Information, Advice and Support - IAS Service for Windsor and Maidenhead

19/03/2026

19/03/2026

Growing up in the online world: a national consultation
The Government is consulting on measures to prepare children for the future in an age of rapid technological change. This includes potential age restrictions on social media and other services such as gaming sites and AI chatbots, restrictions on addictive design features and risky functionalities, and better support for parents and families.
The Government are looking for responses from everyone, including children and young people, whose voices are central to this process. A dedicated version of the consultation has been published for children, and a separate version for parents and carers. They will also hear views through a series of national events over the next 3 months.
The closing date is 11:59pm on 26 May 2026.
Find out more and take part here:

We are consulting on further measures to prepare children for the future in an age of rapid technological change. This includes potential age restrictions on social media and other services such as gaming sites and AI chatbots, restrictions on addictive design features and risky functionalities, and...

18/03/2026

Researchers at the Department of Psychology at the University of Reading are inviting autistic adults (aged 18+) to take part in a study investigating footwear - how it feels and fits and how this affects comfort and sensory experiences.
The study involves completing short online questionnaires and visiting the university for an interview.
- See the flyer for more details.
Participants will receive £25 as compensation for their time. The study is open to anyone who has an autism diagnosis, is awaiting assessment or is self-diagnosed.
If you would like to register an interest in taking part or have any questions, email Giovanna at g.lunardipeloia@student.reading.ac.uk

18/03/2026

Following the publication of the Government’s Schools White Paper in February, and the launch of a consultation on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reform, the Government's Health and Social Care Committee are examining the “missing H” in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

The session will explore accountability within the health system and the impact of workforce shortages and planning on delivering timely healthcare interventions in school for children with EHCPs.

Contact's CEO Anna Bird will be giving evidence today, you can watch here: https://f.mtr.cool/wzmtsrcbgi

18/03/2026

This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026 and, as our contribution, Autism Berkshire is hosting a free webinar featuring digital content creator Louis Roberts, from Wokingham.
His Instagram feed has almost 280,000 followers.
The webinar, titled Navigating a Neurodivergent World, is on Friday, March 20, from 10am to 11am. Louis will discuss what it means to be neurodivergent today.
The webinar is open to people throughout the Thames Valley region - , , and .
- Click this link to register to attend this free event https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/autism-berkshire/t-pllygyy
If you have any questions, email us at adult.support@autismberkshire.org.uk
- Click this link for more information about Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026 and how to get involved https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/
Autism Bucks

17/03/2026

Brighter Futures Together are pleased to be hosting Professor Amanda Kirby for an accessible session exploring understanding neurodiversity and practical everyday approaches that help children and young people thrive.

📅 Thursday 19 March
⏰ 6.30–7.30pm
💻 Online
🎟 Free to attend

The session will look at how different brains think and learn, why environment matters so much, and practical ways to support confidence and self-understanding.
We have attached the flyer, and the booking link is here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dw0eIs5JQyGoItIaPUMJWw

17/03/2026

Sharing from Council for Disabled Children
On Monday 23 February, the Department for Education published its White Paper 'Every Child Achieving and Thriving', which shares its plan to reform special educational needs and disability (SEND) support in early years, schools and colleges.
Alongside the White Paper is a national consultation called 'putting children and young people first', which will run until 18 May 2026.
NCB family member the Council for Disabled Children and its participation team will be working throughout this consultation period to support disabled children and young people, and those with special educational needs, to share their thoughts, experiences and ideas, and help shape the SEND reforms.

We are working with children and young people up to the age of 25 and value your support in facilitating this. We shall be prioritising seldom heard voices and would like to hear from a diverse range of children and young people, including those who have higher support needs and different ways of communicating.

Focus group sessions will be starting across England in the first week of March and will run until 30 April 2026. We have limited spaces and we expect them fill up very quickly.
More information can be found
https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/what-we-do-0/policy/implementing-send-reforms/voices-children-and-young-people-send-reforms

16/03/2026

The Witherslack Group have two webinars later this month regarding
https://www.witherslackgroup.co.uk/advice-and-support/events/?

Wednesday 25th March - Understanding & Supporting SEN In The Early Years
Join Samantha Asher, Early Years and Primary SEND Advisor at Journey With Me, as she brings together professional insight to help you understand your child’s development and feel more confident in how you respond and support at home. For more details: Understanding & Supporting SEN In The Early Years

Wednesday 25th March - CPD Understand EHCPs In School: Education & Advice
Understanding Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) in schools can be challenging. This webinar with Adele Wadey, Parent Support Specialist from our Group, guides teachers and SENCOs through the assessment process, key sections of the plan, and practical insights you can use right away, plus earn one CPD point with an accredited certificate. For more details: CPD Understand EHCPs In School: Education & Advice

13/03/2026

The eligibility rules for the Disabled Persons Railcard are changing in two stages this year, with neurodiversity becoming one of the eligible conditions from September - with the proviso that this will be where it has a substantial impact on a person's ability to travel by train.
The first phase of the changes comes into effect this Sunday, March 1, and includes expanding eligibility to anyone who has a disabled person's bus pass or a Blue Badge.
Click the link for more details of the changes https://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/eligibility-expansion/

12/03/2026

GEMS have spaces on their session tomorrow!
If you wish us to reserve you a space can you please provide the following information to GEMS gems.4health@nhs.net

Your Full Name:
Your email address:
Local authority: Slough/RBWM/Bracknell
Childs condition: Autism/ADHD/BOTH
Childs pathway: suspected/waiting assessment/diagnosed.

Please note that our virtual coffee mornings are not workshops, they have been created to provide parents and carers the opportunity to meet others who understand and can relate to their experiences.