The latest news
Who could you signpost to free HAPpy Camps this Summer?
HAPpy Camps are back once again for the school summer holiday. Children and teens living in Hertfordshire who get benefits-related free school meals can attend this fully funded holiday activity provision for FREE. Key dates for the diary regarding the programme:
- From Thursday 27 June - Bookings are live from midday and families can book on the website
- The HAPpy Camps Summer programme runs between Monday 29 July - Friday 30 August
Please signpost as many eligible families to the programme as possible between now and the summer holiday. Act fast and find out more here: Who could you signpost to free HAPpy Camps this Summer? - Herts CC (hertfordshire.gov.uk)
Download the Signposting Sheet here
Holiday Activity Programme for 13-16 year olds
The activities are for young people aged 13-16, who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. The programme will take place Monday to Thursday during the first 3 weeks of the Summer holidays. Monday 29th July to Thursday 15th August 2024, with each session lasting four hours a day.
There are 20 spaces available in each district, and the allocation of places is on a first come, first served basis.
It would be great if our link Holiday Activity Programme summer 2024 (servicesforyoungpeople.org) which allows parents/ carers to book their child places could be shared with any parent /carers you work with who are eligible. Parents/ carers of young people who are eligible should have been sent / can request a unique HAPpy booking code from their child’s educational setting.
Supporting young people's physical and mental health
The activities focus on healthy lifestyles. Young people will have the opportunity to:
- Take part in fun physical activities such as sports, dance and team games.
- Get creative with arts and crafts and cooking
- Meet and socialise with other young people
- Get free healthy hot food every day
Young people will also find out about other services available to them in their area, including SfYP's term-time projects for young people.
Summer Reading Challenge has begun
Get ready for a summer of imagination and creativity at your local Hertfordshire Library!
The Marvellous Makers Summer Reading Challenge is here to spark the joy of reading and creative arts, while addressing the dip in reading levels that can often occur during the summer holidays.
In collaboration with The Reading Agency and Create, a leading arts charity, we’re celebrating creativity and storytelling for our young readers. This year’s Challenge is an open invitation for children to explore books and stories, while taking part in free activities. From poetry and music to arts and crafts, there’s something for every young creator.
The Challenge begins at all Hertfordshire Libraries from Saturday 6 July, and continues until Saturday 7 September. Children are encouraged to read six library books and collect exclusive stickers along the way. And that’s not all—finishers of the Challenge will receive a medal and certificate, and a chance to win tickets to an interactive poetry workshop with the celebrated poet, Joshua Seigal.
Keep an eye out for pop-up Maker Stations at select libraries during the summer holidays, offering simple, engaging, and free activities designed to unleash the creative spirit in every child.
Curious to learn more? Visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/SummerReadingChallenge for all the details on the Challenge and discover some marvellous makes to create at home.
Hertfordshire Bookstart Annual Report, April 2023- March 2024
The Hertfordshire Bookstart Annual Report is both a celebration of what has been achieved over the last year and a thank you to all our partners across Hertfordshire who encourage families with babies and young children to share books and enjoy libraries.
The Early Years Librarians work in close partnership with health visitors, family centres, nursery settings and library colleagues to ensure thousands of free BookTrust resources reach families along with key messages around the positive impact of book-sharing and library membership for young children.
This year’s highlights include:
- The ‘My First’ promotion winning both an ‘Inspiring Libraries’ award and Resources award for Most Innovative Project – encouraging families with young children to engage with Hertfordshire Libraries
- Hearing from a new Mum how coming to Baby Rhyme Time, collecting the My First certificates and chatting to library staff has been a positive experience which has encouraged her to come to the sessions regularly and borrow books to share with her daughter
- Our engagement with the Ohana group of care experienced parents to gift the Bookstart resources
- Welcoming 120 Reception children to Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City Libraries to enjoy an inspiring visit from author/illustrator Alex Willmore as part of the My Fist Library Adventure promotion
We hope you enjoy reading the full report showcasing the valuable partnership working that has taken place to create lasting positive impacts for Hertfordshire’s babies and young children
Worried about a child or young persons behaviour around fire?
