Development in neighbouring authorities

There is an interesting article on the front page of this week's Luton On Sunday, which also features prominently on their website.

Luton On Sunday 11-Sep-16

Cllr Shaw expresses his frustration that whilst development will all likelihood impact most heavily on the infrastructure in one authority area, the eventual Council Tax receipts will go to the authority on whose land the development actually sits.

These are very valid concerns; it is referenced that there needs to be meaningful dialogue between different areas when determining these "on the border" developments and the provision of school places, medical facilities and so on.  I do hope the same logic is applied to application 16/01146/FUL, which seeks to place in excess of 400 flats on land adjacent to Caddington Road & Newlands Road.

CBC press release: SEN advice & support sessions

Advice and support sessions for parents, carers and children with special educational needs

Central Bedfordshire’s support service for parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities is holding a range of drop-in sessions.

The sessions are being held across the region from September onwards and will offer free, impartial and confidential advice to visitors.

The SEND Parent and Young Person Partnership Service is open to parents, carers, children and young people aged up to 25 who have, or may have special educational needs and /or a disability in an educational setting.

It is open to all Central Bedfordshire residents and there is no referral system.

The sessions, in Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Sandy and Shefford, can offer advice about a range of subjects including finding a school; classroom support; SEND support plans; behaviour issues; statements; education, health and care plans and exclusions.

Residents can just turn up on the day at the sessions, which will take place at:

Downside South Children’s Centre, The Annex, Downside Lower School, Oakwood Avenue, Dunstable, LU5 4AS (Wednesdays, 9.30am-11am)
14 September, 12 October, 9 November, 14 December

The Moorings Children’s Centre, Vandyke Road, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 3HS (Tuesdays, 9.30am-11am)
27 September, 29 November
Shefford Children’s Centre, Shefford Lower School, School Lane, Shefford, SG17 5XA (Wednesdays, 9.30am-11am)
28 September, 23 November

Sandy Community Children’s Centre, Laburnum Road, Sandy, SG19 1HQ (Thursdays, 9.30am-11am)
6 October, 3 November, 1 December

Councillor Carole Hegley, Executive Member for Social Care and Housing and lead member for Children’s Services, said: “As a parent or carer of a child with special educational needs, it can be difficult knowing who to talk to. These sessions offer a chance to get impartial information and advice in an informal setting, as well as a chance just to talk with other parents or volunteers who will be able to share what you are going through. So if you have any questions or concerns, I would encourage you to go along to one of the free sessions and find out more.”
No appointment is necessary at the drop-ins. If you are unable to make a session and want any advice, please call 0300 300 8088, email parent.partnership, visit the send-partnership/overview webpage or like and share CBCSENDPYPPS on Facebook.