Archived News
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NPPN Digest (week ending 15th January 2010)Posted : 26/01/2010
News, information and links from the NPPN (National Parent Partnership Network) Digest. Including - Educational Needs Campaign, Eligibility Criteria, Extra help for childcare for disabled children, Free books for schools, Pupil and Parent Guarantees, CAMHS Review, Promoting the emotional health.
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NPPN Digest (week ending 22nd January 2010)Posted : 26/01/2010
News, information and links from the NPPN (National Parent Partnership Network) Digest. Including - cafcass, pushing for change, nppn digest, free laptops and broadband, home education, scimorph, gcse results, dangers of alcohol for young people, thalidomide survivors, pupil and parent guarantees
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NPPN Briefing on the DCSF guidance on Looked After Children with SEN placed out-of-authority Posted : 26/01/2010
The National Parent Partnership Network (NPPN) have issued a detailed summary of the Department for Children, Schools and Families' (DCSF) new guidance on the local authorities’ responsibilities for meeting the special educational needs of looked after children placed out-of-authority.
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DCSF issue Guidance on Looked After Children with Special Educational Needs placed out-of-authorityPosted : 26/01/2010
The Department for children, Schools and Families (DCSF) have issued guidance to explain how local authorities’ responsibilities for meeting the special educational needs of looked after children placed out-of-authority operate. It does not create any new obligations, but decisions made in relation to individual children should be consistent with the operation of the law as described.
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CIL (Centre for Integrated Living) Holidays and Travel in the UK and AbroadPosted : 26/01/2010
Did you know that the CIL (Centre for Integrated Living) have access to information on accessible holidays in the UK and Abroad. http://www.mkweb.co.uk/MK_Disability/
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SEN Complaints to be handled differently from 19th January 2010Posted : 15/01/2010
The DCSF (Department for Children, Schools and Families) has produced this document providing information on changes that are being made from 19 January 2010 in the handling of complaints about special educational needs services and provision provided by local authorities. The changes principally involve being able to complain to the local government ombudsman in situations where the provision outlined in part 3 of a child's statement is not being met. There is also a useful table showing the different complaint routes parents can use.
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DCSF - Ed Balls launches consultation on pupil and parent guaranteesPosted : 14/01/2010
Parents and pupils were today given full details of the currently existing and new guarantees they can expect from schools, as Ed Balls launched a consultation alongside the second reading of the Children, Schools and Families Bill. See attached document for full details.
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DCSF announce free laptops and broadband for 270,000 families across the country in ground-breaking schemePosted : 14/01/2010
The Prime Minister and Ed Balls will today announce the national roll out of a ground-breaking scheme to give 270,000 low income families a free computer and free broadband access, under a major drive to close the digital and educational divide between rich and poor and help keep parents in touch with their child's progress. See attached document for details.
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Deaf Parenting UK (DPUK) - Winter 2009 NewsletterPosted : 31/12/2009
Deaf Parenting UK is a small registered charity, run by Deaf Parents for Deaf Parents. Deaf Parenting UK is still developing and actively seeks applicants from across the UK to reflect the diversity of the deaf. We are happy to add their Winter 2009 Newsletter to our list of regular items for parents to read.
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Lamb Enquiry - Special Educational Needs and Parental ConfidencePosted : 16/12/2009
The final report from Brian Lamb on Special Educational Needs and Parental Confidence has been published today. The full report is attached. The letters to/from the Secretary of State for Children, Schools & Families, Ed Balls, and all the interim reports can be found at: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/lambinquiry/
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DCSF press release on Brian Lamb reportPosted : 16/12/2009
Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families has responded to the recommendations in Brian Lamb's final report. He has announced that the parents of SEN pupils will get more help to get the right educational support for their children. See the full press released attached.
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Milton Keynes Draft Inclusion Strategy - consultationPosted : 10/12/2009
Purpose of Consultation: The Inclusion Strategy is an important document and Milton Keynes Children's Trust would therefore like to ensure that they consult widely and get as much support for the strategy as possible. They hope that most people will wish to endorse the principles, values and themes that are identified. The feedback they get will enable them to identify whether there are any major concerns with the strategy. The summary is attached above. To view the full draft strategy and action plan please follow copy and paste this link into your web browser: http://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/mkcconsultation/home.asp?StatusFilter=Current
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Children with Special Educational Needs 2009 - an analysisPosted : 07/12/2009
The SEN (Information) Act 2008 came into effect on 1st January 2009. This Act requires the Secretary of State to publish information about pupils in England with special educational needs. The attached document is the first produced by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
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The Special Needs Handbook - could you help?Posted : 15/10/2009
A Special Needs Handbook is currently being compiled by Learning Disabilities Resources Ltd., which will be available FREE over the internet. It will be a guide for parents, carers and professionals. It is a compilation of tips, advice and ideas for day to day problems encountered by people living with or supporting a child or adult with special needs. (see attached flyer) Once completed, the Special Needs Handbook will be made available free over the internet, and internet users will be able to print off and copy any of the material, to use either personally or to disseminate freely to others e.g. support groups, schools, therapists, etc. They are asking as many people as possible for tips, advice and ideas, which will then be shared with everyone else.
