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Sharing updates, exciting opportunities and events relating to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Newham! |
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Hello my name is Alana Woodroffe. I am the new SEND Communications, Engagement and Co Production Manager. Formerly I was a Senior Youth Participation Worker leading on the SEND work for the Youth Empowerment Service. I am beyond excited to step into this role to support disabled young people, families, parents and carers. My priority in this role is to ensure that our young people, parents and carers feel empowered and connected to the work that we do as a council. I am keen to further develop and build upon the co production work that has been done and to create impact and meaningful outcomes with and for SEND 0-25s. Within my new role I will be leading on SEND communications, engagement and co production for 0-25s. I will be working with SEND services and teams to identify opportunities and plans to engage and co create with the SEND community regarding the SEND Reforms. Additionally, there is a large opportunity for services to get in touch with myself to develop and build upon their own engagement and co production work with SEND 0-25s along with their parents, carers and families. I am looking forward to working with groups such as the Newham Parent Carers forum, schools and community partners to ensure that the Newham community feels connected and part of the work that we do as a council. In my spare time I am a cat mom to a Snowshoe kitten and a British Shorthair/Siamese mix. I enjoy fossil hunting, history, beaches, exploring the countryside, and travelling with my husband. I have a degree in social work and am currently studying outside of work for my level 7 post grad diploma in strategic leadership and management. |
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Local Offer Spotlight Local Offer Spotlight: Invite us for a Demo! |
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Are you part of a parent/ carer support group? Or perhaps you lead sessions for parents/ carers as a professional or parent/ carer? We’d love to come and meet you! Newham’s SEND Local Offer team is offering the opportunity to visit parent/carer groups, schools, and professional networks to demonstrate and showcase the Local Offer- helping families and practitioners get the most out of the information, advice and support available.
Whether you are a parent, carer, or a professional (such as a SENDCo or member of school staff), inviting us along is a great way to: Explore what the SEND Local Offer provides for children and young people aged 0-25 years with SEND Learn how to easily navigate services, support, and information Ask questions and share feedback about what works well and what could be improved Help families feel more confident accessing the right support at the right time. Our sessions are friendly, informal, and can be tailored to suit your group’s needs. Interested in booking a demo or presentation?
Get in touch by emailing Sheila.Begum@newham.gov.uk to arrange a visit at a time that works for you. We are keen to together to make sure every family and professional in Newham knows how to access the support available |
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Newham Council SEND and Education/Inclusion Staffing Updates |
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SEND Contact Line Reminder |
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SEND Contact Line open Monday to Friday 9:00 – 16:00 (excluding Bank Holidays) | 0203 373 6472
Option 1 – Assessment team for children under assessment only Option 2 – 0-14 Team for children with EHCP’s up to year 8 Option 3 – PFA team for children with EHCP’s year 9 onwards |
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A complete guide to post-16 pathways in Newham For students in Year 11 and below 2026 edition |
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Newham Parent Carer's Forum (NPCF) and future Coffee Morning/Evening Dates |
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Upcoming Coffee Morning/Evening Dates
(Please note that some dates may change due to half term and holiday periods. We will confirm any changes in advance- please get in touch)
Mornings 10-12pm Evenings 6-7:30 Every second Tuesday of the month depending on holidays or half terms, times of day are dependent on attendees availability please get in touch with the NPCF for more info
info@newhamparentforum.co.uk
13th Oct,2026 10th Nov,2026 08th Dec,2026 12th Jan,2027 09th Mar,2027 13th April,2027 11th May,2027 08th June,2027 13th July,2027 |
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Families can learn to cycle together with free training in Newham Want to learn how to ride a bike or feel more confident cycling on the road? We offer free cycle training for residents of all ages and abilities. Parents and children can also learn together through family cycle training sessions. Training is led by qualified instructors and tailored to your experience. Whether you are getting on a bike for the first time, returning after a break or want to improve your road skills, support is available at the right level for you. The training follows the national Bikeability standard, and residents can request a male or female instructor. Ready to get riding confidently? Find out more and book your training session Ready to get riding confidently? Find out more and book your training session > |
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Newham Educational Psychology Service - Parent Advice Sessions! |
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NEPS ELSA Information Leaflet |
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Free Parent training courses this term from LCIS |
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Intensive Interaction Parent/Carer training |
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MENCAP Updates and Workshops |
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All Access Team (SEND 18-25 group from Youth Empowerment Service) Summer Highlight |
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The All Access Team had an incredible trip to Glasgow in August! Along with YES Participation staff, 9 young people had the opportunity to stay at The University of Glasgow accommodation. The 5 days consisted of experiences such as travelling to the Isle of Arran via ferry, bowling, visiting Ibrox football stadium, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and museum, Glasgow Cathedral and of course eating great food! A highlight was meeting with other disabled young adults through “Project Ability” to share their campaign and to do a creative arts workshop together. Through planning sessions, talking about packing lists, travel plans, budgeting and group activities, the team worked with Participation staff to create this incredible five-day trip.
The Young People were amazing and constantly showed up for one another. By the end they were discussing plans for future travel together, and the new friendships they had built. They had lots of opportunities for independence and skills building. Each morning, they were cooking their own breakfasts and packing their lunches. They were responsible for their packing and tidiness of their accommodation space, navigating to help us get to different places and had lots of practice with money management. It was incredible to see the young people flourish. It was truly a gift as a practitioner to watch this team come together to create a memorable experience.
