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As brighter days return and spring blossoms across Tameside, we’re delighted to share this special Easter edition of our newsletter - filled with seasonal updates and opportunities for families within our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) community.
Inside, you’ll find inclusive Easter activities, practical support sessions, and the latest developments across our SEND services.
Whether you’re looking for fun things to do over the school holidays or resources to support your child’s learning journey, there’s something here for everyone. We’re also excited to update you on key projects - from sharing the new Sensory Toolkit to upcoming events and conferences helping to shape the future of SEND provision in Tameside.
We hope this edition brings you useful information, fresh inspiration, and plenty of ways to get involved during the Easter break. Wishing you all a wonderful spring season filled with rest, renewal, and time spent with those who matter most. We look forward to continuing to work together throughout 2026 to make a real difference for our SEND community.
Hilary Cook Head of SEND
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Easter Holidays Fun for Children The Easter holidays are coming, which means the fun-filled Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is open for bookings to support local families! There are lots of free sessions available for children to play, make friends and eat healthy, nutritious food. From nurturing curiosity at forest schools, to teamwork skills with multisports games.
From developing creativity with performing arts, to expanding minds with exciting science experiments! The HAF programme is open to families in receipt of benefits-related free school meals. Find out if the support provided by the HAF Programme is available to your family by clicking this link: www.tameside.gov.uk/haf
For families who don’t qualify for HAF under the government guidance, Tameside’s Family Information Service can talk through the options that are available to you. – The Family Information Service (FIS) – Tameside MBC
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Monthly Walk and Talk – SEND Steppers Everyone is welcome on Tameside Umbrella Parent Carer Forum’s accessible and wheelchair friendly walks. Join other SEND families, meet new people, share experiences and get advice and support. Join them on the first Wednesday and the second Sunday of the month during April to September 11am-12pm at various accessible routes in Tameside. The locations will be posted on their Facebook page (Tameside Umbrella Parent Carer Forum)
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EVERYBODY CAN – Disability/Inclusive Community Sessions 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 our qualified staff team. View the sessions here.
For further information, email: EverybodyCan@activetameside.com
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Let’s Talk! Speech & Language Drop-In A relaxed space to ask questions. Each family can take part in one drop‑in session with us. Are you worried about? - How your child plays?
- Their talking or understanding?
- Their milestones?
At the drop in, you’ll be able to speak with a Speech & Language Therapist and get guidance from the Health Visitor.
Where: Denton Wellness Centre Thursdays (term time) 9am – 11am
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Event Invitation – Autism, Proud to Be Me An event will be held to launch the Tameside Autism Strategy. This will be an opportunity for Autistic people in Tameside to attend and consult with various organisations and agencies.
The event will take place on Thursday, 23 April 2026, 12.00pm – 7.00pm at Oxford Park Community Sports Centre, Pottinger Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 0PW.
If you would like to attend, please reply by email to: Giovanna Surico-Hassall (giovanna.surico-hassall@tameside.gov.uk) and Gary Schofield (gary.schofield@tameside.gov.uk)
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Supported Internship Event: Online Recording This March, young people with SEND and their families were invited to learn more about how Supported Internships can be a pathway into meaningful employment. An information event took place at Dukinfield Town Hall on Wednesday 4 March.
The session offered a clear and friendly introduction to what a Supported Internship is, how the programme works in practice, and the types of support available to help young people move confidently from education into the world of work.
For those who were unable to attend, a recorded version is now available here: Supported Internship Event: Online Recording
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SEND School Places to Increase in Tameside for September Term Pupils in Tameside will soon benefit from a £5.3 million investment to increase places in time for the September 2026 term. Three new Specialist Resource Provisions and an expansion of a special school will be established as part of mainstream schools thanks to Tameside Council’s High Needs Capital Grant.
Laurus Ryecroft Secondary School in Droylsden, Ashton West End Primary Academy, St Stephen’s RC Primary School in Droylsden, and Cromwell High School in Dukinfield will see a total of 118 new places for children and young people with SEND in primary, secondary and post‑16 education.
View the full story here.
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Growing Up – Have Your Say Tameside Umbrella Parent Carer Forum are asking young people (aged 12–25) and their parents/carers to share their views on preparing for adulthood. This includes things like: - Education and future plans
- Independence and life skills
- Jobs and opportunities
- Moving into adult life
The surveys are quick, accessible, and your feedback will help improve support and services.
Take the survey here.
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New: Tameside Sensory Needs Toolkit Now Available
We’re pleased to share that the Tameside Sensory Needs Toolkit is now live on the Local Offer website.
The toolkit provides practical guidance, strategies, and downloadable tools to help families, schools, and professionals better understand and support children and young people with sensory needs.
Whether you're looking for everyday adjustments, classroom strategies, or resources to help with sensory regulation, the toolkit offers easy‑to‑use support designed to make a real difference.
You can now access the full toolkit and all accompanying resources on the Local Offer website here.
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TfGM Travel Training Webinars – April 28th TfGM is hosting two free webinars on Tuesday 28th April to support families, school staff, and professionals in helping young people develop independent travel skills.
The sessions will cover travel passes, concessions, and practical guidance from local authority travel trainers, with useful resources for those both inside and outside Greater Manchester.
One session is tailored for families (6:00–6:30pm) and the other for school staff and professionals (3:45–4:15pm).
Registration links are available here.
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