news
See what PaCC & amaze are talking about...
Covid-19 scams: what to know, and how to stay safe
There have been reports that some fraudsters have been using covid-19 to scam people in a variety of ways, and Police and Trading Standards are concerned people may try to exploit the new Track and Trace system. As people are unfamiliar with the system, they say there are risks that people might be tricked into clicking...
The post Covid-19 scams: what to know, and how to stay safe appeared first on Amaze.
Park spaces made available for SEND youngsters
You may have read in our recent newsletter, the plan for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to be given their own park areas in Brighton and Hove to allow them to play in peace and safety. We are pleased to confirm that Amaze teamed up with PaCC and the council to identify...
The post Park spaces made available for SEND youngsters appeared first on Amaze.
Department of Health & Social Care & Department for Education letter to SEND families
Helen Whately MP, Minister of State for Care and Vicky Ford MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families – have written the following letter to all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), their parents/carers and families, and others who support them. The letter expresses sincere thanks for the key role...
The post Department of Health & Social Care & Department for Education letter to SEND families appeared first on Amaze.
Amaze releases Haringey report
Amaze’s report, published today is essential reading for leaders, decision-makers and families with disabled children in the London borough of Haringey – setting out a clear way forward to bring together and harness the expertise of parent carers. In Haringey, we found many barriers still exist to supporting parent participation, including a defensive culture and...
The post Amaze releases Haringey report appeared first on Amaze.
New guidance for children and young people on shielding
The latest guidance on shielding for children and young people most likely to become unwell if they catch coronavirus (which applies from 6 July 2020) is for them to continue to shield until 31 July, when shielding is paused for everyone in England. The government have confirmed changes in their latest general shielding guidance that the majority...
The post New guidance for children and young people on shielding appeared first on Amaze.
End of term message to parent carers from Brighton & Hove SEND leaders
Georgina Clarke-Green, Assistant Director of Health, SEN & Disability at Brighton & Hove City Council has written the following message directly to all our Amaze families at the end of this extraordinary term. “Dear Parents and Carers, As the academic year draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and...
The post End of term message to parent carers from Brighton & Hove SEND leaders appeared first on Amaze.
Therapies in Sussex – what changed and how will they work going forward?
Coronavirus lockdown meant significant changes to the way physio, speech and language and occupational therapy have been delivered across Sussex to children and young people with SEND. As lockdown eases, we spoke to therapy teams in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex to get information about how they have been working and what will change...
The post Therapies in Sussex – what changed and how will they work going forward? appeared first on Amaze.
Lockdown sensory gifts a big hit with befriender families
A small gesture can make a big difference. During the lockdown period, Amaze was thrilled to be able to deliver surprise sensory bags and craft boxes to befriender families, thanks to the generosity of Rosie Weldon (who provided the wonderful sensory bags) and Out of the Box Create (who gifted craft boxes). The presents were a huge hit...
The post Lockdown sensory gifts a big hit with befriender families appeared first on Amaze.
Consultation for new SEND Strategy in Brighton & Hove
Brighton & Hove City Council has created a draft for the city’s new five year SEND Strategy. The draft was developed with the help of local families, including children and young people with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities. However, to ensure everyone’s voice is heard, they are offering a chance for...
The post Consultation for new SEND Strategy in Brighton & Hove appeared first on Amaze.
Boosting children and young people’s voices: how has Covid19 affected your family?
As part of a national campaign, we want to share quotes on social media on July 1st from children, young people and parents on how Covid-19 has affected them and what they want and need from recovery. The idea is that children and young people’s voices will be so prominent on social media that their...
The post Boosting children and young people’s voices: how has Covid19 affected your family? appeared first on Amaze.
Updated statement from Brighton & Hove City Council: phased school return from June 15
Brighton & Hove City Council have released an updated statement to headteachers this week, advising schools and council nurseries to begin opening more widely to pupils from Monday 15 June. They expect pupils to return in a gradual way, beginning with the age groups previously identified by the government: nursery years, reception, Year 1, Year...
The post Updated statement from Brighton & Hove City Council: phased school return from June 15 appeared first on Amaze.
Brighton & Hove youth services review – chance to win £25 gift voucher
Are you a young person in Brighton & Hove aged 11 to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)? Or a parent carer of a young person 11-25 with SEND in Brighton & Hove? Brighton & Hove City Council would like your help to decide what youth services are needed in the city. Your...
The post Brighton & Hove youth services review – chance to win £25 gift voucher appeared first on Amaze.
