Children with Additional Needs (CAN) Newsletter Berkshire

Please see details below and attachments for this week’s news from the CAN Network.

Please encourage any families who you think would benefit from receiving the information to join the CAN Network by directing them to www.wokingham.gov.uk/can-network. (Any organisations and professionals who want to receive the information do not need to join but will need to give their email address to the CAN Network). Thanks for continuing to send your items to share with the CAN Network.

This Week’s News:

Children’s / Young People’s / Events and Activities
Rivermead Leisure Club Friday Club The next event the Friday Club for young people with special needs and their families are holding is a Football and Softplay evening on Friday 10 August, 6.30pm – 8pm. Rivermead Leisure Complex is based at Richfield Avenue, Reading RG1 8EQ. Cost: £2 donation. Gym Sessions also available during Friday Club, with gym instructors on hand, throughout the session. For more details, contact Rivermead Leisure Complex events on 0118 901 5014 or email: andy.welch@gll.org or j.rumble626@btinternet.com

‘Get Going Live’ Adapted driving event There is a free event that is taking place at the TRL buildings in Crowthorne this Saturday 11th August from 10am – 5pm. The event is called ‘Get Going Live’ which is a one day driving experience for disabled people wishing to learn to drive from the age of 14 for their first experience of adapted driving.There will be a fleet of adapted vehicles including a drive-from-wheelchair & WAV’s to test drive in a safe environment on the TRL track accompanied by experience professional drivers, plus a team of professional people with information about learning to drive. You may register your interest at www.getgoingnow.org or there will also be on-day registration.

Thames Valley Adventure Playground (TVAP) Summer Fun Day After the success of last year’s Fun Day, TVAP are planning to do another one, this Saturday 11th August. There will be a mobile farm, barbecue, games and challenges.Open from 11-3 to accompanied children under 16, with and without a special need, and their families.The Cutting of the 30th Birthday Cake by Playground President, Mr. Tim Brooke-Taylor, around noon. Entry £2 per person. Book place by calling 01628 628599.

Thames Valley Adventure Playground ‘Tapfest’ Enjoy the Playground, dance to the music of local bands and musicians, enjoy food from the barbecue, a karaoke, soft drinks, facepainting and ‘hippy’ crafts in the festival tents! Saturday 15th September 2012, 12-6 p.m
Other

National Autistic society’s bid for Free School has been approved The Department for Education has approved The National Autistic Society’s bid to run a specialist free school in Reading for young people and their families across Berkshire and neighbouring counties. The autism-specific school will open its doors in September 2013 and fill the gap in current educational provision identified by Reading Borough Council. Further information can be found here http://www.autism.org.uk/news/freeschool

Cerebra Guide to Money Matters This guide has been prepared by Cerebra for parents / carers of disabled children who want to know what financial help may be available for them and what arrangements they may need to put in place to manage their children’s finances from birth and as they get older.

Raising awareness about online risks Carlisle Mencap have produced a DVD to raise awareness of the online risks facing young people with learning disabilities. Copies of the DVD are available from Carlisle Mencap (01228 543790)

Job Vacancies at Berkshire Autistic Society
Financial Controller – up to 6 hours per week £13.35 per hour (1 year fixed term contract) Experienced financial controller required to work in the charitable sector. Responsible for applying accounting principles and procedures to analyse financial information, prepare accurate and timely financial reports and statements. To ensure appropriate accounting control procedures are compliant with Charity Commission and other regulatory bodies. Suitable accountancy qualifications and experience of SAGE desirable.Closing date Friday 31st August, 2012Interviews on Wednesday 12th September 2012. For more information and to request a recruitment pack please call: 0118 959 4594or email: contact@autismberkshire.org.uk

Cleaner – 2 hours per week Minimum wage For a recruitment pack please call: 0118 959 4594 or email: contact@autismberkshire.org.uk Closing date Friday 31st August, 2012
All appointments subject to a clear enhanced level CRB check

Scope Accessing Services Survey The aim of this survey is to provide Scope with information on the impact that not being able to access necessary services including schools, health and leisure locally has on families. This will then be used to underpin a campaign we’re launching to influence the Children and Families Bill in September. Scope need as many parents and carers as possible to take part in the survey, which should only take around 10 – 15 minutes to complete, to ensure a strong voice. If you require paper copies of the survey form please get in touch with Nigel Marsh – nigel.marsh@scope.org.uk

www.surveymonkey.com/s/scopefamilysurvey

Thanks,

Susie Rees
Children with Additional Needs(CAN) Network