Events in 2022
Special United - Come and join us via Zoom video chat |
Date: |
Thursday 19th May 2022 |
Time: |
5:30pm-6:30pm |
Full details: |
Pdf |
We will be joined by Deborah Hunter who is the Head of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Principal Educational Psychologist at Brighter Futures for children.
To book your place, please email lisaharry14@aol.com RSVP No later than Wednesday 18th May 2022.
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Coffee Morning - Join us for an on-line video session via Zoom |
Date: |
25th May 2022 |
Time: |
12 noon - 1.15 pm |
Full details: |
Pdf |
Nina Crispin, Information and Engagement Officer and Amanda Nyeke, Public Health and Well Being Manager of Reading Borough Council, would like to seek your views and answer any questions you may have on the draft priorities and future plans for the Autism strategy, as identified from the Needs Assessment process.
Full details and booking information in flyer attached.
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Pop into the Reading Families’ Forum INFORMATION AND FUN DAY |
Date: |
12TH JUNE 2022 |
Time: |
3 – 5:15 PM |
Venue: |
THE AVENUE SCHOOL,Conwy Close, Tilehurst, Reading RG30 4BZ |
Full details: |
Pdf |
Find out more about local services for children and their families with additional needs, inc Alafia, TuVida and many more. There will be lots of accessible fun for all the family, including arm painting, some interesting reptiles and having fun with bubbles.
Full details and booking information in flyer attached.
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Please see attached flyer (pdf) for SEND Holiday Activities and Food Programme, which RFC Community Trust have arranged. For more information on HAF:
Pdf
Join us for an on-line video session via Zoom and talk with Fiona Hostler, BSc Psych, Safeguarding and Children Missing Education (CME) Officer of Brighter Futures for Children |
Date: |
Wednesday, 11th May |
Time: |
10.30 am – 11.45 am via Zoom |
Full details: |
Pdf |
Has your child been excluded, or are you having problems with school avoidance? Fiona would like to talk with you and hear your views.
To book your place, please email fran.morgan.rff@gmail.com or telephone/text on the mobile number below and we can then let you know the appropriate log-in details for the call.
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Easter Holiday Short Breaks & April Activities |
Parenting Special Children run many courses to help parents with children with special needs. Follow the link below to see what's available 7th - 19th February.

Is it difficult to get help for your Autistic Child? Online video session via Zoom |
Date: |
Thursday, 3rd March |
Time: |
10.30 am – 11.30 am via Zoom |
Full details: |
Pdf |
We have invited Nina Crispin, Information and Engagement Officer and Katie Badger, Trainee Public Health Programme Officer of Reading Borough Council to our next coffee morning. Nina and Katie want to hear your views on what the new all age Reading Autism Strategy should include to improve the lives of your children and the wider family.
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Transition Conference, 1st July 2021 |
This year, we held the event for the 16 + age group via zoom. Over 40 people attended with participants reporting that they felt more informed after the conference. To view the presentations click on the links below.
Experience of a young man - The video file is available via this link, to download from here: http://gofile.me/4pxlh/rzCNJm8rx
Professor Luke Clements on the Law - Pdf file
RFF's Experience - Pptx file
Employment Pathways - Pptx file Pdf file
Adult Social Care and CTPLD - Pptx file
Preparing For Adulthood - Pptx file
Recording of Conference -
Morning event part 1 - Luke Clements' presentation
Morning event part 2 - Q and A with Luke Clements
Afternoon event part 1 - RFF presentation and SEND team inspection
Afternoon event part 2 -Elevate, Starting Point and Ways into Work presentation followed by RBC and CTPLD
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Dear Parent Carers
Due to the recent government advice to avoid social contact where possible, we have reluctantly decided to cancel our coffee evening on 25th March at Krazy Play Days and not arrange any further events for the Forum or Special United for the next 12 weeks. This is to protect the children, young people and families who attend our events and our staff and volunteers. We will continue to review the situation as the government and Public Health England update their advice and keep you informed.
We know that this is a challenging time for families of children and young people with additional needs and would recommend the following for support during this time:
Facebook have peer to peer Facebook pages that are a mine of useful information and support including social stories about the Coronavirus and tips getting through this time:
SEND Carers United
Kids Physical Disability Berkshire
The SEND VCB project (It is aimed at VCB - parents of children and young people with violent or challenging behaviour but it has great resources for all children with SEND.)
The Reading Local Offer is also always there for online support and helplines.
The Forum aim to produce a weekly email with the best information from Facebook, for those who don't access it.
There are lots of great resources going round about how to home educate your children if schools are closed or you have to self-isolate your family (eg Reading IASS) but remember this is an exceptional time so don't put any pressure on yourself - this is about getting through each day.
We will arrange more events for parents and young people as soon as we can. In the meantime, stay safe and be kind to yourselves.
We look forward to seeing you all soon.
Ramona Bridgman
Chair, Reading Families' Forum
Swings & Smiles is a place to play for children with special needs and their families, aged 0-18 and has a specific session for the under 5s. It offers a unique environment where the whole family feels supported and where they can spend quality time together. Our services include play sessions, sibling support and outreach.

Swings & Smiles, A Place to Play
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Registered charity number 1120598 |
SEND Local Offer 16+ Newsletter |
We hope you find the newsletter useful, it’s packed full of information about what is available to young people with SEND as they transition into adulthood.
This newsletter is just a snapshot of what is available on the Local Offer so if there is something missing that you would like information about you can email localoffer@reading.gov.uk or call 0118 937 3777 (opt 2).
To unsubscribe or change your permissions you can always contact us at: fis@reading.gov.uk or localoffer@reading.gov.uk |
Latest SEND Local Offer Newsletter |
Details: |
It’s a little different to usual as everything is still mostly online but hopefully you will find something interesting to join in with.
Support services are still operating via phone or email and there are a large number of Zoom events/webinars to take part in. |
Spring 2022 Newsletter: |
Spring 2022 Newsletter pdf file |
SPECIAL UNITED SEND Youth Forum |
View the pdf link for information on another great evening and the Adult Social Care team |
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