HPCI Parent Network Update – 3rd September

This is a shorter message this week, which signposts some back-to-school guidance, reminds you about the SEND Strategy Community events, and links to some surveys and a focus group:

• A survey about the Purple Folders
• A “check-in” survey about Hertfordshire’s Big Plan for adults with Learning Disabilities
• A survey about Health Visitors and SEND, for those of you with pre-school children
• A focus group for young people about Step2’s self-harm advice and support

Back to school
There’s lots of guidance being promoted this week to help with back-to-school issues.

The Contact website has information on starting or changing schools, how to manage behaviour and anxiety, and how schools will keep children safe in class. They also have a helpful page with the latest guidance on vaccinations and shielding.

Local advice on what to do if your child is too anxious to go to school is also available on the Hertfordshire Local Offer website.

Purple Folders Survey
HCC are looking for feedback from young people with a learning disability who have a Purple Folder or those who support them, such as parents or carers.  They would like to know what you like and dislike about the current folders, as well as your thoughts on some changes that they are looking to implement.  You or your young person can add your thoughts in here: https://surveys.hertfordshire.gov.uk/s/tl375v

Hertfordshire’s Big Plan for adults with Learning Disabilities
HCC and the local Clinical Commissioning Groups are also asking for views from over 18s with learning disabilities and their families or carers as they think about whether their action plan needs updating following the pandemic.  Click here to add your views.

Health Visitors and SEND
Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust (HCT) is interested in hearing about your experience with your Health Visitor if you have a young child with SEND.  To access the survey, click here.

Step2 focus group on self-harm
HCT Step2 Early Intervention wants to hear from children and young people about their information leaflet on self-harm and how it could provide better advice and support to children and young people.

The service is holding a focus group to speak to children and young people – to find out more, click here.

Reminder – SEND Strategy Community Events
Finally, a quick reminder that the SEND Strategy Community Events are starting next week, with the first event being on Tuesday 7^th in Hatfield.  HPCI will be at each event, along with lots of local support and activities groups, as well as information and advice services.  Full details, which include how to book for a webinar for those families who can’t attend an event are here.

I hope that you are keeping well.

All best wishes,

Kate Hudson
HPCI Membership and Comms Officer