Amaze and ESPCF’s letter to East Sussex schools
Today Amaze and East Sussex Parent Carer Forum sent a letter to all head teachers and SENCOs at East Sussex schools, sharing the key messages and suggestions we have heard from parent carers about providing support to SEND children and young people during Covid-19, you can read the letter here: Key suggestions for schools colleges...
The post Amaze and ESPCF’s letter to East Sussex schools appeared first on Amaze.
Amaze and PaCC’s letter to Brighton & Hove schools
As schools are focusing their efforts (in very challenging circumstances), to support more children in certain year groups to return to school, Amaze and PaCC have sent a letter to all school Head Teachers and SENCOs in Brighton & Hove, outlining some key messages parents have told us they would like schools to think about...
The post Amaze and PaCC’s letter to Brighton & Hove schools appeared first on Amaze.
Letter to the government regarding SEND pupils’ return to school
As part of the Disabled Children’s Partnership, Amaze is a signatory to this letter to Vicky Ford, which asks the Government to ensure that there is no further extension of the amended arrangements to vary timescales in The SEND CV19 Regulations 2020, beyond the current end date of 25th September: Sector letter to the Children’s Minister...
The post Letter to the government regarding SEND pupils’ return to school appeared first on Amaze.
Letter from Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families
See attached letter from Vicky Ford MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families, in which she thanks parents for all their support at this time, and outlines the latest guidance to schools to bring more children back in, including those with SEND. Minister Ford’s open letter to SEND sector schools opening [140KB PDF]...
The post Letter from Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families appeared first on Amaze.
Amaze’s new online coronavirus resource
There’s a brand new section all about coronavirus and SEND on our website which aims to answer all your questions about education, health and wellbeing, social care, safety, money and more during the pandemic. There’s also a section just for young people. Visit our Coronavirus advice and support section Our SENDIASS and Comms staff developed...
The post Amaze’s new online coronavirus resource appeared first on Amaze.
Amaze services now offering online support
Due to the recent Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve had to be creative with how we can continue to provide our support services during this time, that’s why we’re now offering online sessions with our various projects. Take a look below to see if you’d like to get involved in any of the sessions. Amaze online support...
The post Amaze services now offering online support appeared first on Amaze.
Local response to government’s proposed reopening of schools
We know you will all be anxious and wanting to know more detail following the government’s recent announcements about the potential reopening of schools but we know all schools are planning how it can happen in safe and fair way. In Brighton & Hove, Amaze understands that Jo Lyons (Brighton & Hove Assistant Director, Families,...
The post Local response to government’s proposed reopening of schools appeared first on Amaze.
Brighton & Hove and East Sussex councils reach out to parent carers around temporary changes to SEND law
You may have heard in the news last week that the government has made some temporary changes to the law in relation to local authorities’ duties regarding Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan processes for the duration of the Covid-19 crisis. In light of these changes, both Brighton & Hove and East Sussex County Councils...
The post Brighton & Hove and East Sussex councils reach out to parent carers around temporary changes to SEND law appeared first on Amaze.
Lockdown – what’s happening to education, employment and training for young people?
Many young people are worrying about how the Covid-19 lockdown will affect their education, employment and training. Lots of parent carers are too! Here at Amaze we believe that it is vital for young people’s wellbeing that you continue to think about the future and to make plans for the end of lockdown. The Amaze...
The post Lockdown – what’s happening to education, employment and training for young people? appeared first on Amaze.
Sussex teen ‘Trumpet Boy’ releases lockdown single in aid of Amaze
A Brighton schoolboy has written and recorded a song about lockdown, on wide release, with all proceeds going to Amaze! Arthur Ward, 13, has already raised over £500 for us with his uplifting live trumpet performances in Hanover (where he is now a lockdown legend amongst residents) as well as reaching people live on Instagram (@trumpet_b0y). This...
The post Sussex teen ‘Trumpet Boy’ releases lockdown single in aid of Amaze appeared first on Amaze.
Parent Carers’ Experiences of COVID-19
Thank you to all the parent carers who managed to complete our latest survey. This ran from 17-24th April and aimed to get a snapshot of some of the key challenges facing families with children and young people with SEND during this CV-19 crisis, and what support you most need. We have shared these findings with...
The post Parent Carers’ Experiences of COVID-19 appeared first on Amaze.
Brighton & Hove Council thank you letter to SEND families
As lockdown continues, Amaze staff and volunteers are hearing many examples of strength, courage and mutual support from the parent carer community across Sussex, so it’s lovely that the current difficulties many are facing are acknowledged in this thank you letter to Brighton and Hove families: 2020 04 29 Letter to Parents and Carers [PDF 104KB]
The post Brighton & Hove Council thank you letter to SEND families appeared first on Amaze.
