HPCI Member Update 3 March 2023

A quick update this week, with 3 opportunities for you to participate in different ways.

Firstly, as mentioned in our last newsletter there is currently a Home/School-College Transport Consultation underway, which closes on 26th March.  Herts County Council have confirmed two webinars happening next week (7th & 8th March), to answer your questions and gather more feedback. You can find out more and sign up here.

The consultation covers many aspects of Transport, including Personal Travel Budgets, the possible introduction of “spare seats” on Herts special school transport, as well proposals to amend the charging structure for 16-18 year olds, which HPCI has raised concerns over.

Next up, with a deadline of 20th March, is the Hertfordshire Autism Voice project. HCC are seeking children and young people age 5-18, with a diagnosis of autism, to participate by answering questions in any way that works for them. It could be video, audio, written, art, or something else. The information and experiences collected will be used by the Special Advisory Team to help in the autism training they offer to schools and colleges. You can take part by filling out this form and you will also need to complete this consent form. If you have any queries about this, please contact autism.voice@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Finally, thanks to our survey results, we know that not all families are familiar with the Local Offer website, which brings together information on SEND services across Hertfordshire, including eligibility and pathways. The Local Offer team are keen to help more families navigate the site and so are running an “Introduction to the SEND Local Offer” webinar next month.

This is taking place on Tuesday 18 April at 8pm – Click here to join the meeting

Thanks very much for reading. You may be aware that yesterday the Government published its new SEND Improvement Plan and we will be updating you soon with what you need to know about this.  As ever, if you have any feedback about this update or other issues that you want us to be aware of, please do let us know.