17
Summer 2015
sefton.gov.uk/aiminghigh
Aiming High’s Ability Counts football team were about much more than ability recently and were a credit to themselves. Find out more on page 6
For Disabled Children
Hello Welcome to the Summer 2015 issue of Aiming High for Disabled Children (AHDC), which I am sure will whet your appetite for a summer of brilliant activities and the much needed respite that brings for parents/carers too. Our Aiming High Short Breaks programmes go from strength to strength, with their popularity reflected in the high turnout for our summer selection days. You can read about the Easter holiday and Whit half-term programmes to give you an insight into the invaluable support Aiming High provides. You can also find out about a short break with a difference as Aiming High teamed up with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service to give children a day out they will never forget. For those of you with children age 5 years and under with a disbility or SEN, children’s centres in Sefton are providing a range of activities, including family fun days and sensory play sessions. Many of the sensory sessions take place at Jake’s Sensory World, which is open to children and young people of all ages and their families. You can find out more about “Jake’s” on Page 4. One of the aims of this newsletter is to inform parents and carers and to make life a little bit easier. This is neatly reflected by the Positive Parenting Programme and the nine week Stepping Stones element of
it that has recently been delivered by the Aiming High Family Support Team. This training equips families to support children and young people, benefitting both carers and children alike. You can find out more on Page 5. The Family Support Team are always looking at ways to help families — the best way to keep abreast of the support they provide is to sign up the Disabled Children’s Register, (see below). The Local Offer continues to evolve, and I want to take this opportunity to thank parents / carers, staff and partners alike for their continued feedback through both the SEN Reform and Local Offer subgroups. I know that we are constantly looking for ways to improve the Local Offer website, which you can view at seftondirectory.co.uk/localoffer Following the full launch of the Local Offer, Sefton’s Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) received a spike in calls regarding disability and SEN related bullying in schools. This increase in calls reflected a broader issue that is being addressed on a local and national level by the Department for Education. In this newsletter you can read about a programme being delivered by Sefton Council and the Anti Bullying Alliance (ABA), to parents, carers and school staff. The SEN Reform sub-group continues to play a crucial role of challenge and accountability as the Local Authority carries out reforms during a period of significant change. A key part of these reforms has been the Preparing for Adulthood Pathway, which continues to
Registering with the Disabled Children’s Database
Are you registered yet? By registering your child you will be able to find out about and access a range of useful information and services by receiving a copy of this newsletter directly by email or post to your home. You can register online at seftondirectory.co.uk/localoffer If you do not have access to the internet ring the Aiming High Family Support Team on 0151 934 3853 / 3860 and they can help you to complete the registration form over the phone or post a copy out to you. 02
Aiming High
focus on young people leading the most independent and fulfilling lives that they can when they move into adulthood, whether that means through education, training, volunteering, leisure or family time. Find out more on Page 7. It is with the ‘Pathway’ in mind that I want to draw your attention to our Inclusion Practitioner for the Aiming High Short Breaks team, Leanne Connor. Leanne’s main focus is to ensure that young adults age 19-25yrs enjoy a stimulating programme of leisure activities tailored to their needs. If Leanne looks familiar to many of you, it is because she is! I know Leanne will bring her usual mix of friendliness and professionalism to this new role. Staying with young adults, our roving Aiming High reporter Diane Jones updates us on what she has been up to since our Spring Issue, needless to say it has been non-stop for the irrepressable Diane. Last but not least, I want to give a big pat on the back to the young men in Aiming High’s Ability Counts football team, who I think you will agree cut impressive figures on our front cover. They gave a strong showing at the George Best International Football tournament in Belfast and were not only a credit to themselves, but to their coaches, families and Sefton too. Well done. Kind regards Jacqui Kerr, Service Manager Early Intervention and Prevention (Family Support)
Young adults ‘Can Do’ by Volunteering
The ‘Can Do’ Project at Leonard Cheshire Disability for Merseyside are looking for young people with a disability for voluntary and training opportunities, including: • Disabled volunteers age 16-35yrs to set up local steering groups. • Delivery of 8-10 week fully funded programmes/activities to disabled groups that will result in them getting a City and Guild Certificate. The ‘Can Do’ Project is also looking for groups or colleges that may be interested in participating. To register interest or for any enquiries, please email Programme Coordinator Victoria Yavuz on: Victoria.Yavuz@leonardcheshire.org
Double the fun with Aiming High Jake’s Sensory World. Meanwhile, at Formby Youth Club, children enjoyed an Easter egg hunt and baking in the kitchen.
