Welcome to the Christmas edition of SEND Matters.

2021 has been a very different year for us all.
We have all experienced a number of challenges to our everyday way of life – having the threat of a global pandemic; seeing loved ones become affected directly and indirectly; lockdowns; working and learning remotely, and adapting to new approaches to everyday living.

Despite all of these challenges I am always inspired and amazed at the bravery, resilience and adaptability of all children and young people. The children and young people with additional needs in Bedford Borough have excelled themselves this year; we have seen this through the attitudes of pupils returning to school, in the ways in which young people are influencing how we provide services and through
the amazing Summer of SEND activities.

I am very conscious that our children and young people can only thrive when they are supported, inspired and cared for by so many amazing people – parents, family members, friends, teachers, teaching assistants, social workers, therapists… the list could go on. To every single person who provides this support – THANK YOU! You are heroes and everyone in Bedford Borough is lucky to have you.

I hope you have a wonderful festive break and look forward to a happy, healthy 2022!

Best wishes,

Ben

Ben Pearson

Chief Officer for Education, SEND and School Infrastructur

Holiday Activities

The Christmas holidays are often a wonderful time for families to come together, however we also know
that the extra excitement in the household can sometimes lead to families struggling to keep the children occupied and engaged.

As with every half term and school holiday, our Local Offer Officer has been hard at work pulling together a dedicated page filled with activities and ideas for keeping your children entertained this Christmas.

To find out more see the Full Edition of SEND Matters.

Healthy Parent Carer Programme

The Healthy Parent Carers programme is designed to improve parent carers’ health and wellbeing by promoting emotional balance through understanding, empowerment, confidence, and resilience.

To find out more see the Full Edition of SEND Matters.

Community Activities and Short Breaks

Bedford Borough Council is working with Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum to look at local community  Activities/short breaks for Bedford Borough families who have children with SEND and would like to hear from families to gather views about what they would like to see available for their child.

To find out how to have your say by reading the Full Edition of SEND Matters.