"Working together to be our best"
Our SENCO at Woodgate Primary Academy is Mrs Jenny Bird.
Mrs Bird is in school Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
If you would like to make an appointment please contact the school office on 01444 461329.
Short Breaks Statement 2025-2028
The new Short Breaks Statement 2025-2028 has now been published. Short Breaks are clubs and activities tailored to the support needs of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The Statement sets out the Council’s Short Breaks offer, detailing:
We have also produced a Summary Statement, which gives a brief overview of the programme. We are grateful to the West Sussex Parent Carer Forum who have helped to update the documents and collaborated with us. The Statement and Summary Statement can be found at the bottom of the Short Breaks page on the Local Offer Community activities and Short Breaks - West Sussex County Council |
What is SEND Stay and Play?Stay and Play is where young children can have fun in a secure, non-judgemental space where parent carers feel supported. It is for children aged 2-5 with SEND: they do not need to have a diagnosis but need to be starting the process and waiting for a Child Development Centre (CDC) appointment. You can read more about it in this piece by Donna Brigden, SEND Stay and Play Co-ordinator.
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Free online Disability Benefits webinars with the Citizen's Advice Bureau
Citizen Advice in West Sussex is hosting regular advice webinars to help parents and carers of young people with disabilities, including Special Educational Needs (SEND), navigate the benefits system.
As a parent or carer of a young person with a disability it can be very hard to understand the benefits system and know what a young person is entitled to.
Support given to a child or young person is dependent on their needs and so Citizens Advice in West Sussex, in partnership with Aldingbourne Trust, is hosting a series of events to provide vital support and information.
These sessions will help people understand how to apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for those under 16 and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for people 16 or over.
The aim of the webinars is to give information about who is eligible for these benefits and learn more about how to the fill in the applications themselves. In addition, participants will also learn about other benefits which could be available to them.
Each webinar is a group session on Zoom, with no more than 20 people.
Please go to Citizen Advice website for all the information about when the events are and to book a place.
West Sussex Parent Carer Forum (WSPCF)
With longer days and fresh energy in the air, we’re excited for the season ahead! Are you a member of the WSPCF? Sign up today to receive our exclusive newsletter! Stay informed with updates, professional development opportunities, and insights into the support we offer to families. Don't miss out - Become a Professional Member here We also welcome any enquiries—if you need information or signposting for the families you work with, don’t hesitate to reach out to us on office@wspcf.org.uk We're here to help! |
You may start seeing the Together for Change logo on different documents and services. This means the document or service has been shaped with the help of our panel. It shows our commitment to working together and making a real difference for SEND families. What is the Together for Change Panel?It is a space where parent carers and professionals come together to share ideas, give feedback, and help make decisions. The panel focuses on improving services and making sure they truly meet the needs of families. At the panel, we listen, learn, and take action. By working as a team, we can make real changes that have a positive impact on SEND services. If you are a professional and have something you would like to bring to the panel or would like to attend as an observer, please email us at tfcpanel@wspcf.org.uk. Here is a quote from someone who has submitted to the panel:
If you have any questions or would like to know more, please contact us on office@wspcf.org.uk. Or stay updated by heading over to our website, Facebook or Instagram. |
The Disability Register
Have you signed up to the Disability Register? The West Sussex Disability Register is a database that collects information on those living with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) aged 0-25 in West Sussex and is managed by West Sussex Library Service. This information is used by West Sussex County Council and its partners to help plan and deliver services now and into the future. Anyone aged 0-25 with a disability living in West Sussex can sign up and you do not need to have a diagnosis to sign up. You can sign up online or the Disability Register team can speak to you over the phone to help complete the form. Those aged 13+ can self-register on their own or with the help of a parent or carer. We have a handy animation which helps explain what the register is which you can watch here. |
Email: disabilityregister@westsussex.gov.uk
Phone: 0330 222 7725
We are also on socials! Follow us for up-to-date information and to be in the know about events and activities taking place in libraries across West Sussex.
