Aim High UK

SEND IASS North Northants has shared a useful guide to navigating the SEND Tribunal Process – it's been developed to support parents and carers at every stage of the Tribunal process and is designed to help families feel informed, prepared and confident when advocating for their child or young person ⬇️⬇️

Navigating a SEND Tribunal can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone.

Our guide has been developed to support parents and carers at every stage of the process, from understanding tribunal jurisdiction to what happens before, during, and after a hearing.

The guide covers:
🔶 Key deadlines and time limits.
🔶 What evidence to prepare.
🔶 Essential documents and processes.
🔶 What to expect at the hearing.

It is designed to help families feel informed, prepared and confident when advocating for their child or young person.

Access the guide here:https://metliveuksnhsiass.blob.core.windows.net/pub/SENDIASS/pdf/Completed_2026_Preparing_for_the_SEND_Tribunal_(2).pdf

🙋‍♀️Our Head of Learning, Frances, was volunteering at an ELSA Next Generation event in Essendon earlier this week:

ELSA Next Generation is a non-profit organisation that seeks to offer young people valuable experiences to bridge the gap between education and employment. Through unique career-focussed and action-oriented programmes, ELSA teaches young people the essential personal and professional skills that employers are looking for today.

As a volunteer, Frances was interviewed by the young people to find out more about her qualifications, and the route she has taken to reach her current role. The day was filled with laughter, enthusiasm and positivity, aspirations were raised, confidence grew and the young people began to recognise what they are capable of achieving. Most importantly, they left with greater confidence and a stronger belief in their own potential. This closely aligns with Aim High’s own objectives and we have now committed to deliver a workshop at one of the future ELSA events.

👀 Find out more: https://elsanextgen.education/

SEND IASS North Northants has produced a useful video that gives an overview of the EHCP appeals process to help parents and carers understand the process and what their rights are if they wish to appeal against the local authority's decision:⬇️⬇️

Step-by-Step Guide to EHCP Appeals: What Parent-Carers Need to Know Has your request for an EHC Needs Assessment been refused? Are you ...

Want to study Horse Care or Animal Care?

You can visit our website to find out more about our Animal Care and Horse Care courses, or why not come along to an Open Day?

(Our next Open Day is on Tuesday 26 May, 10.30 - 11.30 am and 3.00-4.00 pm, no need to book, just come along to Reception)

🌳 Our courses are designed for students with an EHCP, who don’t thrive in traditional classrooms:

⭐ Skills for Working Life: Entry Levels 2 & 3 in Animal Care or Horse Care
(for students aged 13 – 25 years)

⭐ Level 1 Animal Care or Horse Care
(for students aged 14 – 25 years)

⭐ Level 2 Horse Care
(for students aged 16 – 25 years)

We are currently taking registrations for courses starting in September 2026.

👀 More info:
https://www.aimhighuk.co.uk/our-courses

📲Contact us:
01908 666434
[email protected]

⭐ If you’re the parent or career of a child or young person with a special educational need or disability, these FREE online workshops from the MK SEND Information, Advice & Support Service (Milton Keynes SEND IAS) may be useful: ⬇️

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐛𝐲 Milton Keynes SEND IAS
𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

▪️Understanding SEND Support - Tue 02 June, 10am -11:15am https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1985450737603

▪️Education Health Care Plan - Thu 04 June, 10am -11:15am
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1985451803792

▪️Annual Review of EHCP - Wed 10 June, 10am -11:15am https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1985452187941

For more information https://mksendias.org.uk/events

This Mental Health Awareness Week is all about actions – the small actions we can take to give ourselves a break and protect our mental health.

🌳For many of us that might mean taking 5-minutes away from the desk and screens, to go outside and reconnect with nature – our donkeys are great listeners with their enormous ears! 🫏

🧘‍♂️For others it could be meditation, breathing exercises or even something as simple as meeting up with a good friend for cake and a cuppa... 🍵🍰

Good mental health helps us cope with normal life stresses, feel confident and enjoy our relationships with others. Without it, everything becomes more difficult, so it’s important to protect it and nurture it. Everyone’s “thing” will be different, but small, consistent actions can make a big difference to your mental health over time.

If you are struggling with your mental health and need support, don’t forget, you’re not alone – here’s some of the many support services that are here if you need them:

• Samaritans – 116 123 (24/7 free listening service)
• Childline – 0800 1111 (support for children and young people)
• MK Talking Therapies: https://mktalkingtherapies.nhs.uk/
• Local support groups and services: https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/mental-health-and-wellbeing

👀 There’s still time to get involved with these online information and engagement sessions for Parent Carers about the upcoming SEND reforms - explaining what these national changes may mean for children and young people with SEND, and for families in Buckinghamshire.

There are 2 remaining sessions on:

⭐Tuesday 12 May ( 7 pm – 8.30 pm)
⭐Thursday 14 May (6.30 pm – 8.00 pm)

If you would like to join one of these sessions or would like further information, please contact Participation Lead, Beth Knighton: Email: [email protected]

Original post: FACT Bucks Page
https://www.factbucks.org.uk/information/webinars/

You can also take part in the consultation online here:
https://consult.education.gov.uk/send-strategy-division/send-reform-putting-children-and-young-people-firs/

Here’s an interesting article from Horse & Hound regarding HorseWorld Trust’s recent report to Government policymakers following the Government’s publication of the white paper, “every child achieving and thriving”, that set out proposed reforms to schools and SEND systems.

This theme was also discussed at the recent Equine Assisted Services Partnership conference that Aim High attended (pictured). It reflects the growing consensus that mainstream education needs to be more inclusive and that policymakers should consider alternative learning provisions more in the current plans for supporting students with SEND.

👀 https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/horseworld-on-government-schools-send-consultation-922767