ForDisabledChildren

sefton.gov.uk/aiminghigh

16 Spring2015

Young people had lots of funat Aintree Youth Club recently Find out more on page 7

02 Aiming High

Sefton’s Local OfferThe Children & Families Act 2014has introduced lots of changes tothe way disabled children aged 0-25yrs access support, services andinformation. As part of these reforms every LocalAuthority needs to publish a ‘LocalOffer’.

The purpose of the Local Offer is toenable parents and carers anddisabled young people to see moreclearly what services are available intheir area and how to access them.

The Local Offer is available as part ofthe Sefton Directory, and is acomprehensive information service forfamilies, children, young people andprofessionals covering all aspects ofspecial needs provision, includingeducation, health and social care.

Sefton’s Local Offer website has beendesigned following consultation withlocal families, children, young people,

and with the support of the SeftonParent Carer Forum.

Over time it is intended that the LocalOffer will develop further and willchange as services, policies andguidance changes. However we arevery interested in what you think andwill be seeking feedback from all users.There is an online form you cancomplete with any queries, questions orfeedback.

Colin Pettigrew, Director for Children'sServices in Sefton, said: "A wide rangeof stakeholders have played a part indeveloping and implementing Sefton'sSEN reforms and, in particular, the LocalOffer.

"The Local Offer is a comprehensiveinformation resource and the focal pointof the way families of children with SENand young people with SEN interactwith local services. In addition, there isthe opportunity to feedback on serviceprovision and raise queries that will be

essential in helping the council and itspartners to further develop and improvethe Local Offer and review services asappropriate."

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council's CabinetMember for Children, Schools, Familiesand Leisure, said: "The SEN reforms inSefton are about giving children, youngpeople and their families theindependence to make informeddecisions about their lives and theirfutures.

"As it develops, the ‘Local Offer’ willincreasingly become the place wherethey can access the kind of informationand support to make those importantdecisions."

View the Local Offer atwww.seftondirectory.co.uk/localofferor call the SEND Information, Adviceand Support Service on 0151 934 3334 or by emailseftonsendiass@sefton.gov.uk

Hello

Welcome to theSpring 2015 issueof Aiming High forDisabled Children.

You will notice thatthis issue looksvery different, whilealso feeling very

familiar. To coincide with the ongoingdevelopment of Sefton’s Local Offer forchildren with special educationalneeds and disabilities (SEND), we havebranded the newsletter using thecolours used for the offer.

The development of the Local Offer hasbeen taking place for some time now,with the launch of its official homewithin the Sefton Directory, taking placeat the turn of the year. It is a significantproject led by the Local Authority,parents and carers and our partners; itwas always going to take time todeliver. I am proud of the collectiveeffort of everyone who has supportedand delivered it to date, but amequally aware that there is still muchmore to be done. It is vitally importantthat staff, parents and carers continue

to work closely together to ensure thatit continues to improve and develop.You can read more about it in thearticle on this page.

Staying with the theme of familyconsultation, we have dedicated thecentre pages of this issue to theevaluation of our summer short breaksprogramme and the overwhelminglypositive feedback we have receivedfrom parents and carers. It goesalmost without saying, as a ServiceManager of Sefton Council, how proudI am of the impact this programme hashad on supporting family resilience byproviding this short break. It is alwaysimportant for our team to work closelywith you and that in doing so we’vealso managed to make theprogramme so much fun.

We are currently updating the eligibilityand threshold criteria for children andyoung people with special needs.Some of you may have been involvedin workshops we held last September.We are now hoping to widen theconsultation and as always wouldwelcome your feedback. I will keepyou informed about when this will start

and how you can get involved, sowatch this space.

In this issue of AHDC, it is nice to see arange of settings supporting childrenand young people with SEN anddisabilities, which we’ve highlightedwith excellent examples of AimingHigh’s joined up approach todelivering comprehensive support tolocal families. Two young people whoare certainly proactive in playing a rolein their local community and livingfulfilling lives are regular AHDCcontributor, Diane Jones and localvolunteer, Phil Rigby. I am sure you willgain as much pleasure from readingtheir contributions as I have.

Last but not least, I hope that you findthe information provided in thisnewsletter useful and interesting, andof course, feedback on how we canimprove our communications withfamilies is always welcomed.