Fire Safety Intervention
Children and young people who have displayed fire setting behaviour or a fire fascination can receive free intervention from Herts Fire & Rescue.
If you are concerned about a child or young person that has a fascination with fire, you can refer to the scheme. We will accept referrals from parents / guardians or any concerned agency, however intervention can only take place with parental consent.
Signs of regular fire-setting:
- Small burn holes in carpets and / or furniture
- Charred paper in sinks or bins
- Matches or lighters hidden in bedrooms, school bag or coat
- An unusual fascination with fire
- Unexplained fires in the home
Early intervention is key.
Visit our website and complete the online form:
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/fire
Worried about a child or young person's behaviour around fire? | Hertfordshire County Council
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Community Activities Directory
SEND Commissioning within Hertfordshire County Council are excited to announce the launch of our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Community Activities Directory. This directory promotes a wide range of community activities for families and young people with SEND, a comprehensive resource for families and professionals.
Tailored for children and young people aged 0-25, and their families, this is a valuable tool for finding local activities and support groups in the community. The directory will create opportunities for families to discover, engage, and participate in a wide range of activities, some activities will also include discounts for families registered on our Hertfordshire Additional Needs Database (HAND).
We have included a postcard below which we’d love for you to share with the families you work with. If you have any questions or suggestions, as this area continues to grow in the coming months please do get in touch via email: SENDcommissioning@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Extended hours for the Neurodiversity Hub phoneline
The Neurodiversity Support Hub now has extended open hours on a Tuesday and Thursday, plus bookable 1-2-1 appointments on Wednesday evenings. The Neurodiversity Support Hub is an advice service offering support, signposting and guidance about a whole range of things relating to ADHD and Autism. The phones are answered by a team of parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people and your child doesn't need a diagnosis for you to use the service.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am - 1pm
Tuesday and Thursday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday Evening (by appointment only) 7pm - 9pm
In school holidays the hours are Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm. Closed on Bank Holidays.
New initiatives for Neurodivergent CYPs
The Toolbox from Mindler is a dedicated webpage specifically focussing on ADHD and Autism support for children and young people. The Toolbox offers inspirational content, self-help tools, interactive livestreams, anonymous text chat service (to ask any questions they may have about Neurodiversity) and lots of other resources and information. It also serves as a guide, signposting users to alternative services and accessible interventions within Hertfordshire. The toolbox will be hosting a Livestream on 29th May where the team play popular video games and answer all questions related to Neurodiversity. You can share thetoolbox.mindler.co.uk with patients, parents, carers, and other professionals.
Understanding my Autism/ADHD offers a range of workshops aimed at children and young people in Hertfordshire aged 7-16 years with a diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, or both. These workshops, delivered by five specialist charities in a group setting, will provide children and young people with resources and strategies to enhance their understanding of Autism and/or ADHD. For individuals aged 14 and above, diagnosed or not, there's the opportunity to access Cog's, a mental wellbeing app developed for and by the Neurodivergent community. This app aids users in navigating daily life, understanding neurodiversity, and building positive habits.
For more information on the Understanding my Autism/ADHD intervention you can visit thetoolbox.mindler.co.uk . Referrals are accepted from parent’s, carers, or professionals. Courses run for between 6-12 weeks, with both online and face-to-face options available.
If you have any queries or feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact the project team on hct.hertsneurodiversitytransformation@nhs.net
HFL Education Summer Term Online Safety Newsletters
HFL Education are pleased to release two new summer term 2024 Online Safety Newsletters. Both newsletters feature a range of guidance, news, links and updates about online safety for all phases, with particular reference to the current situation, recent developments and concerns.
For Staff
The newsletter for staff includes reviews and details about:
- Sextortion – national crime agency alert
- Senso monitoring – now free for HFL supported primary schools
- Artificial intelligence in education
Please download your copy here.
For Parents & Carers
Our newsletter for parents and carers includes reviews and details about:
- Change in minimum age for WhatsApp
- SnapChat MyAI – a guide for parents
- Sextortion – what parents/carers need to know
Please download your copy here.
Both editions can also be downloaded from the HFL website and the Grid.
