Help and news
We will publish news on this page relating to the Local Offer.
Our Glossary of Terms explains some of terms used.
23/12/2020 - South Derbyshire and Derby City Neuro Developmental Assessment Pathway
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has an update on the South Derbyshire and Derby City Neurodevelopmental (ND) assessment pathway. From feedback from their partner services, families, carers and young people, they agreed to reopen the ND assessment pathway for South Derbyshire and Derby City from 4 January 2021.
23/12/2020 - Digital resources
The Derby and Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group has an update on the digital resources available for Children and Young People in Derby and Derbyshire and their parents or carers.
29/09/2020
COVID-19 School Guide for Parents
28/08/2020 - Transport arrangements
Following the government announcement on 2 July 2020 regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) recovery, it is expected that all children and young people will return to school in September. We are taking extra steps to ensure your child’s transport is as safe as possible - this will mean we operate differently from September.
- Children will be transported in the same bubble that they are in when in school. If siblings are in different bubbles, they may be transported separately. We are ensuring schools provide information on which children are in which bubbles, and co-ordinating their arrival and pick up times.
- Once we have received the relevant information from school, the transport can then be organised. We will write to you to let you know the arrangements for your child.
- Guidance has been issued to all passenger assistants, taxi drivers and providers to give them information on how and when to clean their vehicles.
- If you would like to transport your child yourself, we will reimburse the fuel cost. This is paid at 45p per mile, if you do decide that a fuel reimbursement is the best option for your family. The option to change back to your original type of transport will still be open at any time. We will need 7 days’ notice to switch from reimbursement to arranged taxis.
- If you are unsure about any of your child’s/young person’s travel arrangements, you can contact Derby City Council, or if you prefer to speak with the school or other education setting, they can contact us on your behalf.
- We are here to help with this process whilst ensuring that safety is our top priority. If you have any concerns about your transport, please email schooltravel@derby.gov.uk or phone 01332 642716.
06/08/2020 - Shielding is being paused from Saturday 1 August
This means that support such as food parcels and medicine deliveries will come to an end. However, other forms of support - such as priority supermarket delivery slots and the NHS Volunteers Scheme, amongst a range of local volunteer schemes - will continue. Children who are clinically extremely vulnerable can return to their education settings if they are eligible and in line with their peers. Where possible children should practise frequent hand washing and social distancing.
30/07/2020 - The Reimagine Project
QUAD, along with Hubbub Theatre Company and Sinfonia Viva will be offering live Zoom creative sessions FREE OF CHARGE every Tuesday throughout August to children and young people across Derby City and Derbyshire with SEND or additional support needs - for you to learn new creative skills and join in and have fun from home.
30/07/2020 - Derby City Life Links
Derby City Life Links, run by Richmond Fellowship, provides personalised, flexible, targeted community based support for people in Derby City living with mental health.
29/07/2020 - Clarks shoes quiet in-store fitting
Shoe shopping can be overwhelming for some children. If you think a shopping experience without crowds, noise and bright lights would be better, then book a Quiet Time appointment at Clarks. Please call 01332 382541.
28/07/2020 - Testing content for Scope
Scope is seeking participants to help test a piece of content about complaining about a residential care home. They are interested in hearing from you if you’re either a disabled person living in a care home, or a close relative of someone living in a care home and you:
- Have made a complaint in the past, or
- Are thinking of doing so
The testing will be done remotely by Skype and will take up to an hour. Scope offer test participants a £30 e-Gift card. This can be spent online or in store at Amazon, Argos, Tesco, Asda, M&S and many more places. If you’re interested in taking part, please email Andy Lancaster on andrew.lancaster@scope.org.uk
27/07/2020 - Changing Places toilets for disabled people to be compulsory
Large accessible toilets for severely disabled people - known as Changing Places - will be made compulsory for new buildings in England from 2021. Shopping centres, supermarkets, sports and arts venues will be required to include at least one Changing Place, a government spokesman said.
23/07/2020 - Accessible housing: a FREE guide
There are 13.9 million disabled people in the UK – one in five of the population. Yet only a staggering 7% of homes in England are accessible. This equates to four-fifths of disabled people living in unsuitable homes. That’s why Disability Horizons has partnered with Branch Properties, specialists in accessible housing, to create the Ultimate Guide to Finding an Accessible Home.
