Bedford Borough Local Offer

We said they did a parent/carer feedback on a swimming post that the session wasn't on the booking system. Since then
1. Slot returned to the large pool booking
2. Following further feedback to Better that families would find it easier if the booking slot was in the small pool where the session happen and it would be the first slot bookable.

Booking for Sunday morning swimming at Robinson Pool has been moved to the small pool, and it's the first one on the list. Currently, there are 9 spaces left to book. Link https://bookings.better.org.uk/location/robinson-pools-fitness/small-pool/2026-06-28/by-time

Thank you, Better for making it quicker and easier for our SEND families to book the Sunday SEND swim.

Talking Swiming just a reminder

Marlins every Sunday 4pm to 5pm at Kempston Pool and Fitness no need to book just turn up. Payment is £3 per person, family and friends are welcome.CASH only, one carer goes free.

Have you seen the range of 1 min guides that we co-produced with Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum
The 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 guide covers examples such as:

🕒 Time adjustments – different start/end times or extra processing time
🎧 Sensory tools – fidget toys, noise-reducing headphones, sensory breaks

To view the full range, please visit https://tinyurl.com/1minguides or login the Parent Carer Forum members portal section

All children deserve an environment where they can learn, feel safe, and thrive. Our latest 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 explains what 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 are — and how schools must support disabled pupils under the Equality Act 2010.

✨ This 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 guide covers examples such as:

🕒 Time adjustments – different start/end times or extra processing time
🎧 Sensory tools – fidget toys, noise-reducing headphones, sensory breaks
🎫 Timeout cards – giving pupils regulated time when they feel overwhelmed
🏫 Timetable changes – adapted curriculum or flexible transitions

…and many more supportive ideas that help children access learning in a fair and meaningful way.

👉 Check out this guide and the full set of 60-second guides on your membership portal.

With the summer holidays coming up, it can be difficult to budget for days out, activities and play schemes 🔆

Members who need to spread the cost of holiday activities can apply for a Child Benefit Loan 🕶

🔆Borrow up to £1500, subject to status and affordability
🔆Charged at a rate of 3% per month (APR 42.6%)
🔆No hidden fees, charges or repayment penalties
🔆Make your money go further and save on days out with OnePerks - exclusive to BCU members

Example Loan
🕶 Borrow £500 over 12 months at 42.6% APR
🕶 Monthly payment £51
🕶 Total paid back £601.09

https://tinyurl.com/y29upzt7

At least one fortnightly or monthly payment must be received before you can be approved for a loan and your child benefit must be paid into your account for the duration of the repayment plan.

One conversation can change everything.

Families supported through Contact's Family Finances service were better off by an average of:
💚 £6,215 a year
📅 £518 a month

That's money helping families pay for essentials, equipment, transport, therapies and everyday living costs.

For every £1 spent on the service, £8 was put back into families' pockets.

Got questions about family finance? Reach out to our free helpline on 0808 808 3555, or submit an enquiry here: https://f.mtr.cool/yaozgqtfis

Family Fund’s Your Opportunity grants programme has already helped many families this year, and if you think it could benefit your family, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible while funding remains available.

Funding is limited and applications are expected to close at the start of July 2026.

Designed for disabled or seriously ill young adults aged 18 to 24 living at home, the programme can help fund items and opportunities that support independence, personal development and everyday life.

Find out more and check if you're eligible👇
https://www.familyfund.org.uk/grants/schemes/your-opportunity/

IF YOU HAVE AN ESSENTIAL APPOINTMENT THIS WEEK in Luton or London and are playing to travel by train please see the below

From today, Monday 22 June until at least Friday 26 June, Thameslink services will not run between Luton and Bedford.

Thameslink are asking that you
Check before you set off and allow at least 60 minutes additional time.

The following stations will have no Thameslink service:

Leagrave
Harlington
Flitwick
Bedford
If you are travelling to or from any of these stations, you will need to use an alternative route or the limited rail replacement bus service where available.

East Midlands Railway customers can travel with Thameslink and Great Northern services during this time.

Journey planners are showing the amended service for Tuesday 23 June. Journey planners will be updated for Wednesday 24 June and beyond as soon as possible. What does this mean for my journey?

Rail replacement buses between Luton and Bedford:

A very limited rail replacement bus service will run between Luton and Bedford. This is as follows:

A stopping bus service between Luton and Bedford, calling at Leagrave, Harlington and Flitwick
A semi-fast bus service between Luton Airport Parkway and Bedford, calling at Luton only
Space on board these buses will be extremely limited. At busier times, you may not be able to board the first bus that arrives. Please note that buses will pick up and drop off at the Luton DART.

A limited bus service, operated by EMR will operate between Kettering and Luton Airport Parkway, calling at Wellingborough, Bedford and Luton. Thameslink and East Midlands Railway customers may use the rail replacement bus service that best supports their journey.

Also, there is a rail service from Sandy Station to Finsbury Park.

If you’re planning to travel by train from Bedford this week, check before you leave.

There will be no direct train services between Bedford and London while recovery work continues following Friday’s collision near Elstow, with rail operators warning disruption could last for most of the week.

Full details, replacement buses and alternative travel arrangements in the comments...