Aiming High’s Easter Party, which included games, was enjoyed by everyone, including staff! The younger age group had the option to visit Under Water Street in Liverpool City Centre, gaining independence and confidence as they travelled with staff by train from Aintree and Southport stations. There was no let up in the fun, as children got stuck into everything from giant bubble making to donning chef outfits to create mock-up meals in the plasticine kitchen.
One young man has a 'Ticket to Ride' on his way to Liverpool
It was smiles all round as both of Aiming High’s recent holiday programmes were hailed a great success.
During the Spring Break children and young people enjoyed plenty of activities across the two weeks. There was lots of fun to be had at Netherton Activity Centre, with a full programme and in particular, children playing and losing track of time in the magical surroundings of
Children age 11yrs and over could embark on a ‘Know Your City’ outing, travelling with staff to Liverpool Pier Head and taking in Liverpool Museum and the famous ‘Ferry ‘cross the Mersey’.
The family fun days were busy with children and young people coming along with their families. The first fun day was held at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre and included canoeing, bell boats, a ride on the speed boat, as well as face painting, arts and crafts and the bouncy castle. The second day was at Dunes Splash World in Southport; families could enjoy a soft play area, have a bounce on the trampolines or stroke a snake at the mobile zoo.
Hot on the heels of Easter was the May Whitsun Holiday programme. During the week long holiday, children and young people could attend a day at Netherton Activity Centre or Formby Youth Club, and take part in multi-sports or arts and crafts.
There was another ‘Wheels for All’ session at Rowan Adventure Park for both younger and older children. They had lots of fun and tackled all the fun the adventure park could throw at them.
An Aiming High holiday programme would not be complete without a disco, so it was outfits on and dance moves at the ready as everyone moved to the Aiming High beat. Taking place at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, the excitement for the disco built throughout the day as families enjoyed a family fun day canoeing across the lake and crabbing on the jetty as the wind and rain proved no barrier at all to Sefton’s dynamos!
To find out more about the brilliant short breaks provided by Aiming High, contact Aiming High on 0151 288 6811 or by email: aiminghigh@sefton.gov.uk
You can also find out about Aiming High at sefton.gov.uk/aiminghigh or on Facebook /AimingHigh
Sefton’s Local Offer: update
The input of parents and carers at the Local Offer subgroup mean the website continues to evolve. It now has a new search bar facility. All Local Offer and other relevant services can now be found by users
of the site. The ‘Being Active and Having Fun’ tab now has lots of clubs and activities, including those of Aiming High. There are plans to include more images and videos of short break activities.
There is also more information to be found on Aiming High’s Family
Support and Transitions teams in the ‘Family Support and Social Care’ and Planning Your Future’ tabs.
There is still a lot more work to do and your feedback is welcomed. You can find the Local Offer in the Sefton Directory: seftondirectory.co.uk Aiming High
03
Treat for the senses at Jake’s Sensory World A feast for the senses and lots of fun to boot, Jake’s Sensory World and Garden is now available to everyone, having been a huge success with families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) since it first opened its doors at Netherton Activity Centre. Jake’s offers lots of fun stuff for children and young people to take part in. Stay and Play sessions are held Monday to Friday for children under 5 years only and cost £4.50 per child for 90 minutes of play time. You need to call Netherton Activity Centre (NAC) to confirm times (below). Family sessions are for all the family age 5 years and above, Monday to Friday from 4- 8pm. Saturday and
Sunday from 10 - 11.30am and cost £5.50 per child for 90 minutes play. No booking required. Groups can book Jake’s exclusively for their party, at £8.50 per child (min 10 children), which includes: • Exclusive use of both the sensory room and soft play room. • The Party room, for all your party food. Free invites available. A £25 deposit will secure your booking. The balance can be paid on the day of the party. Please note that Netherton Activity Centre has excellent changing facilities that families using Jake’s can access. For more information, contact Julie Murphy at NAC on 0151 525 5106 or by email: Jakes@sefton.gov.uk You can also find Jake’s on Facebook /jakessensoryworld
Aim High and make Summer breaks a lifetime of memories Sometimes you can never have too much choice, but Aiming High’s dedicated team understands how important it is to make the right choice when choosing short breaks activities for your children and the wider family.
