A Day of Connection and Learning at the Pinpoint ConferenceThe Sensory Support Team had an exciting and fulfilling day at this year’s Pinpoint Conference, where we were delighted to raise the profile of our work and highlight the support we offer to children, young people, and their families. Throughout the day, we welcomed parents, carers, and practitioners to our stand, answering questions and sharing practical strategies for supporting children with sensory needs. One of the highlights was giving families the opportunity to try out Braille and have a go at using British Sign Language (BSL). It was wonderful to see so many people engaging with new skills and showing enthusiasm for learning more about sensory communication. We are already looking ahead to next year’s event. In 2027, the Sensory Support Team will be offering a series of interactive workshops, providing even more hands-on experiences and opportunities for families to deepen their understanding. If there is a particular topic, skill, or area of sensory support you would like us to cover in next year’s workshops, we’d love to hear from you. Your ideas help us shape sessions that are meaningful, practical, and responsive to what matters most to families.
Please contact: Sibel.Djemal@cambridgeshire.gov.uk to share your ideas Why We Say “Deaf,” Not “Hearing Impaired”When we talk about children who are Deaf, we use the word “Deaf” because it is positive, respectful, and describes a whole identity, not a problem or limitation. 1. “Hearing impaired” focuses on what a child can’t do The term hearing impaired suggests that something is “broken” or “wrong.”
Parents and professionals avoid this because it defines the child by a “deficit” rather than who they are. 2. “Deaf” is accepted and preferred by the Deaf community 3. “Deaf” is neutral, positive, and identity‑-affirming Using “Deaf” acknowledges: - the child’s strengths,
- their communication style, and
- the rich Deaf culture they may be part of.
It respects them as whole individuals. 4. The language we use shapes how children see themselves When adults use respectful, positive terms, children are more likely to: - develop strong self‑esteem,
- feel comfortable with who they are,
- and see being Deaf as part of who they are—not a limitation.
5. It aligns with modern practice and guidance Schools, health services, social care, and Deaf-led organisations all encourage the use of “Deaf” because it is: - inclusive,
- respectful,
- and reflective of the community’s own preference.
In short… We say Deaf because it is: ✨ Respectful✨ Positive✨ Chosen by Deaf people themselves✨ Rare Disease Day 🌟 Short Breaks Funding for Disabled Children & Young People 🌟 Short Breaks help children and young people: ✔ Build independence
✔ Join community activities
✔ Prepare for adulthood
…while giving parents and carers a valuable break. 💷 How It Works Families receive a personal budget that can be used for agreed activities or support that best meets their child’s needs. 🛠 Two Ways to Access Short Breaks 1. Self‑Referral You can apply if your child receives:
2. Disability Social Care Assessment If your child doesn’t meet the criteria above or needs more support, you can access Short Breaks through a social care assessment. ✨ Short Breaks Make a Difference Supporting children to grow, explore, and gain confidence—while giving families time to recharge. Self referral for short breaks funding - Instructions and Data Protection - Cambridgeshire County Council website
Guiding Futures Family Weekend 2026
Laugh, Play and Learn
The Welcombe Hotel, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 0NR Discover the joy of learning through play! For families of children aged 0-4 with a vision impairment. Friday 31st July to Sunday 2nd August 2026 Address: The Welcombe Hotel, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 ONR
- Expert-led - hands-on activities
- Interactive Sensory Story Telling
- Creative workshops
- Access to Guide Dogs Children and Young People
Service professionals
- Indoor swimming pool and spa
- Accommodation – Full Board – breakfast, lunch and
dinner
We are pleased to announce that while the Guide Dogs’ Family Weekend normally comes at a cost, this year’s event is funded through the generous support of the Peter Dixon Charitable Trust. However, if you would like to make a donation to support the vital work of Guide Dogs’ Children and Young People Services, please visit: https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/donate-now/ For further information or to book, please email: familyevents@guidedogs.org.uk From Tess, your parent representative for CHSWG South Cambs meetings:
When your child wears hearing aids, earmold appointments are a frustrating reality, and a very regular occurrence if you have a baby.
Children of all ages can find these appointments really challenging and scary, so in the South Cambs CHSWG we’ve been discussing how to make them more comfortable for kids and their parents.
To help us identify the most important areas to focus on, we would love to hear about your experiences. We’d appreciate 5 minutes of your time to take part in our survey:
Childrens Hearing Support Working Group (CHSWG) Earmold Appointment Survey 2026 SCIP (Special Needs Community Information Point) Here is the latest on upcoming activities and events designed to support children and young people with SEND. I hope you find these emails helpful.
Keep Your SCIP Details Up to Date
Have you moved or changed your contact details?
Do you need to renew your SCIP C? Use the forms here: SCIP Forms
Know someone who’d like to join SCIP?
It’s easy – all they need to do is complete the ‘Enrol on SCIP’ form on the website.
Autism Central host a huge range of Webinars – find the full list here.
Full details and booking info are in the attached Workshops list.
Cambridge Festival
University Centre, Granta Place, Mill Lane, Cambridge CB2 1RU Saturday 28 March, 11am to 4.30pm Sunday 29 March, 12noon to 4.30pm Sunday Quiet Hour, 11am to 12noon – Book here. Cambridge Festival has a big weekend of free hands-on activities.
We are offering a bookable quiet hour for those families that may find the crowds overwhelming, for whatever reason. The Quiet Time at our Family Weekend is for those families who require a quieter environment to comfortably access our Family Weekend. Join Cambridge Festival for a free weekend of talks, workshops and hands-on activities for the whole family! Find more information about the Cambridge Festival here. Questions? Looking for ongoing activities (e.g. football, gymnastics, horse riding, etc.)? Let me know – I’ll send you details.
I’d Love Your Feedback! Email your ideas or comments to: SCIP@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Sharing experiences and information is what makes SCIP work!
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