated with the latest news and updates for parents and professionals in relation to SEND, this includes a range of local activities and useful resources.

Join us at the next Sutton Youth Board – a session run by young people, for young people, giving them a real chance to make their voices heard!

Date: Thursday, 13th March 2025

Time: 4:30 - 6:00 PM

Venue: 1st Floor Study Area, Sutton Central Library

This session is all about:

• Young people leading the discussion on mental health in schools

• Collaborating to create key questions for local decision-makers

• Holding council leaders, MPs, and key figures accountable for real change

Young people attending will not only have the opportunity to shape important conversations but will also receive direct responses from senior decision-makers after the event. Snacks and drinks provided!

Sutton Independent Travel Training Workshop

Open for all SEND families, light refreshments will be provided.

When: Thursday 20th February, 1pm - 2pm

Where: Sutton Central Library, Community Events Space, 1st Floor

To book contact: itt@kcil.org.uk or call them on 02085469603

Help Shape World Autism Acceptance Events in Sutton

Are you an autistic young person, family member, or a professional supporting autistic people? We need YOU!

By filling out our short form, you'll play a vital role in creating events and activities that celebrate and support our autistic community. Your ideas and experiences are valued and will guide how we mark this special month.

Click here to fill out the form [External Link]

London Futures Programme

The Change Foundation are recruiting for their London Futures programme, which is an employability and sport programme for 18 - 30-year-olds with a disability who would like to play some sport, meet new people and feel part of a community, as well as receive support around the skills needed for the world of work.

London Futures will be running weekly sport and employability sessions starting on Wednesday 19th March from 4:30pm - 6pm at In2Sport, 40 Harbord Square, E14 9QH, Canary Wharf.

We are looking to recruit 18 – 30 year olds who are job ready, are independent travellers and who need that extra support in kickstarting their future careers.

For more information please contact Ryan Jones: ryanjones@changefdn.org.uk / 07824589517

Free online CV and Interview workshops

Real, a Disabled people's organisation is offering free CV and interview workshops to deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people aged 16-25 looking for work or soon to be leaving school.

When: Monday 17th February, 10:30am - 1:45pm or Friday 21st February, 2:30 - 5:15pm

To sign up click on the link [External Link]

Free employment skills workshop for 16-25 deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people

Real, a Disabled people's organisation is offering free workshops to deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people aged 16-25. The workshop is ideal for school leavers, job seekers and those wanting to meet new people.

The session will include:

• Group based activities that will help you identify and develop transferable skills

• CV and interview sessions including reasonable adjustments and how to ask for them

• What to expect in the world of employment and how to prepare

• Food and an opportunity to socialise

When: Wednesday 12th March, 4:00 - 7:30pm

Where: National Children's Bureau, 23 Mentmore Terrace, E8 3PN

Travel costs will be reimbursed.

To sign up click on the link [External Link]

Motor Skills for Home and School Success

We are delighted to invite you to our upcoming parent workshop and training on motor skills for home and school success. Our training will help provide a deeper understanding of motor skills, the developmental stages’ of gross and fine motor skills and the importance of developing these skills in learning and function including self-help skills, independence, confidence and class based activities.

When: Friday 28th February

Book Here: Microsoft Forms [External link]

Information to note:

There will be an opportunity towards the end of the session to break out into small groups to connect with other parents and share your experiences for those who would like to. All attendees will receive completion certificates and resource packs. Refreshments will be provided. Please ensure you have completed the google form document and indicate which sessions you would like to attend. Whether your child has been diagnosed with motor skills differences or you simply want to better understand how you can support your child’s development of their motor skills, this training is for you!

Autism Parent Surgeries

When: Thursday 27th February

Cognus Autism Champion Krishna from the Inclusion Team is offering parents the opportunity to sign up for a 20-minute Teams call to discuss individual cases and to share practical strategies and support. To request a 20 minute Teams call, please email your name, your child's name and school, and your main question to:theautismservice@cognus.org.uk

Creating a communication rich environment Part 1

This training may be appropriate for you if your child is still developing their early language, communication and listening skills, or you would like to learn more about connecting with their world through play.