22/07/2020 - Google's Live Transcribe
Google Live Transcribe could be a big help for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. It is an app that automatically transcribes speech in near-real time, allowing people to communicate in situations where they might not otherwise be able to. Sound Amplifier is designed for those with hearing loss, allowing you to tweak sound settings to improve your ability to hear — sort of like a hearing aid app for your phone.
21/07/2020 - The Autism Show
The Autism Show is the national event for autism, organised in association with the National Autistic Society. They have now been able to announce dates: 20-21 November 2020 in Manchester.
15/07/2020 - Free mobile safety app
The SafeToNet Foundation have announced it is providing one million free-for-life licences of their mobile safety app for UK families in order to help keep the nation’s children safe online. Be sure to sign up here before the 30 August
03/07/2020 - EHCP survey
We want to improve the experience of requesting an education, health and care plan (EHCP). If you or your child already have an EHCP then we would love to get your feedback on how the process has been for you. Our short survey will only take a couple of minutes to fill out but will help us to change the process for lots of families across the city who may need to ask for an EHC needs assessment and plan.
02/07/2020 - Derbyshire’s mental support health line
Derbyshire’s mental support health line, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to offer support and guidance to residents of all ages, has moved to a new Freephone number to encourage more people to speak up and seek help. Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, the organisation that manages the support line, has announced that from 1 July 2020, the service is to continue with the new Freephone number of 0800 028 0077.
01/07/2020 - School Admissions Code consultation
The Department for Education has launched a consultation on the School Admissions Code and welcomes your feedback. The consultation is open and will run until 16 October. Improvements to this process will have a positive impact on all children seeking a school place in-year but will be particularly beneficial for the most vulnerable.
25/06/2020 - Are you worried about a child or young person?
Right now, vulnerable children and adults may be particularly isolated, meaning that the family, community and professional networks they usually rely on may be unavailable or hard to access. At the same time, living under the current arrangements may increase the pressures that can contribute to abuse and neglect, or allow it to go unseen. Neighbours, volunteers and professionals can play a vital role in keeping adults and children safe. Safeguarding is everyone's business covers signs to spot and what to do if there is a concern.
More information is available in the 'You can save me' leaflet.
24/06/2020 - Free internet access for the disadvantaged
BT is joining forces with the Department for Education (DfE) to help the most in-need children in England with online learning. BT will provide in-need families with six months free access to 5.5 million wi-fi hotspots around the country. Access will be provided via a BT WiFi voucher-code system and will allow children to access the web on up to three devices at a time, for six months. Local Authorities and Academy Trusts will be invited to request vouchers, working with their schools to identify those children who are most in need.
19/06/2020 - Printable mask exemption cards
Some people can’t wear a face mask or covering because of a disability or severe distress. To help deal with public situations that might happen, Keep Safe and Photosymbols have designed some mask exemption card for many different additional needs. Here is just one example:
18/06/2020 - New rules on face coverings on public transport
New rules say that everyone using public transport must wear a face mask or face covering. However some groups of people are exempt including:
- Children under 11
- Those with a disability or health concern
- A deaf person you support needs to read your lips
17/06/2020 - What is a support bubble?
If you live alone, you can now visit friends or family in one other house. This is called a support bubble.
- This is only for people who live on their own or are single parents
- It is not for people who are shielding
- You have to choose just one house to visit
- But you can go indoors and even stay the night
If any of you get coronavirus symptoms, you must all stay home for 14 days.
11/06/2020 - Umbrella's new Facebook support groups
Umbrella has created Facebook Pages which will have a Family Support Worker allocated during the time of the normal Support Group Hours.
