March 2024 Kirklees SEND Newsletter
Introducing the Designated Clinical Officer (DCO)
This video explains the role of the Designated Clinical Officer, Mel Watkin, and how this work helps to shape SEND services across Kirklees.
You can find out more about the DCO on the Local Offer website.
DCO Local Offer Page (opens link in same window)
You can also find the video on Youtube Introducing the DCO – Youtube (opens link in new window)
Neurodevelopmental Family Navigator Service
Barnardo's Kirklees are offering a new service to the families of children and young people, aged up to 18, who are waiting for a neurodevelopmental assessment in Kirklees.
The service is available for people who are caring for someone awaiting an Autism and/or ADHD assessment, or who are themselves on the waiting list.
To be eligible, the young person or individual must be on the assessment pathway for Autism and/or ADHD and also need help and advice about support services.
The Neurodevelopmental Family Navigator will advise on the options that could benefit you and your family. They will offer insight through their lived experience and they can work with you for between six and 10 appointments, though one call may be all you need.
To access this service from Barnardo’s Kirklees, email navigatorservicekirklees@barnardos.org.uk with your name, phone number, the best email address to contact you on, your postcode, preferred method of contact and the best time for the service to get in touch.
You can find out more about this service on the Local Offer website.
ND Family Navigator Local Offer Page (opens link in same window)
Woodley School increasing capacity
A Kirklees special school will increase its numbers so it can accommodate more children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Woodley School and College, which caters for pupils up to the age of 19 with complex autism, will expand over time to 194 places, helping to meet the increased demand across the district.
A public consultation has already taken place, with respondents showing a high level of support for the proposals. The expansion has now been approved by members of Kirklees Cabinet.
Longer term, Woodley is also due to move into a superb new facility as part of the council’s plans to improve support for children and young people with SEND. The new site in Almondbury will better meet the needs of pupils and will involve a multi-million pound investment from the council.
You can find out more on the Kirklees Together website.
Kirklees Together – Woodley School expansion article (opens link in new window)
New school to bring another boost for local education
We are delighted to confirm that, in partnership with Delta Academies Trust, the council has received government approval to open a new school for pupils with additional needs.
The Alternative Provision Free School will cater for children and young people aged 8 to 16, bringing additional, high-quality specialist places and helping to meet local demand.
Support will be tailored to individual needs as the council, Delta Academies Trust and other partners join forces in creating a school which makes a lasting difference for children and families.
Planning is now under way and it is expected that over 100 places will be available, with the school likely to be based in a suitable existing building.
You can find out more on the Local Offer news feed.
New AP School Local Offer News article (opens link in same window)
Short Breaks redesign
Approval has been given for changes to short break and respite services for children and young people with additional needs.
It is expected that the new way of working will improve outcomes for children and families, provide support closer to home and ensure services are more tailored to individual needs.
The council offers a range of services which provide short breaks, activities and overnight respite for children and young people and their families and carers.
Most of this is currently based at fixed buildings but, during the Covid-19 pandemic, support was provided in the communities where those children and families lived. This made the support more personalised and, as a result, many families have changed the way they wish to receive support.
Find out more on the Kirklees Together website.
Kirklees Together – redesign of short break and respite services (opens link in new window)
Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS)
A new pilot is under way to support neurodiverse children who attend mainstream schools.
The aim is to improve children’s attendance and wellbeing at school, as well as supporting them to achieve well and fulfil their potential.
The project is bringing together experts who will support mainstream primary schools, enhance their SEND provision and strengthen the links between schools and families. Importantly, it will also equip school staff with even better skills to meet the needs of neurodiverse pupils.
The project is called Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (or ‘PINS’ for short) and is being led by a range of people across the Kirklees SEND partnership, including health specialists and PCAN.
PINS will run in 14 mainstream primary schools from September and schools will soon be invited to take part in the scheme.
For more information, please contact PCAN at pins@pcankirklees.org or go to our Local Offer PINS page.
Local Offer Live 2024! (New date)
PCAN and The Local Offer present....
Kirklees Local Offer Live 2024!
The Kirklees SEND Local Offer is coming to life with a FREE live event.
Tuesday 9th July 2024, 10am - 6pm, at John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield – This is a change to the original date.
Come along and chat face to face with the range of activities and services who support children and young people with SEND. They will help you get a better understanding of all the services and support available.
You can find more information on the Kirklees Local Offer website.
Local Offer Live 2024 Local Offer Page (opens link in same page)
