Volume 2 Issue 9

North East Regional Parent Partnership Services introduce:

ADHD

Myths, Management and Medication

Quality Inn Boldon
24 November 2005
10.15am - 2.30pm

This one day course will be facilitated by Fintan O’Regan - Educational Director of ADDISS and Behavioural/SEN Advisor for Surrey.

ADHD is a diagnosis characterised by symptoms of extreme inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is estimated to affect between 3-5% of school age children in the United Kingdom. The course will identify:

The background, History and Diagnosis of ADHD.
Brief consideration of current policies in relation to ADHD and associated conditions within the UK.
How to develop an increased awareness of the risk factors associated with academic, behavioural, emotional and socialisation difficulties.
A range of Behaviour Modification and multi-agency options for management of children with ADHD.
The choice of medical options for the management of ADHD as well as diet and alternative treatment options.
How best to support supervisors with specific students.

Professionals Ł50 - includes lunch. Parents - free.
Places must be pre-booked (and will be confirmed).
For further information and to book a place contact Julie Ball or Ann Wilkinson on 0191 5873541.

Durham Dyslexia Support Group

Dyslexia SOS Course - January 2006

Following the success of the recent evening Dyslexia SOS Course, the Dyslexia Support Group has again teamed up with the Community Education Service to offer a repeat of this useful course, which will run during day time.

This is a ten week programme aimed at giving parents a better understanding of dyslexia and strategies to support their child’s learning. The course will be held at County Hall, Durham on Thursday afternoons between 12.45pm and 2.45pm. The first session takes place on 12 January 2006.

There are 25 places available on a first come, first served basis. For further information or to book a place please contact Julie or Ann on 0191 587354.

The Children's Legal Centre

Education Law and Advocacy Unit.
The Children’s Legal Centre is the leading provider of education law advice in England and Wales. It operates a national education law advice service funded by the Legal Services Commission.They are able to provide up to 30 minutes of free and confidential legal advice regardless of income. Any additional advice and /or casework can be provided under Legal Help subject to a financial means test. The service is open from Monday to Friday, 9.30 to 5.00pm.

Telephone 0845 4566811 for further details.

Special Education Needs and Disability Act 2001 (SENDA)

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) placed a range of duties upon employers, organisations and services in an aim to end discrimination against disabled employees and service users. After the Act was passed, a further Act was passed by parliament to cover educational establishments and services. This is the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 (SENDA) relating to pre and post 16 education. As well as the above legislation, an independent body called the Disability Rights Commission(DRC), was set up to enforce the rights of disabled people. The DRC is an influential organisation working towards eradicating discrimination and inequality. For excellent info. for professionals and families check out their website at www.drc-gb.org.

WECAN

Parents Group

Greenfield School, Newton Aycliffe
Wednesday afternoons 1.00-3.00pm
Come along and meet other parents in the area. Activities include:

Trips out (with and without children).
Meals out - Christmas crafts.
Quizzes - bonus ball competition.
Speakers on various topics.

Ł1 donation is requested towards light refreshments.
For further information ring 01325 379047.

Bad Parents?

Yes so are we !!!

But do you grin and bear it?
We don’t!!!
Our children have a variety of needs such as ADHD - behaviour issues - dyslexia - dyspraxia. Come and join us at one of the monthly meetings for a moan and a cuppa at:
The Grove Community House
49-51 Priestman Avenue
Consett
For further details
Telephone 01207 582062

Downs Syndrome

Educational Trust (Darlington)

A new group will be starting in November for children with Down Syndrome, their parents and carers. Anyone in County Durham and the surrounding area can join this new group. It is being set up by parents and the initial aim is to provide early intervention with speech therapy.

Research has shown that early intervention from the age of eighteen months plus can enable children with Down syndrome to achieve their full potential in later life.

If you would like to know more ring Val on 01325 300688 or leave a message for someone to get back to you.

Scope North East

Scope has a new Community fieldworker for the Durham area called Muriel Kelly, who is available to give information, advice and support to children and adults affected by cerebral palsy. It may be possible to arrange a home visit to discuss any issues in more detail.

For an informal chat, please contact Muriel at the local office by phoning 0191 3862127.

To make a referral for someone who may appreciate the input of a fieldworker, please contact the regional office on 01924 366711.

Durham Dyslexia Support Group

Wednesday 19th October 2005
7.00 - 9.00pm
County Hall - Room 1a
S.E.N.D.A. (Special Educational Needs and Disability Act)
Elaine Chandler will explain the Act and the implications for schools and children with SEN
To book a place ring the Parent Partnership Office on 0191 5873541.

Alert to Parents!

Parent Partnership holds a variety of leaflets and information on a range of special educational needs. Some have been developed within the PP service and others come from educational support services, DFES, health, social care and health and the voluntary sector.

Over the past couple of years the Department of Education and Skills have published a selection of information for parents that can be obtained via this office.

For further information on what is available ring Elaine or Joan on 0191 5873541.

*We now also have the new leaflet on ‘All Together Better – Next Steps’ - the follow up to the Special Educational Needs & Disability Strategic Plan 2005-2010.

DNEX 2005

The Metro Arena, Newcastle
The North’s biggest and best lifestyle event!
2 & 3 November 2005
9.30 - 5pm
Free admission.

Over 170 stands including children’s equipment, sensory equipment and advice
Children’s play area and refreshments
For further information ring 0191 2840480
Or email: events@disabilitynorth.org.uk

Daisy Chain Support Group

Special needs ………special care
This group offers help, advice and practical support to parents on a weekly basis. The meetings have become so popular, that they are now facilitating 2 groups a week. It gives parents/carers opportunities to meet others in similar circumstances as themselves, giving support, advice and friendship.

Call 01642 521623 for further details, or check the website for other Daisy Chain events www.daisychainproject.co.uk.

Sedgefield Positive Inclusion Partnership (SPIP)

"To promote through an inclusive partnership the inclusion of disabled children and young people in play, recreation and leisure."
SPIP normally meets on the last Thursday of each month at Ferryhill Leisure Centre
12.30pm to 2.00pm
Lunch is provided.
Parents and young people are welcome at the meetings.
For further information please contact either Nicola on 01388 816637 or Brenda on 01388 664713.