COVID 19 Parent Carer Survey
Amaze and your local parent carer forums (PACC and ESPCF) want to find out how the coronavirus crisis is affecting families. If you are an East Sussex or Brighton & Hove parent we would be very grateful if you can find time to complete this survey. We will use what you say to prioritise what...
The post COVID 19 Parent Carer Survey appeared first on Amaze.
Amaze services during coronavirus/COVID-19
We are no longer updating this page. For up to date details of how our services are operating during coronavirus, please visit our Coronavirus Support from Amaze page Amaze is doing all it can to keep services going in some form during coronavirus/COVID-19, but things may be a bit slower than usual. This is because...
The post Amaze services during coronavirus/COVID-19 appeared first on Amaze.
Exercise and your child with SEND during lock-down
We know the lockdown is difficult for many of us but it can be exceptionally hard if you have a child with an additional need who doesn’t understand social distancing, or wants to be outside more than once per day. Your child might: Need to be able to exercise away from familiar people as they...
The post Exercise and your child with SEND during lock-down appeared first on Amaze.
Easter update: opening hours and helpful resources
Amaze services will be closed over the Easter weekend (Friday 10th April to Monday 13th April). If you’re starting to get cabin fever and could do with some resources to help you through, we’ve got you covered: Leisure, Learning and Lockdown – Our Compass team has been busy creating and regularly updating their guides for...
The post Easter update: opening hours and helpful resources appeared first on Amaze.
#BigCheerUp for Amaze
Need cheering up? Love funny videos? Amaze is hugely excited to be launching #BigCheerUp with some of the UK’s best-loved comedy names, to support our Amaz-ing community of children with special educational needs and disabilities. Take a look at our launch video by the fabulous Angela Barnes who also happens to be an Amaze patron. Over the coming weeks, as...
The post #BigCheerUp for Amaze appeared first on Amaze.
LATEST – Support from BHISS during coronavirus pandemic
Brighton & Hove Inclusion Support Service (BHISS) have just released the following advice about how their service will operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Dear Parent/carers We wanted to contact you to update you on how BHISS can continue to support you and your family during this unusual time. Everyone at the Brighton & Hove Inclusion...
The post LATEST – Support from BHISS during coronavirus pandemic appeared first on Amaze.
Amaze creates Community Help Postcard to help vulnerable SEND families during COVID-19
Here at Amaze we are looking at creative ways to help local families of children and young people with additional needs during the coronavirus outbreak. Yesterday we launched our Frequently Asked Questions resources, and today we are launching our “AMAZ-ing Community help postcard”. This is based on the one that has taken off online elsewhere, but ours specifically tries to help families...
The post Amaze creates Community Help Postcard to help vulnerable SEND families during COVID-19 appeared first on Amaze.
Home to school transport latest – BRIGHTON & HOVE
An update from Brighton & Hove City Council’s Home to School Transport team. The article includes Important info regarding Home to School transport and Covid 19 Information around a commitment to improve provision ahead of September 2020 “Dear parents and carers Firstly, we are aware of the concerns parents and carers have around the coronavirus/...
The post Home to school transport latest – BRIGHTON & HOVE appeared first on Amaze.
Amaze seeks Face2Face Befriending Project Worker
12 hours per week Salary: Equivalent NJC 21, £24,340 pro rata. Amaze hourly rate £13.37 (based on 35 hours week) Fixed-term to 31st March 2021, with possibility of extension subject to funding Amaze is a Sussex-based charity that supports families with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Face2Face is our...
The post Amaze seeks Face2Face Befriending Project Worker appeared first on Amaze.
Amaze seeks Data and Performance Manager
25-30 hours per week (flexible depending on experience and availability) Salary: Equivalent NJC 25-29 £27,698-£30,819 pro rata. Amaze hourly rate £15.22-£16.93 (based on 35 hours week) Fixed-term for 2 years, with likelihood of extension subject to funding Amaze is a Sussex-based charity that supports families with children and young people with special educational needs and...
The post Amaze seeks Data and Performance Manager appeared first on Amaze.
Opportunities for accessing school until the end of the summer term for Year 11 pupils who have an EHCP
Brighton and Hove County Council’s Health, SEN & Disability department have issued a position statement regarding opportunities for accessing school until the end of the summer term for Year 11 pupils who have an EHCP. This Position Statement covers funding for Year 11 students to continue with support until the end of the Summer Term. At...
