What's happening in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

Published Monday, 16 May 2022

Latest news and updates about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Bromley

Our March 2022 SEND Matters Newsletter provides parents, carers, young people and professionals with information and updates that inform you of the latest news, developments and services for children, teenagers and young adults (aged from birth to 25 years old) who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Bromley.

In this edition you’ll learn more about how your feedback and views have shaped the development of new services, new project initiatives and new partnerships alongside upcoming events.

View previous editions of SENDMatters newsletters

Disability Confident - employment and development

If you have a disability or health condition, or are a parent or carer, we invite you to join our Disability Confident – Employment & Development event at the Bromley Civic Centre on Friday 27 May 2022 from 10am to 2pm.

Our event supports everyone who has a disability or health condition that has been a barrier to securing a job or career and connects them with employers, training providers and professionals from local and national government to support with job opportunities and skills development.

Book your place and reserve your own half hourly slot.

We look forward to meeting you all and supporting you to take steps forward in your working life!

Changes to the Blue Badge scheme

Blue Badges help people with disabilities or health conditions park closer to their destination. You can apply for a badge for yourself, on behalf of somebody else or an organisation that transports people that need a Blue Badge.

The eligibility criteria for the Blue Badge scheme  have been extended to also consider the needs of people who regularly experience

  • intense and overwhelming responses to situations causing temporary loss of behavioural control
  • frequently become extremely anxious or fearful of public/open spaces

In Bromley our Blue Badge team can provide more information that will help you to decide if you are eligible for a badge. They cannot start the assessment process until they have all the necessary evidence.

Blue Badge scheme Bromley

Autism family support service

Offering a universal service to all families with children with social communication difficulties (including autism).

In Bromley we are committed to providing support to all families with children presenting with social communication difficulties (including autism) and have created a new part time post was to reflect this promise.

The autism service family support co-ordinator offers:

  • A range of information sheets which seek to improve and develop parental knowledge around Autistic Spectrum Condition.
  • A telephone helpline which offers advice and guidance for next steps.
  • A monthly newsletter highlighting items of interest to families with children with autism.
  • Regular coffee morning/afternoons to provide a network of support for families.

Bromley Mencap  will be the specialist autism family support service and will work with families who need more intensive support and guidance around their child.

Contact our autism service family support co-ordinator by:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 020 8461 7697

Or post at:  Blenheim Children and Family Centre, Blenheim Road, Orpington, Kent BR6 9BH

The Bromley All Age Autism Strategy

We are pleased to share our first Autism Matters newsletter for 2022 which replaces our Bromley All-Age Autism newsletter. Find out more about our Autism Strategy in Bromley

Latest webinars from Bromley Y

Bromley Y have launched a series of new webinar interventions around school avoidance and academic stress for children and young people and parents/carers of Bromley residents and Bromley school or college pupils.

Visit the full calendar of Bromley Y events for more information about calendar 

Young people’s voices – make yourself heard and earn a £10 voucher!

We’re opening up an opportunity for young people (aged 14-25) with special educational needs or disabilities to tell us what they want to know about their move into adulthood.

We would like to work with schools and colleges to identify young people who would like to tell us their views about the support that they need as they prepare for adult life across the preparing for adulthood pathways of:

  • Education, Employment and Training
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Developing Independence
  • Friendships and Community

If you are, or if you know a young person who would like to get involved and earn a £10 voucher please email [email protected] for more information.

Disability Living Allowance for children

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) have produced two playlists of information videos that explain Disability Living Allowance, the process for applying for it, what happens after you have claimed and what happens when a child turns 16.  DWP Disability Living Allowance information videos

These are also available in British Sign Language. DWP Disability Living Allowance videos in British Sign Language.

Government launches new National Disability Strategy

The government has launched its new National Disability Strategy, which outlines its plans to make our country better for the 14 million disabled children and adults in the UK.

This ambitious strategy sets out 100 immediate commitments supported by £1.6bn of funding alongside an ambitious agenda for future reform.

Watch the National Disability Strategy overview video 

New national autism strategy for England

The government has published its autism strategy, which sets out how it plans to support autistic adults and children in England over the next five years.

Read the national strategy for autistic children, young people and adults 2021 to 2026 

The national strategy for autistic children, young people and adults 2021 to 2026 (easy read)