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Hi all, I'm here to introduce this edition of the Parent and Carers SEND Newsletter.
My name is Becky Low, and I am a Practice Development Lead within Children's Services. My role is to support Social Workers and practitioners when they compile information for children's EHC plans.
We want to ensure that our children's voices are being heard within their EHC plan, and we want to support Social Workers to be ambitious for children. I provide a link between health, education and social care, having worked previously as a frontline Social Worker. |
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As we head towards the October half term, we’ve brought together the latest SEND information, service updates, support and opportunities for children, young people and families across Milton Keynes.
In this edition, you’ll find: - Updates from our SEND Service Leads, including:
Phase Transfer Placements for 2027
SEND Tribunal Team update
EHCP and Annual Review update
- A spotlight on Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP) in Milton Keynes and Experts at Hand.
- Information and updates about the new Short Breaks system (EHCP+)
- The latest SEND Library Time update
- Upcoming SENDIAS workshops
- An update from PACA MK
- Information about the CHUMS MK Wellbeing Service
- Upcoming events and activities, including opportunities for the October half term
We hope you find this edition useful and that it helps you stay informed about SEND services, support and opportunities available to children, young people and families across Milton Keynes. |
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Phase Transfer Placements for September 2027
If your child or young person has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and is moving to a new phase of education in September 2027, we know you may have questions about what happens next.
The SEND teams are currently working with schools and education providers to identify and confirm appropriate placements for children and young people who are:
- starting Reception
- moving from Year 2 to Year 3, where applicable
- moving from Year 6 to Year 7.
Families will be notified of the educational placement named by the Local Authority no later than 15 February 2027, in line with statutory timescales.
We understand that moving to a new school or setting is an important milestone for children, young people and their families, and we appreciate your patience while placements are being finalised.
Have a question about phase transfer?
You can contact the EHCP team at EHCP@Milton-Keynes.gov.uk for general enquiries. Please be aware that the team will not be able to confirm individual placements before decisions have been finalised. |
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SEND Tribunal Team Update
Some changes are currently being made within the SEND Tribunal Team, with the aim of strengthening the service and maintaining support for families throughout the appeal process.
If you currently have an open SEND Tribunal appeal, a member of the team will contact you to confirm who will be managing your case and who your main point of contact will be moving forward.
We recognise that changes to the person managing your case can feel unsettling. Thank you for your patience and understanding while the team works through individual cases and supports the transition. |
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EHCPs and Annual Reviews: Improving Timeliness
We recognise that some families have experienced delays in receiving newly issued Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and decisions following annual reviews. Improving the timeliness of these processes remains a key priority for the SEND Service.
What is being done?
Additional capacity has been commissioned to support the drafting and issuing of new EHCPs, helping more plans to be completed as quickly as possible.
A new annual review process and system is also being trialled, with the aim of streamlining decision-making, improving communication and reducing turnaround times for families and schools.
Support for parents and carers
Parent information and support sessions will also be offered to help families understand the processes and any changes being introduced.
Keep an eye on the SEND Local Offer for further information and upcoming session dates. |
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Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP) in MK
The MK OAP approach and accompanying documents have been developed in partnership with settings, schools, SEND teams, and health professionals across Milton Keynes.
These practical guides outline the support, strategies, and reasonable adjustments that should be available within mainstream education settings to meet a wide range of needs. For parents and carers, they provide greater clarity about the support that can be expected in schools and settings, helping to strengthen the partnership between families and professionals in supporting children and young people.
We encourage schools, settings, and families to explore these resources and use them to support inclusive provision for all.
Ordinarily Available Provision - School Age | Milton Keynes City Council Ordinarily Available Provision - Early Years | Milton Keynes City Council |
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Experts at Hand - an update
We’re pleased to share some positive progress on our Experts at Hand initiative. Recruitment is underway, and we have successfully appointed four new Specialist Teachers. Experts at Hand is about making it easier for children and young people with SEND to get the right help and support when they need it.
