The event was developed in response to discussions within the SEND Employment Forum around uncertainty about the support available, workplace adjustments, and the practicalities of hiring young people with additional needs. To address these concerns, the event offered businesses the tools and confidence to take steps toward inclusivity.

The event was structured as an interactive CPD opportunity, with talks on reasonable adjustments, funding opportunities, and the benefits of a diverse workforce. Speakers included representatives from The Oaks Specialist College, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the Princess Royal University Hospital regarding their Supported Internship, members of the SEND Programme team on Reasonable Adjustments and the work currently done in schools and addresses from Heads of Departments and Directors of Bromley Council. A standout moment was a presentation from students at Langley Park School for Boys, who delivered a session on “Social Communication in the Workplace”, who educated attendees on effective communication strategies for young employees with SEND.

The event was a great success, building valuable discussions and connections between businesses, SEND specialists, and employment support services. It reinforced Bromley’s commitment to supporting inclusive employment and provided businesses with the knowledge and confidence to engage with SEND initiatives.

A quote from one attendee was:

All the speakers were clearly passionate about the mission and extremely knowledgeable on the specific services they offer and from an observers perspective, the structure of deliveries I don't think could have gone better.  Especially the last group of courageous, very bright sparks who left a lump in the throat of quite a few of the audience I think (I hope not just me). I learnt a huge amount.

26 services attending the event and provided support and signposting to a number of families.

Alongside the event, an I Can Play SEN session was running which the children thoroughly enjoyed!

It was a great event, and the Social Communication Needs service is looking forward to doing this again in the future!

Since I have been writing articles, children's books and making videos about autism, I have been learning more about myself, especially triggers causing meltdowns and shutdowns. I know that the main trigger for meltdowns is usually being late for appointments. So if I am, then I can phone ahead to the department and let them know and the time I might get there. For shutdowns, I know that it has been caused by lots of things happening in my life over a short period of time that my brain can't handle, especially going to different places within a week. So knowing this, unless it is hospital appointments which I know I have to attend, any events I go to I make sure I space them out so I have plenty of days in between that I can recharge my energy. All of this is helping me to write better. Having all this lived experience also helps me be an autism advocate to other autistics and their children and families with my writing and workshops.

To read more about me and my children's books, check out my website www.julieaday.co.uk.

The conference brought together Government ministers, dignitaries, and representatives from 33 London councils to celebrate the incredible efforts and achievements of local and regional stakeholders in transforming SEND employment pathways for young people with additional needs through the internships work programme.

The event was an opportunity to:

• Celebrate: achievements and progress across London.

• Connect: meet with local, regional and national partners and learn from others.

• Contribute: discuss the continued growth of supported internships in London.

Opening the conference were inspiring introductions from Barbara Hamilton, MBE, Head of Adult Skills, Education and Apprenticeships, City of London, and Ian Thomas, CBE, Town Clerk and Chief Executive, city of London Corporation followed by keynote speeches that supported the efforts and ethos behind SEND employment from:

• Rt Hon. Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability

• Cathine McKinnell, MP and Minister for Schools Standards

• Councillor Ian Edwards, Executive Member for Children and Young People, London Councils and Leader of Hillingdon Council

This was followed with an emotional, funny, yet inspirational theatre production from Newham’s theatre company ‘Act Up’ who enacted their experiences when attempting to find and secure employment.

Delivered in partnership with The Oaks Specialist College - a Microsoft Showcase Accredited setting and the only Post-18 Specialist College in the world with this status - the programme will offer interns the opportunity to develop essential workplace skills, with a particular focus on digital literacy and employability. The Oaks’ expertise in digital skills training, ensures that interns develop industry-relevant skills that enhance their employability across various sectors.

This launch highlights Bromley’s efforts to create inclusive employment pathways for young people with SEND. By bridging the gap between education and work, the Supported Internship Programme will provide young people with the tools they need to succeed in their future careers.

As the only college setting in the UK to be fully accredited by Microsoft as a Showcase Provider, the Oaks Specialist college team delivered a learning experience to professionals about the ways that common accessibility features on mobile phones can help learners to develop skills for employment and life.

