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Get involved!

30 May 2024

Get Involved!

We are actively seeking new members to help us better understand and represent the needs of parents and carers of children and young people with special needs.

 

Jonathan Langan, Chair of the Forum, says: “Membership can be as dynamic as you like, whether you want to receive information, share your parent experience, or join us as a committee member. We’d love to hear from you!”

 

By becoming a member, you enable us to gather your opinions and personal experiences on various issues, which helps improve our representation of the parent voice. Membership also keeps you informed about relevant activities and information.

Partnership meeting discussions with Deputy Ward focused on three priority areas

23 May 2024

Development of a SEND specific micro-site

Families face difficulties navigating the system and accessing information, leading to frustration and anxiety, but believe that a centralised, co-produced website could significantly improve their experience, a solution currently being developed with input from the Parent Carer Forum.

Question asked:

To ensure the minister was aware of this important piece of work and ask for support with the business case

 

Staffing Crisis

Parents are frustrated and concerned about staff retention issues that extend beyond pay and status, causing staff fatigue, inadequate support for children, and some class closures, despite ongoing efforts to address these challenges.

Question asked:

Other than the TA recruitment and training initiatives, is there work being done to address some of the wider issues being voiced by parents?

 

Improving the Record of Need (RoN) Process

Parents find the RoN process stressful and confusing, with key issues including lack of clear communication from core teams (School and SEN Team); access to information; inconsistent experiences and a need for more transparency about decision making and resources required.

Question asked:

How is Government working with fee paying/grant schools to ensure an effective inclusion strategy, consistent with provided schools?

We will continue to update you on our work.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Record of Need (RoN) Workshop last week and for the survey responses on the same subject.

08 May 2024

“It’s like a big secret, how it works and who gets them, feels like information is withheld and no one explains how it works to you.”  This quote best encapsulated the mood of parent voice on the subject of the Record of Need (RoN) process.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Record of Need (RoN) Workshop last week and for the survey responses on the same subject.

By way of initial feedback, we understand:

  1. The RoN diagrams that were shared at the workshop will shortly be on gov.je. We will share them with you, once online.
  2. A greater focus on RoN and parent’s experiences will form part of future SENCO training.
  3. Further ways of improving the process and communication with parents/carers are being considered, taking into account the feedback.

We will continue to update you on this and there is still time to share your experience through our survey.

Parent Carer Forum Jersey calls for parents voices to be heard in Education Inclusion Review

10 June 2021

In light of the Government’s announcement that the National Association for Special Educational Needs (nasen) are conducting an independent evaluation of inclusion in education and early years in the island over the coming weeks, the Parent Carer Forum is urging parents and carers to complete the Government survey to share their views on a number of key issues affecting the inclusion of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in education.

Parent Case Study: Transition to Adulthood - what does the future hold?

12 May 2021

This week is Mental Health Awareness week and for parents of children with special needs, navigating the system to ensure you are doing the right thing for their future can be mentally draining and stressful for both the parent and the child.  One area where this holds particularly true is the transition to adulthood.  How do you prepare them?  Will they ever be ready?  How can you best support them? It isn’t even clear when they become an adult according to our system.  Is it 16, 18, 21, 25?  This parent story highlights some of the issues they are encountering as their child makes the transition.

Parent Case Study: Education and the deaf child

7 May 2021

The theme of this year’s Deaf Awareness Week is  ‘Coming Through it Together,’ which is explored in this personal story by a parent from their deaf child’s experience through education.  The aim of this week is to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people who are deaf or hard of hearing.  If you have similar experiences we would love to hear from you.

Parent Case Study: Autistic Spectrum Condition – When it all gets too much

1 April 2021

Sensory Overload

As we lead up to Friday, the Forum will be raising awareness. We will be looking at 3 different families, how they are affected and their daily struggles. Each parent’s case study will focus on one of our priority areas. Our case studies aim to help other parents feel that they are not alone and that problems can be halved if shared.

Our second case study focuses on Mental Health and tells the story of an autistic child’s journey from their parent’s viewpoint.

“The shoes are close to falling apart but they are comfy; the world sees a scruffy teenager but we know the reality”

Parent Case Study: An Education in ASC

30 March 2021

Boy and Teacher

As we lead up to World Autism Awareness Day, the Forum will be raising awareness through 3 family case studies. How they are affected and their daily struggles. Each parent’s case study will focus on one of our priority areas. Our case studies aim to help other parents feel that they are not alone and that problems can be halved if shared.

Our first case study focuses on Education and tells the story of a child’s  journey through school having received a diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Condition (or Asperger’s Syndrome), from his mother’s viewpoint.

“The funny thing about having a child with a hidden disability is that it can be a blessing and a curse, depending on the situation”.