Armed with a brilliant array of fun stuff to do, the Aiming High Short Breaks team hosted Summer Selection Days at Dunes Splash World in Southport, 7 June and Netherton Activity Centre, 13 June. The selection days are a great chance for parents and carers to find
Help with your electricity bill
For winter 2015/16, you could get £140 off your electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The money isn’t paid to you - it’s a 04
Aiming High
out about the activities on offer and access those they want. This year, children and young people can attend up to eight on-site days, ranging from activity days at one of four schools in Sefton or interestbased drama, science and multisports camps. They may also attend up to two off-site activities, including Crosby Lakeside, ‘Wheels for All’, Farmer Teds and CHET (Crosby Historical Educational Trust). Aiming High realise the benefits of short breaks for everyone in the family and this Summer’s programme is one not to miss! Not only are there four Family Fun Days,
these are topped off by a special family trip to Chester Zoo and its new tropical islands! Feedback from the Summer 2014 Programme was extemely positive,
one-off discount on your electricity bill, usually between September and March. The discount won’t affect any other payment: www.gov.uk/the-warmhome-discount-scheme/eligibility You can also qualify for the discount if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-
go electricity meter. Your electricity supplier can tell you how you will get the discount if you are eligible. You can check the eligibilty criteria at: www.gov.uk/ the-warm-home-discountscheme/ eligibility
“First time doing this but a great way to book.” “Lots of help on the day!” “Once you know how, it’s straight forward and simple.”
There are still places available for the Summer programme, to book on please contact Aiming High on 0151 288 6811 or by email: aiminghigh@sefton.gov.uk
Diane's News
Hi Everyone,
Recently, I have been busy rehearsing and taking part in dance shows.
First of all, my dance class went to a workshop in Liverpool. We practised routines from ‘Dirty Dancing’ and ‘Hairspray’ which were really good fun. A few weeks later we performed a ‘Hairspray’ number in our Dance School Anniversary Show. In the middle of June I am dancing in a Seaside Special Variety Show in aid of the Mayor’s Charity Fund. We will be performing some serious dances and also some comedy numbers.
At the moment, I am signed on with Sefton@Work in the hope of gaining a work placement or a paid job.
Stepping Stones for parents
The Triple P — Positive Parenting Program knows that all parents have different needs. That’s why Triple P offers a number of specialist programmes tailored to suit parents with very specific needs or circumstances. Stepping Stones Triple P is one of them. The Aiming High Family Support team have just completed a nine week programme with parents of disabled children. The programme covers topics on ‘Positive Parenting for Children with a Disability’; ‘Helping your Child Reach their Potential’; and ‘Changing Problem Behaviour into Positive Behaviour’. The Family Support team has extended thanks to all those parents and carers who took part in the programme. If you are interested in accessing this very useful course in future, you can contact the Aiming High Family Support team on 0151 934 3853 or by email: aiminghigh@sefton.gov.uk
I am still enjoying meeting all my friends at our ‘Work in Progress’ youth club. We are looking forward to the end of June when we are going out to Nando’s for a spicy evening meal. I hope you all have a fun-filled summer! Bye for now,
Diane
Attendees of ‘Stepping Stones’ finish their nine week journey
With Complim en
ts
“My Son Aaron loves going to his Aiming Hig youth club on h Saturday morn in gs. One mornin I heard him ca g ll me and I wen t into his room and found he had started to dress himself, was so keen to he get to his youth cl u b ! Now he starts trying to dress himself every tim he has youth cl e ub and I let him pick his snack and he happily carries his lunch box in. He has a great time a nd I get to do th e sh opping in peace.” Michelle Worth ington, Parent
Aiming High
05
Aiming High take on the ‘Best’
In June the team arrived at the George Best International Football Tournament with coaches Kev Black, Jamie Hay, Brendan Griffiths and Paul Wilson in peak form with three teams ready to compete at three different ability bands. Semi-finalists in 2014, there was a lot of expectation on the shoulders of the ‘A Team’, coached by Kev Black. This year they were victims of their own success following the first round of games, which determined the ability
