Information from Mr Douglas

Engagement Sessions for Parents!

Una Turbitt, Interim Director of Children and Young People's Services has written to say that there will be a two-part SEND engagement session for parents and carers.

Their Special Educational Needs Advice and Information Service will give information on general concerns about SEN matters at the first session.

• Your role as a parent
• How children's learning is supported in school
• First steps to take when concerns arise
• Overview of the SEND Framework

Registration is limited so booking early via their website is advised 

The second session will introduce parents and carers to the SEND Transformation Programme.

Registration is limited so booking early via their website is advised 

29th March, 5.30-7.30pm at Malone College

30th March 7-9pm online

RISENI website update

RISENI have a brilliant website with advice, tips and courses for parents on all sorts of issues for children of all ages.

Reluctant to speak? Anxious? Behavioural difficulties? Speech difficulties or word finding difficulties? Pencil grip?

There are too many to list- have a look for yourself!https://view.pagetiger.com/RISENI/parents

Parenting NI courses!

Parenting NI will be providing a number of programmes and workshops for parents living in Belfast so I thought it might be helpful to provide a summary of what is on offer as these may be of interest to parents of children attending your school.  

Top Tips – Managing Challenging Behaviour – 1 hour zoom session from 7-8pm on Wednesday 18^th January

Sink or Swim (parenting with positive mental health) commences Thursday 19^th January from 7-9pm x 6 weeks via zoom

Top Tips for promoting a healthy lifestyle – 1 hour zoom session from 7-8pm on Monday 23^rd January

Top Tips – Childrens Emotional Health – 1 hour zoom session from 6.30-7.30pm on Tuesday 28^th February

Top Tips – Parents Emotional Health – 1 hour zoom session from 8-9pm on Tuesday 28^th February

Parents can self refer and book onto any of these opportunities by calling our support line on 0808 8010 722. 

Thursday 24th November        8-9:30pm   Register at bit.ly/3Ez4Z5k

and Thursday 1st December    7-8:30 pm  Register at bit.ly/3tDkenz

Courses for parents!

The EANI Autism Advisory and Intervention Service (AAIS) have some exciting courses for parents!

• Moving On Up: Transfer Training for Parents of Primary Children
• Supporting Sensory Needs at Home
• The Development of Play Skills
• Overview of Autism 

The Belfast Warm and Well Project is coordinated by National Energy Action (NEA) and is supported by Community Planning Partners from across Belfast.

The project is available to vulnerable people who are finding it difficult to keep their home warm. Vulnerable refers to a number of different groups including:https://www.nea.org.uk/communityengagement/belfast-warm-and-well-project/

• People aged 65 years or older;
• People living with a disability or a long term physical or mental health condition;
• Pregnant women;
• Households with a young child/children (from new-born to school age); and
• People on a low income.

Signs that a person may be finding it difficult to keep their home warm could be, for example:

• The home is cold – you may have to keep your coat on when inside;
• There is condensation on the windows; or
• There are signs of damp on the walls or ceilings.

Belfast Warm and Well, will be coordinated by National Energy Action (NEA) who will work with local community and voluntary groups, to provide helpful independent and confidential advice and practical support.

If you or someone you know is vulnerable and finding it difficult to keep your home warm, contact NEA on 028 9023 9909 or warmandwell@nea.org.uk to see if they can help.

Is toilet training a nightmare?

Here are some great resources from the Autism Intervention and Advisory Service!

https://www.eani.org.uk/services/pupil-support-services/autism-advisory-intervention-service-aais 

Some of you may find this link to Parentline of use:

www.ci-ni.org.uk