We are also developing new Parent and Children and Young People (CYP) Practitioner roles. These roles will help us strengthen relationships with families and young people and support the work taking place through the SEND Strategy.
We’ve been working with parent carers, young people, schools and partners across education, health and care to help shape how this support will work in practice.
We’ll continue to share updates as the work develops. Thank you to everyone who has contributed their views and helped shape this work. |
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SEND Storytimes
Milton Keynes Libraries are offering relaxed and inclusive SEND sessions for children and young people up to the age of 14. Held in a closed library setting, these sessions provide a calm, welcoming environment where participants can engage in themed activities at their own pace.
Advance booking is required.
🔗 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/storytimes |
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Workshops by MK SENDIAS
For parents and carers of children and young people with a special educational needs or disability. Autumn Term 2026 Sessions will be delivered via Microsoft Teams
Understanding SEND Support Tue 24 Nov 10am - 11:15am https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2003599299440
Does your child need extra support with their learning? The SEND Code of Practice says that Schools should follow a graduated approach to identify children who are in need of support and to assess, monitor and secure appropriate support. This workshop provides information on what this might look like in an educational setting and how that setting should support a young person if they don't have an EHCP.
Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) Thu 03 Dec 10am - 11:15am https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2003600386692
What is an EHCP? When is it appropriate to apply for a needs assessment for an EHCP? What provision will be offered? Find out about the EHCP process and what’s included in an EHCP. Facilitated by the MK SEND Information Advice and Support Service for families living in Milton Keynes.
Places must be pre-booked.
You do not need to have downloaded Microsoft Teams to be able to join.
We recommend joining the session via laptop, iPad or desktop.
Please book your place via Eventbrite.
These workshops may be cancelled if attendance numbers are low. If you have further questions, please email on Contact@mksendias.org.uk
For more information visit https://mksendias.org.uk/events |
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Celebrating the Success of EHCP+ With a Special Land of Lights Event
Since launching in April 2026, the EHCP+ programme has gone from strength to strength, providing children and young people with valuable opportunities to build confidence, independence and social connections through a range of engaging activities.
We're delighted to celebrate an incredible milestone of more than 1,200 sessions attended within the first six months of the programme by inviting eligible families to a special Land of Lights Family Session on Thursday 10 December 2026. 500 tickets are available for children with a EHCP and an accompanying adult (1 per child).
How to Book Bookings go Live 16th November via the EHCP+ booking platform: https://eequ.org/book/ehcp-land-of-lights-gullivers-land-with-milton-keynes-city-council-haf-34555
About EHCP+
EHCP+ offers short, supported drop-off activities designed to help children and young people develop independence, confidence and social interaction skills in a safe and welcoming environment.
Eligible children and young people can access up to eight EHCP+ sessions per financial year, with each session lasting 60 to 90 minutes. They can also access up to 16 Sport Works sessions each year, creating even more opportunities to take part in activities, learn new skills and make friends.
Since the programme launched: - More than 420 children and young people have taken part.
- Over 1,640 sessions have been booked.
- More than 1,200 sessions were attended by the end of September 2026.
We continue to work with providers to expand the range of activities available and develop new opportunities where demand exists. |
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Need More Information?
Eligible families should have received a letter explaining EHCP+, how to access sessions and how to use the EEQU booking system. If you have not received your letter or would like further information, please contact: ehcpplus@milton-keynes.gov.uk
We look forward to celebrating this fantastic milestone with families and continuing to support children and young people across Milton Keynes through EHCP+. |
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PACA MK Update
We recently launched our new membership system, Lamplight, which is helping us stay more connected with our members, and we're also excited to be relaunching our newsletter soon.
Our popular Sip and Chat events are here to stay with our next event taking place on Friday 30th October from 7.30pm-9pm at MK Gallery.