If you’d like any more information, please let contact the Wellbeing team at wellbeing@hfleducation.org or visit Online safety in schools | HFL Education.
One Plus One Resources to Support Healthy Relationships
Evidence shows that conflict between parents can affect multiple outcomes for children, including emotional, behavioural, social and academic development. Parents in poverty or under economic pressure are more likely to experience relationship conflict. According to the latest DWP estimates, 12% of all children and 21% of children in workless families have parents in a distressed relationship.
HCC are commissioning OnePlusOne who have over 50 years’ experience in creating evidence-based resources to support the development of healthy relationships.
OnePlusOne provide digital resources that raise awareness of the impact of stress and conflict on children, giving parents the skills to cope with stress together and manage their conflict more constructively. Allowing parents to develop positive communication skills, so that they can parent co-operatively and work out solutions together.
The resources are split in to 3 modules aimed at:
- New parents
- Parents that are together
- Parents that are separated
To date 168 practitioners across the Families First Partnership have been trained in OnePlusOne, if you would like to access this training please see the details below.
All training is delivered online and held from 9:30 to 12:30
Each training has a capacity of 15 delegates
Follow the link below for your preferred training date to register your place and a link will be sent to access the training.
17th September 2024 9:30 - 12:30 book here
16th October 2024 9:30 -12:30 book here
For further information please contact the project lead Nicola.Wilder1@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Find out more about FREE Relationship Support For All Hertfordshire Residents here
Become a Safe Space volunteer mentor
Would you like to become a Safe Space volunteer mentor for young people in Hertfordshire and support them to overcome challenges, achieve their goals and reach their potential?
ABOUT SAFE SPACE
Safe Space provides mentoring for young people aged 11-19 (25 if they are care leavers or have a learning disability) who live or go to school/college in Hertfordshire. Mentors are given training before being matched with a young person who would benefit from 1:1 mentoring support to help them reach their potential.
See more opportunities by Safe Space
Role of the mentor
As a volunteer mentor you would meet with your young person once a week for up to an hour, at a time and place in the community convenient to you both. Usually, the mentoring relationship is for 6 months but can be longer or shorter depending on the need.
Following an initial 2 day training programme and required checks, volunteer mentors are matched with young people based on personality and interests but also by location.
As a volunteer mentor you would gain trust from the young person you are working with and provide valuable support in being able to help them work towards goals, overcome challenges, give advice or just provide a listening ear. (Minimum age 21)
You will be supported by a Mentoring Co-ordinator and ongoing training and support groups are provided.
Are you interested? Express your interest now, please email mentoringmailbox@hertfordshire.gov.uk and we will be in touch when we start the recruitment process (which will be in September / October 2024).
Family Centre Service - Family Support Annual Report
The Family Centre Service are pleased to present this year's Annual Report.
Hertfordshire’s Family Support Service is part of the Family Centre Service. We help families from pregnancy through to when a child reaches the end of Primary School (aged 11 years). Our purpose is to support children to have the best start in life, develop well and thrive.
This report highlights who we are, our areas of focus, and our service priorities:
Priority 1: Healthy Lives, Healthy Relationships
Priority 2: Raising Aspirations and Volunteering
Priority 3: Narrowing the Gap
Priority 4: Special Educational Needs & Disabilities
Priority 5: Public Health
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers, an increasing number of families across Hertfordshire have engaged with our services, resulting in a positive impact on their lives. Here's what one parent said:
"The support I have received with my new baby has been invaluable, the team are so friendly and helpful and create an inclusive and comfortable environment for new mums to share their experiences. I have never felt judged and feel so very grateful to have this support during a time which could have been very difficult without it"
We hope you find this interesting, please get in touch if you have any comments or questions.
Read Annual Report
This summer Hertfordshire Family Centre Service are offering are offering a range of drop in events and activities focused on creating a supportive network that empowers families and children to navigate school transitions with confidence and ease.
