West Berkshire SENDIASS

02/03/2026

Council for Disabled Children are working on a national research programme about multi-sector services to disabled children with Newcastle and Exeter Universities. They have helped to develop a national survey about how health, education and social care services are provided for families of children with disability and what a high-quality service might look like. By answering the survey there is a further opportunity for you, and your organisation to be involved in the next stages of the research.
Please complete the online survey – this will take approximately 20 minutes. Please consider sharing this link with colleagues and other professionals from health, education and social care. Here is the link to the survey:
https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/newcastle/pdg-parent-carer-survey
Why take part?
By sharing your experiences and views, you will help build a clearer picture of what NHS and other services families currently receive and what they need - helping NHS professionals, young people and parent carers.

02/03/2026

02/03/2026

Appealing a Refusal to Issue an EHCP: What You Need to Know 📘

🟢 If your child has undergone an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment and the Local Authority has decided not to issue an EHCP, it can be disheartening. However, you have the right to appeal this decision.

🟢 Seeking support and understanding your rights can make a significant difference in securing the appropriate support for your child.

📑 Please find our 'Appealing a Refusal to Issue Decision' factsheet here 👉https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Appealing-a-Refusal-to-Issue-an-EHCP-decision.pdf

📑 You can also find our guide on completing the 'SEND35' form here👉https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/How-to-compete-a-SEND35-Form.pdf

01/03/2026

📚 Wondering what an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is and whether your child might need one? 📚

🟢 This guide gives you a clear overview, so you feel more confident about the steps ahead - and your rights throughout the process. It includes what an EHCP is, how the process works, who’s involved, and what support your child could receive.

📑 You can find our EHCPs Summary factsheet here 👉https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/WB-EHCPs-Summary.pdf

28/02/2026

🤝 How can I help my child with EBSA? 🤝

If your child is struggling with school anxiety, you can make a huge difference in helping them feel supported and understood. Here are a few of our top tips:

🟢 Listen & Communicate - Take your child's concerns seriously. Ask what’s worrying them about school, stay calm, and provide emotional support. Reassure them that you’ll work together to make things better.

🟢 Stay Consistent - Stick with the strategies you try and be patient. Talk about small changes at school or home that could help. It might take time, so praise every step they take forward!

🟢 Manage the Anxiety - Help your child find ways to manage anxiety, like spending time with friends, listening to music, or drawing. A worry box might also help them express their feelings.

📑 For more tips and support, check out our 'How Can Parents Help Their Child' factsheet here 👉
https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WB-How-can-parents-help-their-child-School-AnxietyEBSA.pdf

27/02/2026

💼 Have you got a Co-Production meeting coming up‍? ‍💼

We’ve created a helpful guide to explain what to expect during a Co-Production meeting - a key part of creating or reviewing your child’s Education, Health and Care Plan.

We talk about:
🟢 Who’s involved
🟢 What’s discussed
🟢 How to prepare

Co-production means collaboration - you are an equal partner in shaping your child’s support. If you have any questions or need help preparing, get in touch, we’re here to support you!

📑 Download the full factsheet here 👉https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/EHCP-Co-Production-Meeting.pdf

27/02/2026

📝 Are you finding it challenging to understand the details of your child or young person’s EHCP? 📝

📑 Unlock the Full Potential of EHCPs with our expert resources! We're thrilled to offer our comprehensive "EHCP Checklist" to help guide you 👉https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WB-EHCP-Checklist.pdf

📑 Discover our comprehensive guide for “Checking Your EHCP” here 👉https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WB-Checking-your-EHCP-FULL-RESOURCE.pdf

🟢 Further guidance can also be found on IPSEA's website:👇
https://www.ipsea.org.uk/what-an-ehc-plan-contains

26/02/2026

📚 Masking In School 📚

🟢 Does your child or young person come home from school feeling distressed and overwhelmed, but the school reports they’re doing "fine" with no concerns? If this sounds familiar, your child may be masking their needs at school.

📑 We have a factsheet on our website with helpful information and strategies to support your child - Find it here 👉https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/WB-Masking-in-School.pdf

26/02/2026

📚 What Alternative Education Provisions Are Available for a Child Experiencing EBSA? 📚

🟢 The Local Authority (LA) has an absolute legal obligation to provide suitable, full-time alternative education for children of compulsory school age who, due to illness, exclusion, or other reasons, are unable to receive appropriate education unless alternative arrangements are made. This requirement applies regardless of whether or not your child has an EHC Plan.

📑 Read our factsheet for further guidance on what alternative provision looks like and how it works here 👉https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WB-Alternative-Provision-School-AnxietyEBSA.pdf

25/02/2026

📚 Understanding EBSA: The Impact of Emotionally Based School Absence 📚

🔴 Did you know that many students avoid school due to emotional and mental health challenges?

🔴 This is known as Emotionally Based School Avoidance/Absence (EBSA). It's a significant issue affecting nearly 3 in 10 secondary school pupils.

🔴 EBSA can stem from anxiety, bullying, family difficulties, and more. It’s crucial for schools and parents, to work together to support these students and help them overcome these difficulties.

📑 Find our 'What Is Emotionally Based School Absence (EBSA)' here 👉https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WB-Emotionally-Based-School-Absence-FULL-RESOURCE.pdf

24/02/2026

📅 Is your child due for an EHCP Annual Review? 📅

🟢 We've created a simple step-by-step flow chart to help you navigate the Annual Review of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Whether you're new to the process or just need a refresher, this visual guide breaks down each stage — from planning the meeting to what happens after.

📑 You can download the flow chart here 👉https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Annual-Review-Flow-Chart.pdf

💻 Our webinar, 'Annual Review of an EHC Plan' is available to watch here 👉https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTlLU2bcFkQ

24/02/2026

📚 How Does Emotionally Based School Absence (EBSA) Affect a Child’s Learning? 📚

🟢EBSA can lead to children and young people avoiding school altogether or missing significant amounts of school time - This can have a profound impact on their learning and development. They may fall behind academically and miss out on important lessons, leading to gaps in their education.

📑 Read our factsheet 'How EBSA Affects A Child's Learning' here 👉https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WB-How-School-AnxietyEBSA-affects-a-childs-learning.pdf