Newsletters

Dear Tonbridge and Malling Schools and Settings:

Tonbridge and Malling STLS Term 4 Updates and Reminders.

Transition:
As we head into Term 4, our focus is shifting to the upcoming transition period, especially as our phase transfer pupils find out their onward schools in the upcoming weeks. There is a lot of planning happening in the background, both at the county and district level. Please keep an eye on emails and information coming through, but here is a reminder of the dates already scheduled for Tonbridge and Malling:

• 26.03.24:  Launch of the 2024/25 SEMH secondary transition project (virtual 9:30-11:00 am)

• 09.05.24:  Tonbridge Early Years to Primary transition event (The Hive 1:30- 3:30 pm)  

• 10.05.24:  Launch of the 2024/25 ASD secondary transition project (virtual 1:30-3:00 pm)

• 23.05.24:  Malling Early Years to Primary transition event (Ditton Community Centre 1:30-3:30 pm)         

• 12.06.24:  Tonbridge and Malling primary to secondary transition event (The Hive 9:30-11:30 am)

• 13.06.24:  Early Years Transition Network Group (EYRNG) focussed on transition

We are also planning a secondary transition parents virtual information evening in May. Further information to follow.

As you can see there are several transition events planned for Tonbridge and Malling.
We would also like to encourage all SENCo’s to sign up for their respective Countywide SENCo Forums to ensure that they get updates on county transition plans and updates. These sessions are free and you sign up for them on CPD online through The Education People.

AET:
A reminder about the Autism Education Trust training that is available to all schools and settings in Kent. If you want to find out more about the AET training, please look at the AET website https://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/ and for enquires about booking the training, contact Emma Holt emma.holt@stls.nexusschool.org.uk .
We have had a good response from T&M schools already and we have dates in the diary up until February 2025! The lead trainers for AET are aware that accessing the training for nursery setting staff is quite challenging and they are looking at different ways of getting the training delivered. Please click here for the flyer on EY settings to access an AET training opportunity.

STLS Surgery Support:
Just a reminder to all of our schools and settings.
Attending an STLS surgery does not mean that the child/young person is open to our STLS service, even if a consultation visit is agreed upon or takes place. For STLS to become formally involved, attend meetings and work with the child/young person, a LIFT referral and Parental Agreement to Engage form needs to be completed.
If you have any queries about this, please do not hesitate to contact Emma or Judi to clarify.

As a team, we are aware that several schools and settings have complex cohorts of CYP and may need additional support from STLS. Please contact us in these instances and we will do what we can to support you within our capacity.

Team Updates:
Many of you will be aware that Kate Middleton, our Communication and Interaction Specialist Teacher will be leaving us at the end of the academic year. I am pleased to let you know that we have successfully recruited Mrs Lorna Lloyd to the position. Lorna has a wealth of experience and we are looking forward to her starting with the team in Term 5 for a thorough handover period with Kate before she leaves.

Please click here for the Children’s Therapies Advice Line poster that we have been asked to share and highlight for you.

As always, we would like to thank you for your ongoing support for the team in the ever-changing landscape of SEND in Kent. The outcomes of the Localities Consultation and Early Years Review should be concluded by the end of the term.  This will allow for planning and detailing of transitions to new ways of working starting from September 2024.

Wishing you all a good rest of Term 4.

Kind Regards
 

Judi & The STLS Team  

Speech & Language Therapy Service West & North Kent Terms 3 and 4