The latest news
Area SEND inspection: survey information for practitioners
Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are visiting your area, as part of an inspection. We will be looking at arrangements for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
We would like to hear your views about the support that you provide to children and young people with SEND. We would also like to understand how you work with other agencies to ensure children and young people receive the right support. You can provide your views by completing an online survey at the following link:
Your views are important to us and will help inspectors understand how the arrangements within your area support children and young people. The survey will close 9am on Tuesday 4 July 2023.
The survey is voluntary, and you do not have to take part. The responses will complement the evidence collected by inspectors during the inspection. We do not ask for your name.
If you complete this survey, you consent to the transfer of your information from SmartSurvey to Ofsted.
For more information about how CQC and Ofsted collect and use data during inspections please see their individual privacy policies:
CQC privacy statement; Ofsted privacy policy
Introduction to the SEND Local Offer website – webinar
The Local Offer website lets parents, young people and professionals know what special educational needs and disabilities services are available in Hertfordshire, and who can access them. There is so much more than that, too.
A friendly face from the Local Offer team will take you through what’s on the website and how you can use it to find the right services and support.
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/localoffer
Please copy the below links into your calendar for your chosen date:-
(For professionals AND parent carers) Wednesday 5 July 7.30 – 8.30pm Click here to join the meeting
(For professionals) Wednesday 5 July 2 – 3pm Click here to join the meeting
(For professionals) Thursday 6 July 10am – 11am Click here to join the meeting
A quick note: The Local Offer website is different to Short Breaks (SBLO). We won’t be going into detail about SBLO.
New Front Door Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), model
In Hertfordshire, the Children’s Services ‘Front Door’ provides a single point of contact for all families, residents and professionals to request help and support for families or report safeguarding concerns for a child.
Children’s Service’s funding was agreed and the project to redesign the Front Door model with a view to strengthening the staffing establishment to meet the changing needs of children and families in Hertfordshire.
With the introduction of the Gateway model which came into effect on 2nd May 2023, ensures the safeguarding element of the Gateway will become a stronger, fully resourced Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub, that where possible seeks local knowledge about children and families.
What this will mean in practice is that, there will be:
- Strengthened thresholds with partner agencies referring
- Parental consent obtained where applicable
- Co-Location and a joint decision making model with all MASH Partners
- Adolescent specialists incorporated into all MASH Pods
- Increased staffing
- Improved processes and Pathways
Please see the below, new model flow chart:-
Do you make referrals into Children’s Services?
Rarely, occasionally, often? We want to hear from you!
Please join us on Tuesday 4 July 1:30 – 3pm for our virtual user-engagement consultation session
An opportunity for all those who refer into Children’s Services to share your experience of the referral process, what you like and the barriers.
We will use an audience interaction tool Slido to create a safe conversation and enable everyone to share their views. We will guide participants through a presentation with questions and answers, and views, being shared through this easy-to-use platform.
If you cannot attend this interactive session, we will make the presentation available and keep the Slido tool open for a further week, so all professionals can contribute their opinions.
We will take the learning from this session to improve and streamline the online referral process and we hope TO MAKE LIFE EASIER!
Please email familiesfirst.support@hertfordshire.gov.uk if you would like to receive this link to join this session.
New Supporting Families Outcomes Framework
In 2011 the Troubled Families framework was introduced using payment by results, to fund early help systems across the country. It focused on three key areas: employment; offending and education attendance. Then from 2015, a new approach was introduced, but using a wider set of indicators with a strong focus on multi-agency collaboration and whole family support, identifying all problems and acting early to prevent issues escalating. All Local Authorities were set challenging targets for success, which Hertfordshire achieved.
The approach continued from 2020, but the programme name was changed to Supporting Families and from October 2022, a new Supporting Families Outcomes Framework came into effect for early help and some of the key headline changes are:-
- Pre-determined family needs and sub-outcomes with success determined six months after case closure
- Consistent framework across England
- Removal of Continuous Employment as a payment by results indicator
Supported through a whole family approach.
To qualify for a claim the family’s needs must be from at least three headline indicators, all families must have been supported by a lead practitioner, there must have been a whole family assessment and an action plan to address all the problems faced by the family, and the family must have received relevant support.
Outcomes achieved against each and every identified family need.
For a successful claim, all identified family needs must evidence a positive outcome that is sustained for at least six months after closure. What qualifies as an outcome is set out in the National Supporting Families Outcome Framework.
Example:
How this works in practice
e.g. A family may be identified for support as one child has low school attendance and there are Police reports of the same child going missing from home. Additionally, the parents are struggling to manage their finances. (3 out of 10 family needs (headline indicators) identified).
Further exploration finds that dad has unmet mental health needs and has a problem with the amount of alcohol he uses. (now 5 out of 10 family needs (headline indicators) identified).
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However, if for example, a family require support with their finances, where there is also a child in the family who is NEET and an adult in the family who is workless, then the family will not be eligible if there are no other needs. This is because all three of these needs fall under the financial stability headline outcome.
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Find out more about the background to the framework and you can read more detail on the Outcome Framework Presentation
New Children's Services Continuum of Need
We are delighted to share our updated Continuum of Need for Children and Young People 2023.