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NPPN Briefing on the Progression Guidance 2009-10Posted : 08/10/2009
The National Parent Partnership Network (NPPN) has issued this briefing on the Progression Guidance 2009-10. This guidance is of interest to parents of children with SEN who wish to know how well their children are progressing and whether the school is setting challenging enough targets for future progress.
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SEN Information Day 2009 - Workshop Timetable finalisedPosted : 08/10/2009
The workshop timetable for the Special Educational Needs Information Day has now been finalised. See the attached document for the details of the 13 workshops on offer. The event is being hosted by Parent Partnership and the SEN Team from Milton Keynes Council, and will be held at St Paul's School on Saturday, 17th October 2009. Workshops are to be signed up for on the day. Remember, creche places MUST be pre-booked on 01908-254518.
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Ex-ADCS president Maggie Atkinson to become children's commissionerPosted : 07/10/2009
On 2nd October 2009, Janaki Mahadevan for 'Children & Young People Now'reported that the former president of the Association of Directors of Children's Services Maggie Atkinson is set to become the new children's commissioner for England.
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BBC News release: Special Needs Exclusions TargetedPosted : 07/10/2009
On 28th September the BBC News released the attached story: Special needs exclusions targeted Steps are being proposed to try to reduce the number of children with special educational needs (SEN) who are excluded from England's schools.
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Ed Balls: More support for children with Special Educational NeedsPosted : 07/10/2009
Ed Balls, Secretary of State for the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) announced measures to provide better support for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) and disabled children.
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Carers MK Autumn 2009 NewsletterPosted : 07/10/2009
This is the Autumn 2009 newsletter from Carers Milton Keynes. Full of interesting information, and a diary of support groups and activities for all carers - including parent carers!
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Special Educational Needs Information Day 2009Posted : 18/09/2009
After an absence of 5 years, Milton Keynes Parent Partnership is holding another SEN Information Day on 17th October 2009. This event is being organised and hosted jointly with the SEN Team from the Children & Young People's Service in the Council. There are workshops and stalls where parents and carers can find out about lots of different special needs and disabilities, and can find out how their children can be helped at home and at school. Parents and carers of children with special needs are encouraged to come along to St Paul's School from 10am until 3pm to browse the stalls or to join a workshop to find out more. No pre-booking is necessary, unless a place needs to be reserved in the free creche. We look forward to seeing you there!
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NPPN Briefing on 'Research on the Deployment and Impact of Support Staff in Schools'Posted : 11/09/2009
The National Parent Partnership Network has prepared a briefing on the research published this week by Peter Blatchford at the Institute of Education at the University of London.
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Milton Keynes SEN Review report - now publishedPosted : 07/09/2009
There has been a full review of Milton Keynes Council Special Educational Needs processes and procedures, and the report has now been published.
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SIR JIM ROSE PRESENTS FINDINGS OF REVIEW INTO DYSLEXIAPosted : 07/09/2009
Press release from DCSF (Department for Children, Schools and Families on 22nd June 2009: Education expert Sir Jim Rose has today submitted his review into the identification and teaching of children with dyslexia and literacy difficulties. Accepting Sir Jim’s recommendations, Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, has responded by committing £10 million to fund specialist teaching and support for schools and parents. The full report can be found at www.dcsf.gov.uk/jimroseanddyslexia
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NNPN Briefing of High Court judgement regarding disability discriminationPosted : 07/08/2009
The National Parent Partnership Network (NPPN) has issued a briefing to Parent Partnership Services regarding the recent High Court judgement in the case of governing body of x endowed primary school against 1) special educational needs and disability tribunal (2) mr. and mrs. t (3) the national autistic society.
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Lamb Inquiry - Inspection, Accountability & School Improvement - reportPosted : 04/08/2009
Brian Lamb issued his report on 'Inspection, accountability & school improvement' to the Secretary of State for Children, schools & Families on 3rd August 2009. It forms part of his wider brief, which is to investigate a range of ways in which parental confidence in the SEN system of assessment and provision might be improved.
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Lamb Inquiry - Quality & Clarity of Statements - reportPosted : 04/08/2009
Brian Lamb issued his report on 'quality and clarity of statements' to the Secretary of State for Children, schools & Families on 3rd August 2009. It forms part of his wider brief, which is to investigate a range of ways in which parental confidence in the SEN system of assessment and provision might be improved.
