Richmond and Kingston SENDIASS

07/09/2026

Sharing from Kingston SEND Parent Carer Forum for any family struggling with the return to school.

If your child is struggling with going back to school then Young Minds has a variety of resources

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-a-z-mental-health-guide/school-anxiety-and-refusal/

Kingston students ages 11-18 an access support through the free tellmi app https://www.tellmi.help/what-is-tellmi

We know for some children with SEND needs their anxiety goes far beyond anxiety and there is information on Emotionally Based School Avoidance on the Local Offer which can help you understand steps you can take

https://kr.afcinfo.org.uk/pages/local-offer/information-and-advice/education/education-services/emotionally-related-school-avoidance-information

Remember Kingston PCF is always here and willing to hear you experiences, you can message or email [email protected]

07/09/2026

Many parents and carers of young people heading into Years 9, 10 and Year 11 may already be thinking about how to best support their child — especially if they find exams challenging.

Planning ahead can make a real difference 💭

We’ve added helpful infographics and trusted links to the Young People’s section of our website to support you in preparing for positive, collaborative discussions with your child’s education setting.

✅ Understand support options
✅ Feel more confident in conversations with school/college
✅ Help your young person succeed in a way that works for them

🔎 Explore the resources here:
https://www.rksendiass.co.uk/young-peoples-page

Look under the title 'Help in school/college'

04/09/2026

Have Your Say on SEND Funding in Mainstream Schools

The Department for Education is seeking views on proposals that could allow local authorities to provide more SEND funding directly to mainstream schools through a proposed "local SEND inclusion formula". The consultation is exploring whether increased upfront funding could help schools support pupils with SEND more quickly and flexibly.

We are sharing this information to help ensure that parents, carers, schools, professionals, and other stakeholders are aware of the opportunity to contribute their views.

⏰ Consultation closes: 18 September 2026 at 11:59pm.

🔗 https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/upfront-funding-for-mainstream-schools-creating-a-local-send-inclusion-formula

03/09/2026

Have Your Say: SEND Reform Consultation

The Department for Education is currently seeking views on proposed reforms relating to Education Otherwise Than at School (EOTAS), alternative provision for children unable to attend school for health reasons, and accredited online education providers. The consultation also explores how support, quality assurance, oversight, and outcomes can be improved.

This is an opportunity for children and young people, parents and carers, schools, local authorities, and other stakeholders to have their voices heard.

I.P.S.E.A have helpfully created this short video summarising key information with links to further webinars if you prefer a more visual approach to gaining information.

The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 18 September 2026.

Find out more and take part here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/send-reform-education-otherwise-than-at-school

01/09/2026

⚠️ Important Update for Parents: Benedict's Law Comes Into Effect from September 2026

From 1st September 2026, all schools in England will be required to follow new allergy safety rules under Benedict's Law.

The law, named in memory of Benedict Blythe, aims to improve allergy safety in schools and ensure children with allergies are better protected, regardless of where they live.

✅ Schools must publish a dedicated allergy policy

✅ Staff will receive allergy awareness and emergency response training

✅ Spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) must be available on site

✅ Individual healthcare plans must be in place for pupils with allergies

✅ Schools will appoint an Allergy Lead to oversee safety procedures

🥜 Did you know there are 14 recognised food allergens, including milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, soya, fish, shellfish, gluten-containing cereals and more?

🎨 Allergens can also be found in some classroom resources, including playdough, craft materials, sensory play items and certain glues or paints, making awareness even more important.

🚨 Know the signs of anaphylaxis: • Difficulty breathing or wheezing • Swelling of the tongue or throat • Persistent cough • Dizziness or fainting • Pale, floppy or unresponsive appearance

Remember: Anaphylaxis does not always cause a rash. If anaphylaxis is suspected, administer adrenaline immediately and call 999.

This important change marks a major step forward in creating safer school environments for children living with allergies.

💙 Let's work together to raise awareness, support families and help keep every child safe at school.

01/09/2026

Wondering if we're truly impartial?

It's completely natural to feel cautious when seeking
support — especially as a parent carer navigating
SEND services.

We want to reassure you: Richmond & Kingston SENDIASS is a
confidential and impartial service, here to support you
without judgement or agenda.

