Welcome to the July / Summer Edition of SEND Matters.

We are now in the final week of term with many of
us now counting down the days until the summer holidays. Can you believe that this has been the first full school year without a national lockdown since 2018/2019? I am fully aware that Covid has not gone away and the year for many was still disrupted by Covid and closures of bubbles / year groups. Despite this, the resilience and perseverance of our children and young people has been inspiring to see.

However, I also know that this uncertainty has not been easy for every child and I would encourage any parent who feels their child may need some support at this time to speak to their child’s school or visit our Local Offer for more support.

I hope you enjoy this edition of SEND matters, every year we have tried to increase the amount of activities available for children and young people with SEND in the school holidays and I am particularly pleased that we will soon have not one, but three accessible play parks opening this summer on top of the most accessible river festival ever.

I hope that you all enjoy your summer holidays and that you are able to engage in one of the many different activities on offer this summer.

Best wishes,

Chris

Chris Morris

Acting Chief Officer for Education, SEND and School Infrastructure

Summer Holiday Activities

With schools closing for the Summer, many parents and
carers will be wondering what they can do with their young people to keep them occupied.

For more information on whats available this summer see the full edition of SEND Matters.

Ideas for keeping your children entertained this summer

The summer holidays are here but it can also be a long time having the young ones at home. You will know how to include activities that best support their needs but we have suggested a view examples.

Find out more by reading the full edition of SEND Matters.

50 things to do before you’re five

Parents and carers of under-fives in Bedfordshire can access 50 low and no-cost local activities via the free ’50 things to do before you’re five’ app. With information, guidance and supporting resources, each activity has been designed to help promote early language development.

There are handy ‘how to’ guides as well as local links to help you plan days out or trips to fun places around the borough.

For more information see the full edition of SEND Matters.