Kind regards

Jacqui Kerr, Service ManagerEarly Intervention and Prevention(Family Support)

03Aiming High

Stepping Stones to support with newparenting programmes The Aiming High Family Support Team ispleased to announce that three familysupport workers are now trained in theStepping Stones parenting programme.

The programme is for parents withchildren age 2-10yrs with a physical orlearning disability, such as an autismspectrum disorder (ASD), Down’ssyndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome toname a few.

Although the age range of this support

is broad, the flexibility of the formatallows the content to be tailored to eachfamily’s specific needs.

For you to access this programme, yourchildren will have a physical or learningdisability, as well as moderate to seriousbehavioural difficulties that take place inmore than one setting, such as at homeand school. Parents will be having somedifficulties managing their child’sbehaviour.

The Family Support Team is planning tostart the first course in early spring, withvenues currently being finalised.

If you think that this programme issomething that you and your child willbenefit from, contact Jane Backlandat the Aiming High Family SupportTeam on 0151 934 3845 or by email:Jane.Backland@sefton.gov.uk

Full programme for half term in February The Aiming High Short Breaks teamprovided another successfulprogramme over February half term.New initiatives included working closerwith the paediatric physiotherapist teamto utilise a ‘Wheels for All’ session forimproving some of the young people’sposture, core strength andrehabilitation. Rosemary Turner of SouthSefton Children’s Physiotherapy said:

‘I am hoping to continue to build linksbetween the wheels for all sessions heldat Litherland Sports Park and thechildren who we know with specificphysical difficulties. It is a great venue forencouraging children to cycle, for all the

reasons that able bodied children cycleas well as part of rehab followingsurgery. I am keen to encourage ourfamilies to attend the Wheels for Allsession and I am sure that with a littlethought and planning of accessories toenable the children to keep their feet onthe pedals, more children with physicaldifficulties will be able to take advantageof this session.’

The Aiming High team have alsopromoted sessions in association withuniversal services, including events atDunes Splash World and a Family Dayat Blackpool Sandcastle during publicaccess times. This has developed the

young people’s interaction and socialskills. Aiming High Short Breaks WorkerEmily Jones said,

‘The more public sessions we can putour children into, will help them todevelop their coping skills. The staffsupport we provide also allows familiesto access these universal activities thatthey may find difficult to use at othertimes. It is also another small step alongthe path of raising awareness ofdisability in society.’

For more information on Aiming HighShort Breaks holiday activities, contactJohn Doran on 0151 288 6817.

Support for children 0-5yrs at Thornton Children’s Centre Thornton Children’s Centre can offerchildren 0-5yrs with SEN and disabilitiesand their families specialist provision tosupport them to play, learn and just asimportantly, have fun.

Those children who require thisspecialist support, can also accessmainstream services.

As part of the specialist programmedeveloped at Thornton Children’sCentre, families have access to:

• Support and advice from FamilyDevelopment Workers.

• Learning and information sessions forparents and carers.

• The ‘Little Owls’ after school club forfamilies every Wednesday during termtime.

• Respite play sessions for childrenunder the age of 6 during schoolholidays.

• A sensory room.• Parent support groups.

The programme available at Thornton

Children’s Centre has gone fromstrength-to-strength with the support ofSefton Carers Centre and SeftonCouncil’s Aiming High for DisabledChildren Service.

Caroline Roberts from Sefton’s ParentCarer Team is now based at the centreeach Wednesday and Thursday. She willbe offering advice, support andinformation for parents and carers, aswell as organising specialist advice andinformation sessions for families.

To find out more about what is onoffer at Thornton Children’s Centre,call Irene Whitworth on 0151 934 4991.

04 Aiming High

The Aiming High Short Breaks team would like to say amassive thank you to all parents, carers and families whohelped us to evaluate our 2014 Summer programme. As well as gathering your feedback at our Family Fun Days, we also sent out acomprehensive Summer 2014 Evaluation questionnaire and wereoverwhelmed with the comments we received. With questions onorganisation, venue, staffing, activities, outings and future programmes, wereceived a great range of extremely positive comments, together with helpfulsuggestions we can incorporate into the planning of this year’s programme.

Some of the things you told us:

“It transformed our Summer, thankyou!”

“Helped us to break up the holidaysfor our son, getting him out of thehome doing activities he enjoys andseeing his friends, which enabled therest of the family to have respite.”

