Hold My Hand

PDA Parenting Coaches

Updated who is who at Leeds

Director of Children Services Julie Longworth – julie.longworth@leeds.gov.uk Head of children services This role is not covered in one post on the Leeds City Council Structure. Dan Barton is the Deputy of Children and Families – Daniel.Barton@leeds.gov.uk Short Breaks Lead This role is not covered in one post on the Leeds City Council Structure. SEND Commissioners […]

Free resources at Nicola Hughes

Nicola Hughes has posted some really cool free resources on her website. Please do check them out! These include infinity colouring sheets and a really handy SEN parents communication log! https://www.nicolahughes.co.uk/resources

What is SENDSorta and why you need it!

SENDSORTA empowers parents of special needs children in UK with an innovative app designed to guide, educate, and support them in improving their child's outcomes. By providing expert-led training and personalized, 24/7 support, our platform transforms parenting challenges into triumphs, ensuring every child reaches their maximum potential. By doing so, SENDSORTA seeks to positively impact the families as well as to have a macro social-economic impact.

What support you may be entitled to

DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE (DLA) For under 16’s Based on needs not diagnosis Not means tested Telephone: 0800 121 4600 Care component Care component Weekly rate Lowest £26.90 Middle £68.10 Highest £101.75 Mobility component Mobility component Weekly rate Lower £26.90 Higher £71 CARERS ALLOWANCE £76.75 a week if you care for someone at least 35 hours […]

Our experience with Intensive Interaction

I am writing this blog here while all is still relevantly fresh, in hope to give some understanding to those looking for what Intensive interaction is, why it is recommended and to share our personal experience with it. The first time I heard the words "Intensive Interaction", was probably in our first private speech and […]

How to do a Freedom of Information request

First of all a note: Freedom of information request also known as FOI is not the same as subject access request, also known as SAR They are two completely different things. The Freedom of Information Act covers any recorded information (data) that is held by a public authority in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and […]

Eye test for non-verbal child who doesn’t follow instructions

I can only share my experience of this for my child. We are based in Leeds, UK, your experience may be different. It was the school that indicated that our non-verbal 5 year old needed to get an eye check. She was squinting and watching things at strange angles. We knew taking her to a […]

Books for Autistic and ADHD children to understand autism

A list of recommended book He's Not Naughty! A Children's Guide to Autism ADHD Is Our Superpower: The Amazing Talents and Skills of Children with ADHD The Abilities in Me: Autism All Cats Are on the Autism Spectrum A Gear That Just Won't Turn: What Adhd Is Like for Me All dogs have ADHD

Subject access request to Local Authority

First of all a note: Freedom of information request also known as FOI is not the same as subject access request, also known as SAR They are two completely different thigs. The right of access, or subject access request, also known as SAR is a right under GDPR law. Right of access permits you to request […]

Reasonable adjustments in schools

What are reasonable Adjustments Some people or organisations like employers, shops, local authorities and schools must take positive steps to remove the barriers you face because of your disability. This is to ensure you receive the same services, as far as this is possible, as someone who's not disabled. The Equality Act 2010 calls this […]

Violent and challenging behaviour

SEND-VCB-PROJECT Many times the parents ask what to do. Child has anxiety based behaviour issues. There could be self harm, harm to their siblings or parents. Some parents ask in desperation because the child is now stronger/taller than them.In these situations I find that nearly every time they are recommended the SEND VCB project by […]

Autism friendly haircuts in Leeds

There are recommendations for Leeds by Leeds parents Please do call and check as staff changes and business change hands and would be great to know that they are able to accommodate your child's needs Sarah at Lads and Dads in Adel Cheeky Chops (Meanwood) Instytute M Kral , 149 Town St, Armley, Leeds LS12 […]

Blue Badge for hidden disabilities

If your child has hidden disabilities, you may be eligible for a blue badge. If your child has higher rate mobility they are automatically eligible Start your journey at https://www.leeds.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/blue-badge-parking-and-applications/apply-for-a-blue-badge Remember that the application can be saved and you can come back to it. Once your application is accepted and your child is younger than […]

Sleep issues help resources

Many parents of ASC children report sleep issues. Here are a few tips. Sleep Clinics Scope have a Sleep right service, https://www.scope.org.uk/family-services/sleep-right/ Barnardo's offers a sleep clinic. Please get in touch with your local Barnardo's at https://www.barnardos.org.uk/ You can talk to your GP to get referred to the NHS Sleep Clinic. This could also be […]