- Derby City (Morning Group) First Wednesday of the month at 10am to 12noon
- Derby City (Afternoon Group) First Wednesday of the month at 12:30pm –2:30pm
- Support Through Arts Third Thursday of the month 11.30am to 1.30pm
- Amber Valley Second Thursday of the month 10am to 12noon
- Erewash Last Wednesday of the month at 10am to 12noon
- Male Carers Group First Monday of the month at 6pm to 7.30pm
- Parent and Boys Group Once a month on a Friday at 6pm to 8pm
- Parent and Girls Group Once a month on a Friday at 6pm to 8pm
10/06/2020 - Contact's new 1-1 listening ear service
Contact understands that many of you may be feeling hugely overwhelmed, confused and exhausted during the COVID-19 crisis and simply don't know where to turn. To help, they offer 1-1 confidential phone appointments with family support advisers for parents looking for a listening ear, reassurance and practical and emotional support at this time.
09/06/2020 - Tomorrow’s Leaders – A World Beyond Disability
The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) and Council for Disabled Children have published: Tomorrow’s Leaders – A World Beyond Disability. This exciting new publication profiles the achievements of over 30 inspirational young people who are leading in their communities, with ambition, hard work and dedication to improving society.
08/06/2020 - Carers Week
COVID-19 has caused many carers to feel isolated, the pressures of their role have increased & they haven’t been able to access support in the usual way. Get health and wellbeing info.
05/06/2020 - The importance of immunisation
At this time more than any other, it is important to get your children vaccinated. There are still plenty of horrible virus' and diseases we can cure. Don't let your little ones miss out.
You can also watch eGPlearning's vaccinations video.
04/06/2020 - New ChatHealth service
Derby City's ChatHealth service is now live! There are two services:
- Young people, aged 11-19, can use this confidential texting service for help and advice from their School Nurse. Text 07507 327104.
- All parent carers of children aged 0-19 can text 07507 327754 for advice and support with any concerns from their Health Visitor or School Nurse.
28/05/2020 - Home to school transport guidance as of 1st June
- This is important information for parents regarding Home to School Transport in response to COVID-19.
- This is home to school travel Guidance during COVID-19 for School Transport Provision from 1st June.
22/05/2020 - Extra funding for the Family Fund
The Family Fund provides grants to families on low incomes who have disabilities or severe medical conditions. The Government today announced that the Family Fund will receive funding of £37.3m in 2020-21. This includes £10m which has been allocated to help families in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
22/05/2020 - SENDIASS new telephone system
SENDIASS is changing the way it connects with you. They appreciate the frustration of not knowing when you will receive a phone call so are now offering telephone appointments that suit you and your commitments. You can now ask for an appointment on a day and time of your choice (subject to availability) between 1.30pm Monday afternoon through to 12noon on Friday. SENDIASS' new telephone appointment system will give you up to 20 minutes with any one of their four friendly staff. If you can contact with them first to specify your chosen day and time, they will do their very best to offer a call back at that time. Tel: 01332 641414 or email SENDIASS@derby.gov.uk
21/05/2020 - Association of Children's Diabetes Clinicians
The Position Statement released by the Association of Children's Diabetes Clinicians is being sent to all families who have a child with Diabetes. This will offer some clarity about a child potentially returning to education settings.
21/05/2020 - Contacting children's centres
Osmaston Allenton Children's Centre remains open 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday for staff to be contacted on 01332715620. All Children's Centre Groups remain closed however staff will be starting to contact families who have attended groups to check in with them and ask if they would like any activity packs for children. Week Commencing 25 May Alvaston Children’s Centre will open for staff on Wednesday and Friday and can be contacted on 01332 757966. Again, centre groups will remain closed.
20/05/2020 - IAPT counselling for couples and young people
IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) counselling for couples and young people (16-18years) - People can access this free service if they are registered with a Derby or Derbyshire GP. Anyone who is experiencing anxiety, depression, low mood, relationship issues, loss, grief, trauma and other conditions, can contact their GP to get referred to Relate Derby or people can just contact them directly on 01332 349177 or 07741193484 Email: info@relatederby.org.uk
20/05/2020 - Support for children and young people’s emotional health and wellbeing
If you know a child or young person who is experiencing depression, low mood, stress, panic or anxiety, or need wider emotional support due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic then please refer them to Relate Derby. Their specially qualified counsellors are ready to assist. This is a free service and they currently have no waiting list, so people can get access to a qualified counsellor straight away. Please spread the word, do not want people to suffer in silence! Tel: 01332 349177 or 07741193484 Email: info@relatederby.org.uk
19/05/2020 - Q&A on schools returning to school from 1 June
Following the announcement about schools, the Department for Education published the Opening schools and educational settings to more pupils from 1 June: guidance for parents and carers, in the form of a Q&A which sets out the government’s position on more pupils returning to school from 1 June.
