Home / HPCI Parent Network update – 11th June
We took a break last week over half-term but welcome to this week’s HPCI network update which, as usual, has a mix of local and national stuff. There are 7 items.
Sensory Environment and Preferences – online training for parents and carers
This online training is offered by occupational therapists from Herts Community NHS Trust (HCT).
How does the sensory environment around us affect our attention and behaviour? How do children manage the sensory information within everyday situations?
This supporting your child’s self-regulation information session is for parents and carers who would like to learn more about helping their child to self-regulate. Sensory regulating activities can help children focus and organise the sensory information around them. The session offers practical advice and strategies that you can try at home with your child.
These sessions provide an introduction to the topic of self-regulation for parents and carers.
Friday 9th July 9.30 – 10.30am https://tinyurl.com/f3nwhaws
Wednesday 4th August 10am – 11am https://tinyurl.com/3jn6bbth
Sensory Information Sessions – online training for parents and carers
Again, this online training is offered by occupational therapists from Herts Community NHS Trust (HCT). This session looks at – How do our sensory likes and dislikes affect the choices we make in everyday life? How do children develop their sensory awareness?
This Understanding Sensory preferences information session is for parents and carers who would like to know more about their child’s sensory development. They focus on sensory development for younger children, thinking about how this can influence an older child’s sensory likes and dislikes. It offers practical advice and strategies that you can try at home with your child.
Wednesday 7th July 9.30 – 10.30 am https://tinyurl.com/4j6vka9x
Monday 2nd August 10:00 – 11:00 am https://tinyurl.com/4nb8tc64
HCT Training for Schools & Early Years settings on sensory preferences & self-regulation
The Children and Young People’s Occupational Therapy Service will be running their first two sessions for education settings on sensory preferences and self-regulation. The content and delivery nature of the two workshops has been contributed to and commented on by HPCI parent reps.
Those of you with children who have sensory issues might like to encourage your child’s education setting to take part in these sessions.
The flyers and booking links for these sessions can also be found here: https://www.hct.nhs.uk/our-services/childrens-occupational-therapy/
16+ Transport Survey from HCC (Herts County Council)
Parents of young people aged 16 plus who use HCC transport to attend school or college will have been sent an email about this survey (check your spam/junk folder if you should have received it but haven’t). This is linked to planning they are undertaking around transport and the survey is short and confidential. The survey is open until Friday 18th June here: https://surveys.hertfordshire.gov.uk/s/SENPIP/
Some HPCI members have let us know that they have received this survey even though their young person doesn’t use HCC transport – please let us know if this has happened to you. Your name will be kept confidential.
Lessons Learnt from Lockdown – Council for Disabled Children (CDC) Report launched
Lessons Learnt from Lockdown: The highs and lows of the pandemics impact on children and young people. The consultation involved over 600 children and young people, 128 parents and 110 professionals who shared their views and experiences. It is the largest consultation to date designed to engage children and young people with SEND to explore the impact of the pandemic on their lives and to understand their support needs moving forward. CDC have produced two reports; 1 full report and 1 report for children and young people, and an easy read version will also be coming very soon. You can find the reports here: https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/news-opinion/news/lessons-learnt-lockdown-highs-and-lows-pandemics-impact-disabled-children-and-young-people
Mind Your Words – Free online course SLCN & mental health needs
The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) has developed a new, free online course for people living or working with children and young people who have SEMH (social, emotional and mental health needs). It is the only training course that explores the links between these issues that is available for free in the UK.
You have to complete the first five modules then after that it is a pick and mix of whatever you find most relevant. The modules take between 10-20 minutes. You can find further information and access the training here: https://www.rcslt.org/learning/mind-your-words/
PPE free of charge to Direct Payment Holders until March 2022.
This has been made available by the government. The free PPE only covers additional PPE your child or young person’s PA (personal assistant) needs due to Covid, and not the usual PPE that you may have been using before Covid. You should attempt to buy any usual non-covid related PPE equipment through your regular supplier.
You can order your Covid PPE online at https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ppepa
If you do not have access to the internet, you can call Leonard Cheshire, on 01462 439000 who will fill in the form for you.
If your care includes an aerosol generating procedure (AGP), you will need specialist PPE. When you click into https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ppepa to fill out your form, you will be guided clearly. If you require specialist PPE because AGP procedures are taking place, FFP3 masks are advised because of the risks presented by COVID-19 and this will require Fit Testing for these masks. Once the form has been completed, and if you have said yes to being in receipt of an AGP someone will be in touch with you to arrange for the masks and fit testing.
Please contact Leonard Cheshire on 01462 439000 if you have any further questions.
Any problems with delivery of ordered items please email: PPEInfo@Hertfordshire.gov.uk
National Charity Contact launches its annual Counting the Costs survey.
Contact would like your help to build a unique snapshot of how Covid-19 has affected the incomes of families with disabled children in the UK: HERE. Your answers will help Contact campaign for better financial support from the government for families like yours. And everyone who enters will go into a draw for a £100 voucher!
Pfizer vaccine approved for children 12-15
Last week the UK’s medicine watchdog announced that it approves its use in children aged 12-15. You can find out more about this on Contact’s website HERE