East Riding of Yorkshire Council is launching Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) family sessions in East Riding Libraries, as part of the continuing development of the support for SEND families.
From April, dedicated SEND focused family sessions will begin at East Riding Libraries in Beverley, Goole, Bridlington North and Haltemprice, with further Libraries joining the offer from September.
Four free sessions a month will be available to families from April, and this will increase to eight a month from September.
Families will have the chance to meet other parents and carers and develop their own friendships and networks of support. Each session will include activities in line with the libraries current STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) programme. As part of the launch, libraries have new equipment to ensure inclusivity for all children and young people of primary and secondary school age.
On Thursday 3 April, families are invited to an open day at Beverley Library, Champney Treasure House, between 2.30pm and 6.30pm. Families and children can drop-in and try out some of the STREAM activities and speak with members of staff.
Councillor Victoria Aitken, cabinet member for children, families and education said: “The launch of SEND focused family sessions across our libraries will provide valuable support for families, in locations that are convenient to them, and in community focused venues.
“Families can meet up together, as well as take up the range of activities and support that libraries provide.
“As part of the planning of the sessions, we have spoken to SEND families and the Parent and Carer Forum, to discuss their needs and ensure that the new offer meets their requirements. All of the libraries are accessible by public transport and all venues are fully accessible. We continue to invite feedback from families as the offer develops across the East Riding.”
The roll out of the new sessions is following collaboration between the council’s children’s services and East Riding Libraries.
Sessions will begin from 26 April and will take place monthly during term time at:
Haltemprice Library on the first Thursday of the month, 10.30am to 12pm
North Bridlington Library on the last Friday of the month, 10am to 12pm
Goole Library on the first Tuesday of the month, 2.15 – 3.45pm
Beverley Library on Saturdays every four weeks, 1.30 – 3.30pm
To book a session call the library or drop into the branch. All sessions and telephone numbers can be found on East Riding Libraries What’s On pages from April: www.eastridinglibraries.co.uk/whats-on/