We hope to make the selection daysand all other holiday programmeseven easier to book by introducingan on-line booking system, whichyou will be updated about.

VENUESLast Summer, our programme wasdelivered from four on-site venues —Larkfield, Merefield, Rowan Park andNewfield Schools. Of the responsesgiven, 86% indicated that familieswere either ‘very’ or ‘extremelysatisfied’ with the choice and locationof the venues used. The newlyopened Rowan Adventure Park wasa huge success, giving young peoplethe opportunity to enjoy a large butsafe outdoor space.

“Rowan Park is a fantastic place!”

“My son enjoyed the outdoor spaceand playing football onthe big field at Larkfield.”

“Extremely happy - I livequite near MerefieldSchool.”

Our venues do changefrom year to year as wehave to depend on theiravailability, however wedo strive to provide aneven distribution acrossthe borough. We arealready in the processof negotiating withvenues for Summer2015.

Thank you for yourfeedback!

Evaluation — Summer 2014 Holiday Programme

ORGANISATION86% of the families who returned ourquestionnaire found the SelectionDay an easy way to book onto theSummer holiday programme.

“Once you know how, it is straightforward and simple.”

“It was my first year doing thebooking process and all the staffwere amazing.”

With 93% of families indicating thatthey were either very or extremelyhappy with the offer of eight on-sitedays, two off-site days and twofamily fun days, none expresseddissatisfaction.

“Lots of choice — worked well for us.”

“Great variety and choice. Generousallocation.”

The majority of families (89%) felt thatthe programme had provided themwith an adequate short break overthe Summer holidays.

“We found the help over the Summerholidays invaluable and couldn’tcope without it.”

05Aiming High

STAFFINGStaff scored very highly on ourevaluations, with over 95% offamilies indicating that theirexperience of staff was positive andthat their children were looked aftersafely and sensitively. Staff weredescribed as “organised andenthusiastic”, “very polite andhelpful”, “very understanding of mychild’s needs”, “disability aware”,“lovely”, “wonderful”, “positive andfriendly”.

Some parents added commentsrelating to the support shown tothem; “helpful and supportive,accompanying me to the car whenmy son had a tantrum”, “friendly totalk to”, “gave some great advicehow to help my son be less anxiousaway from home”, “welcomed myson in a positive and mature way”.

ACTIVITIES ANDOUTINGSReflecting on our activities andoutings 88% of responses indicatedthat we provided good informationabout the activities and outingsavailable. We will continue to look atways to improve this. Staff will be onhand to deal with enquiries on bothSelection Days this year and you cankeep updated by logging onto our‘Facebook’ page at ‘Sefton Aiming

High’. Of responses provided byparents and carers, 83% felt that theactivities and outings provided were‘very’ or ‘extremely appropriate’ fortheir child.

“My son really enjoyed the Wheelsfor All”

“My son really enjoyed CrosbyLakeside and still talks about it now.”

“He enjoyed himself withoutquestion. He was always asking‘When is my next day out?’”

“His best year yet! He was verypositive.”

“Enjoys mixing with the other childrenvery much.”

The regular Family Fun Days proveda massive hit with both parents anddisabled children. Some of thefeedback we received included:

“We loved it! My son brought afriend who he can’t usually socialisewith outside of school but because ofthe environment you created, it waspossible.”

“Good to have time with kids to meetand mix with staff and otherparents.”

“Went to the family day at RowanPark and thought it was fantastic.”

“We love all the family days — alwayslots to do.”

FUTUREACTIVITIESSuggestions included morefamily outings, a wider range ofactivities during our on-site days,more days at Crosby LakesideAdventure Centre, drama andproject-based activities.

As always your feedback isinvaluable to us and we use it toplan and shape future holidayprogrammes.

We would like to thank everyonewho took the time to fill in thequestionnaire and share theirexperiences with us.

We have already sent out detailsabout how to access our summerholiday programmes. If you havenot received one and would likemore information, please contacta member of the team on0151 288 6811 or emailaiminghigh@sefton.gov.uk.

We have also sent out a new‘Care Plan’ which has beendesigned after listening to thecomments of our parents andstaff. Please complete this andreturn it to us before 27 March2015.