What is on offer for families:
- Five-Week Series on Facebook: They will be sharing a series of informative posts on Facebook. These sessions will cover various aspects of transitions and offer practical tips and strategies for parents
WEEK 1 – PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE
WEEK 2 - TOILET TRAINING AND HAND WASHING READY FOR SCHOOL
WEEK 3 – LOVING LEARNING
WEEK 4 – TURN TAKING AND ASKING FOR HELP
WEEK 5 - TALKING ABOUT SCHOOL
- Transition Drop-Ins: They will be running ‘Ready for School’ drop-in sessions during the weeks starting July 8th and July 15th. These drop-ins will provide an opportunity for families to connect with the team and discuss any concerns or questions they may have about transitions to school or nursery settings.
- Family Fun Events: Throughout the summer, they will be hosting family fun events which will have a specific focus area on supporting transitions. Alongside this they will also have SEND Chat and Play sessions running as usual over the summer period for those families with a child with SEND transitioning to a school or setting.
Why not check out the series of webinars on Hertfordshire Family Centre Service website where families can find further advice on Transitions:
Get expert advice this summer with the Healthier Together website
While the arrival of warm temperatures and sunny skies in summer is usually welcome, it’s good to know what health challenges children and families may face this season to help them stay safe when out and about or at home enjoying the sunshine.
With the summer holidays fast approaching, many families may be traveling abroad. Therefore, it’s important families ensure everyone is vaccinated to protect from serious diseases found overseas.
For those families staying closer to home, holidaying in the UK or just heading to the beach or elsewhere for a day out, knowing how to stay safe in the sun and around water will help to reduce stress and worry so they can focus on having fun.
There is a bespoke website, created by clinical leaders of local health and care services that can help with useful information and trusted advice, all in one place and directly from health professionals.
The Hertfordshire and west Essex Healthier Together website advises on the common symptoms of a number of childhood conditions, what steps you should take to treat them at home and when to think about getting further help.
This includes advice on:
• travel vaccinations
• managing allergies, stings and bites
• summer safety including top tips on sun, water and road safety
• helping young people make healthy behaviour choices in relation to alcohol, smoking and drugs.
Professionals also use this website for information to share during appointments.
Dr Rachel Joyce, Medical director for Herts and West Essex ICB, said: “It is sometimes hard to know what your next steps are when your children are unwell and what to look out for in those symptoms if they are normal or you should get extra medical help.
“This website gives parents that information about a range of common childhood illnesses, all in one place and supplied by trusted health experts, to make that decision. It also has a range of information on important topics and places you can get extra support.”
Please share this website with your own friends and family this summer and help them get much needed support and advice for their own loved ones when they need it.
News from Services for Young People
Young people say they feel safer, more confident, and ready for the future
Services for Young People’s annual user survey has once again shown the positive impact our services have on young people in Hertfordshire.
The survey ran from January to March 2024 and gathered feedback from 662 young people aged 11-25 who used our services in the previous 12 months. 92% rated our services 7 out of 10 or higher (up from 78% in 2023) and 48% gave a score of 10 out of 10 (up from 39% in 2023). The satisfaction ratings for every aspect of Services for Young People (SfYP) services have increased compared with those given by young people completing the survey in 2023.
The results and feedback show that the support provided by SfYP is of increasing benefit and makes a real difference to young people’s lives.
Celebrating Pride Month with Services for Young People
Throughout June, young people attending SfYP LGBT+ youth work projects across Hertfordshire gained confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging.
Youth Workers at our LGBT+ youth work projects worked with young people last month to help them understand the significance of Pride Month and to support them in celebrating equality, contributions of LGBT+ people and raising awareness of issues affecting the community.
Get September Ready with Services for Young People
As the new academic year approaches, SfYP is offering ‘Get September Ready’ sessions to help students feel more confident and prepared about going to college or sixth form. The informal sessions will be particularly beneficial for those who have been out of education or are feeling anxious about the transition.
- Read full story with dates and locations of sessions across Hertfordshire
Conference updates and inspires careers guidance professionals
Over 130 professionals who work with secondary and college-aged students, attended the Teacher and Adviser Conference at the University of Hertfordshire on Friday 21 June 2024.
The Teacher and Adviser Conference was jointly hosted this year by SfYP and the University of Hertfordshire. It offered an engaging and diverse programme and the opportunity for careers professionals and advisers to come together, share ideas and talk about how to support and prepare students for their future learning and employment.