18/05/2020 - National Epilepsy Week
It's National Epilepsy Week and this year the theme is 'More Than Seizures'. We know that epilepsy is more than just a seizure, it can affect young people in so many other ways and we are joining other epilepsy charities across the UK to raise awareness of these challenges. During the week you will see Young Epilepsy posting a lot of content across all their social media platforms, as well as on their dedicated digital space for young people called The Channel.
14/05/2020 - Visual impairment guide
Markeaton Primary School has this helpful guide is for parents, children and young people with a vision impairment to access their home computer, laptop or tablet more successfully. It gives detailed instructions of adjustments you can make and find content easier to see. For specific issue, please contact the City Resource Officer, Adrian Farnsworth: afarnsworth@markeaton.derby.sch.uk
11/05/2020 - Derby College virtual open days support school leavers
Derby College Group (DCG) is holding three virtual open days this month to support Year 11 pupils considering their options this September. As well as information on full time study programmes and apprenticeships, there will be details about work experience opportunities, careers advice and the wide range of support available to students. In each subject area, teaching and support staff will be available online to talk through options via live chat rooms and guide young people through the application process for the study programme or apprenticeship of their choice.
07/05/2020 - Free symbols from Widgit
Symbols make reading, processing and understanding so much more accessible. Widgit have created ready-made materials to help support children and young people at the challenging time.
06/05/2020 - Guidance on temporary legislative changes relating to coronavirus (COVID-19)
In response to the Government’s announced regarding temporary changes to some of the legal duties and timescales, here is the Joint statement from Pauline Anderson and Parent Carers Together on behalf of Local Area SEND in Derby
30/04/2020 - Are you a creative and motivated young person aged between 14 and 21?
Do you want to use your creative skills to make a positive change in your community during these challenging times? 14-17 year olds can apply for up to £250 and 18-21 year olds can apply for up to £500 to think of a creative idea that tackles some of the challenges we are facing currently, in our lives and in our communities. The deadline for this is Monday 11th May.
24/04/2020 - Exercise 3 times a day
Families of children with autism and learning disabilities have forced the UK government into a u-turn over its limit on outdoor exercise. People with autism and learning disabilities can now go out for exercise three times a day and travel beyond their local area. The government changed its guidance on outdoor exercise after two families threatened court action over the one-trip-out-a-day limit.
24/04/2020 - DfE's online educational resources
The Department for Education (DfE) has brought together an initial list of online educational resources to help children to learn at home. These websites have been identified by some of the country’s leading educational experts and offer a wide range of support and resources for pupils of all ages and abilities.
24/04/2020 - Contacts guide has gone digital
Contact's "Helpful guide for families with disabled children" is now available online. Previously it has only been a hard copy. Order your digital copy on Contact's website.
17/04/2020 - Exercise three times a day
Families of children with autism and learning disabilities have forced the UK government into a u-turn over its limit on outdoor exercise. People with autism and learning disabilities can now go out for exercise three times a day and travel beyond their local area. The government changed its guidance on outdoor exercise after two families threatened court action over the one-trip-out-a-day limit.
17/04/2020 - Umbrella new contacts
Umbrella’s Youth clubs are still being ran with the use of technology so please do get in touch if you would like to attend. Please use these contact details during working hours only:
- Monday and Wednesday: 07889 214954
- Tuesday and Thursday: 07708 898998
- Friday: 07701289703
14/04/2020 - Mental health support line
Mental health support is now available to Derbyshire residents of all ages through a new mental health support line. Call 0300 790 0596 between the hours of 9.00am and midnight, seven days a week.
03/04/2020 - The National Deaf Children's Society new blog
This blog has been written for families with deaf children. It covers things that parents need to be aware of in the coming days and weeks, such as school closures, access to hearing aid repairs and batteries, and supporting deaf children during the spread of coronavirus. NDCS has also written one for deaf children.
