HPCI Parent Network Update – 3 December

Just a very short update this week but I would really like to encourage you to feed into the survey in the first item – these are such important services for so many families, and it would be great to have the views of parents and carers clearly heard.

Give your views on Speech and Language and Occupational Therapy Services

Hertfordshire County Council is currently reviewing the children’s speech and language therapy and occupational therapy services. They want to understand families’ views about the support that is on offer and what it could look like in future.

You can give your views by completing the survey here (please do read the data privacy notice before completing the survey): https://surveys.hertfordshire.gov.uk/s/RV1IWN/. It would be great to have as many parents and carers offer their views on these vital services, so please do take a couple of minutes to add your thoughts, if you have experienced either of them.  The survey will close on 22 December 2021.

Opportunity to improve SEND provision in Potters Bar and Borehamwood.

An opportunity has come up for a new parent or carer to join DSPL6 in order to share the views of families in the area and be part of the decision-making process for the services that are put in place locally (Potters Bar, south Hatfield villages and Borehamwood). HPCI will provide support through training and regular meetings for parents/carers to share their experiences.  If you would be interested in taking up this role (which would likely mean attending at least one meeting every half term), please contact Cheryl Mence for more information (01707 643 576).

Do you know anyone who would make a great Children’s Information and Advice Officer?

You may be aware that the local authority has recently introduced a new officer role – SEND Children’s Information and Advice Officers (CIAOs) – who will be the first port of call for parents who have submitted a request for an Education, Health and Care needs assessment.  It would be great to have this new team staffed with the best people possible, so if you might be interested, or know anyone who would be good in this role, please do look at the further details here.  The deadline for applications is 12 December 2021.