I have been asked to signpost parents to this course that is being run by The Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living.  Full details are below.  Many thanks, Mrs Nichols

Mindfulness for Children and Parents

Mindfulness can benefit everybody. Research shows that it can help to lower stress, reduce anxiety, enhance self-confidence and improve concentration.

Learning Mindfulness together with your child on this fun and interactive course will benefit you both — enabling you to support each other in putting Mindfulness into practice in your daily lives.

Children who have completed the course have said :

“The Mindfulness course has made me a better person”, “Mindfulness helps me to think before I react”, “Mindfulness helps me to get to sleep”

Where: The Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living,

               Hitchin Road, Letchworth, SG6 3NA

For whom: 7-11 year olds and their parents/carers

When: Fridays 17.00-18.30 starting 1st February

For more information and to book visit;

www.letchworthcentre.org/classes/mindfulness-for-child-and-parent/

or call 01462 678804

I have been advised of the following course running in January for parents:

Parents

What are Language Difficulties? What is Developmental Language Disorder? Why be concerned? What support is available? How to support language development at home.

31 January 2019 10am to 12pm

Letchworth Garden City Partnership Pod

Northfields Infant and Nursery School, Burley SG6 4PT

Booking: http://nhdspl.org.uk/home/event-list/event/47-nhdspl-events/35-workshop-on-speech-language-and-communication-needs-slcn-parents.html

Provider: Pauline Hickey, Specialist Speech and Language Teacher, ISL HCC Implementation Leade for SLCN - County Wide.

If you have any concerns about any aspect of your child's speech and language development, please speak to your child's class teacher in the first instance, or email me on:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Many thanks,

Mrs Nichols

We have been advised of the SEND Specialist Advice and Support Line, which is available for both parents and professionals to use.  The number is :  01442 453920.  The Advice Line runs on Tuesday and Wednesday from 1.30pm – 4.00pm during school term-time.  If you would like to discuss an issue or query about a child or young person with autism or communication needs, please call the above number.   Similarly, if you would like me to call to discuss a particular issue, please contact me on : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Many thanks,  Mrs Nichols above.

uss an issue or query about a child or young person with autism or communication needs, please call the number above.

I have been advised that there are still spaces available on the following workshop for parents, please follow the link below if you would like to know more about it or to book your place: 

Moving On to Year 7 - Transition to Secondary School

Thursday, 19 April 2018

9:30am to 11:30am

Letchworth

Booking online :

http://nhdspl.org.uk/home/event-list/book/11-moving-on-to-year-7-transition-to-secondary-school-practical-support-for-your-child-with-send.html

I  have been sent some information about parent courses and workshops that are available for parents and carers of children with SEND.  Please do get in touch directly on the contact details below, or speak to me if you would like to find out more information.  Many thanks,  Mrs Nichols

The Child Puzzle - what makes my child tick

Supporting your child with SEND.

An interactive light bite masterclass which looks at understanding behaviour by looking at the unique personality of your child in a way that unlocks the door to effective communication and strengthens relationships.

Thursday, 1 February 2018

9:30am to 11:30am

Venue: Letchworth Garden City Partnership Pod, Northfields Infant and Nursery School, Burley SG6 4PT

Provider: Natural Flair Coaching

Bookings: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Bringing Up Confident Children for Parents and Carers of Children with SEN

Tuesdays, 9.30 to 11.30

23 & 30 January, 6, 20 & 27 February and 6, 13 & 20 March 2018

Hitchin Youth Trust, 111 Walsworth Road, Hitchin, SG4 9SP

Contact Louise on 01163 666087 for more information or to book a place

This group is aimed primarily at North Herts parents and carers and offers the opportunity for them to gain a new perspective on parenting by :

Ø  Understanding children's behaviour

Ø  Helping children manage their feelings

Ø  Learning new strategies to address challenging behaviour

Ø  Exploring helpful and unhelpful discipline strategies & how these can help make a difference in family life

Parents can also call us on 01163 666087 to complete a referral over the phone and ensure a place.

It was lovely to see so many of you at Parents consultations recently.  If anyone would still like a catch up with me but was unable to make the parent consultations, then please feel free to email me on : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  If your child has a Personal Support Plan which details any additional support that they receive to help them with thier learning, then you will have been given two copies at your parents consultation appointment.  Please can you sign and return one copy to your Class teacher or to me as soon as possible.  We really value your comments and feedback so don't forget to complete the Parents comments section, and the Pupil comments section with your child.

If you would like any suggestions for games, apps/ websites or activities that you can try at home to support your child with any of the objectives on their PSP then please get in touch with me.  Frequent repetition of key concepts and ideas is really valuable, so anything you can do at home to complement the learning at school will be really helpful. 

Many thanks

Mrs Nichols

We are still waiting for a number of Personal Support Plans to be returned.  These are for some children who have additional support to help them meet their educational and personal objectives.  If relevant, please can you double check that you have signed a copy and returned it to us. 

We really value your comments  and feedback to check that we are aligned about the priorities for your child.  Having up to date PSPs in school informs our intervention planning, and is an important part of our provision under the SEN Code of Practice.  

