The Hub will be a purposeful space for our city’s families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) where they can access a range of support from education, health and social care services under one roof.
Over the past 8 months, partners have worked together to create a SEND Centre of Excellence at the Brickkiln Centre where services can be collocated to deliver specialist support to children, young people and families with special educational needs and disabilities.
The Hub accommodates the services delivered by the council’s SEND Early Identification and Support Service, Information, Advice & Support Service (IASS), special needs health visiting and SEND family help workers, It also offers continuity and a permanent home for various community and voluntary groups with accessibility and the opportunity to link in with other SEND specific provision. Additionally, financial wellbeing advice surgeries, accessible short break activities and SEND Stay and Play sessions enhance the current offer to families and those with SEND needs alongside increasing inclusivity and choices available.
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “I am delighted that Cherry Street SEND and Sensory Hub has launched after so much hard work over the last 9 months carried out by so many across the council and its partners. I encourage everyone across our city who either has or supports someone who has special educational needs to get involved and find out more about accessing the huge range of support from education, health and social care services available at the Hub.”
Alison Hinds, Director of Children’s Services at City of Wolverhampton Council, added: “Well done to everyone who has ensured a successful launch. This Hub further strengthens the development of a SEND Centre of Excellence as well as the support on offer to families with SEND requirements, helping to provide families with the right support at the right time locally.”
Denise Williams, Service Manager, Family Hubs, said: “Family Hubs bring together services that can make a huge difference to people who need extra support, and I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work in preparation for today’s launch. Thousands of families across the city will benefit from the SEND support and services available at Cherry Street SEND and Sensory Hub.”