As part of the NHS England South East All-age Neurodiversity programme, we are currently planning to undertake a series of virtual focus groups to better understand the views and experiences of parents and carers, professionals and children and young people waiting for Autism and/or ADHD diagnostic assessments across the South East.

The focus groups will focus on Strengths and Needs Led Support.  We are keen to understand views and experiences on how Strength and Needs Led Support may be a useful approach in the following scenarios:

• Prior to a decision to make a specialist assessment referral being made.
• Whilst children and young people are waiting for an Autism and/or ADHD diagnostic assessment
• Once these individuals have undertaken the diagnostic process (for both individuals who have received a formal diagnosis as well as those who haven’t)
• To inform support for children and young people who choose not to go through the Autism and/or ADHD diagnostic assessment process.

We have received a very high response rate from SENCo Leads from Sussex, Hampshire and Isle of Wight as well as Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West, but we have received no response from SENCo Leads from Surrey, Frimley and Kent and Medway.

Please could we ask that you forward this information to LA/ SENCo leads within your respective areas, so that we can ensure that their voices are heard.

SENCo Leads within Primary Schools

The SENCo Leads within Primary Schools focus group will be taking place on 19^th September 2024 from 10:00 – 12:00.  We are keen to have 2 SENCo leads from each of the following areas:

• Surrey
• Sussex
• Kent and Medway
• Hampshire and Isle of Wight (including Southampton and Portsmouth)
• Frimley
• Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West

If you are interested in taking part in this focus group session, please click on the link and we will send a Microsoft Teams invite to you.

SENCo Primary Schools (New Invite)

SENCo Leads within Secondary Schools and Post-16 settings

The SENCo Leads within Secondary Schools and Post-16 settings focus group will be taking place on 26^th September 2024 from 10:00 – 12:00.  We are keen to have 2 SENCo leads from each of the following areas:

• Surrey
• Sussex
• Kent and Medway
• Hampshire and Isle of Wight (including Southampton and Portsmouth)
• Frimley
• Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West

If you are interested in taking part in this focus group session, please click on the link and we will send a Microsoft Teams invite to you.

SENCo Secondary and Post 16 (New Invite)

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries.

Adeline Gibbs

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Advisor

NHS England – South East

Mobile: 07702419894

Email: adeline.gibbs1@nhs.net  Website: www.england.nhs.uk