Feedback from all those attending was that they had learned so much that they could share with their colleagues and students.

The Oaks Specialist College will once again be delivering this interactive workshop at their site on Thursday 19th June 2025. For more information, please email SEND.Employment@bromley.gov.uk.

This workshop, hosted by Bromley Council’s SEND Programme Team, offered an opportunity for professionals working with young people with SEND to come together with local providers to learn about some of the alternative options and courses available to develop young people’s employability skills and outcomes.

Professionals from 30 in borough and out of borough education settings and Bromley services met with providers that included:

• The Bromley Adult Education College

• Bromley Mencap Employment and Education Services

• London South East College (LSEC) – Supported Internships and Apprenticeships

• Palace for Life – Game On programme

• Bromley Well

• The National Careers Service Bromley

The SEND Programme team will now plan to deliver a similar information workshop for parents, carers and young people. Look out for further details!

Senior leaders from the SEND partnership across education, health and social care, gathered in the impressive chambers, fully engaged and eager to listen. The grandeur of the setting added a powerful sense of importance, reinforcing to the young attendees that their perspectives truly mattered.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the event was the active participation of the young people themselves. Through interactive workshops, lively discussions, and dynamic presentations, they articulated their aspirations, challenges, and ideas for improving services and accessibility. Their confidence grew with every contribution, and their energy was infectious—prompting even the most senior figures in the room to take note, engage, and respond with genuine enthusiasm.

Senior leaders not only listened, but they actively committed to action. They acknowledged the intelligence, creativity, and resilience of the young people, expressing their deep appreciation for the invaluable insights shared. Many described the event as an opportunity to shift the way policies are shaped, ensuring they are guided by the voices of those who are directly affected.

Young people left feeling empowered, knowing that their contributions were not just acknowledged but taken seriously. The sense of achievement and collective purpose resonated throughout the chambers, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.

Recent workshops focused on supporting communication, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees:

• "All aspects were delivered in a clear and concise manner, excellent and a lot to take away."

• "A very insightful workshop that I feel will benefit my son."

• "Really nice to meet other parents."

• "I loved the alternative options, such as Post-its and whiteboards, gives you lots of resolutions."

• "Appreciating the importance of visuals."

• "Love the course."

Building on this success, the EYIT is further developing its workshop offerings based on valuable feedback from families. In collaboration with Bromley Healthcare's Health Visiting team, new sessions are being introduced to support families with emerging needs. These trial workshops will cover topics such as sleep, eating challenges, toileting, behaviour, and sensory needs.

The new sessions will be accessible via referral, extending support to a broader range of families who may not require wider interventions but would still benefit from targeted guidance. The EYIT remains committed to providing inclusive and practical resources to empower parents and carers in supporting their children's early development.

The event also covered a new programme Connect to Work, a new initiative aimed at improving supported employment opportunities. This programme will focus on bridging the gap between education and the workplace, supporting people in developing the skills and experience needed for sustainable employment. As the initiative progresses, we will keep families, schools, and employers informed with further details on how they can get involved and benefit from this exciting opportunity. Stay tuned for more updates!

Following a two-day Ofsted monitoring, Ofsted confirmed that the centre was making 'Reasonable Progress' in all areas, recognising the strong foundations and commitment to continuous improvement. Ofsted defines 'Reasonable Progress' as having a positive impact across all key themes of the inspection. The inspection highlighted the strengths of our provision and identified areas for further development.

Key Strengths:

• Tailored Curriculum – Designed in response to local demand for more post-16 education opportunities for young people with moderate learning difficulties, the curriculum equips learners with essential knowledge and skills for employment and independent living.

  
  Ofsted noted: “Leaders and managers have developed a curriculum with a clear aim to teach young people the essential knowledge and skills they need to gain employment and live more independently.”

  
  

• Dedicated Staff & Support – Bromley Mencap's experienced team provides personalised guidance, fostering a welcoming and inclusive learning environment.

