I felt a huge amount of pride and a sense of collaborative achievement when I was invited to officially open Trinity Primary School’s new Special Educational Needs Resourced Provision – The NEST.

This space represents more than just classrooms — it represents Herefordshire’s commitment to inclusion.  The name, Nurture and Emotional Support at Trinity, embodies our shared belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that supports them as individuals.

Children and young people with complex disabilities can receive support from the Children with Disabilities team at Herefordshire Council.

Referral for assessment for services is usually suggested and made by a professional involved with your child's care, such as a GP, teacher or social worker. But families can also request a referral if they think their child is eligible and would like to talk to a member of the team for advice and support.

Visit the Disabled Children’s Social Care pages of our website to find out more and to request a social care assessment for your child or young person.

Some of our Herefordshire Children’s Community Health services are continuing to experience a high volume of referrals and unfortunately that means children and young people are waiting longer than usual for their first appointment.

We understand that the length of time waiting for services can be worrying and frustrating.  As a system we are working to improve waiting times for children, young people and their families. 

Support is available to children and young people, as well as their families, who find themselves experiencing long waits for appointments with Health services in Herefordshire.

To access information and find out more about the support available, please visit the dedicated 'Support While You Wait' section of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB website.

NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire have an online video library which includes lots of helpful videos for parents and carers.

From guidance for finding and treating head lice to top tips about raising a child with a learning disability or difficulty, these videos offer advice based on national guidance.

Access all of the videos on the ICB website: Herefordshire and Worcestershire NHS - Children's health information video library

The Strong Young Minds Project – improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people in Herefordshire.

The Strong Young Minds programme is for all young people (aged 9 – 26 yrs) in Herefordshire.

Strong Young Minds work with young people to address issues which can have a negative effect on their mental health and wellbeing – things like anxiety, depression, eating difficulties, self-harm, bullying, relationship breakdown, education & employment, low self-esteem, body image and loss.

Young people can be offered the opportunity for one-to-one support, brief intervention therapy, workshops and groups in addition to peer listening and support. They also have youth workers out and about in the community delivering activities aimed to promote the emotional resilience everyone needs to cope with stress and anxiety.

For full information, go to the dedicated Strong Young Minds website.

Email: symproject@onside-advocacy.org.uk

Telephone: 01432 808717

Do you have a child/ young person with a Special Educational Need or disability (SEND)?

Do you think your child might have Special Educational Needs (SEN)?

SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs/Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service) provides FREE, impartial and confidential information, advice and support on all matters relating to children and young people (0-25) who have or may have SEND.

They can help you if:

• You have concerns about your child’s progress or development
• You would like to know more about the support available for children with SEND and their families
• You would like to know more about Herefordshire’s SEND policies and procedures
• You need information and guidance on the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process

Contact them:

Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm

Call: 01432 260955 (24 hour answering machine service is available)

Email: SENDIASS@herefordshire.gov.uk

Or visit their website www.hwsendiass.co.uk for information and resources.

If you’re looking for ideas to help you and your family stay active and entertained during the autumn half term, Talk Community have put a list together of some of the fun activities and events taking place across Herefordshire. The good news is this includes plenty of free and low cost activities! There’s everything from spooky WildPlay, to drama workshops and a Halloween pool party.

Find activities for you and your family on the Talk Community Directory, and don't forget to check out the what’s on calendar for even more inspiration!

Herefordshire Museums & Galleries has announced a new series of monthly activity groups for babies and early years children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

‘Baby Pips’ (for children aged 0-2 years), ‘Little Pips’ (for children aged 2-4 years) and ‘Twinkle Pips’ for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will be held monthly at the History Store, Friar’s Street, Hereford HR4 0AS from this month.

• Baby Pips will take place between 10.30am and 12 noon from Monday 13 October, then every second Monday of the month thereafter.
• Little Pips will take place between 10.30am and 12 noon from Tuesday 14 October, then every second Tuesday of the month thereafter.
• Twinkle Pips will take place between 1pm and 2.30pm from Monday 10 November, then the second Monday of the month thereafter.

All sessions cost £5 per child with their accompanying adult. Advance booking is required via the Hereford Museums Eventbrite webpage.

HANDS Hub offer a range of sessions for children and young people to socialise with friends, learn new skills and have fun. 

Tots Time
A stay and play session for younger children in partnership with National Autistic Society. This session runs every Tuesday 10am - 12noon. 

Chill and Chat with Friends
An opportunity to spend time with friends with optional activities including arts and crafts, Lego, sensory play and gaming.

• High School aged sessions are held every other Saturday from 10am - 12noon.
• Primary School aged sessions are held every other Saturday from 12noon - 2pm.

To book onto any of these sessions, email info@hands-hub.co.uk or visit the website: HANDS Hub  

Halloween Party - Friday 31st October, 3pm - 5pm

You are invited to HANDS Hub for a Halloween Party which will include refreshments, games, music and more. To book a place please contact Lucy by email: info@hands-hub.co.uk

There are lots of inclusive activities coming up at The Courtyard for children and young people with SEND. These events are always very popular so read on to find out more and get in touch to secure your space.

Inclusive Drama

Step into the spotlight with Inclusive Drama — a fun, welcoming, and empowering drama class designed especially for young people with SEND. Whether you’re a born performer or just curious to try something new, this class celebrates every voice and every imagination.
No experience needed— just bring your creativity and a willingness to play!

Inclusive Juniors (ages 6-12) 4.30pm-5.15pm
Fridays during term time, £100 for the term
Inclusive Intermediates (ages 13-20) 5.30pm-6.15pm
Fridays during term time, £100 for the term

https://www.courtyard.org.uk/events/inclusive-drama/

Myths and Legends Inclusive Workshop

Thursday 30 October - 3pm (Ages 8-15)
A fun-filled day bursting with creativity! Explore a variety of exciting arts activities, make new friends, and let your imagination run wild!
The Courtyard's experienced team of practitioners and staff are fully trained in working with young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone.

Joy Club Juniors Inclusive Rave 

Friday 31st October 2pm
For ages 8 - 17 years - under 12s must be accompanied by an adult for the whole session.

Christmas Party Inclusive Workshop

Sunday 14th December 10.30am
Start your day with a delightful performance of Hansel and Gretel, followed by an afternoon of Christmas games and party. Suitable for ages 8 - 15.

To book a place on any of these events or for more information, please contact Rebecca Cook at rebecca.cook@courtyard.org.uk or call 01432 346511

Hereford and Worcester Dyslexia Association have published their first newsletter of the academic year. You can read the latest edition on their website: News - HWDA

The newsletter includes information about recent fundraising events, dyslexia workshops in Herefordshire, the forthcoming Dyscalculia Conference, advance notice of dates for their AGM next year and more.

There is a dedicated Parents' Area on the HWDA website which contains lots of information and guidance for parents and carers of children and young people with dyslexia or suspected dyslexia. Visit the parents' section here: https://hwda.org.uk/parents/

The October Herefordshire Now magazine is now available to download. This edition includes an article about school attendance and information about free support for families with a child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). 

Visit the Herefordshire Now webpage to download the latest edition and to view past editions.

Autism West Midlands have a number of events coming up this term and into the spring including online workshops and webinars and in-person social groups and workshops. These are provided free of charge and can be accessed with or without a formal diagnosis. Visit the Autism West Midlands Eventbrite page to see all of the events and register for your space.

Autism West Midlands are looking for feedback on autism support services in Herefordshire to help shape services that reflect the needs of the community. The survey is about services for adults, aged 16+, and they would like to hear your suggestions and ideas. Click the button below to complete the survey and have your say.