Supporting Inclusion for SEND and Vulnerable Groups

New Community Autism Support Service launches to support people across Coventry and Warwickshire

Residents in Coventry and Warwickshire who may self-identify as autistic, those awaiting an autism assessment and those with an autism diagnosis are now able to access improved support through the all-age autism support service.

Building on the familiar existing CASS (Community Autism Support Service) provision, this service will see new elements introduced as a result of feedback from autistic people, their families and coproduction activity with local residents.

The service will be easier to access using a single ‘front door’ approach. This will mean that residents can access this all-age service through a single phone number and dedicated website, which is available now.

The new Community Autism Support Service is commissioned jointly by Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board.

Top-up funding awareness sessions for SENCos

As shared in Heads Up before May half term, Warwickshire County Council will begin the phased implementation of the new Top Up Funding allocation model from June 2023.

The new funding matrix aims to determine the right level of top-up funding at the right time to enable education settings to make appropriate provision for pupils with a special educational need and/or disability (SEND), as outlined in the SEND Code of Practice.

The 6x4 matrix will provide a simplified funding process, giving increased transparency and offering greater financial sustainability to education settings, therefore improving placement stability and supporting recruitment and retention.

If you missed this update, you can read more about the new matrix and plans for implementation here.

To enable the successful roll out and to support settings in understanding the new process, further information will be shared at the summer term SENCo Network Meetings. The dates for these are as follows:

Secondary SENCo Network Meeting:

Tuesday 13 June, 2-4pm - virtual meeting

Primary SENCo Network Meeting:

Thursday 22 June, 1.30-4pm at Pound Lane, Leamington
Tuesday 27 June, 2-4pm - virtual meeting

All SENCos are encouraged to attend, however, if you are unable to attend either of these dates, there will be additional virtual awareness sessions organised for September. Details of these will be shared via Heads Up.

It is important to highlight that we will be carrying out in-depth reviews every half term to evaluate progress during the implementation phase of this project, and it may be important for us to pause implementation, if necessary, to ensure its success and sustainability. We are committed to working in partnership with you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our children and young people and will be keeping you updated throughout the duration of the project.

If you have any queries, please email sendchange@warwickshire.gov.uk.

Heads Up 9 June 2023