Home / HPCI Parent Network Update – 15 October
Welcome to this week’s update which covers:
Concerns about changes to Educational Psychologist involvement in EHCP needs assessments
You may be aware from discussions on social media that Herts County Council has introduced some changes in the way that the Educational Psychology (EP) service is involved in some EHCP needs assessments. HPCI has raised a number of concerns about these changes and also how this has been communicated with families. We have been told that communications from HCC on this topic are on their way and we will share this with you as soon as we can.
Lending SPACE Open Day
Lending SPACE, who loan out sensory, practical and education resources to Hertfordshire families with additional needs, are having an open day on Monday 25 October (10 – 2.30). You are welcome to visit them in Stevenage for a browse, a hot drink and a chat, and there will be craft activities for the kids.
Flu vaccinations for people with learning disabilities, their family carers and paid supporters
One of our parent reps kindly let me know about this government guidance about the flu vaccine and people with learning disabilities, which many members might find helpful when talking to their GPs. The guidance is really clear about who the free vaccine should be made available to (including people with learning disabilities and their carers). It also has a useful section on reasonable adjustments, which says that GPs should consider use of the nasal spray flu vaccine, where a person with learning disabilities is scared of needles.
Supported Housing survey
HCC are currently developing a Supported Housing Strategy for people with learning disabilities, autism, or a physical disability and they are keen to hear from young people aged 16+ about their housing aspirations. If you are a parent or carer of a young person who would like to add their views, you can support them to complete the survey here.
Issues with Transport (for children and young people who are deaf or have a hearing loss)
Some of our members whose children are deaf or have a hearing loss have reported concerns to us about their child’s ability to communicate with their driver, either due to mask-wearing or where multiple drivers are used, who are not aware of their child’s communication needs and have not had appropriate training. HCC Transport Services have advised that if parents have concerns, they should contact Transport Services and not the taxi company.
SEND drawing competition – the votes are open
Herts County Council recently ran a SEND drawing competition and it’s now up to the public to pick a winner. There are some fantastic entries – vote for your favourite here before voting closes on 20 October.
Developmental Language Disorder awareness day
It’s DLD awareness day today. Developmental Language Disorder is diagnosed when children fail to acquire their own language for no obvious reason. This results in children who have difficulty understanding what people say to them, and struggle to articulate their ideas and feelings. Recent research has shown that, on average, 2 children in every class of 30 will experience DLD severe enough to hinder academic progress. If you have a concern about your child’s communication, you can find information about the services available in Hertfordshire on the Local Offer website.
Update from CAMHS
The CAMHS team have asked me to let members know about the following:
Thanks for taking the time to read this update. If you have any feedback or anything you would like to hear more about in future newsletters, do let me know.
Have a great weekend,
Kate Hudson
HPCI Membership and Comms Officer