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DCSF - New inspection focus on children with SEN and disabilitiesPosted : 04/08/2009
Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, today announced plans to strengthen inspection law so schools are assessed on how they support children with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities. He also plans to give greater rights to parents unhappy with their child’s statement of SEN. This will give parents more say over the objectives set for their child. These announcements come as the Government accepts recommendations in reports published today by expert Brian Lamb, in advance of his wider review of the SEN system.
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NAS to hold Focus Groups on CAMHSPosted : 27/07/2009
The National Autistic Society (NAS) are holding focus groups for parents and young people to discuss their experiences of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). There are two to be held in London on 29th July & 12th August, and they will pay transport and childcare costs, and will provide lunch and refreshments. See attached for more information.
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Relate Milton Keynes Quarterly NewsletterPosted : 22/07/2009
Relate's top tips for dealing with the credit crunch and arguing parents. Relate education and learning offers courses on parenting after parting to taking charge of your own life. To find out more call 01908 310010.
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NPPN Briefing on DCSF - Your child, your schools, our future; building a 21st century schools systemPosted : 17/07/2009
The National Parent Partnership Network has provided a brief on the white paper 'Your child, your schools, our future; building a 21st century schools system', on the proposals that relate to children with SEN and disabilities.
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DCSF - Your child, your schools, our future; building a 21st century schools systemPosted : 30/06/2009
Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, today launched his white paper 'Your child, your schools, our future - building a 21st century schools system' to the government.
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DCSF: Special Educational Needs in England: January 2009Posted : 30/06/2009
The latest national statistics on Special Educational Needs produced by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) were released on 30th June 2009 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority This SFR (Statistical First Report) brings together the information available on special educational needs and special schools in England. It updates and supplements provisional information published on the 7 May in SFR08/2009. The latest statistics report on Special Educational Needs in England as at January 2009 and updates those previously released on 25 June 2008. The key points from the latest release are: In January 2009 some 221,670 (or 2.7 per cent of) pupils across all schools in England had statements of SEN, slightly lower than last year. In 2009 there were some 1,433,940 pupils with SEN without statements representing 17.8 per cent of pupils across all schools. This is an increase of 0.6 percentage points from 2008. Figures for all children with statements of SEN (not just those in schools) show that the number of statements maintained by an authority has decreased by over 1,740 from last year to 228,900 in 2009. 55.6 per cent of children with statements of SEN were placed in early years settings, mainstream schools, resourced provision in maintained mainstream schools or SEN units in maintained mainstream schools. This represents a decrease from last year. In January 2009 around 17 in every 1,000 pupils of White ethnic origin had statements of SEN in mainstream primary schools. The figure is similar for mixed pupils but for Black pupils the figure is around 20 in every 1,000. In secondary schools 20 in every 1,000 pupils of White ethnic origin had statements of SEN. This figure is similar to those for both Black and Mixed pupils. Distribution across the types of SEN is similar to last year. The most prevalent type of primary need amongst pupils with statements of SEN in primary schools was speech, language and communication needs (24.0 per cent); in secondary schools it was moderate learning difficulty (21.7 per cent) and in special schools, severe learning difficulty (23.6 per cent). The within-school PTR in maintained special schools has decreased from 6.3 in January 2005 to 6.1 in January 2009.
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Rise in number of pupils with special educational needsPosted : 30/06/2009
Jessica Shepherd of The Guardian has today reported that there has been a rise in the number of pupils with special educational needs. Biggest SEN jump is in state secondary schools, figures show. Almost 18% of pupils in English schools have special educational needs (SEN), government figures released today show.
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Best heads 'to run school chains' Posted : 30/06/2009
The BBC have reported that parents will have more rights over their children's education - and the best heads will run chains of schools, under new government education plans. Ministers will unveil the last major education legislation for England before the next general election.
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MK Carers Newsletter - Summer 2009Posted : 25/06/2009
This is the Summer 2009 newsletter from Carers Milton Keynes. Full of interesting information, and a diary of support groups and activities for all carers - including parent carers!
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Free Childcare scheme for parents in trainingPosted : 25/06/2009
A new scheme has been launched to provide free childcare for 50,000 workless parents who are in training or learning. The aim of the Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work Scheme is to help workless parents back to work by providing free childcare while they are in training or learning. The scheme is open to half a million families in England with: -one partner in work; -an annual household income of £20,000 or less per year; -a child or children aged 14 or under; -a child or children aged 18 or under with disabilities. Eligible parents can choose which course is going to give them the right skills to get back into work, ranging from from a short refresher in maths or a more formal qualification in a range of subjects from social care to teaching. An advisor will help parents to enrol for their chosen course and will advise parents on the childcare options available to them. Children's Minister Beverley Hughes said: "We know that for those who can, work remains the best way to lift families and children out of poverty. We also know that high quality childcare not only supports parents back into employment but that it promotes and improves positive outcomes for children, helping to ensure that all children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can reach their full potential." For more information, call the Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989 or go to http://www.direct.gov.uk/freechildcareforlearning
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The exclusion from school of children aged four to sevenPosted : 24/06/2009
Ofsted have published a report about the exclusion from school of children aged 4-7 years. The number of children aged seven and under who are excluded from primary schools is very small and comprises a tiny proportion of children of this age from a very small proportion of schools. Nevertheless, some children of this age group are receiving fixed-period exclusions, occasionally leading to permanent exclusion. This survey explored the reasons for this and the ways in which some schools manage to avoid using exclusion. The school’s philosophy, a supportive and stable school environment, and strong relationships between the school and parents were found to be important factors in preventing very young children from being excluded.
