The new look Hull Local Offer website launches today (Monday 21 February).
The website is for people aged 0-25 with a special educational need and/or disability, their parents, carers and professionals who work with them.
Councillor Shane McMurray, portfolio holder for children’s services said: “A SEND Listening Event was held in early 2021, and one of the outcomes was a need to refresh the Local Offer website; not only in how it looks but also the content held on it.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in helping develop a website that helps families to get the help and support they need. Continuing to improve the experiences of children with SEND, and their families, is one of our top priorities across children’s services.”
Over the last year the council has worked with families and professionals to develop a website that provides what families of children with SEND need, and in a way that is accessible to them.
A test version of the website went live on 10 January, allowing families to test it out before the full launch.
The website provides support around things including health and wellbeing, leisure activities, money, transport and equipment. It provides information about Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans, support around becoming an adult, as well as how people can get involved in coproduction – helping to develop SEND services and support.
Joy Dodson, Chair of the Hull SEND Strategic Board said: “Our new Hull Local Offer website has been designed and tested by a number of our parents and I would like to thank them for their collaboration in making this happen. This is a great example of where listening to our families’ lived experiences and coproducing the solution together achieves better outcomes.”
People are invited to a drop-in activity session for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities, along with their families. The session takes place on Thursday 24 February, between 10am and 2pm at Special Stars, Units F23 and F24, 3rd Floor, Princes Quay.
Mary Meredith, Assistant Director for learning and skills said: “The drop-in session is a good chance for people to take a look at the new website and ask any questions about it.
“The importance of families and young people participating as fully as possible in decision making is embedded across our work to provide high-quality services and provisions that make a real impact on the lives of children and their families.”
