TYCTWD 2026! Year 8s had their Take Your Child To Work Day this week, with many of them spending the day in a parent's workplace and getting a taste of working life. Thanks to those who sent in photos - it's been great to see so many work settings represented!

Those students who didn't have a placement had a very full day with us, consisting of a hands-on satellite-building workshop with Airbus in the morning followed by a trip to Sky Studios in the afternoon!

Our A Level Politics trip to the capital began with a beautiful walk along the Thames, taking in the London Eye, Big Ben and other iconic sights. Our students had a tour of the Houses of Parliament, including the House of Lords and the viewing gallery for a debate on procurement policy. They found themselves in the central lobby at the close of PMQs for a very lively discussion on recent political events, which meant they could do a bit of MP-spotting!

Our group then met with our local MP Alastair Strathern and had the chance to ask questions, about life as an MP, policies around young people and student debt. They also had a wonderful meeting with former HGS student Maddy Giles who, having studied History and Politics at university, has gone on to work for a local MP. She offered excellent insights into pathways into politics and her varied and exciting role working in an MP's office. All in all, a very enriching day out in spite of the tube strike! 

Nominations will be closing soon for the Ellie Swanton Pride of HGS Award, which is a means of recognising the amazing work that our Sixth Form students do, whether inside or outside school. The three categories for nominations are:

Charity: Someone who has been working to support a charity, through fundraising, volunteering or any other relevant activity.

Community: Someone who has given their time to support the local community or a local group. 

Selflessness: Someone who has given their time or efforts to help others; someone who can always be relied upon to give their time and energy in any situation.

Anyone can nominate a student - family, friends, teachers, co-workers - whether they know the student from school or outside school.

Nominations will close before half-term. The overall winner will be presented with the Ellie Swanton shield.

National SEND Reforms & Consultations

A series of documents summarising the Schools White Paper and SEND Consultation are available for parents and professionals on the Government website:
Every child achieving and thriving and SEND consultation supporting information 

Have Your Say

The consultation document explains the changes that are planned to be made and asks for comments from everyone with an interest. The changes aim to improve help and support for children and young people with SEND across the 0 to 25 years system.

The national consultation SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First is now open for responses: 
SEND reform: putting children and young people first - Department for Education - Citizen Space 

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ADD-vance Workshops

ADD-vance is a dedicated group of professionals, who also happen to be parents of autistic and/or ADHD children. Their mission is to support the families of neurodivergent children and the professionals involved in their care.

ADD-vance offers online workshops for parents and professionals, including:
• Understanding Anxiety
• Applying for an EHCP
• Supporting the transition to secondary school

Please follow the link to view available upcoming workshops:
ADD-vance Events - 15 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

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SEND Local Offer

A central hub for SEND services, support, events, things to do and guidance in
Hertfordshire which can be filtered by location, date and age range:
SEND Local Offer | Hertfordshire County Council

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SEND Drop‐in for Parents & Carers

There is a SEND coffee morning being held on 17th March (Moss Bury School) and 16th June (Pear Tree School) both 10am – 12pm - this is a drop-in session with no booking required:
SEND Drop-in coffee morning, Stevenage | Hertfordshire County Council

There will be various support services in attendance such as ADDvance, Family Centre, Messy Minds and Step2Skills.

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Herts Hub is a new website that's intended to be a one-stop portal for Children and Young People's Mental Health Services, accessible to both parents and young people. Take a look at https://www.hertshub.co.uk/

Living with Anxiety

For 14 - 18-year-olds

This is an 8-week online group designed to help those who may be experiencing anxiety or finding it difficult to manage their emotions day to day. It's a friendly and supportive space where young people can:

• Better understand their anxiety and what triggers it
• Learn practical tools and coping strategies
• Build confidence through shared experiences and guided activities

Each week, they will focus on a different theme, such as challenging anxious thoughts, managing social anxiety, and developing healthy coping habits. Participants also receive a workbook to help them reflect and practise between sessions.

Group Details:

 Tuesdays at 7-8pm

 Online via Zoom

Families can access the group by referral (parents, teachers or professionals can refer).

To Register:

Fill out their online referral form: Living With Anxiety - WithYouth

Or download the form and email it to: withyouth@hertfordshiremind.org

Or call: 0208 189 8400 to speak to one of their support workers directly if you have any questions. Alternatively, chat with them on their instant messaging between 2pm and 10pm every day by clicking the blue 'chat with us' button.

What is offered by
Services for Young People?

Hertfordshire Services for Young People deliver a range of youth work projects for young people aged 11-17 (up to 25 for care leavers and those with SEND), in young people’s centres and other community venues in all districts of Herts.

They are committed to giving young people high-quality opportunities to learn life skills and excel in their personal and social development. They also aim to address issues at the earliest opportunity to give young people the best chance to thrive, have a voice in their community, reach their potential and make a successful transition to adulthood.

•  Free confidential helpline on 0808 800 2222
•  Email us for support at askus@familylives.org.uk
•  Talk to us online via our Live Chat service
• Online advice, peer support and information on all aspects of family life at www.familylives.org.uk
•  Face-to-face support groups and workshops
•  Find us on social media @FamilyLives @BullyingUK
•  www.facebook.com/FamilyLivesHertsandBeds