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NPPN briefing on OFSTED report on exclusions of children aged 4 - 7 yearsPosted : 24/06/2009
The National Parent Partnership Network (NPPN) has provided a briefing on the report from OFSTED regarding the exclusion from school of children aged 4-7 years.
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DCSF consult on giving 16 year olds right to appeal decision to permanently exclude them from schoolPosted : 30/04/2009
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) is holding a consultation regarding giving 16 year olds right to appeal decision to permanently exclude them from school The consultation starts on 28 April 2009, regarding giving children and young people a right to appeal decisions regarding exclusions, SEN statements and assessments and to make disability discrimination claims in England. The consultation seeks views on: - The principle of giving children and young people ages 16 and over the right to appeal a decision to permanently exclude them from school; - The principle of giving children and young people the right to appeal special educational needs (SEN) statements and assessments and to make claims concerning disability discrimination; - The age at which young people should be able do so; and the level of understanding required by children and young people to effectively exercise these rights, and whether a competency measure is required; - Whether existing systems are sufficient to support children and young people in exercising these rights, and the new right of young people to appeal a decision on admission from the age of 16; - Handling disagreement between parents, children and young people about appeals; and - How looked after children can be better supported to avoid or manage permanent exclusion within the secondary school environment. Consultation ends on 21 July 2009. Follow this link to the website: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations/index.cfm?action=consultationDetails&consultationId=1607&external=no&menu=1
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The FASD Trust - Spring 2009 newsletterPosted : 03/04/2009
The FASD Trust (Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders)have produced their second family support newsletter. It contains information about support groups, fun events, fundraising, education etc.
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ACE Support for parents during the School Admissions and Appeals ProcessPosted : 18/03/2009
The Advisory Centre for Educations have launched a new website as well as offering parents support during the School Admissions and Appeals Process
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Secondary Applications and OffersPosted : 18/03/2009
The Department for Children, Schools and Families has released a statistical document outlining the information received from local authorities on how many families received an offer of a place at one of their preferred school.
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BBC East - News on the Gatehouse SchoolPosted : 03/03/2009
BBC East reported on the recent review of The Gatehouse School, which can be linked from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7920056.stm Milton Keynes Council have published an executive summary of the Independent Management Review.
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The Gatehouse School - Independent Management ReviewPosted : 03/03/2009
Milton Keynes Council's Chief Executive Kate Page gave this message: On this page you can read a summary report of the results of an independent review into the provision of education and care at Gatehouse School. Gatehouse is a residential school in Milton Keynes for children with varying degrees of learning, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Milton Keynes Council commissioned an independent review following a routine management visit to the school last year, during which our management had some concerns. The report explains these concerns, and makes a number of recommendations for Milton Keynes Council. We have an action plan to put these recommendations in place - many have been put in place immediately. Our actions will be overseen by an independent expert. The head, deputy head and chair of the school's board of governors have left Gatehouse school, which is now being run by a very capable interim team. We are recruiting a new head and deputy head. This has been a very tough time for the pupils, parents, and staff and we thank everyone for their help during the review, and for their dedication to put Gatehouse school back on track. We are already seeing positive reports of this. In January 2009, Ofsted (the Government office for standards in education and childcare) described Gatehouse's new interim head and deputy as providing "very good leadership" enabling "the school to quickly regain its stability". By making this summary report available here, we want to reassure you action has been taken on this issue, and that the team at Gatehouse are moving forward for the benefit of pupils and their families. Kate Page Chief Executive
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Tired of hanging around - Using sports and leisure activities to prevent anti-social behaviour by young peoplePosted : 27/02/2009
The Audit Commission has published this study which discusses six key messages for local and national government: -Adults and young people see anti-social behaviour differently -Sport and leisure can prevent anti-social behaviour -Government policy now links prevention and enforcement, but this has yet to lead to coordinated local action -National funding arrangements are wasteful, inefficient and bureaucratic -Councils, children’s trusts, and CDRPs must provide leadership and work together
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Establishing a Parent Forum in Milton KeynesPosted : 27/02/2009
THIS EVENT WILL BE HELD ON 7TH MARCH 2009 - IT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FROM THE CANCELLED EVENT ON 7TH FEBRUARY. Carers Milton Keynes are working with the 'Together for Disabled Children' organisation to set up a Parent Forum in Milton Keynes. This will be a way for the parents and carers of disabled children to have an effective 'voice' in Milton Keynes, and to engage in a co-ordinated way with the Local Authority and the PCT. They are holding a family fund day on Saturday, 7th March 2009 to find out your views.