We will explore how to support your child’s language through the use of practical visuals which you can use during everyday activities. We will also discuss ideas to extend your child’s play and interaction and provide support for you as parents to develop their communication alongside everyday activities.

When: Monday 10th February

Where: First Floor Cantium House Railway Approach Wallington SM6 0DZ

Book your space: Communication rich environments [External Link]

Information to note:

There will be an opportunity towards the end of the session to break out into small groups to connect with other parents and share your experiences for those who would like to. All attendees will receive completion certificates and resource packs. Refreshments will be provided. Please ensure you have completed the google form document and indicate which sessions you would like to attend

Early Years Support Pathway E-book

This guide have been produced to help parents and carers identify and access the support that is available within the community for children under 5 years, with additional needs and/or disabilities.

The guide will share information from a range of service providers and explain how you can access these services. Some of the services in the guide are universal services, whereas others may require referral or be fee paying.

Click here to view the Early Years Support Pathway E-book [External Link].

The Fantastic Freddie Foundation - Valentines Club Night

The Fantastic Freddie Foundation with DJ Patrin presents Valentines Club Night.

When: 22nd February, 7pm

Where: The VBS Community Stadium

Contact Charlie to get your tickets:

Whatsapp: https:/wa.me/447553172864

Email: Charlie@TheFantasticFreddieFoundation.com

Phone: 07553 172864

Contacts Financial Support Checklist

Did you know it costs _3 times more _to raise a disabled child? That’s why it’s vital that these families claim all the financial support they can, but many don’t know what’s available to them.

1. Use the Benefits Calculator: Parents can check if they’re claiming everything they’re entitled to by using this online Benefits Calculator – it takes just 10 minutes and can make a _huge _difference

2. Try our Grants Search: The online Grants Search tool will show parents what charitable funding they could get towards specialist equipment, therapies, home adaptations, white goods and even holidays

3. **Get help with household bills: **Take a look at the schemes and grants available to help families with water, fuel and other utility bills

4. **Look at our energy saving tips: **With disabled families already facing higher energy bills, these practical tips can help parents cut down on heating, fuel and appliance costs

5. Apply for help with extra costs: Our website lists several support schemes available to help parents with education, health, and transport and leisure costs

6. **Read our Money Matters guide: **Parents will find detailed advice on benefits, vouchers, discounts, loans and other sources of financial help in our Money Matters guide for England & Wales

Playwise Support Passport

The PlayWise Support Passport is a comprehensive document intended to aid young people, professionals, service providers and family members in understanding and meeting the unique needs of children and young people with SEND. This document will serve as a valuable tool across various settings, including schools and education providers, holiday and leisure activities, health services and clinics, social care and other support services. 

The Support Passport is a personalised document that outlines essential information about a child's support needs, health conditions, learning disabilities, communication preferences, and strategies to facilitate their interactions and experiences.  It is designed to ensure that anyone working with a child is well-informed and equipped to provide the best possible support.

Click here to view the Playwise Support Passport [External Link]

Click here to view the Playwise Support Guidelines [External Link]

New Promotional Video for Independent Travel Training

Check out the Independent Travel Training's new promotional video created by KCIL [External Link].

This has been created to inform potential candidates on ITT and to also inspire safety and confidence when travelling independently.

Parent/Carer Coffee Information Sessions

These are the January to December 2025 Parent/Carer Coffee Information sessions for Sutton families. You do not need an appointment, just turn up!

