This summer, Bedford is hosting a ‘Summer of SEND’ and partners, children and young people involved in the projects have made a video to encourage everyone to get involved.
The programme of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) events has been devised by Bedford Borough Council, The Parent Carer Forum and BLMK CCG and had originally been intended to launch last summer.
After the successful launch of the Bedford Borough Local Offer in 2019, the plan was for 2020 to build on this success and be even bigger, but unfortunately, the global pandemic put the teams’ plans on hold.
Fast forward to summer 2021 and organisers have been hard at work, looking at the best way to engage with as many children, young people, parents and carers as possible in Bedford Borough. The Summer of SEND was born.
As part of The Summer of SEND, there is a whole host of events, webinars, activities, training for and much more for anyone to take part in.
So far you can book to engage with specialist SEND parenting sessions, attend dedicated training sessions on Dyslexia and ADHD, and learn about the brand new disability employment information page.
Cllr James Valentine, portfolio holder for children’s services and education said: “I am delighted to be able to launch Bedford Borough’s Summer of SEND. It has been a very difficult time and the pandemic has brought many challenges to families and professionals.
“We look forward to hearing from children, young people and their parents, carers and health professionals throughout the Summer of SEND during a fantastic, engaging summer of events and activities.
“Get involved and join us this summer.”
If you have any topic ideas or would like to put on an event and be part of Bedford Borough’s Summer of SEND, there is still time. You can email Local.Offer@bedford.gov.uk.
Follow the Local Offer social media and use the hashtag #SummerOfSEND
