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Summer Holiday Activities & More...

Childcare Sufficiency Survey Invitation 2019

Shared on behalf of Early Years and Child Care...

Childcare Sufficiency Survey Invitation 2019
Need or use Childcare – tell us about it
We are making a plan of all the childcare across Telford and Wrekin. If you use or want to use childcare, like nurseries, breakfast clubs, afterschool clubs or childminders we want to know your experiences.
Telling us will help us to make sure you have the support that you need, where you need it and when you need it
Complete our online survey - Childcare Survey
The survey will close on Monday 22 July, so hurry have your say.

IPSEA Guide - School exclusions: What is Legal?

This IPSEA guide covers all types of exclusions: fixed term, temporary, permanent, informal, unofficial, part time timetables, internal, isolation, managed move, off-rolling and gaming, elective home education, off-site provision. To read the guide in full, please click the following link: IPSEA Guide - School exclusions: What is Legal?

Restraint and Restrictive Intervention in Mainstream Settings

"The Department for Education is now seeking views on whether there is a need for further guidance on the use of restraint and restrictive intervention in mainstream schools, mainstream post-16 settings and educational settings offering alternative provision"

To read more and take part in the consultation, please click here: Restraint in Mainstream Settings and Alternative Provision Consultation

Mark Taylor Support Ltd - The Life Skills Project Summer Fete

Mark Taylor Support Ltd, are holding their Life Skills Project Summer Fete on Monday 22nd July from 1.30pm-3pm at Hollinswood Community Centre, Downemead, Hollinswood, Telford, TF3 2EW.

Summer Workshops at Beam

Beam are holding workshops throughout the Summer in Wellington and Shrewsbury, please contact: asksbeam@childrenssociety.org.uk for more information.

The Albrighton Trust Holiday Activities August 2019

The Albrighton Trust have lots of activities on offer in August, including Creative Crafts, Woodcraft & lots more...

Free Summer Fun Activities at Bowring Park Wellington

Snap Cannock Summer Fun Day 2019

Snap in Cannock are holding their Summer Fun Day on Saturday 27th July from 12pm-4pm. 

PODS Biggest Ever Picnic in the Park!

Monday 5th August 2019 from 10am-4pm at Admaston House, Admaston, Telford, TF5 0BN

PODS biggest ever Picnic in the Park sponsored by Telford & Wrekin Council. Come along and enjoy a day filled of fun in a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Even more activities than ever before, this year we have Quad bikes, Go-karts, Bubble football, Bouncy castle, Owl Man, Gaming Van, Photo-booth, Disco Dome, Messy Play, Sensory tent, Fun Science workshops, Craft Area, Glitter Tattoos, Face painting and even a visit from Minnie Mouse and a Ninja Turtle. There will be. Mobiloo on site all day for those who require it. Refreshments will be on sale, enjoy a picnic lunch with a choice of sandwiches, salads, crisps, fruit and much more to choose from. Or even a slice of cake and a hot drink for just £1 ice lollies will be available too. No need to book just turn up on the day and sign in, the children will be given a wristband enabling them to use all activities free of charge.

Weekly Update from Jayne Stevens (Participation Co-ordinator)...

Morning everyone - this is it! The final week before the 'big summer break' - are you ready? We're not . . . I'm currently trying to sort diary, opportunities to ensure no boredom sets in and an array of 'engagement' bits and pieces - oh and putting in practice what I learned at the Transition to "Employment" conference! I'm always happy to share a personal experience to those who 'get it' so watch this space . . .

So, this week has been spent getting ready for the Annual General Meeting that was held on Thursday. I've also taken part in a webinar looking at technology and how we can keep in touch with families, and teams of parent reps, we've had our steering group meeting on Tuesday and this is a great way to bring the team together, sharing what's working, discussions about what isn't working and how we can ensure the views of as wider parent carers are included as possible.

I've had an opportunity to meet with the new manager for IASS service again on a more formal basis this week, and we are talking about closer working arrangements with them - things like coffee mornings in schools and workshops so will be looking forward to that. We've been invited to a transition working group, a new meeting for us looking at primary to secondary transition. Some great ideas shared and we used parent feedback gathered through conversations at family groups and via our social media chatspace.

Thursday we had our AGM and our Annual Report will be shared on our website in due course. The AGM went really well, with updates from Participation (that'll be me LOL), from Shana our Face 2 Face Scheme Co-ordinator, and Elaine regarding funding and a general update, Kerrie our admin lady was on hand to keep us all organised too and Val and Alice for helping out organising refreshments and fish n chips for supper!

We've had two meetings this last week with commissioners, service managers and CaretTech regarding local respite services and a wider discussions regarding short breaks offer and there's another one this week at the Bridge School. We're committed to keeping you informed every step of the way and working closely to those who make the decisions of course.

On Friday I was able to attend NASEN Live (SEND teaching professionals conference). As forums were invited to attend - lots of focus about working with parent carers, an update regarding the OFSTED SEND Inspection framework too - but will get all this written up in a bulletin and shared.

With the approach to the holidays we've set up a group "PODS Summer Ideas" which you can acess via our main page - there are some 'disability specific' options on there, but also some wider 'community based' activities - would love your feedback on these over the summer on what works or doesn't work for your family please? It's part of our role to work with community organisations to try and encourage them to be more accepting and inclusive of our community :)

Please always feel free to add in any comments about the content of this update - or message me on PODS page - or call me on 01952 271532.

Best Regards
Jayne Stevens (Participation Co-ordinator)

Come and join us at our New Look Family Groups throughout 2019!...

Wednesday 17th July 2019: PODS Family Group with BEAM (mental health support) from 9.30am-11.30am at Hollinswood Community Centre, 7 Downemead, Telford, TF3 2EW. To book your place, please click here

Friday 26th July 2019: PODs Face 2 Face Dawley Family Group Craft Activities from 9:30am-11:30am at Dawley Town Hall (opposite Langley School/CAMHS) New Street, Dawley, Telford, TF4 3JR. To book your place, please click here

Sunday 28th July 2019: Wacky Warehouse July Family Group from 9.30am-11.00am at the Wacky Warehouse, Bridge Builder Pub, Wrekin Retail Park, Arleston, Telford, TF1 2DE. To book your place, please click here

Monday 5th August 2019: PODS Picnic in the Park 2019 for details, please see the poster above.

Thank you for reading our latest bulletin. 

Kerrie Seagrave

Project Administrator on behalf of PODS Parent Carer Forum.

We hope you enjoyed reading our latest e-bulletin - we hope you continue to find it useful. If you have any suggestions to make it better feel free to let me know. 

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