Carshalton Family Hub and Children's Centre

Session times: 9:30am - 11:30am

When: Friday 24th January

Friday 7th February

Friday 28th February

Friday 14th March

Friday 28th March

Friday 25th April

Friday 9th May

Friday 23rd May

Friday 13th June

Friday 27th June

Friday 11th July

Friday 12th September

Friday 26th September

Friday 10th October

Friday 24th October

Friday 14th November

Friday 28th November

Friday 12th December

Sutton Library Family Hub

Session times: 9:30am - 11:30am

When: Friday 17th January

Friday 31st January

Friday 14th February

Friday 7th March

Friday 21st March

Friday 4th April

Friday 2nd May

Friday 16th May

Friday 6th June

Friday 20th June

Friday 4th July

Friday 18th July

Friday 5th September

Friday 19th September

Friday 3rd October

Friday 17th October

Friday 7th November

Friday 21st November

Friday 5th December

Friday 19th December

Shanklin Community Centre

Session times: 1pm - 2:15pm

When: Monday 13th January

Monday 27th January

Monday 10th February

Monday 24th February

Monday 10th March

Monday 24th March

Monday 28th April

Monday 12th May

Monday 9th June

Monday 23rd June

Monday 7th July

Monday 21st July

Monday 8th September

Monday 22nd September

Monday 6th October

Monday 20th October

Monday 3rd November

Monday 17th November

Monday 1st December

Monday 15th December

Stanley Park Children's Centre

Session times: 9:30am - 11am

When: Wednesday 8th January

Wednesday 22nd January

Wednesday 5th February

Wednesday 26th February

Wednesday 12th March

Wednesday 26th March

Wednesday 2nd April

Wednesday 23rd April

Wednesday 7th May

Wednesday 21st May

Wednesday 4th June

Wednesday 18th June

Wednesday 2nd July

Wednesday 16th July

Wednesday 10th September

Wednesday 24th September

Wednesday 8th October

Wednesday 22nd October

Wednesday 5th November

Wednesday 19th November

Wednesday 3rd December

Wednesday 17th December

The Quad, Green Wrythe Lane, Carshalton SM5 1JW

Session times: 6pm - 8pm

When: Monday 27th January

Monday 24th February

Monday 24th March

Monday 12th May

Monday 9th June

Monday 7th July

Monday 22nd September

Monday 20th October

Monday 17th November

Monday 1st December

Are you an adult who has an autistic brother or sister?

Join Sibs six online support group sessions across 2025.

The sessions are online, 7pm - 8:30pm

When:

• 13th February: Being a sibling vs being a carer

• 9th April: Money (mis)management

• 10th June: What if your brother/sister doesn't want support?

• 4th August: Reciprocity

• 7th October: Supporting romantic relationships

• 3rd December: Setting boundaries

For full details and to sign up visit their website [External Link].

Check out the Parent Support Offer

We know that being a parent can be both rewarding and challenging, and we all need a helping hand at times. Knowing where to go and who to turn to can be vital to getting that help early and preventing further escalation.

Our parenting support programmes are a source of support for all parents and carers and offer an opportunity to share parenting experiences, develop a greater understanding of child development, build positive relationships and learn skills to deal with challenging behaviour.

Check out the Parent Support Offer presentation to find out more information [External Link].

SENCo Surgeries for Schools

These are not solely for SENCOs and are welcomed by any school staff to book on if they wish to discuss a SEND case.

We will be offering information, advice, and guidance to schools to support inclusive practice and a partnership approach to SEND.

The dates for the SENCo surgeries 2024-25 are:

• 3rd October - 9 - 11:30am

• 21st November - 9 - 11am

• 4th February - 1:30 - 4pm

• 20th March - 1:30 - 4pm

• 1st May - 9:30 - 12pm

• 26th June - 9:30 - 12pm

To book onto the Inclusion Surgery, please email sen.team@cognus.org.uk.

The Autism Project are currently recruiting for their January and September cohort 2025

The Autism Project would like to invite you to attend one of their monthly Zoom information sessions. The sessions are a chance to hear from staff and ask them questions.

When:

• November 29th 2024, 1:00pm

• December 27th 2024, 1:00pm

• January 31st 2025, 1:00pm

• February 28th 2025, 1:00pm

• March 28th 2025, 1:00pm

• April 25th 2025, 1:00pm

• May 30th 2025, 1:00pm

• June 27th 2025, 1:00pm

If you would like to attend then click on the link to register [External Link]

Council launches new SEND and Alternative Provision strategy at event for young people

Hundreds of young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Sutton attended the Council’s third Preparation for Adulthood event on 7 November at Westcroft Leisure Centre.

Preparation for Adulthood forms part of the Council’s new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Strategy 2024-27 [External Link]. 

Read the full article on the Council website [External Link].