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MK Carers Newsletter - Spring 2009Posted : 27/02/2009
This is the Spring 2009 newsletter from Carers Milton Keynes. Full of interesting information, and a diary of support groups and activities for all carers - including parent carers!
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Establishing a Parent Forum in Milton KeynesPosted : 21/01/2009
Carers Milton Keynes are working with the 'Together for Disabled Children' organisation to set up a Parent Forum in Milton Keynes. This will be a way for the parents and carers of disabled children to have an effective 'voice' in Milton Keynes, and to engage in a co-ordinated way with the Local Authority and the PCT. They are holding a family fund day on Saturday, 7th February 2009 to find out your views.
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RNIB Spanish Exchange 2009Posted : 07/01/2009
The Spanish Exchange Vacation Scheme is designed specifically for blind and partially sighted young people who are aged between 14-17 years old, in mainstream education, who are residents of the UK. The two week exchange will comprise of a week in Seville, Spain and a week in Loughborough, UK. The deadline for applications is Friday 30th January 2009 so if you are interested please contact Debra Baverstock on tel: 0113 274 8855 or debra.baverstock@rnib.org.uk.
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Revised School Admission Appeals CodePosted : 17/12/2008
Amendments to the Code issued in February 2008 have recently been presented to Parliament (5th December 2008) and are now incorporated in the revised Code.
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Revised School Admission CodePosted : 17/12/2008
Amendments to the Code issued in February 2008 have recently been presented to Parliament (5th December 2008) and are now incorporated in the revised Code.
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DCSF - Statistics on Permanent and Fixed-period Exclusions from Schools in England 2006-07Posted : 27/11/2008
The Department for Children, Schools and Families has today amended this document which was first published on 24 June 2008 This statistical release presents data on permanent and fixed-period exclusions from schools and related appeals in England during 2006-07. Tables 4a and 4b showing the age distribution of exclusions have been amended.
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DCSF - Impact of Parental Involvement in Children's EducationPosted : 27/11/2008
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has today issued a report summarising evidence on the impact of parental involvement on children's education, the stages at which it is know to have an impact, and the types of activities that are most influential.
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Choice Advice - An EvaluationPosted : 27/11/2008
An Evaluation of the Choice Advice services in fifteen Local Authorities.
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Milton Keynes Parent Partnership Service NewsletterPosted : 27/11/2008
The Parent Partnership Service Autumn 2008 Newsletter is packed with interesting information and useful facts; such as our meet the team section and the role of our new Choice Advisor.
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FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT ACTIVITES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE - ARRIVING IN YOUR AREA SOONPosted : 21/11/2008
The Department for Children, Schools & Families has reported that 77 Local Authorities will receive additional funding of GBP25k each to provide activities on Friday and Saturday nights in neighbourhoods where crime and anti-social behaviour are a concern, Beverley Hughes Children and Young People's Minister announced today on a visit to Bolton Lads and Girls club.
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Dealing with bullying - A guide for parents of disabled children.Posted : 20/11/2008
Contact a Family has joined forces with Parentline Plus to produce a new guide about dealing with bullying, for parents of disabled children. The guide is packed full of information and tips around spotting the signs of bullying, action and strategies you can take as a parent, and your child's rights. The guide was developed from a range of stories and experiences told to us by parents of disabled children affected by bullying. Their tips and stories are included throughout the guide.
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Anti Bullying WeekPosted : 20/11/2008
This years anti-bullying week is 17th-21st November. The theme is being different, belonging together. Take a look at this article for inspiration and ideas of what you can do to make a difference.
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Consultation, A new way of handling complaints about school issuesPosted : 18/11/2008
On 24 September, the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families announced an imminent consultation on a new way of handling parents complaints to their childs school. The consultation will run for eight weeks, closing on 21 November.
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Targeted Youth Support, Integrated support for vulnerable young peoplePosted : 18/11/2008
This toolkit sets out a flexible change process to help partners in local authority childrens trusts build on their existing work and redesign their targeted youth support (TYS) provision. Developing TYS and establishing it as a core part of local authorities mainstream strategy for young people is a key aim of Youth Matters.
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THE SEN/AEN value for money self evaluation resource packPosted : 18/11/2008
National Strategies and the Audit Commission have developed this resource pack in consultation with LAs, schools and parents. It is a voluntary resource to help headteachers and management teams.