In order to book onto the activitiesyou will need to attend one of ourselection days. These will be heldon Sunday 7 June 10am -2pm atDunes Splashworld, Southportand Saturday 13 June 12pm-4pm at Netherton Activity Centre.

For more information, pleasecontact the Aiming High ShortBreaks Team on 0151 288 6811or by email:aiminghigh@sefton.gov.uk

06 Aiming High

Everydaysupportforpeopleliving withtourettes We know that living withTourette Syndrome (TS) canbe a daily challenge.

The condition can make going towork, school or even out with friendsmore complicated. Aside from thesymptoms themselves beingproblematic, a lot of the time issuesarise when other people andorganisations do not understandwhat TS is.

Fortunately, there is support availableto help people with TS bettermanage everyday challenges.Tourettes Action has put togetheradvice on some of the topics thatthey often get asked about.

Support in school

Advice for parents and young peopleabout how to make sure you get theright support from your school.

Support for young people

We answer the questions that youngpeople with TS most often want toknow.

For more information visit tourettes-action.org.uk and click ‘Support in everyday life’

You can contact Tourettes Actionon 0300 777 8427

A Southport mum has dedicated a considerableamount of her spare time to raising funds for a localcharity close to her heart.

trains at Dunes Leisure Centre inSouthport and compete across theNorth West.

John Doran, Inclusion Practitioner atthe Aiming High Short Breaks Team,spoke highly of Angie’s commitment.

“Angie was very instrumental inraising funds for a group of disabledathletes that had the opportunity tovisit the Paralympic Games in 2012. Itwas a fantastic opportunity for theathletes to experience the games andinspire them in their quest for sportingexcellence. She has now mobilisedherself to raise more funds andawareness for this great cause.”

If you want to sponsor Angie forher next challenge, visitjustgiving.com/ridinghigh2 orcontact her on 07729 470 163 orby email:angela.booth@rocketmail.com

Nothing but thebest for localfundraising Mum

Angie Booth, whose son Ollie hasbehavioural difficulties and playsfootball for one of Everton in theCommunity’s Disability teams, hasbeen fundraising for the charity forover a year. Not the mostconventional of fundraisers, Angieorganises a variety of challenges thatnot only test her physical strength, butalso her mental toughness.

With a pathological fear of heights,the 42-year-old took on threechallenges in 2014 which saw her dothe Go Ape Forest Adventures HighRope Walk and zip slide overGoodison Park. Refusing to rest on herlaurels, Angie is in the middle ofpreparing for her next feat, cyclingover 400km from Yosemite to SanFrancisco this coming June.

Speaking of her dedication to EvertonFootball Club’s official charity, Angiesaid:

“I am not a football fan, but I supportEverton in the Community. You don’trealise just how much work they dothroughout the North West, or howmany people they actually help. Thediversity of their programmes isincredible.”

Oliver has been a crucial member ofthe Aiming High EiTC Team, which haswon plaudits from the LiverpoolCounty FA, organisers of the AbilityCounts football leagues. The team

Angela and Oliver representingEverton in the Community before thebig match kicks off!

Hi Everyone,

Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a goodChristmas and didn’t eat toomuch turkey!

Recently, I have been going tothe ‘Best Buddies’ group whichis held at The Phoenix pub in

Southport. The group meets every Monday evening from7.30pm til late. We can chat with friends, dance, watch TVand if anybody fancies being the DJ they can have a go.

07Aiming High

Diane's News

Spotlight onAintree Junior Youths Aintree Junior Youths is one of Aiming High'syouth sessions for disabled young peopleaged 10 - 12 years. It runs every Tuesdayduring school term at Aintree Village Youthand Community Centre.Whilst there, young people can socialise with their friendsin a safe, engaging environment. The club offers a largesocial area, an arts and craft room, an ICT suite and asecure outside area with flower/vegetable beds andplenty of space for outdoor games and sport. It is theperfect space to develop friendships, experience newopportunities to build self-esteem, confidence and to bemore independent.

The sessions follow the same format as Aiming High’sother Youth Sessions. ‘Junior Youths’ are encouraged toshare their ‘voices’ and identify what they wish to do,helping staff to plan and deliver a range of activities forthem. These include sessions that look at youth issues inthe world today, equipping disabled young people withthe knowledge and skills to help them confidently makethe right choices and assist them in later life.

