Hi, I’m Richard, welcome to the SEND newsletter.

I’m responsible for the services we commission for children and families. I am really pleased to welcome Nathan and the team as we join up commissioning, procurement and service design.

One of my big areas of interest is early help, I’m lucky to be involved in our work in communities and Connect Somerset.  We have amazing people, groups, hubs, and services in our communities.  There’s so much history, passion, and lots of resources, even in the rural parts of our county.

So, I’m keen that we make the most of our communities – connecting families, schools and nurseries to what’s available locally that can help them a bit more.  Like a Mum’s and Babies group down the road, one of our 2700 registered charities, or a drop-in hosted by the local village hall.

We think there are at least 100 local hubs in Somerset and want more of our SEND services to be delivered in hubs.  A good local hub is close and accessible, it feels welcoming and belongs to the community.  We should have more drop-ins, groups / services delivered in community hubs and we’ve put a bit of money aside to help that happen.

Get in touch if you have ideas for early help, linking in with communities or what we can deliver in hubs.  Also check out the Connect Somerset website, Champions, and #Help4All offer for families.  Also, I’m looking forward to working with colleagues and families to continue to improve the lives of children and young people with SEND.

I hope you enjoy reading this month’s edition of SEND News, which includes articles from Somerset Libraries, Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership, Youth Forum, Education Psychology, Access to Inclusion, Local Offer and Children and Young People’s Specialist Service.

Richard

Richard Selwyn
Service Director Children’s Commissioning
Somerset Council