If you would like to discuss the objectives written on the Personal Support Plan, please feel free to speak to your child's Class Teacher, or to get in touch with me directly.  Many thanks,  Mrs Nichols

If your child receives any additional support in order to help them make faster progress in their learning, you will have received a copy of their updated Personal Support Plan last week.

I hope you have had the chance to read through them, and, especially for the older children, had a chance to discuss their new objectives with your child. We have found that children are beginning to make links between their personal objectives and which Learning Powers they need to use to make the most of any additional support or intervention time.  Any additional support you can provide at home or opportunities to reinforce learning whilst out and about will help your child to make faster progress. 

We are really grateful for any information you can provide to help us more closely match our support to the needs of your child.  We strongly value our partnership with parents and are hoping that 100% of Personal Support Plans will be signed and one copy returned to us.  If there is anything you would like to discuss in more detail, then please feel free to speak to your child's class teacher or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange an appointment with me. 

Please return all PSPs by 2nd October to ensure that your comments can be incorporated into the additional provision being given to your child.

Many thanks

Mrs Nichols

I have been sent flyers for 2 FREE Workshops for parents.  Please find details below.  You can book directly via email, or please feel free to get in touch if you would like to discuss with me first.  Many thanks,  Mrs Nichols

For parent carers of children and young people with ADHD or Autism.

Managing Anxiety

Tuesday, 3 October 2017

9:30am to 2pm

Letchworth Garden City Partnership Pod

Sensory Needs

Tuesday, 7 November 2017

9:30am to 2pm

Letchworth Garden City Partnership Pod

Provider ADD-vance - ADHD/Autism specialist trainers

Funded by North Herts DSPL Area 1

Bookings: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I have been sent details of the following course for parents.  Details are included below for how to book a place.  Many thanks, Mrs Nichols.

A Natural Flair Coaching Limited

Anxiety Masterclass

I hope that you have all had a very happy and fun filled summer holiday.  I am looking forward to seeing all the children next week and hearing all about their adventures.

As you are getting ready for the new term, please can you make sure that any asthma inhalers, spacers are fully labelled with your child's name, and that they are in date. Please make a note of date of expiry so that you can ensure we always have in date medicine in school.  It is helpful if you provide the inhaler in a see through plastic bag so it can be found quickly.  

For ongoing asthma conditions that we are already aware of, please fill in a green medical form for the academic year 2017 -2018 which gives parental consent for staff to administer medicine. You should have received these when the old inhaler was returned in July, or additional copies are available from the office.

If your child has a newly diagnosed condition or your child is new to the school this year, you will need to fill in a green medical form but you will also need to complete an Individual Health Care Plan which gives us more information about your child's symptoms, triggers and needs.  Email me at :  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I can either email you a form, or arrange an appointment to meet with me to discuss, whichever is more convenient. 

If your child has any other medical needs that you wish to discuss, please feel free to speak to your child's new teacher, or get in touch with me.  Please note that I only work part time (2 days per week) so I will respond to your email as soon as possible but it may not always be immediately.

Best wishes,

Mrs Nichols

Hello

Everyone is now beginning to think about transition as the Summer Holiday approaches.  For many children this is really exciting.  But we also recognise that for some children, experiencing any change can be scary and sometimes difficult.  All children are fully prepared for their new class, with plenty of opportunities to review their progress and learning this year, and to anticipate and think about moving to a new year group. However, a few children will need additional transition support to help them respond to the change happily and with confidence.  They may already have had some additional discussions and activities to make sure they are prepared and know what to expect on Transition Day on Thursday.  Following this, there may be additional activities/ time to talk depending on what we feel your child needs and any concerns or worries that they raise.  If you think your child needs extra support, please feel free to speak to your child's class teacher or email me on :  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

We have also worked hard to improve the format of our Final Personal Support Plan of the year, to ensure a better format for passing on information between one teacher and the next.  We would love your feedback on what has worked for your child this year, together with anything that hasn't had as much impact, so that we can pass this useful information onto their next teacher.  I would really love it if we could have 100% return rate of signed PSPs from parents by Monday 17th July; your input is valuable, we know it makes a difference to our understanding of your child's needs and we really appreciate it.

I hope you all have a brilliant summer holiday, and I look forward to hearing all about your adventures in September.

Many thanks,

Mrs Nichols

Dear Parents/ Carers,

I thought it would be useful to communicate about Hertfordshire’s Local Offer.  The Local Authority has recently invested a huge amount of time and effort into making it easier for parents, families and professionals to find out about support available to children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND). 

The key information can be found below.  I have also put postcards with this information out on display in the spinners in the School entrance.   I have used the search website myself and have found it very clear and helpful.   

I believe that they will shortly be adding information about holiday clubs and activities that will be especially suitable for children with SEND. 

If you would like more specific information about SEND provision in our school, then please feel free to contact me at any time on : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Alternatively you can leave a message with the School Office.  I work part time, so you will not get an immediate response, but I endeavour to reply as quickly as I can.  You can also read our SEN Information Report on the website, which has a list of FAQs about SEND provision here at St Ippolyts. 