If you are a SEND 18–25 year old that would like to join the All Access Team, please reach out to the Youth Empowerment Service Participation Team through George.bossman-okai@newham.gov.uk - Senior Youth Participation Worker (Skills and Volunteering) |
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Show up for Success Campaign! Youth Empowerment Service Summer Week Highlight! |
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You may have seen the exhibition on the ground floor at Dockside, if not please take time to have a look. Show Up For Success Summer Week 2026 was a great success. This year, the programme was delivered differently from previous years. In the past, we invited creatives to run workshops with the young people, including screen printing, upcycling, singing, and drama. This year, we partnered with Jacqueline Henry from Kind at Heart and Our Newham Works to focus on career pathways, future aspirations, and the steps young people need to take to achieve their career goals.
The young people participated in a workshop with Our Newham Works, where they had the opportunity to ask questions, learn about the support available, and sign up to the service. They also created personal statements and took part in a branding workshop led by Jacqueline Henry, which explored their personalities, goals, strengths, and unique qualities. Alongside these inspiring workshops, we delivered sessions on interview techniques. Young people practised interviewing one another using questions they felt were likely to arise in real job interviews. They also engaged in discussions about the barriers that can prevent disabled young people from accessing employment and explored ways these challenges could be addressed. By the end of the week, the young people had devised a short performance highlighting what employers need to consider when supporting disabled young people into work.
This was presented in the Studio Theatre to an audience of friends, family members, and professionals. The event also featured an exhibition of the young people's personal profiles and collages, giving attendees the opportunity to see first-hand that disabled young people can show up for success and have valuable contributions to make in the workplace. The showcase celebrated their talents, ambitions, and potential, while promoting the message that disabled young people should be given equal opportunities to gain meaningful employment. |
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Short Breaks Family Fun & Feedback Sessions were a Great Success! |
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On 17 August, we invited families to the Short Breaks Family Fun & Feedback Sessions we held at the Jump Zone trampoline park Beckton and we had just over 235 family members join, making the day a huge success. The sessions provided a fantastic opportunity for children and young people, alongside their parents and carers, to enjoy a fun and inclusive environment while sharing their experiences of short break services in Newham. Families told us what is working well, what could be improved, and the activities and support they would like to see available in the future.
The feedback gathered will play an important role in helping to shape the future design and delivery of short break services. Children and young people enjoyed the chance to bounce, play and have fun with their families, whilst also having their voices heard. It was particularly valuable to engage directly with families who currently access short breaks, as well as those considering accessing support in the future. Feedback from children and young people highlighted how much they value their short break experiences, with many describing their clubs as making them feel happy, excited and calm.
Popular activities included outdoor play, water play, arts and crafts, music, football and using iPads. Parents also shared valuable suggestions for improvement, including enhancing communication about their child's experiences at sessions and increasing the range of activities available. A huge thank you to all the children, young people, parents and carers who attended and took the time to share their views. We are grateful for your participation and look forward to sharing how your feedback is helping to inform future developments. Thank you for helping us shape the future of short breaks in Newham. |
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Promote the flu vaccine and encourage eligible children with a learning disability to get vaccinated. From 1 September 2026, most children are eligible for a free flu vaccine. This includes: children and young people aged 6 months to under 18 years with certain health conditions, such as a learning disability Children with a learning disability can receive their vaccine: - Through their GP surgery
- At a participating pharmacy
- Through school-based vaccine programmes
Children with a learning disability can be at greater risk of becoming seriously unwell from flu. Flu can lead to complications such as chest infections, pneumonia, dehydration and, in some cases, hospital admission. Protecting these children from flu is an important way of supporting their health and wellbeing. Flu spreads easily and can quickly be passed on to family members, carers and others in the community. Vaccination helps protect children with a learning disability from serious illness and reduces the risk of spreading flu to people around them. Being unwell with flu can also mean missing school, therapies, activities and other important routines that support learning, communication and wellbeing. Vaccination can help children stay healthy and continue participating in education and daily life. If a child is anxious about vaccination or has concerns about needles, families should speak to the nurse or doctor, as there are options and support available to make vaccination easier. Every conversation counts. If you work with children and families, please take every opportunity to promote the flu vaccine and encourage uptake among eligible children with a learning disability. For further information about flu and the flu vaccine, please visit: https://www.wellnewham.org.uk/advice/flu |
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Inclusive Music Workshops for young people with SEND |
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Total Insight Theatre Opportunity |
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Free Creative Wellbeing Programme | Black Autistic Boys aged 8-16 https://www.totalinsighttheatre.com/creative-wellbeing Total Insight Theatre is offering a free creative wellbeing programme for Black autistic boys aged 8–16 from Newham, Hackney and Tower Hamlets.
Through small-group creative sessions, the programme supports emotional wellbeing, confidence, communication, identity and belonging in a neurodiversity-affirming and culturally responsive environment. A formal autism diagnosis is not required and we welcome young people who are currently receiving support, are on waiting lists, or are accessing other community or statutory support. Saturday sessions take place on Saturdays in Stratford: • Ages 8–12: 9.15–10.45am • Ages 12–16: 11.00am–12.30pm
The timings allow for a spacious arrival and settling-in period, the creative session itself and time to wrap up and get ready to leave at the end. |
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An intervention programme ‘Theory of Mind’ to enhance social-emotional well-being of children who are deaf or hard of hearing |
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"The SESS' Deaf Support Service (NDSS) goes live in publication via the National BAToD (British Association of Qualified Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People's)' Quarterly Magazine. As a Specialist Deaf Service we are the first UK based team delivering this bespoke Intervention programme on the Theory of Mind for our Newham deaf children and their families, thus ensuring gaps in their learning can be narrowed. We are hopeful we will be able to offer training for the delivery of this programme across other boroughs in the future."
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rsmlaH_eJ6R91RRAuo5VSuXfygEG_tqw/view?usp=drive_link |
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Copyright © 2026 London Borough of Newham, All rights reserved. |
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Our mailing address is: London Borough of Newham, Newham Dockside, 1000 Dockside Road, London, E16 2QU. |
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