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Alternative Provision Back on TrackPosted : 18/11/2008
On 23 October, at the Children and Adult Services Conference in Liverpool, the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls launched a document setting out how the Government is taking forward proposals announced in the alternative-provision White Paper, Back on track.
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Access for disabled students sitting examinationsPosted : 18/11/2008
The Government has laid Regulations before Parliament which confirm that when disabled students are granted an exemption from part of an examination because no reasonable adjustment can be found to make it accessible for them, their grades reflect their performance in those parts of the exam they did take.
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Quality Standards for Special Educational Needs Support and Outreach ServicesPosted : 18/11/2008
These standards are intended to be used by all those offering SEN support and outreach services, including local authorities, school clusters and special schools, early-years settings and other provision.
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Help for young adultsPosted : 18/11/2008
13m will be shared between 20 areas to help them to set up Intensive Intervention Projects that will challenge and support at risk youngsters. The projects will be set up in 20 areas across the country between 2008/09 and 2010/11.
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Commissioning SupportPosted : 18/11/2008
A new source of support that will help local authorities and their Childrens Trust partners improve the lives of children, young people and their families has been announced by Childrens Minister Beverley Hughes. The Commissioning Support Programme will help Childrens Trusts plan, design and implement services more effectively by providing tailored support as and when Trust partners need it, developing online resources and networks to help commissioners share best practice, and holding face-to-face events, such as national and regional conferences.
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Relating Milton Keynes quarterly newsletterPosted : 17/11/2008
This is the second edition of RELATING the newsletter produced by relate MK. The newsletter showcases the range of public training courses they run and other interesting news.
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SENDIST Tribunal ChangesPosted : 05/11/2008
A message from the SENDIST judicial management group.
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Parent Know HowPosted : 05/11/2008
This leaflet is produced by the Department for Children, Schools and Families. It comprises of a list of free services for all parents and carers, including telephone helplines and websites.
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Kids in the MiddlePosted : 05/11/2008
Kids in the Middle is a unique national campaign launched by a partnership of family and parenting charities Relate, One Parent Families, Gingerbread, Families Need Fathers and the Fatherhood Institute to help tackle the lack of support for children and parents trapped in the misery and turmoil of family breakdown.
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Milton Keynes Carers Newsletter 2008Posted : 13/10/2008
The Milton Keynes Carers newsletter contains a diary of events and activities up until the end of December.
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Report calls for partnerships between schools and businessesPosted : 06/10/2008
Partnerships between schools and businesses could boost children and young people's education, a report for the Department for Children, Schools and Families said today.
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Last Places Available!Posted : 15/09/2008
There are a few remaining places on the Challenging Years and the Family Links Nurturing training events held by Milton Keynes Parenting Forum. Look at our evens section or contact Carmen Kane@milton-keynes.gov.uk or call 01908 258056 for more information.
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Tackling Bullying in Milton KeynesPosted : 09/09/2008
This news article explains the steps that Milton Keynes Council have taken in order to produce a strategic framework and policy in line with the Every Child Matters agenda and Safe to Learn guidance, with regard to bullying.
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Relating Milton Keynes quarterly newsletterPosted : 09/09/2008
Relating is the new look newsletter produced by Relate MK. Each Quarter will be looking at a range of open public training courses, and on other Relate MK news of interest.
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"Huge boost for city academies"Posted : 08/09/2008
A recent article in The Sunday Times (24/8/08) about academies being established in the UK as a result of the present government's academy programme. For further information, please copy and paste the link to: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/article4597172.ece
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DCSF - Improving Behaviour and Attendance 2008Posted : 02/09/2008
The Department for Children, Families and Schools has issued new guidance on exclusions which comes into force from 1st September 2008.
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Making Ourselves HeardPosted : 21/08/2008
Making Ourselves Heard is a new Council for Disabled Children project, which aims to promote the active participation of disabled children and young people. The Making Ourselves Heard Newsletter includes resources, policy news and practice updates around the active particpation of disabled children and young people.
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New law to improve information about SENPosted : 21/08/2008
EDCM welcomes the Special Educational Needs (Information) Act, which passed into law this week. The Act will require the government to publish annual reports on how children with special educational needs (SEN) are doing at school in different local areas.
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Ten Million A Year To Train Special Educational Needs LeadersPosted : 21/08/2008
Schools will be funded to train their Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) – the key teaching leader responsible for the learning and support of all children with special educational needs - under plans announced by Schools Minister Andrew Adonis.
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Equality Bill: a new public duty Posted : 21/08/2008
In June 2008 the government published A Framework for a Fairer Future outlining plans for the introduction of a single equality duty. Government has now published its response to the consultation on the Green Paper, Discrimination Law Review: A Framework for Fairness: Proposals for a Single Equality Bill for Great Britain, June 2007.