Facebook: WestSussexLibraries Instagram: @westsussexlibraries X (Twitter): @WSCCLibraries
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Book Now (see West Sussex Parent Carer Forum Website |
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Dental Pain (information from West Sussex)
For children who are experiencing dental pain or require urgent treatment, please contact the Sussex Dental Helpline - they can provide advice and help you find an urgent care appointment.
The helpline provides advice, books urgent NHS dental appointments and supports access for vulnerable patients, including looked after children and care leavers. For more information please visit the Sussex Health and Care website.
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Support while you wait for an assessment - new page on the Local Offer
NHS Sussex have been working with colleagues across West Sussex to support SEND inclusion. In partnership with West Sussex County Council and the WSPCF, we have developed a dedicated “support while you wait for an assessment” page on the West Sussex Local Offer which has detailed guidance, resources and links to a wide range of condition-specific information. This includes Neurodevelopmental Pathways, Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Dental, Community Paediatrics and child and adolescent mental health services. The “Support Whilst Waiting” work will continue to be developed through a newly established Task and Finish Group. NHS Sussex recognises the importance of this work and is committed to improving the journey of the child, young person and their families whilst they wait for a specialist health assessment. |
NHS Sussex SEND page on Sussex Health & Care website
The NHS Sussex SEND page has been refreshed, with additional guidance and information relating to Right to Choose, ADHD medication and support whilst you are waiting for a specialist health assessment. |
Reaching Families NDP Navigation Service
We are very pleased to have received funding from NHS Sussex to continue providing this much-needed navigation service for parents/carers of children and young people who are waiting on, undergoing or have completed an assessment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions on the West Sussex Neurodevelopmental Pathway. This service is accessed via referral from a professional working with the child/young person and can support parent-carers in the following ways:
For further information, including the eligibility and referral process, please visit the Reaching Families website. |
Early Help SEND Events
Early Help are running a number of SEND Events across the county. The sessions are open to all families with a child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) up to age 11, and siblings. They provide an opportunity for families:
Visit our website Find a Family Hub - West Sussex County Council to find your local Family Hub. Your local family hub will have details on dates and venues for the events. Should you require further information, or have any questions please contact emma.bruton@westsussex.gov.uk
Autism All Ages Consultation West Sussex County Council wants to make West Sussex a better place for autistic people across all ages and for their families and carers. To achieve this, we are working together with autistic people and their families and carers to co-produce an autism strategy and plan. As a first step towards this, we are undertaking a consultation between October and December 2024. The consultation, which includes on-line surveys and workshops, focuses on finding out how autism-friendly West Sussex is and gathering information about people's needs and quality of life. In the Spring of 2025, the consultation findings will be analysed and then used to coproduce a strategy and plan. There will be further consultation around the proposed strategy once it is drafted prior to it’s final agreement in early Summer 2025. Information about the surveys and workshops can all be accessed through this single link/page: https://yourvoice.westsussex.gov.uk/autism-all-ages-consultation |
On 8 October 2024, the Law Commission published a consultation paper on disabled children’s social care law and whether it meets the needs of disabled children and their families. The Commission is seeking views from young people, families, local authorities and social workers, and anyone else with an interest in or awareness of the area. The consultation is part of a review into the law to ensure that it is fairer, simpler and more up to date. The consultation asks a number of questions, including:
The full consultation paper and the consultation questions are available on the Law Commission website, where you can also find the summary document. If you need this summary to be made available in a different format, please email The consultation is open until 20 January 2025. West Sussex County Council will be putting together a response as a Local Authority, and the West Sussex Parent Carer Forum is also formulating a response. You can respond directly yourself, using the links given, or send any responses or questions to Natalie McNeill at Natalie.McNeill@westsusex.gov.uk, who will incorporate them into the main response. Please keep responses as brief as possible to ensure they can be included in the main body of the Local Authority response. |
West Sussex Autism Strategy and Plan
West Sussex County Council wants to make West Sussex a better place for autistic people across all ages, and for their families and carers. To achieve this, we are working together with autistic people and their families and carers to co-produce an autism strategy and plan.