band each team would compete in. In the first round of games they ruthlessly disposed of four teams 4-0, 5-0, 6-2 and 3-0. This brilliant run of results meant they qualified for the elite band, Category 1 but unfortunately played current Champions Boyle FC from the Republic of Ireland. The boys coped well at this higher level, excruciatingly missing out on the semi-finals on goal difference. Coach Kev Black could not have been prouder of his players: “I am very proud of the lads, they equipped themselves fantastically against far more experienced teams, and have won plaudits from the opposition and organisers for the way in which they have conducted themselves throughout the competition. They are a credit to themselves and to Sefton”. Jaimie Hay’s ‘B Team’ also took all before them in the group stages, until meeting Everton in the final game, losing 2-0 in an enthralling contest. They came second in the group but didn’t make the knock out phase, again due to the scourge of goal difference. Jaimie Hay said: “Considering we had the youngest team in the competition I think the lads performed above what was
Leanne Connor was recently appointed as Inclusion Practitioner for the Aiming High Short Breaks Team. Her role will be to set up a range of sustainable services for young adults in Sefton, in partnership with organisations that are interested in promoting and developing healthy lifestyles for them. In recent weeks she has been busy meeting a lot of Sefton partners,
employees and organisations that are already established. Leanne is looking at delivering a consultation event to get a better understanding of what our disabled young adults would like to access in the Sefton area. This will give her a greater knowledge and understanding when designing and creating new leisure activities that will help support the transition groups to be a success.
Ability Counts for Aiming High’s football teams, as do the team spirit and courage that were on display from Sefton’s young people at a recent football tournament in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Aiming High for young adults with new support and services
06
Aiming High
expected of them. To run Everton FC as close as we did is a sign of how far we have come.’ The ‘C Team’ were the revelation of the tournament. A mix of inexperience and youth saw them struggle on the first day, however they raised their game on competition day with Dylan Duke excelling, scoring nine goals in all. It was Dylan’s first taste of football and he was eventually voted by his peers as 'Player of the Tournament'. Qualification for the semis went to the final game of the group, but unfortunately a narrow 1-0 defeat saw them crash out. Although no silverware was brought home, the tournament was a resounding success. John Doran from Aiming High Short Breaks, summed up their performance: “I feel this trip has further developed the lads, the football was excellent and the team ethic and support for each other was a pleasure to see.The lads have won many friends over here by showing great competitive spirit and sportsmanship. Well done to them all.” For more information, contact the Aiming High Short Breaks team on 0151 288 6811 or by email: aiminghigh@sefton.gov.uk
If you are aged 19 -25 and have any ideas or suggestions for activities and services you would like to access, please contact Leanne on 0151 288 6820 / 07816 338 416 or by email: Leanne.Connor@sefton.gov.uk
Preparing for Adulthood A sub-group was set up in Sefton (April 2014) to gain an accurate picture of what ‘Preparing for Adulthood’ looks like for 18-25yr olds with a special educational needs and / or disabilities (SEND).
Established by Tina Wilkins, Head of Service at Sefton Council’s Adult Social Care department, the Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) group carried out a range of faceto-face meetings with key stakeholders, including young people, parents, carers, Council staff, key providers and partner organisations in the voluntary, faith and private sectors to identify gaps in support and areas in development, whether that be assessments, health care or education to name but a few.
The information gathered was presented to the same mix of stakeholders at a PfA workshop in October 2014. It was at this meeting that a vision was developed for Sefton’s PfA.
Key priorities were established and set over a five year period, with some to be achieved in year 1, some in year 3 and the ultimate aim of independence for young people with SEND in year 5. A PfA strategic plan has been created for 2014-19 and has been presented to the SEN Steering Group by Tina Wilkins and Mike McSorley, Head of Schools and Families at Sefton Council. The group will now identify lead officers to take forward the strategy’s priorities over the next five years.