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Barnardo's calls for vocational focusPosted : 21/08/2008
Children's charity Barnardo's has called for a greater focus on vocational training and support as this year's GCSE results are unveiled.
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Schools' role in promoting pupil well-being.Posted : 21/08/2008
The Department for Children, Schools and Families has launched guidance on this role. The guidance describes what is meant by wellbeing; the schools role in promoting it; the support which schools should expect from their local authority and other partners in the local Children's Trust.
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Survey of Parents in England 2008Posted : 21/08/2008
This particular survey is being published in advance of the main evaluation report (which is as yet unpublished) as it provides a nationally- representative view of parental satisfaction in a number of areas, including: parents' satisfaction with their child's school, parental experiences and attitudes about school choice, parental awareness of attitudes towards academies and trust schools and may therefore be of interest outside the context of the wider evaluation.
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House of Lords overrules accepted thinking in disability discrimination lawPosted : 21/08/2008
The judgment potentially signals an important shift in the approach that will be taken by courts and tribunals when seeking to identify disability discrimination, and it will be welcomed by employers and those other groups subject to the provisions of the DDA
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Capability review: delivering on our mission to make this country the best place in the world to grow upPosted : 21/08/2008
The Department for Children, Schools and Families is improving in all areas and is in a strong position to deliver on the new challenges set out in the Children’s Plan according to the DCSF Capability Review, published today by the Cabinet Office.
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Ministers call for commitments to tackle child poverty in LondonPosted : 21/08/2008
London’s Child Poverty Ministers Stephen Timms, Beverley Hughes and Jane Kennedy are calling today for organisations across the Capital to recognise their role in tackling child poverty and to pledge to do more.
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Important information regarding changes to SENDIST Posted : 21/08/2008
On 3 November 2008, SENDIST will become part of a new unified tribunal system under the leadership of the Senior President, Lord Justice Carnwath.
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Young People with DisabilitiesPosted : 21/08/2008
This article considers the issues of the quality of life for people who suffer from diseases and also how we can give our young people the best possible opportunity to make their way in life.
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Sir Jim Rose asks parents and children for personal experiences of dyslexia 14 July 2008 Posted : 21/08/2008
Sir Jim Rose asks parents and children for personal experiences of dyslexia. A website for teachers, parents, young people and others with an interest in dyslexia has been launched by Sir Jim Rose as part of his review into how children with dyslexia learn best.
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Schools fail to get parents involvedPosted : 05/08/2008
Schools are failing to help parents get involved in their childs education, according to a General Teaching Council (GTC) report.The report, Engaging Parents in their Childrens Learning, found many parents felt distant from their childs school life, particularly at secondary school level.
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Review blasts mental health servicesPosted : 05/08/2008
Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are bracing themselves for sweeping reform, after a damning review found many are failing young people.
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Deaf children to benefit from teaching resourcesPosted : 05/08/2008
The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) is to launch resources to help teaching staff support deaf children.
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22 Million pounds for SEN training in schoolsPosted : 05/08/2008
Adonis has announced an additional 12 million pounds yearly to offer teachers and trainee teachers training to work with children with special educational needs (SEN).
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Ace launch a new text service.Posted : 14/07/2008
ACE (Advisory Centre for Education) has launched a new text service for parents: AskACE. The service is aimed primarily at parents and carers of teenagers. ACE hopes that it will enable those who may not feel comfortable calling an advice line, to access high quality, independent advice and support.
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Milton Keynes Carer Newsletter - Summer 2008Posted : 26/06/2008
This is the Summer 2008 newsletter from Carers Milton Keynes. Full of interesting information, support groups and social activities & training for all carers - including parent carers!
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Tell us about bullyingPosted : 04/06/2008
Contact a Family is joining forces with Parentline Plus to produce a guide for parents of disabled children to help them cope if their child is being bullied and were looking for your help.
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A new role for us monitoring Sencos - what will it mean?Posted : 08/05/2008
The Guardian, 15th April 2008, Janette Owen. The role of special educational needs coordinators (Sencos) comes under scrutiny this month as the government launches a consultation paper aimed at beefing up their status in schools.
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DCSF - Increasing support and reducing burdensPosted : 07/04/2008
Speech by Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, to the teachers union NASUWT Annual Conference on the 26th March 2008.
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DCSF - Families Must be at heart of 'Aiming High' delivery - March 2008Posted : 28/03/2008
Fifty MPs gathered together with disabled children & young people and their families, to mark the beginning of the delivery period for the 'Aiming High for Disabled Children' - the Government's transformation programme for disabled children's services.
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Bercow Review - Executive Summary - March 2008Posted : 28/03/2008
John Bercow, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Speech and Language Difficulties, is reviewing the services available to support children and young people with Speech, Language and Communication. He has produced an interim report.
