Subject: SEND E-Newsletter May 2022

Welcome to your latest SEND Newsletter.


This edition includes information on how we are supporting transitions through education, news on a special schools relocation plans and a new platform for young people with autism to access. 

Supporting children, young people and families through transition
Supporting all children and young people including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) through an educational transition process is extremely important for their future.


Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust have worked in partnership to create a new framework which supports the transition process from early years up to further education and preparation for adulthood.


Cath McEvoy-Carr, Executive Director for children’s services, said: “It is vital that our children and young people are supported through every stage of their educational journey so that they can thrive and grow.


“This new framework will help those who are working with children and young people with SEND feel supported to ensure they have the best opportunities in life.”


Following consultation with schools, parents, carers, children and young people the council and its partners, have created evidence-based whole school approaches to transitions, developed bespoke training and shared information with parents and carers.

Special school relocation and coeducation provision approved

Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet have approved officer recommendations to proceed with the proposals to re-locate and provide co-educational provision at Atkinson House Special School.


Following publication of the Council’s statutory proposal on 13 January 2022 Cabinet have agreed that the school can increase its numbers from 80 to 100 pupils, changing from a single sex school to co-educational from September 2022.


Approval was also given for the school to relocate from its current site in Seghill, Northumberland to a new site at the former Richard Coates site in Ponteland, Northumberland conditionally upon the granting of planning permission.


Formal consultation took place for four-weeks from 13 January allowing anyone with an interest in this project to feedback and have their say.


Cath McEvoy-Carr, Executive Director for children’s services, said: “It is extremely important that we provide the best support for our young people who have social, emotional and mental health needs.


By relocating and widening the provision available through Atkinson House Special School we can do just that.


Every child and young person should have the same opportunities and access to education, in an environment in which they can learn and thrive.


More girls and boys will now benefit from that opportunity from September through this new provision.”  

Health Education England, Project Choice, is a specialist college providing tailored educational support, and a supported internship course for young adults aged 16-24 with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and/or Autism.


Project Choice are holding a drop-in session on Friday 10 June giving students, parents and carers interested in starting September 22 a chance to find out more.


The session is to be held between 9 am until 7pm at Northumbria House, Manor Walks Shopping Centre, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 6UR.


Parking at Manor Walks shopping centre is free for up to four hours.


No appointment necessary as we welcome walk ins.


Alternatively, you can find out more information online.

Ambitious about Autism 

Ambitious about Autism has launched the UK’s first online platform for autistic young people.

This offers autistic young people aged 16 to 25 a safe and moderated online space to help them understand their autistic identity and reduce isolation and loneliness that many feel.  


Young people will be able to take part in peer support sessions, share experiences and find volunteering, work experience and employment opportunities. There will also be opportunities for them to work together and campaign for change.  

Time to Talk Next Steps

Time to Talk Next Steps is a three-year programme run by

National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) aimed at supporting young people with additional needs to build confidence, provide motivation and make plans for the future.


This free support is available for young people in England who are aged 16 to 25 and have additional needs. It is for young people who are experiencing anxiety, isolation and who have limited or no plans for the future. They may be in school or in college or have finished all education and are unsure how to move forward.


To find out what support is available and how to access that support visit their website via the link below.

Child Exploitation Awareness
Child Exploitation Awareness Day took place in March – a day which highlights the issues around Child Exploitation; encouraging everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero-tolerance policy to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children or children exploiting and abusing their peers.

Northumberland County Council are committed to the fight against child criminal and child sexual exploitation, supporting victims and their families who are subjected to child exploitation. Together, we can work to inform, educate and prevent child abuse within Northumberland.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, so it is important to learn how to Spot the Signs:

· Change in friends
· Change in appearance
· Missing day or night
· Going to new places
· Spending more time online
· Unexplained injuries
· Coping mechanisms; self-harm, alcohol or drugs
· New unexplained items


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