If you want more information on PfA, contact Gill Norman by email: Gill.Norman@sefton.gov.uk
Champions to support children in Sefton schools
Sefton Council will work with the AntiBullying Alliance (ABA) from 1 April 2015 — 31 March 2016 on a programme, funded by the Department for Education, to establish champion areas for reducing the bullying of disabled children and those with SEN in schools. ABA will provide:
• Two training sessions for parents and carers of disabled children and those with SEN (15-30 at each session), whilst this training will provide specific information for parents/carers of disabled children and those with SEN, it will also be
appropriate for all parents.
• Helpline support via Contact a Family’s national helpline on bullying issues for parents / carers of disabled children and those with Special Educational Needs.
For Sefton schools:
• Three individual training sessions for schools (at least 20 schools at each session).
• An online well being questionnaire which participating schools will be invited to complete with pupils in their school (year 4 and above) twice in the year.
Important information for disabled movie goers
The CEA Card is a national card scheme developed by the Cinema Exhibitors’ Association (CEA) for UK cinemas. The scheme was introduced in 2004 and is one of the ways for participating cinemas to ensure they make reasonable adjustments for disabled guests when they go to the cinema. Importantly, it ensures a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them. The cost is £6 per year and you can only apply when your child is age 8yrs and over. Find out more at ceacard.co.uk/index
• Two training sessions for the children’s workforce (25-50 participants at each) with unlimited access to online training about bullying and SEN/disability, including information about cyberbullying to schools and the wider children’s workforce. Dates are not yet available, however please put your name down for the training with Sefton’s Independent Advice and Support Service on 0151 934 3334 or by email: seftonsendiass@sefton.gov.uk
Aiming High
07
Big adventures for little people at Sefton Children’s Centres There will be big adventures for little people in Sefton this summer.
Families with disabled children under 6 years of age have been invited to register for this summer’s short break respite sessions at Thornton, Litherland and Linaker Children’s Centres. Each child will be offered three hour play sessions, with most families offered three sessions in total. Parents / carers can leave their children in the care of centre staff and crèche workers while they have a break away from a caring role for a
There will also be Stay and Play sessions each week of the summer holidays in all of the children’s centres across Sefton. They will be supported by staff from the centres and sensory play will be available.
Giddy up horsey! This young lady had no problems taking the reigns with Aiming High!
On Fridays during August there is an opportunity for all the family to have some fun as the children’s centres join in the Aiming High Family Fun Days.
short time, or spend time with siblings or other members of their family. These sessions will take place over four weeks of the summer holidays.
For more information contact your local children’s centre, which you can find on the Sefton Directory under Young People and Families seftondirectory.co.uk
Sefton has new recruits in the quest for Fire Safety
The calm before the inferno as this young man gears up for action
The Aiming High flame burned bright, but not too bright, for a recent short break with a difference.
The Aiming High Short Breaks team took a group of 10-13 year olds from a youth club based at Netherton Activity Centre, to visit the ‘White Watch’ team at Bootle and Netherton Fire Station.
Young people enjoyed a sensory experience like no other, touching the 08
Aiming High
Police horses, using the fire hose and trying on equipment. As well as engaging with staff at the fire station, the group saw the ambulance, paramedics, Police woman and Police horses.
Ahead of their visit, members of the Aiming High Short Breaks team received training, carried out risk assessments and organised the paperwork needed to meet the requirements of young people taking part. The team was able to do this with the continuous support of Steve Hickey from Sefton’s District Prevention Team. The efforts of Aiming High were mirrored by staff at the fire station, who undertook autism awareness training to help them to better understand some of the young people and their sensory needs.
Fire Service staff, including Steve Hickey and the ‘White Watch’ team, made the group feel safe, secure and able to explore the firestation.
Aiming High is excited to work with Merseyside It's a thumps up for Fire and Rescue the 'White Watch' Service in the future, with a visit from the fire engine planned and more visits to the station that will enrich the lives of young people taking part in short breaks. For more information, contact the Aiming High Short Breaks Team on 0151 288 6811 or by email: aiminghigh@sefton.gov.uk