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Kids don't come with instructions - Ed Balls hosts Children's Plan debatePosted : 12/03/2008
Press release from DCSF on 8 March 2008 Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Young People and Families today announced the detail of a Government parenting programme to help parents get extra help with issues such as bullying, school exclusions and dealing with the impact of divorce.
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Milton Keynes Carer Newsletter - Spring 2008Posted : 11/03/2008
Milton Keynes Carer Newsletter -This is the Spring 2008 newsletter from Carers Milton Keynes. Full of interesting information, support groups and social activities & training for all carers. See page 9 for Parent Carer information.
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MUSE - magazine - Autumn 2007Posted : 27/02/2008
A magazine for 'clued up youth' published by the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC).
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MUSE - magazine - Summer 2007Posted : 27/02/2008
A magazine for 'clued up youth' published by the National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC).
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383 kb
Information on support groups for Dads in Milton KeynesPosted : 27/02/2008
A new information leaflet detailing lots of support groups and activities that all Dads can access in Milton Keynes.
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Hedgerows Children's Centre - opening end February 2007Posted : 27/02/2008
Hedgerows is a new Sure Start Children's Centre, open to all young children and their families. The new building will be opening very shortly, and it will provide Services for Netherfield, and all of the Woughton area. Tel: 01908 239000 Please see the attached leaflet to find out what activities are provided. Until the new building is open, sessions are currently running out of the family room at Langland School.
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SEN Data Collection Bill passes second reading (Guardian 01.02.08)Posted : 12/02/2008
In the Education Guardian, Anthea Lipsett reported on February 1, 2008 that a bill to improve the data collected about children with special educational needs (SEN) passed its second reading unopposed in parliament
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House of Commons report - SEN Assessment and FundingPosted : 12/02/2008
The House of Commons have issued a Special Report: Special Educational Needs: Assessments and Funding: Government Response to the Tenth Report from the Education and Skills Committee, Session 2006-07.
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Ministers criticised over SEN - The Guardian (04.02.08)Posted : 05/02/2008
Anthea Lipsett, from the Guardian, reported that MPs said the government has missed an opportunity to create a national framework for special needs education.
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Compass Newsletter - Issue 6Posted : 17/01/2008
Compass Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service newsletter containing information and events regarding drug and alcohol awareness.
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Transforming Short Breaks for Families with Disabled ChildrenPosted : 14/01/2008
Education and Social Care Ministers, Andrew Adonis and Ivan Lewis, announced today the start of a 3 year transformation in short break services for disabled children. 21 Local Areas announced as Pathfinders.
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Milton Keynes Carer Newsletter - Winter 2007Posted : 07/12/2007
This is the Winter 2007 newsletter from Carers Milton Keynes. Full of interesting information, support groups and social activities & training for all carers - including parent carers!
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Government News - Raising the school participation age Posted : 03/12/2007
The Government has published the Education and Skills Bill and outlined their plans to boost the skills and education of young people and adults. The Bill will raise the education and training leaving age to 18 by 2015 as well as strengthening the provision and support available to young people and adults to meet the ambition set out in the Leitch Review of achieving world class skills by 2020.
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Every Disabled Child Matters - Local Authority CharterPosted : 01/11/2007
Milton Keynes Council has signed up to the Local Authority Charter for Every Disabled Child Matters. See the attached document to see what they are intending to ensure happens in Milton Keynes by January 2008.
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Launch of Inclusion Development Programme - Speech by Andrew Adonis, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools & LearnersPosted : 18/10/2007
Inclusion is about creating a secure, accepting and stimulating school ethos where everyone is valued and where all pupils can perform well, whatever their impediments to learning. Improving the confidence and expertise of staff to deal with special educational needs, is crucial to improving the educational experience of all students. Parents need to be assured that their children's needs will be identified and addressed in a sensitive and effective manner.
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Every Disabled Child Matters - If I could change one thing - Parent's viewsPosted : 26/09/2007
EDCM document on what the parents of disabled children & young people have said would make the biggest difference in their lives.
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Every Disabled Child Matters - If I could change one thing - Children & Young People's viewsPosted : 26/09/2007
EDCM document on disabled children and young people's views on what would make the biggest difference in their lives.
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Every Disabled Child Matters - If I could change one thing - General SummaryPosted : 26/09/2007
Summary document of what disabled children & young people, and their parents & carers told EDCM when asked "If you could change one thing for disabled children, young people and their families, what would it be?"
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Milton Keynes Carer - Summer 2007 newsletterPosted : 24/08/2007
This is the Summer 2007 newsletter from Carers Milton Keynes. Full of interesting information, support groups and social activities & training for all carers - including parent carers!
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Compass Newsletter - Issue 4Posted : 23/08/2007
Compass Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service newsletter containing information and events regarding drug and alcohol awareness.