As a first step towards this, we are undertaking a consultation between October and December 2024. The consultation, which includes online surveys and workshops, focuses on finding out how autism-friendly West Sussex is and gathering information about people's needs and quality of life.
In the Spring of 2025, the consultation findings will be analysed and then used to co-produce a strategy and plan. There will be further consultation around the proposed strategy once it is drafted, prior to its final agreement in early Summer 2025.
Information about the surveys and workshops can all be accessed through this page.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact MHCommissioning@westsussex.gov.uk.
https://yourvoice.westsussex.gov.uk/autism-all-ages-consultation
West Sussex Mind - training to support young people's mental health and wellbeing
Did you know that West Sussex Mind have various training courses, webinars and resources to help you support young people’s mental health and wellbeing? Whether you are a parent or carer of a child struggling with their mental health, or you are working as a professional supporting young people, there are lots of training sessions and resources available to help. For parentsOur parents and carers service aims to increase your knowledge and awareness of mental health and boost your confidence in coping with and addressing your child or young person’s mental health. The service includes online and in-person peer support meetings, where you can discuss your concerns, build strategies to help you support your child and meet other parents and carers. Our parenting support team also offers a range of free training webinars to help parents and carers support their young person's mental health. Topics include attachment, aggressive behaviours and emotionally based school avoidance. Youth Mental Health First AidYouth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA®) courses are for everyone who works with, lives with or supports young people aged 8-18. They will teach you the skills and confidence to spot the signs of mental health issues in a young person, offer first aid and guide them towards the support they need. The course won't teach you to be a therapist, but it will teach you to listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis - and even potentially stop a crisis from happening.
Reaching Families Benefits Advice Service - Supporting parent-carers with information and advice on Carers Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment
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West Sussex Parent Carer Forum
We hope you are well and have had a positive start to the 2024/2025 academic year! Do you know about the West Sussex Parent Carer Forum (WSPCF)?Click here to have a look at our website to find out more.
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Reaching Families Benefits Advice Service
We are delighted to announce that Reaching Families Benefits Advice Service has restarted and is now available for parent-carers of a child or young person with SEND to access. Thanks to major new investment we have been able to appoint a new benefits advisor and support worker to advise parent-carers on applications for Carers Allowance, DLA and PIP and undertake claim checks in advance of submitting. The team have also been joined by a new benefits service administrator. |
Parents can self refer to the service and book appointments via our website here: Reaching Families Benefits Advice Service
As always, we would advise parents to book their appointments well in advance of submission deadlines as we expect demand for the service to be very high. Statutory and voluntary agencies can also refer parent-carers to the service via benefits@reachingfamilies.org.uk
For information on all of our services please visit our website here: Reaching Families
Neuro-developmental pathways animations
West Sussex County Council, NHS Sussex, the West Sussex Parent Carer Forum and Reaching Families have jointly developed some animations for children, young people and families going through ND assessments.
Animations for children and young people going through neurodevelopmental assessments
WSCC, NHS Sussex, West Sussex Parent Carer Forum and Reaching families have jointly developed some useful animations for children, young people and families going through neurodevelopmental assessments. Please watch and share! |
Are you in contact with adults who cannot read or who struggle to read? Read On - West Sussex is a newly launched library initiative, which matches volunteers to adults who want to learn to read. If you know someone who could benefit from this service or would like further information, please email Read.On@westsussex.gov.uk |
Free online SEN resources
We have been helping to support parents with Free Government Funded SEN Online resourses.
Topics include Neuroscience in ages 0-7, Autism, Dyslexia, ADHD, Mental Health and Challenging Behaviour.
https://theaimgroup.co.uk/courses?postcode=rh1&q=&sort=popular
Short Breaks in West Sussex
We have produced a Three Minute Guide to the changes to Short Breaks in West Sussex. View and share the video on YouTube Share the video on social media such as Facebook using this link. We would encourage you to take three minutes to watch the guide and please can you share on your social media and through your parent carer networks. |
West Sussex Children and Young People's Plan
For further information please email cypp@westsussex.gov.uk |
Cost of Living!