🔸Here is a Q&A session based on questions we often
hear

🔍 Read more about our impartiality policy and hear it
straight from The Council for Disabled Children short
videos explaining what an IASSN is:
👉 https://www.rksendiass.co.uk/about-us/

You're not alone — we're here to help empower you.
🤝

26/08/2026

Free Online SEND Workshops for Parents, Carers and Young People – September Sessions

As the new academic year approaches, many families are beginning to think ahead about how to best support their child or young person to thrive in their educational setting.

Join our free, confidential online workshops delivered by experienced SEND Support Workers to gain independent, impartial advice, practical guidance and the confidence to navigate the SEND journey.

✅ Free support for families of children and young people aged 0–25 with SEND
✅ Confidential sessions – not recorded
✅ Opportunity to connect with others on a similar journey
✅ Guidance from experienced SEND professionals

Upcoming Workshops:
📅 3 September | 1:30pm – Responding to a Draft EHCP
📅 7 September | 12:00pm – Considering an EHC Plan?
📅 10 September | 10:00am – Appeals to SEND Tribunal
📅 16 September | 12:00pm – Ordinarily Available Provision and SEN Support
📅 17 September | 1:30pm – Responding to a Draft EHCP
📅 21 September | 10:00am – Alternative Provision

Starting a new school year can bring questions, challenges and important decisions. Our workshops are designed to help you feel informed, empowered and better prepared to support your child or young person throughout the year ahead.

To join, simply click the Teams "Join Us" link on the day:
🔗https://www.rksendiass.co.uk/workshops/

24/08/2026

Choosing the right school or setting for your child can feel like a big decision.

To help you feel more confident, we've created a handy list of questions you may wish to ask when visiting or considering a school or setting for your young person.

These questions can be useful during key transition points, including:
✨ Pre-school to Reception
✨ Infant to Junior School
✨ Primary to Secondary School
✨ When considering a setting to be named in an EHCP

Every child is unique, and asking the right questions can help you understand how a school or setting will support your child's individual needs.

📄 Visit our website to download the PDF
https://www.rksendiass.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/RK-Questions-to-ask-a-setting.pdf

21/08/2026

📢 Wrapping Up Our SEN Support Series with Some Myth-Busting!

To finish our recent series on SEN Support and Ordinarily Available Provision, we’re sharing some helpful myth-busting graphics to clear up common misconceptions. ✅

At Richmond & Kingston SENDIASS, we’re committed to providing impartial and factual information to help you feel informed and empowered. 💬

🙋‍♀️ Got more questions?

Check out the past 4 days of posts and all of the support available via Ordinarily Available Provision and SEN Support over a period of time is not making a difference to your young person then join us at our next workshop 'Considering an EHCP' for dates and times visit: https://www.rksendiass.co.uk/workshops/

More information is available at
👉Our website: www.rksendiass.co.uk
👉 Our You Tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/

Thank you for joining us on this series – we’re here to support you, every step of the way. 💛

20/08/2026

Continuing Our Series on SEN Support & Ordinarily Available Provision

At the heart of effective SEN Support is making sure that the young person's voice is heard, valued, and included. 🧡

When schools follow the Graduated Response Cycle 🔄 Assess – Plan – Do – Review, children and young people should be involved in discussions about their support whenever possible.

👂 What do they find difficult?
💬 What helps them learn best?
🎯 What are their goals and aspirations?

Taking the time to understand a young person's views helps ensure that support is meaningful, personalised, and focused on achieving positive outcomes.

📌 Once a child or young person has been identified as needing SEN Support, schools should follow the graduated approach to assess needs, plan support, implement strategies, and review progress. Parents, carers, and young people should be involved throughout this process.

📚 Our website provides further information about SEN Support and the Graduated Response, along with links to guidance and local authority policies that educational settings should be following:

👉https://www.rksendiass.co.uk/sen-support

📖 The Children and Families Act 2014 places a strong emphasis on listening to the views, wishes, and feelings of children and young people, and involving them in decisions about their education and support.

To help young people understand their rights and the support available to them, we've also included the government's Young Person's Guide to the Children and Families Act:

👉https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/359681/Young_Person_s_Guide_to_the_Children_and_Families_Act.pdf

🌟 Keeping the young person at the centre of every conversation helps build confidence, independence, and positive outcomes.