03/04/2020 - Wellbeing booklet
The Derby County Community Trust has developed a booklet to improve your skills that will support you with your wellbeing.
02/04/2020 - Statutory timeframes for EHC assessments
We're working hard to keep the EHC plan process moving during the current COVID-19 outbreak. Assessments for an EHC plan may look different as it becomes more difficult to do our work face to face. We may need to do more by telephone or video calls where possible. Our decision-making panels have moved to online meetings. We'll continue to review this over the coming weeks and we will keep you updated.
27/03/2020 - Derby COVID Support Group
Some good news in these difficult times - Thanks to our brilliant colleagues across DCC, Derby Homes and other partners, we’ve now launched a community hub – the Derby COVID Support Group – that will support our most vulnerable residents during the coronavirus crisis. Read full details about accessing support and volunteering your help on the Newsroom.
27/03/2020 - Coronavirus guidance
There is lots of information and advice out there for our families. Here is trusted guidance from Contact and the Council for Disabled Children.
27/03/2020 - Coronavirus e-news
Disability Rights UK has developed practical information for disabled people during this difficult time. They will keep this page up to date with information and links to government and institutional guidance.
26/03/2020 - Government WhatsApp
The UK Government has today launched a GOV.UK Coronavirus Information service on WhatsApp. To use the free GOV.UK Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp, simply add 07860 064422 in your phone contacts and then message the word ‘hi’ in a WhatsApp message to get started.
25/03/2020 - Free symbol resources from Widgit!
Use Code: WIDGIT30 to access ready-made materials for 30 days from Widgit Online.
25/03/2020 - Easy Read advice on Coronavirus
Easy Read advice on Coronavirus is based on Public Health England's 'Advice on coronavirus for places of education'.
24/03/2020 - Childcare for vulnerable children and children of critical workers
Childcare settings are now only open to the most vulnerable children and those whose parents' work is critical to the Coronavirus response. If this is you, search this special childcare directory.
24/03/2020 - Letter from Vicky Ford, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families
Here is an open letter to children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), their parents, families and others who support them from Vicky Ford, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families. The letter signposts key Covid-19 guidance published over the past week.
24/03/2020 - Support/ Helpline for Parents of school age children in Derby from the Specialist Teaching and Psychology Service (STePS)
The current situation is unprecedented. You may be feeling overwhelmed and anxious for your own family and personal safety whilst also caring for your children 24/7, supporting loved ones and trying to maintain your own mental health and wellbeing. We are all under a huge pressure to help out, support each other and do the right thing. So how can you protect your own mental health and wellbeing and be providing the support your children need? Here are six key themes:
- Stay Active: try to keep getting regular exercise and go outside
- Fun, Learning and Doing: take a break from the news and social media and do something you enjoy, learn a new skill, set out to achieve something at home, try to plan in some fun
- Find the Good: ‘every day is not good but there is good in every day’ – write down each day something positive/good
- Connect: keep on connecting socially with family and friends by phone, text and video call, share birthdays and play games together virtually
- Kindness: helping others is good for our mental health and will make you feel happier
- Control: there are things you can control and things you can’t – try to focus on the things you can control and let go of the things you can’t
All STePs staff are still currently working albeit remotely. If we can be of any help or support to you please do get in touch. You can contact us by phone or email. You can call us on 641400 or email us at stepsadmin@derby.gov.uk and we will try to identify the most appropriate person to help you.
Eleanor Moore – Specialist Teaching Service Manager and Senior Educational Psychologist
Richard Lakin – Principal Educational Psychologist
23/03/2020 - Update on school closures
You will have seen the announcements over the past few days about school closures for everyone except children of critical workers and vulnerable children, in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The government has now published questions and answers about these changes.
The government has also published guidance on isolation and COVID-19 to support management of children and young people in residential educational settings, including boarding schools, residential special schools and specialist colleges and children’s homes.
