Informed Families | provided by Families Information Direct (FiND)Tel 0800 587 7500 | 020 8708 8920Email informedfamilies@redbridge.gov.ukWeb http://find.redbridge.gov.uk

An introduction to Informed Families and The Local SEND Offer in Redbridge

SEND Reforms Schools Conference | 28th April 2014

What is Informed Families?

Information, advice, guidance and signposting for families, children, young people and practitioners

Part of FiND, the Informed Families service is a one stop shop for 0 to 25s with SEND in Redbridge

Informed Families website is being developed to host the Local SEND Offer for Redbridge

How do people hear about Informed Families?

For familiesNewsletters, leaflets and posters

Websites, helpline and outreach

Direct email and postings

Children’s Centres, schools, health centres, libraries

Word of mouth

For practitionersMARCo workshops

What’s New to MARCo

SEND Reforms section on MARCo (in development)

Meetings and events

From other practitioners and organisations

An update on Local SEND Offers from schools

Local Offers being gathered from all schools, post-16 education providers and early years settings as appropriate

Summary of uploaded Local Offers received so far:

• 36 Primary Schools (including infants and juniors)• 11 Secondary Schools (including 6 academies)• 2 Special Schools

Similar process for all other non-educational and specialist SEND services also underway

Policies on how to update their Local Offers to be shared

What will be available on the Local SEND Offer?

Good practice principles for the Local Offer

Promote empowerment by actively seeking and valuing the views of parent carers

Ensure that information, advice and guidance is clear, consistent, accessible and unambiguous

Consult with families and share how feedback has informed improvements in service delivery

Towards September 2014….FiND and its strategic partners are currently:

• transforming the present site

• enhancing user-experience with: easier-searching methods; improved wish lists (online shopping basket); feedback mechanisms; service ratings; forums to promote discussion; greater accessibility including a mobile-friendly version

• increasing the flow of information on the SEND reforms to families and practitioners

• engaging with all stakeholders to ensure a high quality Local SEND Offer is made available for families in Redbridge