Inclusive Connections Durham

28/04/2026

HI everyone, you may have this multiple times but it is really important to us that we capture the voice, thoughts and suggestions of our early years community.

The Government is changing how SEND support works across England. These national reforms focus on supporting children and young people earlier, improving inclusion in mainstream settings, and making sure education, health and care services work better together. To plan for these changes, Durham County Council must produce a Local SEND Reform Plan.

We must work quickly to write a draft plan, and we urgently need to hear from parents and carers of children with SEND, children and young people with SEND as well as schools and settings, and those who support children and families with SEND such as health, care and voluntary and community organisations.

Our staff will be reaching out to have conversations over the next two weeks, and we understand that we can’t talk to everybody.

To help us write the plan, please complete our online survey by using the QR code or by this link Help us shape our Special Educational Needs and... | Durham County Council by 8 May 2026 at the latest but the sooner you can do this, the more helpful it will be. There is a survey to hear from children and young people, so please also help your child or children to have their say too.

If anyone is interested in coming together to discuss the plan, please highlight availability below and a Teams invite will follow
Poll: Availability to discuss the Local SEND reform plan

Thank you for your help and we look forward to preparing a strong plan based on what needs to happen in County Durham to best meet the needs of children and families with SEND

27/04/2026

Baking shortbread and cupcakes Saturday at Pelton Community Centre juniors group also lots of computers gaming and watching movies xx

26/04/2026

Starting this week!

26/04/2026

⭐ edit …would a morning session be preferable?

👀 👂 🤚 NEW MONTHLY SEN SESSIONS STARTING MAY 🤚 👂 👀

We regularly get asked to hold sessions exclusively for children who would benefit from a quieter, calmer, more relaxed setting and where parents can meet other parents and have a cuppa in a stress free environment.

We already have regular customers with autism and other sensory communication difficulties and are reaching out to others to join us once a month.

Our first taster session is Wednesday 20th May 4-5:30pm (all ages welcome) we will then decide if we should run them every month or start them fully from September.

If you would like to book onto our first SEN session or would like more info, call or text 07517 258494 🐻

23/04/2026

🌿🐑 It’s happening THIS TUESDAY! 🐑🌿

Looking for something fun, hands-on, and a little different after school? Come and join our Farm Therapy Club at SCNE — starting this Tuesday! 🚜✨

👩‍🌾 Get up close with friendly animals

🌱 Grow your own vegetables

🎨 Get creative with crafts

🐾 Feed, groom, and care for animals

🌳 Enjoy outdoor play, den building & mud kitchen fun

💚 A fantastic way to build confidence, learn new skills, and connect with nature in a relaxed, supportive environment.

📅 Starts: This Tuesday (then runs fortnightly)

⏰ Time: 5:00 – 6:30pm

📍 Location: SCNE at the Farm, Leadgate, Consett

💷 Only £5 per child

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out!

To book please follow the following link:

https://bookwhen.com/uniqueabilitiessend

Let your child experience the joy of the farm this week 🐓🌼

18/04/2026

Group collection of pics

18/04/2026

Thanks everyone who came to burnhope today another lush day to play outside and catching up with friends xx

16/04/2026

New page – alternative education📣

We’ve updated our website with information on children out of school, including a dedicated page on alternative education.

These updates explain:

🔷 When an LA must put in place alternative education for a child of compulsory school age
🔶 Your views are important - LAs should consult with parents before arrangements are made
🔷 Education must be suitable and full-time, and what that means
🔶 What you can do if you are unhappy with proposed arrangements or the education in place

Find out more and what they mean for you on our website: https://www.ipsea.org.uk/pages/category/children-out-of-school and https://www.ipsea.org.uk/alternative-education-for-children-who-cannot-attend-school

We also have a template letter (template letter 22) you can use to request alternative education.

15/04/2026

We have attended this event before and it’s magical xx

Its the announcement you have all been waiting for....

You are hereby invited to join us at this years 6th Annual Memory Making Ball - "Disney Magic Ball" on 3rd October 2026, 3-6pm at Bishops Suite, Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham..

Included with entry will be:

💫 Incredible live music by Hip Operation
💫 Special guests all the way from Disney (and a few from the Marvel Universe too) by our friends at Let it Snow Productions
💫 Food catered for all by Ramside Hall
💫 Live compare by the wonderfully charismatic Kevin Durham
💫 Games and prizes to be won
💫 Jaw dropping decor by WP Events
💫 Many, many surprises along the way

Seats/tables will be released to MEMBERS on Friday 17th April and the remaining tickets will be released 7 days later.

Set your reminder for Friday..... this will be popular!!

Huge thanks to our sponsors Slater and Gordon Lawyers, Group and 2 donors who prefer to remain anonymous.

The Special Lioness - Roaring Rainforest
The Special Lioness group

13/04/2026

All families are different, and all autistic children are different. Our free course supports you and your autistic child.

Courses are starting in Stanley and Horden in April 2026 - find out more at www.durham.gov.uk/article/29767/Being-a-parent-of-an-autistic-child-course

02/04/2026

Today is World Autism Awareness Day 💙

First recognised by the United Nations in 2007, this day is about raising understanding, promoting inclusion and celebrating the lives and experiences of autistic people across the world.

This year’s theme is “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value.”
A powerful reminder that every person matters, every voice deserves to be heard, and every life brings something meaningful to our communities.

At Live Well, this is something we truly believe in 💜
We see every day how important it is to create safe, supportive spaces where people can be themselves — without pressure or judgement.

As a community, we can all play a part by:

💙 Being patient
💙 Listening without judgement
💙 Creating safe, inclusive spaces
💙 Choosing kindness and understanding

Whether you’re autistic, supporting someone who is, or simply learning — you are part of this conversation.

Let’s continue to build a world where everyone feels seen, valued and included 💫





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02/04/2026

Get outdoors this Easter half term for a fun-filled session at our Allotment! 🌿🐰 Join us Wednesday 8th April, 12pm-4pm for willow weaving, Easter and nature crafting, planting, and of course an Easter hunt in the woods.
Book here: 👇
https://bookwhen.com/sacristonyouthproject/e/ev-sgpd5-20260408120000