Social communication and interaction consultation surgeries

We usually run consultation surgeries in locations across the borough every half term. Currently these are being held virtually via Microsoft Teams.

All educational settings working with children and young people can attend a surgery, including teachers, teaching assistants, key workers and SENDCos. We also welcome parents or carers to attend with you.

You can talk to us if:

• you're thinking of referring a child or young person to the SCI team but want to discuss their needs first and gain practical advice
• you need help setting SCI-based targets on a SEN support plan

You'll need to book a SCI surgery appointment with the practitioner designated to your locality area. Please find the dates below for your setting’s allocated surgeries. If you wish to discuss a child, please contact the practitioner who's listed for that surgery directly to book a slot. Slots are 45 minutes long and are designed to discuss one child. As always, parents/carers are encouraged to attend to add to the discussion and agree actions.

Following your request, the SCI practitioner will be in contact with you to confirm a time for your appointment. Please note that consent forms will be sent to you with confirmation of your appointment, and this will need to be completed and signed by the parent/carer and returned to the SCI practitioner in advance of the surgery going ahead. Without a signed consent form, unfortunately we'll not be able to discuss any children.

Settings in the following areas:

Town centre, Stairfoot, Kendray, Worsbrough, Thurnscoe, Goldthorpe

SCI Practitioner: Gemma Whitfield (gemmawhitfield@barnsley.gov.uk)

• Week commencing 19 April 2021
• Week commencing 10 May 2021

Penistone, Athersley, Darton, Mapplewell, Gawber, Wilthorpe

SCI Practitioner: Mel Booth (melaniebooth@barnsley.gov.uk)

• Tuesday 27 April 2021
• Tuesday 11 May 2021

Wombwell, Darfield, Jump, Hemmingfield, Elsecar, Grimethorpe, Shafton, Carlton, Royston, Cudworth

SCI Practitioner: Lucy Shea (lucyshea@barnsley.gov.uk)

• Week commencing 4 May 2021
• Week commencing 24 May 2021

Early Years SEND consultation surgeries

We usually run consultation surgeries every half term that SENDCos and Early Years practitioners from all educational settings can attend. We also welcome parents/carers to attend with you. Currently these are being held virtually via Microsoft Teams.

You can talk to us if:

• you'd like to discuss any SEND queries around individual children, or SEND provision
• you need help setting outcomes, or support to write and develop SEN support plans
• you're thinking of referring a child to us

You will need to book an appointment if you'd like to discuss a child; please contact Julie Thompson, Early Years Area SENCo, to book a slot. Slots are 40 minutes long and are designed to discuss one child. As always, parents/carers are encouraged to attend to add to the discussion and agree actions.

Following your request, you'll be contacted to confirm the time for your appointment. Please note that consent forms will be sent to you with confirmation of your appointment, and this will need to be completed and signed by the parent/carer and returned to Julie Thompson in advance of the surgery going ahead. Without a signed consent form, unfortunately we will not be able to discuss any children.

Contact Julie Thompson at juliethompson@barnsley.gov.uk or by phone on 07808 735477 to request to book at place at any of the sessions below.

Early years joint consultation surgeries

The Early Years Area SENCo and a SCI practitioner will be running a joint virtual surgery once a term for SENDCos, Early Years Practitioners and a separate virtual surgery for childminders.

You'll need to book an appointment should you wish to discuss a child; please contact Julie Thompson, Early Years Area SENCo, to book a slot. Slots are 40 minutes long and are designed to discuss one child. As always, parents/carers are encouraged to attend to add to the discussion and agree actions.

Following your request, you'll be contacted to confirm the time for your appointment. Please note that consent forms will be sent to you with confirmation of your appointment, and this will need to be completed and signed by the parent/carer and returned to Julie Thompson in advance of the surgery going ahead. Without a signed consent form, unfortunately we will not be able to discuss any child.

Contact Julie Thompson at juliethompson@barnsley.gov.uk  or by phone on: 07808 735477 to request to book at place at one of the sessions below.

‘First Steps’ autism parent and carer workshops

We usually run workshops for parents and carers who's child or young person has received an autism diagnosis. These events give parents and carers the opportunity to find out more about autism and the support that's available, as well as chat and share experiences with others.

However, all First Steps workshops for parents/carers are now available online only. You will get access to Powerpoint presentations, including short videos, and parents/carers have the option to access feedback sessions via Microsoft Teams.

To request a place please contact Melanie Booth

Online Cygnet Parent Programme

We're able to offer support to families of children with a diagnosis of autism through the online Cygnet Parent Programme created by Barnardos.

Participants are given access to online learning materials and supported by attending a weekly Microsoft Teams discussion session. This discussion session is facilitated by a team practitioner who is a licensed Cygnet tutor and is personalised to the group's needs to ensure that parents/carers have their questions answered and are able to build a support network with other parents/carers in the group.

The course lasts for six weeks and can be currently accessed free of charge.

Expressions of interest to access the Cygnet Parent Programme can be made by the parent via email to Andrea Eaton or Louise Stringer.