Dear Community,
Preparations for Christmas are likely to be well underway in most households, with only 38 more sleeps to go until the big day. Christmas can be a very stressful time for children, young people and adults with Autism so I would just like to draw your attention to the National Autistic Society’s website which has lots of useful information and strategies which may help us to cope better during the busy festive period.
I really do hope that you find the links helpful. Just click on the link below for more information.
Take good care.
Jo Donkin
SENDCo
Dear Community,
South Tyneside’s wonderful Parent Carer Forum are looking to recruit new volunteers.
- Do you live in South Tyneside?
- Can you offer some free time and passion to improve the lives of children and young people with SEND?
If you have answered yes, then please read the attached flyer and get in touch via e-mail or social media: [email protected]
Take care
Jo Donkin
SENDCo
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
Hi everyone, Hope you are well,
Its very exciting times in our Family Hubs and I would like to update you on a range of Family Hub groups, inclusive, preventative and intervention services we presently have available across our Family Hub networks.
Please see attached a copy of our Family Hub schedule highlighting a range of activities and training opportunities for children and families 0-19 years. Please could you share with teams and colleagues.
Should you require any further information please don’t hesitate to contact myself or Family Hub Partnership managers
- Natalie Buglass- Hebburn, Jarrow and Primrose Family Hubs [email protected] telephone 07585966489
- Lynn Ward- Bede, Biddick and Boldon Family Hubs [email protected] telephone 07436282224
- Helen Mitchell- All Saints, Riverside and Marine Park Family Hubs [email protected] telephone 07557204004
- Michelle Barnes- Horsley Hill, Ridgeway, and Marsden and Whitburn Family Hubs [email protected] telephone 07557204002
We look forward to welcoming yourselves and families to our services
Jo-Anne Pringle
Family Hubs Team Manager
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
This morning Miss Donkin and I attended the launch of South Tyneside’s ordinarily available provsion. A guide which defines the expected high quality provision to be available within all settings across the local area, to enusre our young people with SEND are able to attend inclusive provisions which support them to learn, grow and achieve.
This guide has been produced in partnership with parents / carers, Special Educational Network Co-ordinators (SENCOs), and other education, health, and care partners and we hope will be a really useful tool.
The Foundation of Light will be running family learning sessions at Hebburn Family Hub. The 8-week course allows adults to spend time thinking about their own and their child’s mental well-being. Topics covered include, communicating and managing emotions, self-esteem, resilience, anger and stress and is suitable for parents with children aged 7-11 years old.
As well as the 8 parent sessions a further session will run in which children can also attend and join in some fun activities.
To register your interest please email:
Ethan and his family had a truly amazing weekend at the GNR events, raising awareness of the very important work of the Percy Hedley Foundation. They were also really happy to meet, and have their photo taken with Sir Mo Farah during his last ever competitive run.
Well done everyone!
If you took part in the events over the weekend, we would love to hear from you.
