September 2023 Kirklees SEND Newsletter
Introducing our Specialist Outreach Team
Sometimes schools need extra help and advice to support children and young people with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The Kirklees Specialist Outreach Team works with schools to ensure children and young people are supported in a wide variety of ways.
Pupils don’t need an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP) to access this service as it is based on needs. Every outreach case is different and the team includes specialist teachers and staff who have extra qualifications, training and experience in working with children and young people with SEND.
The outreach team supports mainstream schools across all key areas of need. They help school staff to promote inclusion and achievement for pupils with SEND.
The team expanded last year and now covers:
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health
- Cognition and Learning
- Complex Communication and Interaction
- Sensory and Physical
For more information, please take a look at the Specialist Outreach Team page.
Introducing Councillor Reynolds
Councillor Elizabeth Reynolds has become the new Cabinet member for Learning and Aspiration in Kirklees.
Cabinet is the council’s main decision making body and Councillor Reynolds has an area of responsibility which includes many SEND services.
Councillor Reynolds has been an elected member of Kirklees Council for the Golcar Ward since 2021 and prior to this she was a teacher for 25 years both in primary and secondary settings.
Councillor Reynolds said: “Supporting our children to have the best start in life is extremely important to me. I have many years of experience working with children and young people, including those with a range of additional needs, and I know the transformation of SEND services is vital to the council, families our schools and our partners.
“We will work together closely to meet the challenges ahead and make a positive difference to those who need it the most.”
Consultation confirmed for short break and respite services
Kirklees Council is to seek local views on the design of services for disabled children and young people.
It is a council priority to provide the best possible outcomes for all children, young people and families, especially those with SEND. 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 provision is based at fixed buildings but, during the Covid-19 pandemic, different ways of working were introduced which meant support was provided in the communities where those children and families lived.
This made the support more tailored to individual needs. As a result, many families have changed the way they wish to receive respite, short break and activity provision.
Views about redesigning the services will be sought this autumn from key groups, including children and young people, parents and carers, staff, partners, ward councillors and other interested parties.
Kirklees Local Offer Live 2023!
The Kirklees SEND Local Offer is coming to life with a FREE live event!
Why not join us on November 29th at Dewsbury Town Hall?
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.
Interpreter support will be available.
There will be some workshops based on the following:
• Working together to support successful transitions
• How schools support SEND and what families can expect from school
• Exploring parenting approaches
There is paid parking available in Dewsbury town centre. There is a cafe on site with other cafes and restaurants nearby.
This event has been co-produced with PCAN. To find out more details about the day and how to book a place on our information sessions, please visit our Local Offer Live! page.
If you would like a PDF version of this newsletter then please use the download link below.