The post Opportunities for accessing school until the end of the summer term for Year 11 pupils who have an EHCP appeared first on Amaze.
Coronavirus update from Brighton & Hove CC’s Public Health team
We are pleased to share some updated information on coronavirus, now also referred to COVID-19. This has been prepared by the Public Health team at Brighton and Hove City Council. We hope you find this useful. The risk to the general public is ‘moderate’ based on the World Health Organization’s declaration that coronavirus is of international concern. ...
The post Coronavirus update from Brighton & Hove CC’s Public Health team appeared first on Amaze.
Update for families from Brighton & Hove City Council about the coronavirus
You may be hearing a lot in the news at the moment about the reported incidents of coronavirus in the city and we understand parents and carers may be especially anxious and hope the following information will be helpful: Public Health England is the lead organisation responding to the situation. Public Health England is working...
The post Update for families from Brighton & Hove City Council about the coronavirus appeared first on Amaze.
SENDIASS Helpline news
We’re really excited about two developments for our SENDIASS helpline that we hope will cut the time you have to wait to speak to an adviser. We have a new helpline assistant, Boo Vaughan, who will be contacting people who have left messages to book them a scheduled callback with a trained SENDIASS adviser to...
The post SENDIASS Helpline news appeared first on Amaze.
Face 2 Face peer befriending launches in East Sussex
Amaze’s Face 2 Face peer befriending service is launching in East Sussex. Face 2 Face provides emotional support to parents of disabled children during the very early days, around the time of diagnosis. We have a team of trained befrienders who are ready to support parents in most parts of East Sussex, particularly around Crowborough...
The post Face 2 Face peer befriending launches in East Sussex appeared first on Amaze.
Tell us what you think of our Compass Card and DLA/PIP projects!
Many of you will have a Compass Card or have had some support from us to claim DLA/PIP disability benefits for your child or young person. Can you help Amaze to continue to improve, and secure future funding for these important projects by filling in one, two or all three of our short surveys! The surveys...
The post Tell us what you think of our Compass Card and DLA/PIP projects! appeared first on Amaze.
New Amazingly Active programme launching in Eastbourne
Amaze is delighted that thanks to a generous grant from the John Jackson Charitable Trust we are now able to offer Amazingly Active – an inclusive healthy exercise programme for young people with additional needs in Eastbourne, as part of our Amazing Futures project. Phase one of this exciting new exercise programme begins in February,...
The post New Amazingly Active programme launching in Eastbourne appeared first on Amaze.
Brighton & Hove City Council update on Home to School Transport
This is the latest update from Brighton & Hove City Council on Home to School Transport: “Dear families, Many parents and carers will be aware that a problem last Thursday 16 January caused disruption to the journeys of eight children to school the following morning. We regret disruption caused very much and have apologised to...
The post Brighton & Hove City Council update on Home to School Transport appeared first on Amaze.
What now for the national SEND Review?
Last autumn it felt like SEND was high on the political agenda nationally. In September 2019, it was five years since the Children and Families Act brought in the current SEND system, including EHC Plans, and there was some honest discussion about whether these reforms had lived up to hopes and expectations. The Education Committee...
The post What now for the national SEND Review? appeared first on Amaze.
East Sussex Parent Carer Forum seeks Chair
ESPCF is the new forum for parent carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in East Sussex. ESPCF’s aim is to ensure that every parent carer in East Sussex feels that their voice, their views and their experiences matter and contribute towards developing and improving services. We do this...
The post East Sussex Parent Carer Forum seeks Chair appeared first on Amaze.
East Sussex Parent Carer Forum seeks Administrative and Communications Assistant
ESPCF is the new forum for parent carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in East Sussex. ESPCF’s aim is to ensure that every parent carer in East Sussex feels that their voice, their views and their experiences matter and contribute towards developing and improving services. We do this...
The post East Sussex Parent Carer Forum seeks Administrative and Communications Assistant appeared first on Amaze.
East Sussex Parent Carer Forum seeks Engagement Co-ordinator
ESPCF is the new forum for parent carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in East Sussex. ESPCF’s aim is to ensure that every parent carer in East Sussex feels that their voice, their views and their experiences matter and contribute towards developing and improving services. We do this...
The post East Sussex Parent Carer Forum seeks Engagement Co-ordinator appeared first on Amaze.
The independent review of Brighton and Hove home to school transport is underway
The Independent Review of Brighton and Hove Home to School Transport is now underway. A team from the Local Government Association will spend the next 3 weeks reviewing relevant documentation and 3 focus groups will take place (dates below) providing an opportunity for parent carers to share their experiences and thoughts. Amaze is supporting PaCC...
