SEND spotlights

Coronavirus (COVID-19) information

View helpful information about coronavirus (COVID-19):

• An important letter from Enfield Council (PDF)
• Easy read information on coronavirus
• Enfield Council's response to the coronavirus crisis
• Notice from the Every Parent and Child and SEND IASS teams (PDF)
• COVID-19 survival kit (PDF) - activities, suggestions and help for children and young people
• Our Voice Enfield - a parent carer forum that provides useful information, advice and guidance
• NHS guidance on coronavirus in children
• Council for disabled children - family support

Face masks and coverings

Some people can't wear a face covering or mask because of a disability, or it causes severe distress.

Face covering exemption cards (PDF) can be printed and carried, if required, to quickly explain why someone is not wearing a mask in public.

Transport for London has given further advice about the use of face coverings when using public transport, including a link to their own recognised exemption card.

Exemptions on public transport apply:

• If you have a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability that means you cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering
• If putting on, wearing or removing a face covering would cause you severe distress
• If you are travelling with, or providing assistance to, someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
• If you are travelling to avoid injury or escape the risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you
• If you need to remove it during your journey to avoid harm or injury or the risk of harm or injury to yourself or others
• If you need to eat, drink, or take medication you can remove your face covering
• If you are asked to remove your face covering by a police officer or other official, for example to check your railcard

Videos for parents

Our Voice, Enfield's Educational Psychology Service and Mental Health Support team have partnered to produce six short videos for parents and carers.

Each video has a written summary in English, Turkish and Somali.

For more information and to view the videos, visit Our Voice Enfield.

Managing challenging behaviour at home

• Challenging behaviour - Supporting your loved one at home (PDF)
• Supporting children and adults with severe learning disabilities at home during the coronavirus pandemic (PDF)

Summer support pack

Our Voice and Enfield SENDIASS, with contribution from Enfield Thrives Together Partners, have worked together to compile a helpful summer support pack (PDF) for parents, carers and families. This pack gives details on summer events and activities, includes links to other services, and offers additional information and contact details to support families through the holidays.

Youth Alive programme

The Youth Alive programme (PDF) is for children and young people aged 10 to 19 who live or study in the Edmonton area. It encourages them to look after their wellbeing, build confidence and happiness, feel empowered, learn a new skill and take part in physical activities.

Through the programme, children and young people can take part in activities including basketball, football, cooking, acting and drama lessons. All activities will be carried out in line with Public Health England guidance on coronavirus infection, prevention and control.

Children and young people will be referred to their local health champion, who will discuss what the child or young person's interests are, and signpost them to free or low-cost activities. To take part, you can complete a referral form (PDF) and send to a link worker via email at socialprescribing@enfieldva.org.uk. Alternatively, you can telephone 020 8373 6268. Following the referral process, a young person will be contacted by a specialist Health Champion.

Doorstep Jamboree

Oily Cart make inclusive, sensory shows for young people with complex disabilities and their families.

In September and October, their colourful, friendly Balkan band will be popping up on zoom and on the doorsteps, gardens or streets of families across London. This show is completely free and will last 30 minutes at a time or day to suit your family.

For more information, visit Oily Cart.