We have some fantastic festive events coming up, including a wreath-making workshop and an opportunity to visit with Santa.
More information will be released soon to those who have signed up to our new membership system. Don't worry if you haven't signed up yet - there's still time to join PACA on the link below and take part in our exciting members only events!
Membership is free and open to parent carers of children and young people 0-25yrs. Lamplight API response
Thank you to everyone who took part in our Test the Temperature survey over the summer. Your insights were incredibly valuable to both us and the local authority.
To follow up on some of the key themes arising from the survey, we will be holding 2 in person focus/listening groups on 17th November and 19th November at 7-8.30pm.
More details and how to book will be announced via social media and email so please save the dates and look out for information coming soon.
We will be launching a new survey this autumn, so please keep an eye out for it. |
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MK Wellbeing Service: Supporting Children and Young People’s Emotional Wellbeing
The MK Wellbeing Service, delivered by CHUMS, provides early help and emotional wellbeing support for children and young people across Milton Keynes. The service is designed to help young people build resilience, develop coping strategies, and improve their mental health and wellbeing. Support is available for:
Children and young people aged 7-18
Young people up to 25 years old with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or who are care leavers
Those experiencing mild to moderate difficulties such as anxiety, stress, low mood, low confidence, sleep issues, or challenges related to understanding neurodivergence.
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The service offers a range of support options, including:
Open access drop-in sessions Online workshops Therapeutic groups Brief solution-focused therapy Access to the MINDJURNY digital platform, providing 24/7 wellbeing resources and support
Young people, parents and carers, and professionals can make a self-referral directly through the website: 🔗 https://chums.uk.com/mk-wellbeing-service-live/
Please note that the MK Wellbeing Service is not an emergency or crisis service. If immediate support is needed, contact NHS 111, your GP, or attend A&E. |
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What’s On – October Half Term
MK Gallery – Accessible Events
Explore MK Gallery’s current exhibition with a Sensory Tour Kit, designed with accessibility in mind by students from St Paul’s Catholic School VI Department and artists Collar & Cuffs.
Upcoming: Sensory Symposium 13 November 2026 10am-4pm A day of participation, exploration and discussion surrounding the philosophy, practice and learning behind MK Gallery’s two-year Sensory Engagement Partnership with specialist practitioner Collar & Cuffs Co, developed alongside MK Gallery’s community partners.
🔗 https://mkgallery.org/whats-on/?event-category=accessible-events |
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Discover The Yard This Half-Term
Looking for something different this half-term? The Yard, based at Xscape Milton Keynes, offers a safe, inclusive space for neurodivergent young people and those who may find traditional education or social settings challenging.
This October half-term, families can enjoy three hours of access for just £10 per family (up to four people), with opportunities to explore gaming, immersive learning experiences and, subject to availability, the new PC zone.
The Yard provides a welcoming environment where young people can relax, connect and be themselves.
Booking is recommended to help ensure a comfortable experience for all visitors. For more information, visit: 🔗 thespectrumplace.org.uk or email ellie@theyardmk.org. |
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Milton Keynes Museum Which Witch? Tales of the Coven
Dates: Monday 26 October – Friday 30 October 2026,
Details: Playful stories, spells, and characters from the Black Sheep Collective across the Street of Shops, plus treats in The Granary Tearoom.
Cost: Standard annual ticket applies (under 5s go free).
🔗 https://miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk/events/half-term-family-fun-25-29-may/ |
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Parks Trust Autumn Open Mornings
Dates: Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28, and Thursday 29 October 2026, 9:30am – 12:30pm
Location: Howe Park Wood Education Centre, Tattenhoe, Milton Keynes, MK4 3GG
Details: Free outdoor autumn-themed exploration focused on bats, spiders, and fungi with a self-guided woodland trail. Free to attend.
🔗 www.theparkstrust.com/events |
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Note: Please do not respond directly to this email.
For SEND queries email: SEND support line |
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