Hello and welcome to first edition of the Lyndhurst SEND newsletter for 2023-2024.I do hope you enjoy receiving it and please do email me with any suggestions of items that you would like to see included (ajones@lyndhurst.southwark.sch.uk).SEND-sational fundraising evening:Thanks so much to everyone who came to our fabulous Sensory Fundraising Quiz Night in October. It was a really successful and fun evening and the support from our amazing parent community was absolutely phenomenal. Fantastic food was cooked by our very own Central Leadership Team (Mr Turnham, Ms Bennet and Ms Nowakowska) and the bar was staffed by our wonderful parent volunteers. The first prize in the quiz was scooped by the Teachers Team (not that they were being competitive at all) … and Ms Nowakowska has clearly missed her vocation as an auctioneer. We have now raised a monumental £10,000 towards our state-of-the-art sensory room and there’s still time to donate at https://gofund.me/575565c2‍Lyndhurst SEND Sports Session: In the summer term we were successful in securing funding to run FREE after school sports sessions with a focus on supporting SEND pupils. The sessions have a better adult:pupil ratio allowing us to support those pupils who need additional support. We teamed up with an established sports provider Fun4Sports to facilitate the sessions which happen on three nights per week and will run over a twenty week term. There is still time to sign up if you are interested- you can do this by going directly to the Fun4Sport website. Out and about in London:-Relaxed Opening Tours at London ZooLondon Zoo is hosting a special day dedicated to relaxed opening tours. These brilliant tours enable neurodiverse children to experience the wildlife in a calm and safe environment. Event webpage: https://www.londonzoo.org/plan-your-visit/events/relaxed-opening-tours-Relaxed Openings at Tower BridgeOn the third Saturday of every month, Tower Bridge hosts a Relaxed Opening for anyone who would like to explore the Bridge in a calm, tranquil atmosphere, including people with autism and other neurodiverse needs, as well as their siblings, families and carers. Event webpage: https://www.towerbridge.org.uk/events/relaxed-opening-Rise And Roar: Quiet Session in the Magic Garden at Hampton Court PalaceOn selected dates, the Magic Garden is hosting quiet sessions for children and young people with autism or any other sensory needs. Entry is included in the price of admission to the palace so that you can experience all the magic at no extra cost! Event webpage: https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/whats-on/rise-and-roar/#gs.tfl12h-Dawnosaurs by the Natural History Museum Dawnosaurs is a free event that allows children with neurodiverse conditions to explore the Natural History Museum, free from the hustle and bustle of the general public. Keep an eye on their website for their next event date. You can also join in on the excitement from home with Dawnosaurs Online, where kids can access a variety of fun activities that will keep them engaged and learning. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/events/dawnosaurs.html Dawnosaurs Online: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/events/dawnosaurs-online.html-National Autism-Friendly Cinema Screenings At least once a month, ODEON, Cineworld, Vue, Showcase, Picturehouse, and Everyman cinemas show popular films in a relaxed/sensory-friendly environment. To find out about upcoming screenings, give your local cinema a call or check out Accessible Screenings UK's helpful online database.Comedy night fundraiser at the Clapham Grand:The Matt & Co. Comedy Show hosted by award-winning comedian and our ambassador Matt Richardson is back for a comical night at the historic Clapham Grand, to raise funds to support The Autistic Society’s important work to create a society that works for autistic people.  The Matt and Co Comedy Show is back! (autism.org.uk)‍Creative Arts in Southwark for Children with SEND:Flip the Script is an exciting new creative arts club for young people with SEND in Southwark. There will be drama, spoken word, music and dance, as well as photography and video workshops, starting this autumn. The activities will be based at Theatre Peckham, Havil Street, on Saturdays. To register interest and for full details, book at https://letsdrum.eventbrite.co.uk Email: blackstockmedia@gmail.com / rhythmandviews@yahoo.com or Tel: 07808603499.Useful info and contacts (box):Southwark Autism Support Team (AST) - contact Mr B for advice on 078 0286 0871 or blagoje.vucinic@southwark.gov.ukSouthwark Information and Advice Service (SIAS) 0207 525 3104 or Literacy and dyslexia support: https://www.bellhouse.co.uk/‍https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zf2f9j6/articles/z3c6tfrBBC Dance Mat Typing (free); Doorway Online Typing (free); Nessy Fingers. Parenting Support: https://www.southwark.gov.uk/childcare-and-parenting/children-s‍Home | Southwark Local OfferADDitude Mag ADDitude is an ADHD magazine, community & website dedicated to strategies and support for individuals and families living with ADHD and related conditions. Check them out to benefit from their incredible expertise and understanding of the complex and intersecting nature of neuro-differences.Understood is a non-profit devoted to shaping the world for difference. Their website and YouTube channel provide excellent resources and advice to help neurodivergent people thrive.Made by Dyslexia is a global charity led by dyslexics that aim to increase understanding, appreciation, and support for dyslexia.How to get in touch If you have any concerns about your child, please speak to their class teacher. If you want to contact the SENDCO directly, please email Ms Ali Jones at ajones@lyndhurst.southwark.sch.uk