This has been developed following extensive multi agency consultation and collaboration. It will soon be available on Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children’s Partnership website.
View the Continuum of Need here
Family Support Service Annual Report
We are pleased to share with you this year’s Family Support Service Annual Report (April 2022 - March 2023).
This year’s report outlines another busy year for the Family Support Service. Through staff and volunteer’s hard work and dedication large numbers of families across Hertfordshire have engaged in the service, which has positively impacted their lives. Here's what one parent said:
“We need groups like this, especially as a new mum. It is amazing that the sessions are free, I’ve been able to make friends and feel less lonely. It has helped my mental health. We really enjoy attending Active Rhyme Time on Wednesdays, my baby doesn’t stop smiling!” - Annual Parent Satisfaction Survey, December 2022.
The report also includes priorities and next steps for the coming year. The full report can be found on the Family Centre Website Hertfordshire Family Centre Service Annual Report 2023 (hertsfamilycentres.org)
New Health Website for Under 5s
A new website giving support and advice every step of the way for parents of under 5s has been launched by the NHS. Find out more here:-
In addition, this recently produced pathway document to help families understand universal support for under 5s is a great resource - download your copy here.
Fostering Friendly Employer Seminar – 24th July
Hertfordshire County Council was accredited as a Fostering Friendly employer in January 2023. The accreditation, overseen by The Fostering Network, recognizes employers who actively support fostering across their organisation, and in particular, foster carer and family and friends carers.
To gain accreditation, Hertfordshire County Council has implemented policies that provide practical support to employees who foster and guidance to those who wish to become an approved foster carers themselves. Hertfordshire County Council offers a flexible working pattern that foster carers and those going through the application process can apply for including accessing an additional maximum of five days extra paid leave for their fostering commitments. These involve meetings with social workers and other agencies, attending training, settling young people into their new home.
Following their own accreditation, Hertfordshire County council is keen to support other organisations across the county who would also like to become a Fostering Friendly Employer and are holding a one hour on-line seminar with businesses, public sector agencies and community organisations in Hertfordshire on 24th July at 10 a.m. where you can find out more about the scheme. Please use the following link to join the meeting. For more information contact fosteringfriendlyemployer@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Click here to join the meeting
NEW - Becoming Dad Workshops
Becoming Dad is an inclusive workshop for new and expectant fathers to help them to connect with and understand their babies’ needs.
Supported by trained facilitators from the Family Support Service, this workshop offers expectant and new fathers an informal and relaxed space to talk through any thoughts and challenges dad to dad as they transition into parenthood. This is a hands-on session where baby aged 0 – 1 year can come too!
Find out more information, groups and dates on the new Becoming Dad webpage .
Fostering Friendly Employer Seminar – 24th July
Hertfordshire County Council was accredited as a Fostering Friendly employer in January 2023. The accreditation, overseen by The Fostering Network, recognizes employers who actively support fostering across their organisation, and in particular, foster carer and family and friends carers.
To gain accreditation, Hertfordshire County Council has implemented policies that provide practical support to employees who foster and guidance to those who wish to become an approved foster carers themselves. Hertfordshire County Council offers a flexible working pattern that foster carers and those going through the application process can apply for including accessing an additional maximum of five days extra paid leave for their fostering commitments. These involve meetings with social workers and other agencies, attending training, settling young people into their new home.
Following their own accreditation, Hertfordshire County council is keen to support other organisations across the county who would also like to become a Fostering Friendly Employer and are holding a one hour on-line seminar with businesses, public sector agencies and community organisations in Hertfordshire on 24th July at 10 a.m. where you can find out more about the scheme. Please use the following link to join the meeting.
For more information contact fosteringfriendlyemployer@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Click here to join the meeting
New Service: Positively supporting Parents and Carers with their Children and Young People’s Mental Health
We'd like to make you aware that Community Interest Company (CIC) NESSie has been commissioned to provide an Early Help Parenting Support Service to parents/carers of Hertfordshire’s children and young people with emotional and mental health issues. This new service aims to help parents/carers in developing a positive and more confident approach to support their young person, whilst offering a chance to gain peer support, useful strategies, and practical tools.
What NESSie’s New Free Early Help Parenting Support Service offers:
- Free online and face-to-face (within schools and community settings) informal parent/carer workshops. For further information and to book please CLICK HERE
- Parent Support line: 07932 651319 (open Thursdays 9am-12 noon or by appointment)
- Private moderated Facebook support group: NESSie Parent/Carer Support Group and Nessie in Ed.
- 1-1 targeted brief support sessions (for more information, please complete THIS FORM and a member of their team will be in contact to arrange a chat).
- Peer support groups
- “Drop In and Chat Coffee Mornings” where parents/carers can discuss anything and everything.
Topics covered may include, but are not limited to:
- Anxiety and building resilience.
- Self-harming behaviours
- School Avoidance
- Bereavement and Loss including Divorce and Separation
- Disordered eating
- Supporting a child or young person who is Gender Questioning
- Managing Meltdowns.
