Home / HPCI Member update 13 October 2023
Have you taken part in the HPCI 2023 survey yet? If not, we’re asking if you can find 10-15 minutes to complete the survey before it closes on Sunday night (October 15th). https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HPCISurvey2023
Your views really do make a difference. Last year’s survey data has been used extensively in our conversations with partners across health, education and social care. Our survey results were part of the evidence that led to the additional £5m annual investment in the Herts SEND service and the information was also reviewed by the OFSTED/CQC inspectors during their visit earlier this year.
Other updates in today’s update:
Shortage of ADHD medication
We know that some families are struggling to obtain their child’s ADHD medication as normal and this is obviously a big concern if your family is affected. We have written to Herts County Council suggesting that they highlight this issue to schools, including the potential knock on this might have to children’s behaviour and ability to pay attention in class.
If your child’s behaviour is affected by this medication shortage and they are sanctioned, suspended or excluded from school, please do let us know. While we can’t advocate on behalf of individual families, it would be helpful to know if this is happening.
If you want to know more:
HCC communications re children with an EHCP in Year Six
We are aware that HCC has recently written to families with a child in Year Six with an EHCP, asking about their preferences for secondary school placement. We know that this email has caused questions and concerns about the lawfulness of the request, so HPCI has asked to have a meeting with officers to discuss these concerns further.
We are also aware that the email asked for information to be sent via an online survey, which some families haven’t been able to access. HCC tell us that the technical issues are being worked on, but if you want to send in the information another way, we have been told that this can be sent by replying to the email you received.
If you need support with the phase transfer process:
Event: Autism in Schools showcase (16 November in Stevenage)
HCC are hosting a showcase of the Autism in Schools programme, which has been running in a number of Hertfordshire schools for the last two years. The aim of the project is to help improve outcomes for autistic children and young people. Through the programme support has been provided for schools, parent carers and directly to children and young people.
The event is free and open to school staff, professionals, and parent carers who want to know more, including how their schools might learn from this programme. HPCI will be there and we hope to see lots of families. Further information (including booking details) is available here.
Event: Supported Internships information morning (1 November, online)
Supported Internships provide a bridge between education and employment for young people with an EHCP. Hertfordshire County Council are hosting an online information morning on 1 November at 10AM to share how Supported Internships are helping people with SEND find employment.
Visit www.tinyurl.com/HertsInfoSI to secure a place or for more details please e-mail LDD.SI@hertfordshire.gov.uk