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As twinkling lights brighten our streets and festive cheer fills the air, we’re delighted to share this special edition of our newsletter - packed with seasonal updates and opportunities for families across Tameside. Inside, you’ll discover inclusive holiday events, practical support sessions, and the latest developments within our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) community.
Whether you’re looking for fun activities during the school holidays or resources to support your child’s learning journey, there’s something here for everyone. We’re also excited to share progress on key projects - from new resource bases to upcoming conferences that will help shape the future of SEND provision.
We hope this edition brings you useful information, festive inspiration, and plenty of ways to get involved. We wish you all a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year, surrounded by your nearest and dearest. We look forward to continuing to work together in 2026 to make a real difference for our SEND community.
Hilary Cook, Head of SEND
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SEND Improvement Journey Continues The full SEND Improvement Plan for the local area is now available. This comprehensive plan sets out the actions being taken to deliver better outcomes for children and young people with SEND, building on the foundations of the Priority Action Plan and SEND Strategy.
View the full improvement plan here.
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Celebrating Progress in the Silver Springs Resource Base The new SEND resource base at Silver Springs Primary Academy provides a nurturing and inclusive environment where children thrive through tailored support, creative activities, and strong friendships. Every day, the team works with dedication to ensure pupils feel valued, engaged, and confident in their learning.
View the full story here.
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Events and Things to Do During the Holidays The holiday season is here, and there are some wonderful events and activities for families with SEND children across Tameside. From Christmas parties to relaxed coffee mornings and inclusive play sessions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Take a look at what’s coming up and join in the festive spirit!
Discover the events taking place here.
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Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) Christmas Events This December, families can step into the spirit of the season with a series of festive events funded by the Department for Education’s HAF programme. Each celebration is designed to capture the wonder of Christmas, featuring joyful music, lively dancing, interactive games, and appearances from beloved characters such as Santa, Jingles the Elf, Mrs Gingerbread, and the enchanting sisters Elsa and Anna.
Find out more about the HAF events here.
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TUPCF New website launch Tameside Umbrella Parent Carer Forum's (TUPCF) new website is officially LIVE! Their new online home has been designed to make it easier than ever for parents, carers, and families across Tameside to stay connected, find support, and access the latest information and events.
Click here and visit the website to see how to get involved.
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Active Tameside Events Everybody Can’s disability and inclusive community sessions offer family-friendly activities for those who require additional support or disability friendly activities, for anyone above the age of 5.
They welcome families to come and enjoy, knowing that support and appropriate equipment is available via the qualified staff team. Find out how to book onto Active Tameside events here.
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Parent Peer Support Group An informal, friendly space for parents and carers to connect, share experiences, and support each other in navigating children’s emotional and mental health challenges.
You’ll be alongside like-minded people and supported by our team.
When: Every second Thursday of the month
Time: 9:30am – 11:30am (drop in anytime)
Where: The Anthony Seddon Centre, George Street, Ashton-under-Lyne
Refreshments provided – just come as you are!
Either just turn up or for more information contact either: Anita McQuillan: Anita.McQuillan@tameside.gov.uk or Sue Brookes: Sue.Brookes@actiontogether.org.uk
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Emotional Barriers to School Attendance (EBSA) Support Offer for Parents/Carers The Tameside Educational Psychology Service are providing training for parents/ carers within Tameside to support children and young people who are experiencing Emotional Barriers to School Attendance (EBSA) or worries more generally. These workshops also aim to provide opportunity to connect with other parents and carers who are navigating similar experiences.
These standalone sessions are offered both online and in person, providing flexible, accessible opportunities for parents and carers to gain support and build connections.
Find out more about the EBSA offer here.
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Sensory Story Time at Hattersley Library Families with children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are invited to a unique Sensory Story Time session at Hattersley Library. This interactive event will bring stories to life through touch, sight, smell, and sound, creating an engaging experience for all. The session will take place in a large, inclusive space and will include some loud sounds, so families are encouraged to plan accordingly.
Find out how to book on here.
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The SEND Dads’ Society The SEND Dads’ Society is a male social club supporting the families of the Greater Manchester area who have or care for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. There is no judgement – just a group of men coming together to make a difference and be around others who are on a similar journey.
Who Let The Dads Out is happening Saturday 13th December - their Christmas special! This is a fantastic space to play with your little one, enjoy a FREE breakfast, and meet other dads - all with an extra little bit of Christmas magic!
Find out more on their Facebook: SEND Dads’ Society
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Survey: Designing the Sensory Pathway for Schools
What Is a Sensory Pathway and How Does It Help?
A sensory pathway is a structured approach used by the NHS, schools, and local authorities to make sure children and young people get the right support for their sensory needs.
It helps families and professionals understand: - What the sensory needs are (through checklists, observations, or assessments)
- Whether a referral to specialist services like Occupational Therapy is needed
- What strategies can help at home and in school things like sensory circuits, environmental tweaks, or calming/alerting activities
- What happens next if needs are more complex, including access to trained sensory integration practitioners
Find out more and take the survey here.
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Disability Services, Benefits, and Grants Online Sessions The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), through its Disability Services Advocacy team, are supporting raising awareness of the different disability services, benefits, and grants. They will be covering Disability Living Allowance for Children and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) focusing on the transition between the two when a child reaches the age of 16.
Find support available here.
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Parent Carer Forum Questionnaire We hope you are ready and prepared for Christmas. We would really appreciate your help in completing a short survey to gather your views. Your feedback is invaluable and will help us improve support for children and young people with SEND.
Please complete the survey by 20th December 2025.
You can complete the survey here: Parent Carer Forum Questionnaire – Collaboration
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