The NESSie team understand that it can be nerve-racking or difficult when first deciding to contact them. Their team is experienced at listening to and supporting all sorts of worries or problems. There are number of ways to get in touch and they suggest parents/carers use whichever feels most comfortable.
Please help spread the word
A poster can be downloaded for display in areas where your staff and parents/carers might see them. Please also follow and share NESSie’s social media posts on Facebook, twitter and Instagram @nessined:
It would also be really helpful if you could share NESSie’s social media posts with details of the workshops happening in April and May below via your social media channels using the links to their posts below:
Please could you cascade this information to your teams who are working with Hertfordshire’s parents and carers as soon as possible and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
A news update from Step2Skills
Test your knowledge with this Digital Skills test from Step2Skills
How much do you know about keeping safe online? This short quiz is designed to test your knowledge of keeping children safe online and the questions are eye-opening! See how you score in this quiz from Step2Skills and see how you might like to continue your Digital Skills learning with a range of workshops and courses from Step2Skills.
Take the quiz at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/digital-skills-quiz
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The seventh edition of Step2Skills News magazine is out now
The 7th edition of our Step2Skills News magazine has been published both in hard copy and online and is available to read!
Covering June to September, the edition is packed with news and information across our service, including;
✔️ Details from our new Multiply numbers programme
✔️ A learner’s piece on the wonder of the Fibonacci sequence
✔️ Upcoming courses and workshops from the Step2Skills network this summer
✔️ The fantastic outcomes from our most recent job fair
✔️ Our work with local employers
Read it here: http://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/Step2Skillsmagazine
If you’d like copies for your place of work, please get in touch with us. Also, if Charlotte Adams would usually bring copies to your place of work, please let me know and I’ll get some sent out by post to you.
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Get help into work with the Local Supported Employment (LSE project), for people with learning disabilities and/or Autism
Last week, we were delighted to see our first paid work outcome on our newest #EmploymentSupport program, Local Supported Employment (LSE)!
This program is designed specifically for #Herts residents who have #Autism and/or #LearningDisabilities and is part-funded by the DWP.
Visit our website for full details on how the Local Supported Employment program can help you find work.
www.step2skills.org.uk/supportedemployment
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This summer, join the Crystal Challenge – A 2 hour family workshop for children aged 5 to 10, with their parent/carer
In teams you will navigate through 5 Global Zones solving number, shape and logic puzzles to win crystals. The more crystals you have, the more time you have in the Orb Pond at the end to win the biggest crystal of them all. Adults and children will work together to develop their Maths and Thinking Skills. Success will depend on a Growth Mindset and good Teamwork.
Tuesday 25th July - 10:00-12:00 - Bedwell Community Association, Stevenage
Tuesday 25th July - 13:30-15:30 - Bedwell Community Association, Stevenage
Thursday 27th July - 10:00-12:00 – St Joseph’s Church, Waltham Cross
Thursday 27th July - 13:30-15:30 – St Joseph’s Church, Waltham Cross
Book your place on our website at www.step2skills.org.uk/courses
News from Service for Young People
The results of our annual user survey are now in
Between January and March, 626 young people who had contact with Services for Young People (SfYP) told us what they thought of our services to help us develop the services we offer.
Young person has renewed hope for their future by engaging with SfYP
A Personal Adviser in the SfYP North Herts and Stevenage Team describes how the support a young person received as part of the SfYP HOP Into Your Future programme has helped them to overcome mental health issues and make plans for their future.
Broxbourne Youth Council hosts successful personal safety event with local professionals at Waltham Cross Young People’s Centre
The Broxbourne Youth Council, with the support of SfYP, organised an event for local young people to learn about staying safe and to discuss their personal safety concerns with professionals. It also aimed to raise awareness of the services and support that are available for young people in the area.
Read the full story including feedback from the young people who attended
Helping Hertfordshire’s children and young people to have a HAPpy summer
Fully-funded holiday activity camps return for the summer holidays, giving eligible children and young people a chance to have fun, meet friends, learn new skills and enjoy nutritious food.
We are delighted to be working in partnership once again with Herts Sports Partnership and Hertfordshire Community Foundation to run the HAPpy programme (Holiday Activities Programme), supporting local families at a time when they need it the most.
The programme is open to children and young people eligible for benefits-related free school meals. The aim is to help close the holiday experience gap that some families may face over this period to deliver healthy food alongside sport and physical activity in a fun and safe environment.
Hertfordshire schools are now giving out booking codes to families of eligible children. Parents/carers who have not received the code should contact their school office or email haf@herts.ac.uk.
Bookings opened midday on Monday 26 June.
We understand not all families in need meet the FSM criteria, and a small proportion of free places can be provided to families identified by those professionals working with them. A unique code can be issued only to those professionals to share with the family. Any services who work with vulnerable/eligible families and would like a code or wish to promote this further please email happy@hertfordshire.gov.uk for more information.
We will be sharing information about the HAPpy programme on our social media channels so please help us spread the work by sharing our posts.
Further details of the programme, the camps available and to book places can be found at: Holiday Activity Fund - Herts Sports Partnership (sportinherts.org.uk)