Many thanks

Mrs Nichols

Hertfordshire’s Local Offer (information provided by Local Offer): 

Are you concerned that your child has special needs? Have you recently received a diagnosis for your child? Are you unsure whether your child may need help? Finding information about where to go for this help and advice can be confusing.

Hertfordshire’s Local Offer explains what support and services are available for children and young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) and their families. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/localoffer

For impartial and confidential support, contact: SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SEND IASS) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 01992 555847

The KIDS East and West HUBS East HUB (Hertford): 01992 504013 West HUB (Watford): 01923 676549 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I have been informed of a number of events taking place locally that you might be interested in. Please email me on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to be sent full details of the event including information about how to book a place.    Many thanks

I have been sent information about a number of events organised by SPACE. SPACE is a support group for Parents/ Carers of children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and related conditions. Their website is www.spaceherts.org.uk

SPACE have secured an exclusive trampolining event at Gravity Force in St Albans on Thursday 15^th June between 5 – 6pm. 

SPACE has organised an event at 360 in Stevenage on Friday 30^th June between 6 – 8pm.

Saturday 29^th July, 12 -4pm.  A sponsored walk for children with Autism or ADHD and their families.  This takes place in Stevenage and raises money for ADD Vance.

ADD-vance is running 2 training sessions. The first is ‘Understanding ADHD for Parent/ Carers’ and takes place in Hatfield on 23^rd June, 9.30 – 12.00pm.    The second is ‘Understanding Autism for Parent/ Carers’ and takes place in Hatfield on 28^th June , 9.30 – 12.00pm.  There is a cost of £22 per person for tickets to either session. 

Hello

Following Parent Consultations at the end of the Easter term, you should have received an updated Personal Support Plan, if relevant for your child.  There are 2 copies - one is for your records; the other is for you to complete your Parent comments and to discuss with your child their comments about their learning and progress. Once signed, can you please ensure one copy is returned to school.   These termly documents are a really important link between home and school to ensure that we are aligned about the best strategies to support your child's needs so we really value their return. 

If there is anything that you do not understand or wish to discuss further before you return the PSP, then please let me know on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  I am happy to help in whatever way I can. 

Many thanks

Mrs Nichols

Hello,

I have been sent details of the following courses that are available to parents and carers at no cost. Please get in touch with me on:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  if you would like more details, or to find out how to register for these courses. 

Many thanks

Mrs Nichols

_{Group : Bringing Up Confident Children for Parents of Children with Special Educational Needs}

_{Duration : 8 weeks}

_{Day of the Week : Wednesdays}

_{Dates : 17 May to 12 July, excluding half term}

_{Times : 9.30 - 11.30}

_{Venue : Fairlands School, Pound Avenue, Stevenage, SG1 3JA}

_{Understanding ASD}

_{Wednesday, 3 May 2017 - 10am to 12pm}

_Letchworth

_{Understanding ADHD}

_{Tuesday, 9 May 2017 - 10am to 12pm}

_Letchworth

_{Provider: ADD-vance - ASD/ADHD specialist trainers}

_{Funded by North Herts DSPL (Area 1)}

I have been advised of a number of new workshops and training events that are available for parents and carers to attend.  Please email:   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like further information or details of how to book. 

Network for Parents and Carers of children and young people with SEND.  Topic:  Mood Management.

Saturday 18th March, 9.45am - 12.15pm, Royston

Managing Anxiety Tuesday 25th April,  10am - 12pm,  Letchworth

Understanding ASD, Wednesday 3rd May, 10am - 12pm, Letchworth

Girls and Autism:  What's the difference, Monday 20 March, 7 - 9pm, Letchworth

Sensory Needs, Wednesday 22nd Feburary, 9.30 - 1.30pm, Letchworth

Managing Anger, Wednesday 26th April, 9.30 - 1.30pm, Royston

Understanding ADHD, Tuesday 9th May, 10 - 12pm, Letchworth

Many thanks,

Mrs Nichols

I have been sent information by Supporting Links about 3 new courses that are being run for parents. These courses are FREE and run for 6 weeks with various start dates in November 2016.  If you are interested and would like to find out more about any of these courses, then please email me at:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I can give you further information. 

• Understanding Behaviour in your child with Additional Needs

• Time Out for Dads

• Anger: Escaping the Trap

Welcome to the SEN blog! This will be written by myself, Mrs Nichols on an adhoc basis.  I am the Inclusion Co-ordinator at school and I work part time across the week. I will usually be at school every Monday, and other days will be flexible depending on the priorities for the week. 

We are hoping that this blog can be accessed by parents to help them understand more about the processes that are used to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in school. We are also hoping that it will be a valuable tool in cascading information we often receive from local organisations and charities that may be of use.  If at any time you would like further information please do not hesitate to contact me by email on : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  You can also contact me via the school office number on 01462 432080. 

If you have any ideas about how you would like this blog to be used I would be very happy to hear from you. In the meantime, please subscribe to this feed so that you will receive a notification each time I publish a blog post. 

Best wishes

Mrs Nichols