This Week’s Reflections: Transitions, Training and Tiny Wins

This week my highlight was reconnecting with some families I worked with a few years ago — families who are now facing that big Year 10/11 transition this summer.

We talked honestly about what it feels like to move from a familiar education setting into something completely new. There’s the confidence in what colleges and apprenticeships say… and then there’s the unknown reality that families have to step into. It’s tough. As SEND families, the desire to minimise mistakes is huge, even though mistakes are part of being human.

So how do we future‑proof these transitions? We know we can’t — not fully — but that doesn’t mean we can’t try.

Support Available This Term

🌟 SPACEHerts Training & Workshops There are lots of online options, but families this week have spoken really positively about the in‑person sessions. One to note:

What Comes Next - Preparing for Adulthood - June 22nd 2026

SPACEHerts also run brilliant “Transitioning to College or University” workshops. I attended one myself, and the funding information alone was worth it. I learned things I genuinely didn’t know, and the clarity around what young people can ask for was incredibly empowering. Definitely keep an eye out for upcoming dates.

🌟 The Neurodiversity Hub

Don’t forget the Neurodiversity Hub — it’s there every weekday with a listening ear, whether you’re feeling frustrated or trying to track down the right resources as a Hertfordshire resident.

Their phone lines open from 9am and close between 1pm and 3pm depending on the day.

Neurodiversity Hub - Link to Website

🌟 SBLO at Hudnall Park

A big topic this week has been Services for Young People’s Hudnall Park Short Break Local Offer.

If you’re in Dacorum, entitled to SBLO, and have a Key Stage 3/4 young person who loves a bit of adventure — archery, woodland crafts, zip‑lining — Hudnall Park looks fantastic.

We’re currently renewing our SBLO registration details and checking out the May half‑term opportunities. Just a reminder: SBLO covers most, but not all, of the funding.

SBLO - Hudnall Park (with link to SBLO website)

Looking Ahead

Next week’s bank holiday Monday has thrown me a curveball — I keep trying to book meetings and no one is biting. My hope is that by this time next week, real humans will be able to read these posts because I will have magically transformed into a website designer, and you’ll all be able to explore the Pathways to Post‑16 services and support available for our Dacorum families.

Stay strong,

Jo x