Home-educating families can access a range of resources and opportunities. These include local libraries, sports activities and community groups.
Libraries
Libraries have a wealth of information and resources for home educated families. Families who register with the local authority can take advantage of a special library service arrangement. This provides home-educating families with additional rights when borrowing library books.
Information and resources the library can offer:
- Library services for 5 to 16 years of age
- Book Start
- Special Educational Needs
- Stories in other languages
- Summer Reading Challenge
Sport and physical education
We recognise the benefits of physical activity and sport for home-educated children.
Below are links to websites which you may find useful. The organisations listed are not linked to Cambridgeshire County Council. The list is not comprehensive and other opportunities may also be available.
- Living Better is the Active Partnership for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. It helps people across the region stay healthy and be more active.
- Sport England provides tips, advice and guidance on being active in and around your home.
- Cambridgeshire Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity access to physical education for children.
Living Better offers a range of funding opportunities and youth engagement programmes for young people.
Cambridgeshire Traveller Health Team
Cambridgeshire Traveller Health Team has two Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) Education Support Officers. They are Beatrice White and Jo Chisholm.
Beatrice covers Fenland and East Cambs. Contact her on 07501 508422 or email beatrice.white@cambridgeshire.gov.uk. Jo covers South Cambs, City and Hunts. Contact her on 07501 508438 or email jolene.chisholm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
Beatrice and Jo have worked with the GRT community for several years in Cambridgeshire. They bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to the team. Their main priority is to support Gypsy Traveller families in Cambridgeshire to access education and services.
Peterborough United Foundation
Peterborough United Foundation is the charitable arm of the Peterborough United Football Club. Peterborough United Foundation deliver projects across four key themes: Sports Participation, Social Inclusion/Community Cohesion, Health and Education. The Foundation offers inclusive sports activities for children and young people. These include football, cricket and rugby.
For more information visit About Us - The Posh Foundation.
Getting Ready for Change
Reception and Year 6
During a child's journey through education there are times when significant change occurs. These are known as transition points and align with key points in a child's development. Age 4-5 and 10-11 are both transitional stages for children.
The ‘Getting Ready for Change’ questionnaire helps children and young people prepare for the next stage of their education. Developed by local NHS clinicians, it provides guidance and signposts to relevant support and information. It can also be used as a ‘Getting Ready for Change’ checklist.
Complete the Getting ready for change Reception questionnaire (opens cambspborocyphs.nhs.uk)
Complete the Getting ready for change Year 6 questionnaire (opens cambspborocyphs.nhs.uk)
Please watch the Getting Ready for Change video for more information.
Year 9
Local NHS clinicians have developed an online health questionnaire for secondary school pupils. It helps them prepare for the transition to the next stage of their education. The questionnaire can be used as a 'Getting Ready for Change' checklist.
This is for all young people who are currently in year 9. It covers topics such as hearing, eyesight, emotional health and behaviour.
It is a digital platform that you can complete on your mobile device or laptop. Once you have answered seven questions, you will receive a personalised summary report. It includes links to approved information and support.
Access the questionnaire at Getting Ready for Change Year 9 Questionnaire.
The GR4C Extra Help version of the questionnaire may be suitable if you need extra support with:
- preferring things to be read out loud or to watch videos
- having difficulty reading words on a screen or page
- using assisted technology such as Dragon software
- getting Preparation for Adulthood (PFA) support
- having an EHCP
- having a learning disability
- getting extra support or time in school having an additional need or disability
Access the GR4C Extra Help questionnaire at Getting Ready for Change Year 9 SEND Questionnaire.
Year 11
Preparing for adulthood is a time of important change for young people. For some, this could mean entering the world of work or leaving formal education. Others might be starting a training course, further studies, or even living away from home.
As young people become more independent, they take on greater responsibility for their day-to-day lives. This includes managing their health and wellbeing.
The ‘Getting Ready for Change’ Year 11 questionnaire is aimed at young people aged 15 to 16. It covers a range of health and wellbeing topics and signposts relevant information and support.
Completing the questionnaire generates a personalised summary report. This provides tailored information, useful resources and signposts to further support.
The questionnaire is anonymous and takes 10-15 minutes to complete. You will be asked to provide your home postcode and school attended (select elected home educated). This information helps us improve services for local children and young people.
Complete the Getting ready for change Year 11 questionnaire (opens cambspborocyphs.nhs.uk)
Contact
For Getting Ready for Change enquiries contact the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Healthy Child Programme. Call on 0300 029 50 50 or text 07520 649 887.
Useful information
Rebuild, Share, Connect (RSC) is an inclusive group for ages ranging 13-17. RSC is a space for young people who are not in full time education to meet others who understand them. Our aim is to create a safe and calm environment. You people can bond and engage in activities designed by and for them.
Date: Fridays 1-3pm
Venue: Burleigh Hill Community Centre, Constable Road, St Ives PE27 3EQ. For more information contact: youth@stivestowncouncil.gov.uk