  
  Ofsted highlighted: “Leaders, managers, and staff know the learners well. They generate a warm sense of belonging and community at the college.”

  
  

• Positive Learning Environment – Learners feel safe, supported, and engaged, with strong attendance and clear personal and academic progress. A range of teaching strategies and mediums are used to enhance learning for each individual.

  
  As Ofsted observed: “Learners enjoy attending and show exemplary behaviour on site. They attend well and all achieve their main qualification.”

  
  

• Safeguarding & Wellbeing – Bromley Mencap maintain a strong safeguarding culture, ensuring learners feel secure and confident to raise concerns. A wide range of topics are covered to enhance learners’ understanding of safety and well-being.

  
  

  As Ofsted confirmed: “Learners feel safe. They trust staff and are confident to raise any concerns about their safety or welfare.”

You can read the full report here.

A Message from Bromley Mencap's CEO,

Anna McEwen:

“We are delighted with this positive first inspection report from Ofsted. Over the past few years, we’ve been on a significant learning journey as an organisation, and it’s fantastic to see our hard work recognised. Ofsted has confirmed that we are making a positive impact across all areas, which is a testament to the dedication of our staff, who have created an engaging and supportive learning environment for young people. The transformation we’ve seen in our learners—growing in confidence and independence—makes all the effort worthwhile. I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our staff, learners, and families for their support. We’re excited to build on this success and continue developing the Training Centre for the future.”

During the sessions, parents were encouraged to bring their own devices and explore the website first hand. This hands-on approach allowed them to navigate the platform, discover key contacts, and familiarise themselves with the services available.

At the LWFCI parent focus groups, the discussions were particularly engaging and insightful. Parents were keen to learn about:

• Key SEND contacts and the list of EHCP coordinators, which many found helpful.

• The need for clearer information on the Graduated Approach and SEND support options.

• Interest in more leisure activities for young people with SEND, especially creative and musical options, as well as activities for individuals aged 18+.

The feedback was positive, with parents appreciating the practical guidance on navigating the SEND Local Offer website. They also welcomed the transparency around future improvements, such as clearer contact information, enhanced directory filters, and expanded leisure activity listings.

Parents praised the sessions for being informative and empowering, expressing interest in attending more workshops. They found the opportunity to ask direct questions and receive clear, practical advice invaluable.

Some of the feedback included:

"Thank you very much. It was EXTREMELY useful."

"Thank you so much. So many helpful things were discussed."

"Really appreciate it so much."

The SEND Programme team is committed to offering more sessions in the future, ensuring that more parents can benefit from this collaborative and informative experience.

If you are interested in hosting a 'Navigating the SEND Local Offer together' session at your school or parent group, please contact localoffer@bromley.gov.uk or complete the online registration form. These workshops are a fantastic way to gain valuable insights into the support available for children and young people with SEND, and to connect with other parents on the same journey.

This course was led by SEND Advisory teachers, members of the SEND Programme Team, and colleagues from the Bromley SEND Partnership.

Over five weeks participants:

• Gained an introduction to working with pupils with Autism, ADHD, and mental health needs.

• Explored the importance of safeguarding and key protocols.

• Experienced insights into school environments through visits to local primary, secondary, and specialist schools.

• Developed personal and professional skills to support career growth.

• Enhanced their CVs, job applications, and interview techniques.

• Achieved two Level 1 accredited qualifications: Employability Skills and Preparing to Work in Schools.

As part of the scheme, schools are considering flexible contracts, helping to create inclusive and accessible employment opportunities.

Participants have made impressive progress, all mastering basic navigation, confidently using buses and trains, and recognising landmarks. Some are excelling in handling complex travel situations, such as managing unexpected detours and transitions between transport methods.

Many are also improving other skills such as using smart phones and other technology as an aid, planning ahead, knowing where and who to ask for help and maintaining personal safety in busy settings.

The overall growth has been remarkable, with participants increasingly able to plan and complete trips with minimal support, showcasing their developing independence.

