November 2024 Kirklees SEND Newsletter
Well done to our Project SEARCH graduates
Exceptional young people with learning disabilities or autism celebrated their graduation at a special event held at Kirklees College’s Huddersfield Centre.
The interns graduating from the DFN Project SEARCH programme each received their certificates in front of family, friends and special guests.
Project SEARCH offers young people aged 18 to 24, with learning disabilities or autism, the chance to explore various work areas, learning skills and behaviours that help them move from education into employment.
The internship programme is made possible by a partnership between Kirklees Council, Kirklees College and REAL Employment.
This year’s interns completed placements with the council, as well other local employers such as Cedar Court Hotel, The Kirkwood and Oxfam.
One of the graduates, Max, said: “I really wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and everyone was supportive and this helped my confidence. I have definitely changed since completing Project SEARCH, I feel more confident speaking to new people, writing emails, speaking on the phone and travelling to new places.”
More information about the programme can be found on the Kirklees Local Offer project search page (opens link in same window).
Common questions about SEND
We know that many people have lots of questions about SEND and how they can access support.
That’s why we’ve put together some online information, such as what to do if you think your child has SEND, what kind of support is available and how their needs might be met at school.
You can find these common questions on the Local Offer website.
Common questions about SEND (opens link in same window)
The Local Offer is your one-stop shop for everything connected to SEND support and services in Kirklees. You can find information on a wide range of areas such as neuro-diversity, learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health, as well as physical disabilities.
If you are struggling to find the information you are looking for, please call the Local Offer on 01484 416919 or email LocalOffer@kirklees.gov.uk.
Cluster Working
Don’t forget a new kind of support called ‘cluster working’ was recently launched in Kirklees. This is where mainstream schools work together in small groups, meaning more consistency for families and more flexibility to meet local needs.
Cluster working in Kirklees webpage (opens link in same window)
Join PCAN for a cuppa and a chat
Our local parent/carer group PCAN (Parents of Children with Additional Needs) invite you to join them in December for an informal chat about anything linked to SEND.
PCAN are an independent, parent-led forum who support Kirklees families. They work with providers to make sure parents have their say in local services for children and young people with additional needs.
Their latest ‘cuppa and chat’ events are open to everyone and take place on:
- Monday December 9th (6pm to 8pm): Holmfirth Library, 47 Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth
- Wednesday December 11th (9.30am to noon): Thornhill Lees Community Centre, 53 Brewery Lane, Dewsbury
- Thursday December 12th (9.30am to noon): The Zone, St Andrews Road, Huddersfield
- Monday December 16th (9.30am to noon): Ravensthorpe Community Centre, 24 Garden Street, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury
You can also visit the PCAN website (opens link in new window).
Welcome to Home-Start Kirklees
Home-Start Kirklees is a local organisation for families with pre-school children, including those with additional needs.
They offer emotional and practical support in the home or community. This can be with any aspect of family life, as well as school readiness – and their support is both free and confidential.
To be eligible, you must live in Kirklees and have a pre-school child living at the family home. If you, or someone you know, might benefit, please visit the Home-Start Kirklees website or call them on 01484 421925.
en-GBLast updated: 21/11/2024