As Children’s Mental Health Week gets underway Parent Carer Forum Jersey announces new Chair and 2021 priorities

01 February 2021

 Jonathan Langan

Jonathan Langan has been appointed as the new Chair of Parent Carer Forum Jersey to help drive forward the Forum’s priorities for the coming year.

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Fri July 19th

𝗔𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗧 (𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺) are inviting parents of school aged children to attend a training event adapted from the Autism Education Trust's ‘Making Sense of Autism’ course delivered to all schools in Jersey.

It’s a good opportunity to share with parents what training is offered to schools and aims to:

• Enhance understanding and awareness of autism
and how autism can affect children in schools

• Know the importance of understanding the individual
child and their profile of strengths and needs

• Identify potential barriers to learning for autistic children

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸, 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗞𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲@𝗴𝗼𝘃.𝗷𝗲 𝗼𝗿
𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝟬𝟳𝟳𝟵𝟳 𝟵𝟭𝟮𝟰𝟯𝟰.

Children and Families Hub Children, Young People, Education & Skills #Send #inclusion #autism
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𝗔𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗧 (𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺) are inviting parents of school aged children to attend a training event adapted from the Autism Education Trusts ‘Making Sense of Autism’ course delivered to all schools in Jersey.

It’s a good opportunity to share with parents what training is offered to schools and aims to: 

• Enhance understanding and awareness of autism
 and how autism can affect children in schools

• Know the importance of understanding the individual
 child and their profile of strengths and needs

• Identify potential barriers to learning for autistic children

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸, 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗞𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲@𝗴𝗼𝘃.𝗷𝗲 𝗼𝗿
𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝟬𝟳𝟳𝟵𝟳 𝟵𝟭𝟮𝟰𝟯𝟰.

Children and Families Hub Children, Young People, Education & Skills  #Send #inclusion #autism

Thu July 11th

𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚

A group of key stakeholders who represent adults with learning disabilities, autism and disabilities have been working hard to gather together issues around housing.

The group are meeting with Deputy Sam Mézec, Minister for Housing, to discuss the issues and ask questions about housing.

If you have experience to share, please get in touch via our contact form (link in comments).

forms.office.com/r/6MJGTetPFx

#disability #Send #parentcarers
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𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚

A group of key stakeholders who represent adults with learning disabilities, autism and disabilities have been working hard to gather together issues around housing.

The group are meeting with Deputy Sam Mézec, Minister for Housing, to discuss the issues and ask questions about housing.

If you have experience to share, please get in touch via our contact form (link in comments). 

https://forms.office.com/r/6MJGTetPFx

 #disability #Send #parentcarers

Sat June 29th

From 10am to 11am there will be a quiet and sensory-friendly hour some families may appreciate.Celebrate Jersey Children’s Day 2024 - bring a picnic and join us for a family fun day.

📆 Sunday 7 July 11am - 5pm
📍Howard Davis Park

The annual event is dedicated to recognising and celebrating Jersey’s children and young people and advocating for their well-being and rights. The 2024 edition will feature free activities for the community to enjoy, alongside performances from youth performers on the park stage throughout the day.

There will be a quiet and sensory-friendly hour from 10am - 11am.

To find out more, visit gov.je/ChildrensDay

Children, Young People, Education and Skills | Jersey Youth Service | Youth Arts Jersey | Skills Jersey | NSPCC | States of Jersey Police | Waitrose & Partners Channel Islands Co-operative | The Bosdet Foundation | Jersey Sport | Jersey Heritage
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From 10am to 11am there will be a quiet and sensory-friendly hour some families may appreciate.

Sat June 29th

𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒!

The Adult Learning Disability Service invites all islanders with a learning disability to join them in celebrating this year’s Learning Disability Week (17th-21st June)!

📅 Date: Friday, 5th July
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
📍 Location: Howard Davis Park, St Helier

This year’s theme, "𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐦𝐞?", is all about being seen, heard, and valued.

The Service has been collaborating with MENCAP, Les Amis, Beresford Street Kitchen (BSK), Acorn, and many other fantastic partners who support the learning disability community to be seen, heard, and valued in every aspect of life.

Enjoy a 20-piece brass swing band playing wonderful music throughout the morning!

𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝.

A day of celebration, connection, and fun!

For more details, visit: Adult Learning Disability Service (easy read) (link in comments)
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𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒!

The Adult Learning Disability Service invites all islanders with a learning disability to join them in celebrating this year’s Learning Disability Week (17th-21st June)!

📅 Date: Friday, 5th July
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
📍 Location: Howard Davis Park, St Helier

This year’s theme, 𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐦𝐞?, is all about being seen, heard, and valued. 