This is the link for the Broadfield Hub, they can advise about crisis payments, food parcels etc
Crawley Broadfield Family Hub - West Sussex County Council
https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/education-children-and-families/find-a-family-hub/crawley-broadfield-family-hub/
Help for Households - Get government cost of living support link for parents to support
https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/?utm_campaign=H4H_UK&utm_medium=Search&utm_source=Google&utm_content=Generic&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqoibBhDUARIsAH2OpWjEuqR401CeZcV4t55xzB7RIN-R-MD3fy7lCX5MMxWK1c44nXQRZO0aAtW2EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Reaching Families a range os support for parents/families with additional needs
https://www.reachingfamilies.org.uk/
West Sussex Mind | Homepage Training and support
https://www.westsussexmind.org/
Zones of Rgulation
At Woodgate Primary we use the Zones of Regulation to help us understand and manage our emotions.
This video explains more and how parents can support at home too:
Compass Card for children with SEND
Have you heard about Compass Card WSx, the free leisure card that provides discounts and freebies for 0 to 25s with additional needs? Run by Sussex-based charity Amaze and funded by West Sussex County Council, there are around 300 venues in and around Sussex that provide a Compass Card deal and you can see them all on the free Compass Card app or on the offers page on the Compass Card website. Once you have a Compass Card, you can sign up to a weekly e-newsletter, ‘Compass News WSx’. It’s packed with leisure info and there are regular free offers too. Check whether you’re eligible for Compass Card WSx.
To find out more follow the link below:
https://www.compasscard.org.uk/compass-card-offers/
SEN support during Lockdown
All parents and carers are encouraged to keep in contact with school if they have any queries or concerns, via emails sent and school letters.
Class teachers, SENCO and Headteacher are contactable through their school email address or via the school office if there are any concerns.
Class teachers are keeping a close eye on children’s engagement in live lessons and work. They are offering extra time after a live input to explain the work further to those who are struggling.
Class teachers are contacting families by phone if they have any concerns and to check how SEN pupils are getting on.
The SENCo is kept up-to-date with SEN progress via weekly Staff meeting, email, Whatapp (initials only used) or phone calls.
SENCO and Head contact SEN pupils for which we have concerns and offer ways to support children (see below)
Packs of resources have been sent to families and paper copies are available from school. Any family unable to collect we would do our best to deliver.
The resources include:
Number lines
100 square
Year 1and 2 common exception words (KS1)
200 high frequency words (KS2)
Letter formation/ alphabet sheet
Phase 3 and 5 sound mat
A social story about learning from home during lockdown
sensory activity ideas
calming activity ideas
A visual timetable
Class teachers are to supply children with specific resources to support a lesson and to ask the SENCO when further resources are required.
1:1 sessions are offered for some children with SEN with a TA – teachers will plan for this.
Places at school have been offered where appropriate to support SEN.
Our groups of children are still very small when online so teachers prepare tailored lessons that include support for SEN children.
In reception the teacher is able to deliver live maths and English session across the week for a group of 4 children. She also prepares workbooks for some SEN children who prefer to work this way.
In KS1 we are delivering daily phonics to groups of between 4 and 5 children.
In KS 2 our year 3 group works on their own with a teacher delivering live lessons with up to 6 children.
Our year 4-6 work at a similar ability and work with a teacher in live sessions with up to 9 children.
SEN children are also able to access personalised online programmes to support their learning such as Time Tables Rock Stars, Sum Dog, My Maths, Readiwriter, Oxford Reading Owls and Reading Eggs.
We have also built in a well-being afternoon – where children are encouraged to do something that makes them feel good.
We have daily tutor sessions and story time where teachers can see how children are getting and children can ask questions.
The Learning Mentor is arranging sessions to support children with specific needs.
As this situation is new to all of us we are working together with all stake holders and reviewing regularly and working hard to put in place the right support for all children.
We are still continuing to work with outside agencies, seeking advice, making and continuing with referrals and sharing this information with all stakeholders.
We are also continuing to train staff and TAs e.g. social stories and comic strips and therapeutic approach to behaviour.