We understand that these are uncertain times and that you will have a lot of questions and concerns. We encourage you to keep up-to-date by regularly checking the gov.uk webpages; this is where we will publish reliable updates and guidance. We will endeavour to signpost new or updated guidance via newsflash emails. If you need any further advice, you can speak to an adviser on the DfE Coronavirus helpline. The number is 0800 046 8687 – lines are open 8am-6pm Monday – Friday, and 10am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The other most recent updates on the school closures announcements are:
- A transcript of the Secretary of State’s announcement to the House about school closures.
- The press notice issued by the Secretary of State.
- The prime minister’s announcement.
23/03/2020 - Exams and grades
On Friday 20 March, the government released further information about the process for awarding grades to students who were expecting to sit GCSEs, AS and A levels this summer.
Ofqual have responded to the Department for Education's statement on exam arrangements in 2020.
21/03/2020 - COVID-19 resources and guidance
The Council for Disabled Children has gathered a list of resources and guidance about coronavirus to share with parent carers, children & young people and education, health and social care practitioners.
20/03/2020 - Coronavirus UK: a practical guide if you’re disabled.
The outbreak of the Covid-19 (a coronavirus) in the UK means a rocky and uncertain time for many of us, particularly if you have a long-term health condition or disability. To ensure you have the right information to help stay healthy and happy, Disability Horizons has collated some practical advice.
19/03/2020 - Coronavirus and UK schools closures
The guidance by Division of Educational Psychology has been produced rapidly, in response to the UK Government announcement that from Friday 20 March, schools in the UK will close. This has good information and advice for schools and parents. We understand that this situation is likely to continue to develop as further details emerge.
19/03/2020 - Coronavirus - Helpful resources
- National Autistic Society - guidance and helpline for parents, young people and staff.
- Mencap - Easy Read guide to Coronavirus.
- Place2Be – Guide to helping parents answer questions from their children and to support family wellbeing:
- Young Minds - Talking to your child about Coronavirus and 10 tips from their Parents Helpline to support family wellbeing.
- Carers UK - Guidance for carers.
- Covibook – an interactive resource designed to support and reassure children aged 7 and under, designed to help children explain and draw the emotions that they might be experiencing during the pandemic.
- Amaze - information pack for parents
- Public Health England have produced an easy read version of their Advice on the coronavirus for places of education.
16/03/2020 - Worried about Coronavirus?
Special Needs Jungle has some sound advice to calm Coronavirus anxiety in children and everyone else:
04/03/2020 - Department for Education Coronavirus helpline
A new helpline has been launched to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education. Staff, parents and young people can contact the helpline as follows:
- Phone: 0800 046 8687
- Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8.00am to 6.00pm
03/03/2020 - Local Area SEND Insight Pack
Andy Smith, Director of People Services at Derby City Council and Dr Chris Clayton, Chief Executive Officer of NHS Derby and Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group:
"We are happy to announce that the Derby City Council and Derby and NHS Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group (DDCCG) Local Area SEND Insight Pack is now available to view."
We welcome the recommendations and key findings outlined in this very helpful Public Health document as we improve SEND provision for our children and young people in Derby.
28/02/2020 - New SEND directories
Parents and carers requested that the directories contain SEND only services so we have created brand new directories not including universal services. You can find these directories within any of the topic areas such as education, health and wellbeing and preparing for adulthood.
27/02/2020 - Worried about Coronavirus?
The government is closely monitoring the spread of the Coronavirus and is taking action at home and abroad. The overall risk of Coronavirus to the UK remains moderate. However we understand that people may be concerned so please see the latest updates.
26/02/2020 - Mum's pride at son's Down's syndrome book
Marian Tinnelly hopes a new book she has written with her nine-year-old son, Connor, and his dad, Fred Rodriguez, could change how people see those living with Down's syndrome. Together, the family wrote I Am Connor about Connor's experiences.
19/02/2020 - The Big Pedal 2020
Join the The Big Pedal 2020 walking and scooting challenge. It inspires hundreds of thousands of pupils, staff and parents to choose human power for their journey to school. This is the 10th anniversary of the challenge and Cycle Derby and Derby County Community Trust have teamed up with European Mountain Bike Champion, Danny Butler in a bid to get all 64 primary and junior Derby schools to take part, and make Derby the most active city in the country.