The Service has been collaborating with MENCAP, Les Amis, Beresford Street Kitchen (BSK), Acorn, and many other fantastic partners who support the learning disability community to be seen, heard, and valued in every aspect of life.

Enjoy a 20-piece brass swing band playing wonderful music throughout the morning!

𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝.

A day of celebration, connection, and fun!

For more details, visit: Adult Learning Disability Service (easy read) (link in comments)

Comment on Facebook

It is a Shame that this is on a Friday- more people could attend with their families at the weekend?

Tue June 18th

Did you know that we have a Facebook group just for parents and carers?

A place to share concerns or get involved to help improve services as we partner with Government.

Join us:
www.facebook.com/groups/299943612492170/

#ParentVoice #disability #Send
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Did you know that we have a Facebook group just for parents and carers?

A place to share concerns or get involved to help improve services as we partner with Government.

Join us:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/299943612492170/

#ParentVoice #Disability #Send

Tue June 18th

Battle of the Bands - Friday, 21 June at Chambers!

In the spirit of ‘amplifying’ LD awareness and to celebrate learning disability (LD) awareness week, Les Amis has organised 'Battle of the Bands'.

👪 Family-Friendly: (Under 18s welcome until 21:00)

Admission: FREE to the public!

For more event details, check out: www.lesamis.org.je/events/amplify-2024

#BattleOfTheBands #LDawareness #LesAmis
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Battle of the Bands - Friday, 21 June at Chambers!  

In the spirit of ‘amplifying’ LD awareness and to celebrate learning disability (LD) awareness week, Les Amis has organised Battle of the Bands.

👪 Family-Friendly: (Under 18s welcome until 21:00) 

Admission: FREE to the public! 

For more event details, check out: http://www.lesamis.org.je/events/amplify-2024 

#BattleOfTheBands #LDawareness #LesAmis

Wed June 12th

Carers are unsung heroes who often bear the brunt of immense responsibilities without adequate support. That's why organisations like Jersey Recovery College are invaluable, offering free resources and programs to support our carers.

Take a look at their free courses designed to provide essential support.

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. But we also hear the reality from parents and carers: knowing this doesn't always make it possible to take a break from their duties.

#CaringForCarers #JerseyRecoveryCollege #SelfCare #CommunitySupport #MentalHealthMatters #CarersWeekWho cares for the carers? We do!

It's National Carers' Week and we are launching our suite of shorter taster courses for those who care for others.

Do you care for someone with a mental health need? Do you need some tools, respite, or me time? Our free courses have been specifically designed to be short and accessible - you can attend one or all four as suits you.

5.7 million people work as unpaid carers for friends or family in the UK and their contribution is vast, but their needs not always met. We hope to provide some strategies and a sense of connection vis our carers' sessions.

Find out more, and book, here: www.recovery.je/courses
Or email hello@recovery.je

(While not mandatory, attendance at session one - Mindfulness - is recommended before accessing any others.)
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Carers are unsung heroes who often bear the brunt of immense responsibilities without adequate support. Thats why organisations like Jersey Recovery College are invaluable, offering free resources and programs to support our carers.

Take a look at their free courses designed to provide essential support.

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. But we also hear the reality from parents and carers: knowing this doesnt always make it possible to take a break from their duties.

#CaringForCarers #JerseyRecoveryCollege #SelfCare #CommunitySupport #MentalHealthMatters #CarersWeek

Tue June 11th

It's #CarersWeek - and remember, parent carers are carers too.

We know from parents how a lack of time or support to take a break or to look after their own well-being means that they often face lower financial resilience, fewer opportunities to continue with their career, as well as a negative impact on their physical and mental health.

💜 We see you and appreciate you!

#Send #parentcarers #CarersWeek
... See MoreSee Less

Its #CarersWeek - and remember, parent carers are carers too. 

We know from parents how a lack of time or support to take a break or to look after their own well-being means that they often face lower financial resilience, fewer opportunities to continue with their career, as well as a negative impact on their physical and mental health. 

💜 We see you and appreciate you! 

#Send #parentcarers #CarersWeek

Wed June 5th

Free on Saturday 29 June to join Autism Jersey on their next 'walk and talk' event for parents and carers?

Our well being is so important with the added bonus of gaining support from other parents.🌟 PARENTS & CARERS 🌟

Why not join us for one of our weekend walking, talking coffee mornings?

The ideal way to take some time for yourself, boost your wellbeing, and meet like-minded people 💙

#autism #jerseyci #itsgoodtotalk #wellbeing #bekindtoyourmind
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Free on Saturday 29 June to join Autism Jersey on their next walk and talk event for parents and carers?

Our well being is so important with the added bonus of gaining support from other parents.