For more information relating to Aintree or otherAiming High Youth Sessions, contact the Aiming HighShort Breaks Team on 0151 288 6811 or by email:aiminghigh@sefton.gov.uk

There are other sessions that take place across theborough.

Aiming High Short Breaksnot shortchanged byScrooge The cast of 40 actorsfrom New DirectionsDrama Group took tothe stage at the SPACECentre in Bootlerecently, with theirproduction of ‘MrScrooge’. The show is a modernadaptation of the story byCharles Dickens, taking youon a journey through the life ofmean old Mr Scrooge. The cast put their productionstogether over a 12 week rehearsal period and worktogether to provide an inclusive show for all actors andaudience to experience. Cast and crew were delighted to have the opportunity toput this show on again for the young people, parents andstaff at The Aiming High Team.Vicky Bennett — Performing Arts Tutor from New Directionssaid ‘It was fantastic to see how much the young people atAiming High enjoyed themselves. They clapped along,laughed out loud and were engaged throughout thewhole show. It’s amazing how drama can bring peopletogether no matter what your age or ability, there issomething for everybody. The cast had a fantastic time andhave already given their requests for the next big show’. For more information on SEN and disability friendlyprogrammes and activities at SPACE, contact VickyBennett on 0151 924 2406.

AIMING HIGH YOUTH SESS IONS:

When it’s someone’s Birthday we have a buffet and cake.The sessions cost 50p and everyone is welcome to comealong and join in.

At the moment I am helping out at a cookery course at TheLiving Well Centre. My favourite recipes so far have beenChicken Dhansak and Minestrone Soup.

I’m also on a ‘Keep Well and Warm’ course for 8 weeks atThe Living Well Centre. We have had some Zumba classes,made lunches and chatted over tea and coffee.

I am now looking forward to Spring and some betterweather.

Bye for now,

Diane

08 Aiming High

Autism Show 2015 The Autism Show takes place26 & 27 June 2015 at EventCity in Manchester.

Be informed, inspired andentertained by a wide selection offeatures at this year’s show.

This year’s show is sponsored byAuKids magazine, who will be givinga presentation at The Hub, pick up acopy at their stand and have achance to win a free subscription.

Tickets for the Autism Show are onsale now, with children and youngpeople’s entry free, while adults pay£12 online and £17 on the day.

To register for tickets, visit:autismshow.co.uk/register-now

You can contact the Autism Show on020 8882 0629 or by email:info@autismshow.co.uk

To find out more about AuKids,visit: aukids.co.uk

Meet localvolunteer Phil Rigby I worked at Dunes Splash World inSouthport for two weeks when I didmy work experience in November2014. I had a fun time filling thevending machines, cleaningwindows but my favourite wasswimming in the pool. I nowvolunteer at ‘Dunes’ every Friday andI really enjoy it, as I get to swim lotsand lots. I will be volunteering untilthe summer.

I also attend on Friday evenings withthe Aiming High Team. The session iscalled Active & Able. We play ballgames and sports for the first hourand then swim in the pool or slidedown the slides at Splash World forthe second hour, its good fun withmy friends and keeps me fit.

Rights in theWorkplace There's lots of information aboutparents' and carers' rights in theworkplace on Working Families'website, workingfamilies.org.ukIf the website doesn't answer yourquestions you can call Janet Mearnson 020 7017 0072 or WorkingFamilies' legal helpline 0300 012 0312.

Replacementwashingmachines andfridge freezersSefton Councils Energy Team havelimited funding to replace brokenWashing Machines and FridgeFreezers, with new energy efficientones, for families in need. To see ifyou qualify for this support, call 0151 934 2222.

Thornton Children’s Centre has acolourful and stimulating sensoryroom that can be used by anyfamilies who have a child under 5with additional needs or disabilities.

The room is open on Tuesday

mornings between 10-11.30am on a‘drop-in’ basis and families arewelcome to make use of the roomduring this time.

For more information, contact IreneWhitworth on 0151 934 4991.

Sensory room drop in atThornton Children’s Centre

Specialistleaflet tosupportGrandparentsof disabledchildren Contact A Family (CAF) haveproduced a leaflet forgrandparents whose grandchildren have a disability. Theyasked grandparents to share theirexperiences and the leaflet can bedownloaded at:http://bit.ly/1CSJ5lN

You can contact CAF on 0808 808 3555