With the summer already here, there has been a lot of work taking place from our special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) partnership across Tameside this year. Putting our young people first is a priority and I’m happy to share updates, including support for families during the summer holidays.
I hope you have a lovely summer.
Deborah Myers, Assistant Director of Education
New Local Offer Partnership Website
Following feedback from local families, and working in partnership with early years, education, and health services, the new local offer website offers a single place where children and young people aged 0-25-years-old with SEND, their families, parents and carers can access advice, support, services and things to do from partners across the borough.
The website is part of the partnership’s wider plans to improve access to support for children and young people with SEND, with the aim that it will provide the tools, resources and support they need.
Further feedback on how to update and improve the website is welcomed to continue to provide the latest information, news and events by emailing local.offer@tameside.gov.uk
We have recently said goodbye to our Assistant Head of SEND Wendy Young, who has moved on for personal progression in a senior role. She has been an integral member of the team over the years and her passion for her job was clear to see. I wish her all the best in her new role. We will be recruiting and I will update you with the process.
SEND Art Exhibition
The annual collaboration by the borough’s SEND arts hub at Thomas Ashton School in Hyde drew high praise recently and was attended by Tameside Mayor Councillor Betty Affleck. It displayed work by young creatives from six Tameside schools who worked with residents at the Lakes Care Home, Dukinfield. Its central feature was the sculpture of two shackled hands made for Holocaust Day, which was complemented by leaflets filled with art, collage, and reflections.
Mencap Family Engagement Project
The Family Engagement Project offers support for parents and carers of children from 0 to 5-years-old with SEND or emerging need in Tameside. This includes a Stay and Play drop-in session for little ones every Tuesday between 10am-11.30am at North Family Hub in Ashton. To find out more email familyengagementgm@mencap.org.uk or phone 07866 225704 during term time.
Active Tameside
There are lots of fun activities taking place during the school holidays across the borough which are being run by Active Tameside. It is advised to book early to secure a place, so visit the website to find out about the sessions. You can also take a look at the community timetables which includes sessions happen each day of the week.
Parent Peer Support Group
The Parent Peer Support Group is an informal space for parents and carers to share their experiences of supporting children with emotional and mental health difficulties with like-minded people, alongside the support of the teams from Anthony Seddon, Tameside Parenting, and Action Together. The group takes place on the second Thursday of the month from 9.30am–11.30am at The Anthony Seddon Centre, George Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne. You can either drop-in or email Anita.McQuillan@tameside.gov.uk or Sue.Brookes@actiontogether.org.uk
Support for Carers
Tameside Carers Centre in Ashton offers a safe environment for adult carers to access practical and emotional support. This includes help with carers assessments, and advice on benefit entitlements, signposting to support services. Drop-in Monday to Friday (except Wednesday), 10am-2pm, and monthly coffee mornings take place on the last Tuesday of the month where wellbeing advisers and carers are available for a chat and a brew. You can contact the team on 0161 342 3344, email carerscentre@tameside.gov.uk or visit www.tameside.gov.uk/carerscentre
Careers Drop-In Service
Positive Steps are offering free careers advice over the summer for both year 11 school leavers and those aged 16-18-years-old. You can contact the team on 0161 621 9400 from Monday to Friday, 10.30am-4.30pm, or by emailing tamesidecareers@positive-steps.org.uk Careers advisers are available in person from Monday to Friday, 1pm-4pm between 22nd July and 30th August. They are also available on Results Day on Thursday 22nd August. Visit the team at 31 Clarence Arcade, Stamford Street, Ashton, OL6 7PT.
What is Portage?
Portage is a home-visiting educational service for pre-school children with SEND and their families. Portage aims to support the development of young children's play, communication skills, independence, and social skills, and to encourage full participation in day-to-day life within the family and beyond the home. Children can be referred to the Portage service by any early years professionals such as a paediatrician, health visitor, or early years worker (with parent’s permission).
Neonatal Support Group
The Neonatal Support Group takes place fortnightly at South Family Hub in Hyde and is a safe space for parents to share their neonatal journeys with others who have experienced the same. The group acts as a relaxed peer-to-peer support session and ensures parents gain ongoing support. The drop-in sessions are delivered every two weeks on a Monday.
What is the MAX Card?
The Max Card is the UK’s leading discount card for foster families and families of children with additional needs. Families can use their Max Card at venues across the UK to get free or discounted admission on days out such as visiting castles, zoos, bowling alleys and trampoline parks. Apply for you card from OKE online.
