The Blokhouse Studio invite you to their annual Festive Market at the Blokhouse Studio, Unit 18-20, Grainger Rd Ind Estate, SS2 5DD on Saturday 30th November 12-6pm

Southend SEND Independent Forum invite parent carers of children and young people with SEND who are at their start of the SEND journey and who are looking for answers and support to our upcoming seminar.

We will aim to answer questions such as:

• Who are the key people involved in early identification of SEND?
• Who can I expect to talk to?
• What is a SENCo?
• What is the SEN Register? What is SEN Support?
• What should my child’s class teacher be doing?
• What is the role of the GP, and do they need to be involved?

We have a panel of professionals from the Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) Team, Health and Education Services who will talk about SEND identification and support in schools; when an education health and care needs assessment (EHCNA) is needed; and bust some common myths.

There will also be an opportunity for people to participate in a co-production session to develop a useful route map/flow chart of the Early Identification process.

Book now: Early Identification of SEND and the support available Tickets, Mon 9 Dec 2024 at 09:15 | Eventbrite

A Journey from Home Education to Now - TT

The journey from being home educated, transitioning into a structured learning environment in college, to finally starting a degree at university whilst entering the workforce, is both unique and transformative. While many people follow the traditional educational pathway, I opted for a very different educational route, which was both challenging and gratifying.

Home education provided me a flexible learning environment where I was able to focus on exploring my interests and it allowed me to learn in a way that felt natural and engaging, compared to the rigid timetables and standardized curricula the traditional school route provided. This cultivated independence from a young age, from researching topics independently, solving problems without the external guidance, and it gave me the freedom and relaxed environment I felt was needed to flourish. The transition from home education to a more structured setting happened through a special program tailored for home educated students in their pathway into college, at South Essex College. This course was called ‘Pathways to College’. This made the transition into mainstream learning less daunting as I was around other students who had a similar learning environment to myself, and it gave me the tools I needed to collaborate in group projects, manage deadlines, and engage in classroom discussions with peers. It gave me a taste of what was to come in my following years heading into college and showed me I could adapt to a more structured environment without losing the self-directed mindset I had developed at home.

After completing the Pathways to College course, I transitioned fully into a formal college setting. This was my first time since being home educated, stepping into an environment with others who took the traditional learning route. The set timetable, exams, and performance graded workload became an easier matter since I acquired the skills in the Pathways to College course. College was also where I began to interact with a wider variety of students. Being part of a bigger learning community brought a new dimension to my education. Group work, presentations, and class discussions were now regular features, and I had to learn how to communicate my ideas effectively while also listening to and understanding other perspectives. A key takeaway from college was my newfound ability to balance my independence with working with others.

The step into university brought freedom, both educationally, as well as in day-to-day life. I was able to specialise in the subjects that I was passionate about, and adapt my learning to fit with my future career in law. The independent study, time management and long-term projects felt natural to me as I had been doing it from the start of my educational journey. Interacting with people from many different walks of life became easier since doing so in college. These experiences taught me not only about my chosen field of study and work, but also about myself as a person.

I am currently still studying at university, aspiring to complete my degree in law and criminology. Alongside this, I have started a job within the probation service, and would not be in the position I am today if not for the experiences I cultivated in life. I found my background has given me the resilience and flexibility to thrive and progress further, which I plan to continue to do. Although my journey from home education, to college, and finally university is not the typical journey one takes, I wouldn’t change a thing. Each step has shaped who I am today and it has allowed me to continue to progress into a successful career. For anyone considering home education, or currently on a similar path, my experience is proof that a non-traditional approach to education can lead to success. The key is learning how to adapt, grow and take lessons from each stage of life with you when moving forward.

Speakers for Schools offer FREE resources and inspirational talks for young people. If you are looking for motivational talks for young young persons this is a great place to start... To Find Out More

Focal Point Gallery are delighted to invite you to their next block of Children’s Art Club every Wednesday from 4:30pm to 6pm starting on 6^th November to 11^th December with local artist, Hayley Summers where we will be exploring clay!

Drawing inspiration from Adham Faramawy's work in our current exhibition, our participants will craft their own interpretation of an afternoon tea experience. Delve into the art of tea and its ability to foster connections, encourage communication, and provide moments for reflection.

Through the use of various hand-building techniques in clay and intricate decorations using stamps, embellishments, and underglaze colours, participants will bring their vision to life. The pieces will undergo firing and glazing, adding a touch of magic to our creations!

This workshop is for children aged 7 to 12 years and all equipment will be provided.

To book a spot please go to our EventBrite page here.

The EHE GCSE information event on 26th September 2024 was our biggest yet. With lots of young people and parents/carers getting valuable Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) from the Connexions Service, Local Colleges, Apprenticeship Providers and Tuition Centres. Watch this space for more information events....

Come and join us for an information day on all things 'examinations, qualifications, careers, University, apprenticeships and much more' at the Forum Library, Elmer Square, SS1 1NS

If your child or young person is unsure where they can sit exams or when to register for exams, come along and speak to local Colleges directly, examination centres, tuition centres, apprenticeship providers or Connexions careers advisors directly.

This event is aimed at electively home educated children and families that are resident within the Southend-On-Sea area.

Southend Museums offer History club.

History Club was designed to provide a point in time and space where anyone could come along and become part of the community, make friends, and relax whilst also hopefully learning something new and interesting. It has been a runaway success with new members week on week! As a result from Wednesday 7^th August we will be starting History Club II !!

History Club remains at Prittlewell Priory Visitors Centre on Thursday mornings from 11am.

History Club II is now at the Beecroft Art Gallery Lecture theatre on Wednesday afternoons from 3.30pm.

Both clubs have a full schedule well into the new year, full to the brim with guest speakers, demonstrations, films and even the occasional away day!