SEND Pupils can use a wheelchair or scoot to school or pupils who are unable to scoot/cycle to school may use school/static/adapted bikes and count journeys made at school, e.g. during school break times, in the playground. The Big Pedal will take place Wednesday 22 April - Tuesday 5 May 2020.
17/02/2020 - The READY Study
The READY Study or “Recording Emerging Adulthood in Deaf Youth” study wants to find out more about what modern life is like for 16-23 year old deaf people as they enter adulthood. Find out more and watch signed videos.
13/02/2020 - The Accessibility Summit
Naidex 2020 will host the Accessibility Summit! The summit is a complete exploration of the digital and physical accessibility environment, and promises to feature revolutionary seminars and pioneering suppliers that will demonstrate and examine the very latest technologies, ideas and adaptations created to promote and enhance ease, comfort, style and ultimately independence.
30/01/2020 - Coproduction Workshop
On Wednesday 29 January, the Local Offer team attended a Coproduction Workshop whereby we extended our knowledge of working processes. Building on the coproduction values of mutual respect, honesty and positivity, we learnt the importance of co-delivery and of being a critical friend.
28/01/2020 - Hiki disabled dating app: first ever for people with Autism.
Hiki (pronounced 'hee-KEY'), is the first-ever dating and friendship app for people with Autism. The mobile app provides a safe space for people with Autism to celebrate their uniqueness and embrace who they are. It is a place where being different is destigmatised, and where friendships, love, and a sense of community can flourish. Founder Jamil Karriem tells all.
24/01/2020
Contact is helping the NHS test an early intervention course for parents with pre-school children with learning disabilities; supporting parents to manage their child's behaviour. More than 190 parents have already joined the study, and there are still some places left. Are you interested in helping?
17/01/2020 -The perfect fitting shoes for your child!
Contact understands many disabled children may have different feet sizes depending on their conditions. This is why Fledglings has made it easier for you and your child to find a pair which fit perfectly! Our entire range of Memo Children Footwear is available for customisable shoe size combinations. Just leave a note at checkout about which size for left and right feet you require.
14/01/2019 - Disability Horizons opens new online shop
Disability Horizons, the online lifestyle magazine for disabled people, has launched its own disability living shop, selling what it describes as “a curated range of disability products from trusted suppliers.”
The online Disability Horizons Shop features products that have each been selected via a combination of recommendations from its community of readers and through the magazine’s years of experience in the sector, according to the publication.
09/01/2020 - Local Offer Steering Group
To support the co-production of the Local Offer site, we have a Local Offer Steering Group which consists of representatives from:
- health
- the SEND team
- Parent Carers Together Forum
- young people
- school SENCO’s
- voluntary sector and any other colleagues or partner agencies who would like to be involved.
All members are responsible for raising the profile of the Local Offer and sharing information with their networks.
The concept of co-production means that all parties need to be involved in the planning, design and delivery throughout the process. All parties aim to think of creative ways to shape the information and guidance available to Derby’s parents carers, children and young people.
The group currently meets every month to discuss and review the website; the meetings are used to consult on the Local Offer site and discuss all future development and improvement activities. If you would like more information or to be a member of the Local Offer Steering Group please contact the Local Offer at local.offer@derby.gov.uk or telephone 01332 640758.
03/01/2020 - Eating disorder hospital admissions rise sharply
Hospital admissions for eating disorders have risen by more than a third (37%) across all age groups over the last two years, figures show. Experts described the figures as "worrying" and urged the government to promote early intervention. There were 19,040 admissions for eating disorders in 2018/19, up from 16,558 the year before and 13,885 in 2016/17. The NHS Digital data for England found the most common age last year for patients with anorexia was 13 to 15. A quarter of admissions in 2018/19 were for children aged 18 and under, at 4,471. More than half of these (2,403) were for anorexia, up 12% from the previous year. This included 10 cases of anorexia among boys and six among girls aged nine and under.
27/12/2019 - The impact on IAS Services
Between June and October 2019, the Information, Advice and Support Programme carried out a review of Information, Advice and Support services’ current work in the area of children and young people’s mental health. Review it’s key findings from the Council for Disabled Children.