South Tyneside Parent Carer Forum

5th December 2023J Donkin

Dear Community,

South Tyneside Parent Carer ForumĀ need your help gathering thoughts and experiences on Transitions!

Has your child or young person experienced a transition in the last 12 months? If so, we would love to hear from you!

Effective and successful transitions, from one setting to another and/or from one class to another are crucial to a child/young personā€™s learning and their wellbeing.

We often hear from parents about poorly handled transitions when information about prior learning or support is not shared at the right time to provide a smooth transition. We know this can have a significant impact on the child and their family.

STPCF are keen to find out about familiesā€™ experiences of transition arrangements in South Tyneside and identify what a good transition should look like.

Whilst your response will be anonymous, we will share the findings from this survey with the Local Authority and other agencies, to help inform service improvement in this area.

As a special thank you for your valued time and input, please provide your email address at the end of the survey if you wish to be entered into a draw to win a Ā£20, Ā£30 or Ā£50 voucher!

Link to survey:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=LJu71pRPuEy-i_rv0v3vSEmmd3u5zPpMtCchRPw70zFUQVVIUzZHQVNHTEMzMkQxTjRUVlZBMlJGMS4u

Preparing for Christmas.

17th November 2023J Donkin

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

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/christmas-resources?utm_source=The%20National%20Autistic%20Society&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=14212635_MKT_SB%20AP_EducationNL%2015.11.2023&utm_content=Christmas%20tips%20button&Keywords=Christmas%20tips%20button&dm_i=YA3,8GMJF,V79T0F,YY9EZ,1

Parent Carer Forum Needs You!

9th November 2023J Donkin

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

Supporting childrenā€™s health this winter

8th November 2023h teacher

The North East and North Cumbria Child Health and Wellbeing Network have developed a new Healthier Together website and app to support their work to reduce pressures experienced within the healthcare system this winter and to offer trusted NHS advice to parents/corers when their baby or child is unwell.

The website is full of valuable advice and has a link for parents to download the app.

https://www.nenc-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/

Review of Physiotherapy and Occupational Services in South Tyneside.

27th October 2023J Donkin

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