The post The independent review of Brighton and Hove home to school transport is underway appeared first on Amaze.
Amaze’s East Sussex AGM a big success
Amaze’s first ever AGM in East Sussex took place in December at the Lawn Tennis Association in Eastbourne. It was also our first AGM focused on our direct work with young people as we celebrated our first year of Amazing Futures in East Sussex.The peer supporters, interns and group participants from East Sussex took to...
The post Amaze’s East Sussex AGM a big success appeared first on Amaze.
New Head of SEN Statutory Services for Brighton & Hove
Welcome to Rhian Hughes who has very recently joined Brighton & Hove City Council as Head of SEN Statutory Services. Rhian has 13 years of experience in SEN management and has worked in four London boroughs. Rhian says “ I am delighted to have joined Brighton & Hove Council as the Head of SEN Statutory...
The post New Head of SEN Statutory Services for Brighton & Hove appeared first on Amaze.
Latest on Brighton & Hove SEND Strategy
Work is underway to develop a new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Strategy for Brighton & Hove, to be launched next year. This strategy will be co-produced with parents and carers and there will ongoing scrutiny to make sure that the strategy is meeting its aims. Discussions with parents, carers and other professionals and...
The post Latest on Brighton & Hove SEND Strategy appeared first on Amaze.
events
See what's happening...
Amazing Futures - Queen's Park meet-up [Brighton]
06th August 2020 - 25th August 2020 - 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Queen's Park
25 West Drive
BrightonAmazing Futures - Preston Park meet-up [Brighton]
10th August 2020 - 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Preston Park
Preston Park Ave,
BrightonAmazing Futures - Yoga in Preston Park [Brighton] - FULLY BOOKED
10th August 2020 - 2:00 pm - 4:15 pm
Preston Park
Preston Park Ave,
BrightonAmazing Futures - Hove Park meet-up [Brighton]
11th August 2020 - 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Hove Park
Goldstone Crescent
HoveAmazing Futures - Zoom art group [Brighton]
12th August 2020 - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Amazing Futures - Preston Park meet-up [Brighton]
12th August 2020 - 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Preston Park
Preston Park Ave,
BrightonAmazing Futures - Queen's Park meet-up [Brighton]
13th August 2020 - 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Queen's Park
25 West Drive
BrightonAmazing Futures - Preston Park meet-up [Brighton]
17th August 2020 - 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Preston Park
Preston Park Ave,
BrightonAmazing Futures - Yoga in Preston Park [Brighton] - FULLY BOOKED
17th August 2020 - 2:00 pm - 4:15 pm
Preston Park
Preston Park Ave,
BrightonAmazing Futures - Hove Park meet-up [Brighton]
18th August 2020 - 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Hove Park
Goldstone Crescent
HoveAmazing Futures - Zoom art group [Brighton]
19th August 2020 - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Amazing Futures - Preston Park meet-up [Brighton]
19th August 2020 - 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Preston Park
Preston Park Ave,
BrightonAmazing Futures - Queen's Park meet-up [Brighton]
20th August 2020 - 25th August 2020 - 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Queen's Park
25 West Drive
BrightonSENDIASS Zoom 'Return to School' workshop
20th August 2020 - 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Amazing Futures - Preston Park meet-up [Brighton]
24th August 2020 - 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Preston Park
Preston Park Ave,
BrightonAmazing Futures - Yoga in Preston Park [Brighton] - FULLY BOOKED
24th August 2020 - 2:00 pm - 4:15 pm
Preston Park
Preston Park Ave,
BrightonAmazing Futures - Princes Park Eastbourne meet-up [East Sussex]
25th August 2020 - 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Princes Park Café
Channel View Road
EastbourneAmazing Futures - Hove Park meet-up [Brighton]
25th August 2020 - 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Hove Park
Goldstone Crescent
HoveAmazing Futures - Zoom art group [Brighton]
26th August 2020 - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Amazing Futures - Preston Park meet-up [Brighton]
26th August 2020 - 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Preston Park
Preston Park Ave,
BrightonAmazing Futures - Hampden Park Eastbourne meet-up [East Sussex]
26th August 2020 - 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Hampden Park
Hampden Park
EastbourneAmazing Futures - Queen's Park meet-up [Brighton]
27th August 2020 - 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Queen's Park
25 West Drive
BrightonAmazing Futures - Seaford meet-up [East Sussex]
28th August 2020 - 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Amazing Futures - Preston Park meet-up [Brighton]
31st August 2020 - 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Preston Park
Preston Park Ave,
Brighton