The next course is starting Monday, 7th April, with spaces still available. To sign up, please complete the online form: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=2W_MlxScq0KVy4hCdznxm-Wh4gk-NXFAplKaY4f4-uJURURPM0ZJTERQMzdZN1Y2SENENUYzTU1KRiQlQCN0PWcu&origin=QRCode&route=shorturl

• Situation cards offering practical tips for different scenarios.

• Leaflets and infographics to promote autism awareness and understanding.

• Short social media videos that illustrate key experiences, such as masking and meltdowns, to reach both younger and older audiences of all neurotypes.

The focus group's goal is to create meaningful materials that empower autistic individuals with knowledge while also educating the wider community. By sharing authentic autistic voices, we hope to foster greater empathy, inclusion, and acceptance in society.
For more information about the focus group, contact Miranda Webberley, CASPA Senior Programme Delivery Manager at contactus@caspabromley.org.uk

Navigation by age group:

One of the most noticeable changes is the redesigned homepage, which now features content organised into age-specific categories:

• 🧒 Early Years – Information and support for children aged 0-5.

• 🎓 Primary School Years – Resources for children in primary education.

• 🎒 Secondary School Years – Guidance tailored for older children and young people.

  
  

This new structure aims for users to quickly access the most relevant information for their child’s or young person's stage of development.

Easier access to key contacts:

The website now includes a Key Contacts section to make communication more accessible. This feature lists important contact email addresses, enabling users to easily find and reach the appropriate person or service. Whether seeking advice, requesting support, or making an enquiry, visitors can now locate contact details with minimal effort.

Video links for clearer guidance:

Recognising the value of visual explanations, the website now incorporates videos alongside written content. These videos offer clearer guidance on key topics, such as the Graduated Approach, and Preparing for Adulthood Outcomes, Speech and Language routines and more.

Ongoing updates and social media announcements:

Further improvements and updates to the SEND Local Offer website will be shared through the SEND Local Offer social media platforms. Please follow, like and share the social media pages Facebook and Instagram, to stay informed about the latest changes, helpful tips, and new content.

Need2Change, a group of Bromley Mums who all have lived experience of complex disability, worked with Bromley Council to secure government funding and deliver these facilities. This has paved the way for new activities such as Walking Football and Chair Yoga for young people aged 16-25 years with SEND at The Warren and Aqua Active sessions at The Pavilion and Biggin Hill Memorial Library and Pool. The Changing Places complement facilities at The Glades Shopping Centre, Bromley Vue Cinema, Crystal Palace Park, High Elms Country Park and The PRUH.  Work is currently underway to create two further facilities at The Walnuts Leisure Centre in Orpington and West Wickham Leisure Centre. 

Need2Change kindly asks groups who are planning and adapting activities and events for children and young people with complex disability to consider holding them at venues which have Changing Places facilities, so that more people can attend.  For one-off events companies such as Accessoloo, Mobiloo or Revolootion can provide mobile facilities. 

Please feel free to send any queries to hello@need2change.org who are happy to assist you.

The purpose of the charter is to ensure that Bromley Council has consistent standards and processes in our approach to communication with our families.

This charter will be implemented within the statutory assessment team initially.  Together we will work to involve other SEND teams and wider partners.

We have created this charter and standards to help clarify what we expect of each other.

The SEND Team’s approach to communication is based upon what families and young people have told us are important to them.

Read the full SEND Communication Charter at Special Education Needs and /or Disability (SEND) Communication Charter.

Once it has been agreed to carry out an assessment, parents and carers are invited to the online Teams virtual session so that the process can be explained. Parents and Carers are then given an opportunity to ask questions.  These sessions are held monthly.

If the answer if yes, join us! Become a SEND Network Champion! Contact Kay Moore, SEND Programme Manager at SENDMatters@bromley.gov.uk.

Please use this link to give your feedback.

Let us know what you think!

We’d like to hear from you about what you would like to see in this newsletter.

So, if you know of anything locally that’s relevant to special needs and disabilities for children and young people, that other parents/carers and young people would like to hear about which includes local events, please let us know.

Just email us at localoffer@bromley.gov.uk or complete our Local Offer feedback form.