Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is the main benefit for disabled children in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is not taxable, and it doesn’t count as income for other benefits.

Families describe DLA as life-changing, but Contact’s research has shown that there’s a lot of confusion about who is entitled to DLA – and as a result, many families miss out.

To help make sure you get this important benefit for your family, take a look at Contact’s three introduction to DLA advice videos available in English, العربية, Polski and Soomaalida:

• What is DLA for children?
• More about DLA: Care and Mobility
• Ten tips to help you fill in the DLA form

You can also take a look at their DLA webpage for more information about DLA.

More summer fun activity ideas and advice from Warwickshire County Council

As the summer break from school continues, children and young people are ready to enjoy their free time with fun, activities, and safety in mind.

Warwickshire County Council is here to support communities by offering a wide range of engaging activities to keep children entertained and parents at ease.

For those unsure of where to start or in need of support for their families, the Family Information Service (FIS) is an excellent resource. This summer, the FIS team has lots of information on summer holiday activities and childcare and safety advice to ensure a healthy and enjoyable summer.

If you’re still undecided on things to do this summer and need inspiration, FIS has got you covered with their holiday clubs guide. It provides details on clubs around the county, including age ranges and types of activities. While the list compiled by the Family Information Service is extensive, you can contact activity providers directly if you have any questions. Visit Family Information Service website to find more details.

Support for children and young people returning to school this September

Warwickshire County Council is offering guidance and support for parents and carers to help their children and young people return to school in September.

Given that a child missing school on a regular basis can be very difficult for families, they are encouraging those concerned about their child’s attendance to use the support available to them.

Going to school on a regular basis offers children and young people plenty of benefits. It impacts positively on their educational attainment, wellbeing and wider life chances. It can also help to establish positive routines for their future and bring health and wellbeing benefits.

Warwickshire partnership shortlisted for National SEN Award

Warwickshire County Council, in collaboration with Warwickshire Parent Carer Voice and IMPACT, the young people’s forum, have been named a finalist in ‘Co-Production Initiative of the Year’ category at this year’s prestigious ‘nasen’ SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) Awards.

The Awards which have been organised by ‘nasen’ (National Association for Special Educational Needs) have recognised the Warwickshire partnership for their Co-Production Initiative centred around the Schools Inclusion Charter. This Charter has laid the groundwork for inclusivity and equality within educational settings, fostering a more accessible and supportive environment for learners with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Have your say on the Health Visiting service in Warwickshire

Anyone interested in health visiting in Warwickshire is invited to take part in a survey to share their views on a new proposal for the health visiting service in Warwickshire.

Warwickshire County Council and South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT) have launched a joint public consultation regarding a proposal to enter into a partnership agreement.

People can respond to the consultation via a survey until 30 September 2023, and parents and carers of children aged 0-5 years old and professionals who work with the health visiting service are invited to take part.

The consultation asks for views on a proposed model with integration of services at the heart of the local health visiting offer where services across the 0-5 years can work more closely to deliver the best outcomes for families.

Complete the survey here.