Dear Community,

This is just a quick post to update you about a recent review of Physiotherapy and Occupational Services in South Tyneside.

Schools across South Tyneside have received a letter from South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS foundation Trust informing schools that, following a review of services, as from 1st November 2023 the Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy teams based at Palmer Community Hospital, will no-longer be accepting referrals for the Developmental Coordination Disorder pathway directly from schools.

An intervention pack has been developed, which is to be sent to schools to support their pupils in the identification of difficulties with suggestions of appropriate support, guidance and interventions.

If, following school intervention further and ongoing concerns continue, they are advising that these are discussed with parents whom can seek a referral to the therapy teams via their GP/ other health care professional e.g. school nurse.

On receipt of a referral, Children and Young people will be allocated a direct intervention programme with the appropriate therapy team. If following this intervention DCD is indicated, an onward referral into the DCD pathway will then be processed.

Direct referrals into the DCD pathway will now only be accepted either via Paediatrician, Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist.

Children and young people who have been accepted onto the DCD pathway prior to 1.11.23 will continue along the previous process.

If you have any concerns about this change in process, please contact your GP.

Many thanks

Jo Donkin

SENDCo

Dear Community,

South Tyneside Local Authority have produced a wonderfully informative booklet called South Tyneside’s Ordinarlily Available Provision – Expectations of all education settings.

Mrs Moody (Head Teacher) and I, attended one of the launch meetings on Wednesday along with many other educational professionals, social care and health professionals and parents and carers to discover and discuss what should be in place for children and young people with additional needs.

I have attached the booklet so please have a look through it so that you can gain a greater understanding of what to expect from your educational setting, Local Authority and partner services.

Jo Donkin

SENDCo

Download (PDF, 4.2MB)

Dear Parents & Carers,

If you have a child who has recently received an Autism diagnosis or received an Autism diagnosis some time ago, but you haven’t yet attended a support programme, please make note of the following:

Download (PDF, 1.84MB)

EarlyBird, EarlyBird Plus and Teen Life are excellent and easily accessible programmes that assist you to develop a tool-kit of strategies that will enable you to support your child.  Working along side other parents, carers and school staff (where they are able to attend), you will receive invaluable opportunities to share your experiences and pick up some ‘Top Tips’ along the way.

If you would like to attend, but a little worried about making that first step, please just get in touch with me and I will support you with this.

Please remember that this course is for the parents and carers of those children who have already received an Autism diagnosis. 

Have a wonderful half-term break.

Ms Donkin

SENDCo

Dear Community,

The Local Education Authority would like you to know about the SENDIASS Team (Special Educational Needs and Disability, Information Advice and Support Service), who are here to support parents, carers and staff, or anyone else who supports anyone with additional needs.

Epinay Business and Enterprise School have the pleasure of hosting an event with the  SENDIASS Team on Wednesday 21 June 15.30 – 17.30.

If you would like to meet services and find out more about the support that is on offer then you can book a free ticket.

Please see the flyer for more information!

Scan the QR code, get in touch at the address on the flyer or click on the following link.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/information-advice-and-support-in-south-tyneside-tickets-591258519147

Download (PDF, 507KB)