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PODS Charity (Parents Opening Doors)

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FAQ

FAQ

PODS

PODS stands for Parents Opening Doors

Our offices are located at the PODS Hub, 1 Hawksworth Road, Central Park, Telford TF2 9TU

We cover the whole of the Telford & Wrekin authority area, including Newport.

No, unfortunately we do not cover Shropshire, please contact PACC Parent and Carer Council Shropshire (PACC) (paccshropshire.org.uk)

There is no cost to join, please click here to sign up.

Yes, we can still support you, having an official diagnosis is not a requirement to become a member.

We support families living in Telford & Wrekin who have a child/young person aged 0-25 with an additional need or disability, regardless of whether they have an official diagnosis or not.

We have a wide variety of activities and services on offer, these include; Support Groups, Lego Therapy, Coding club, Befriending scheme, Family activity sessions and trips, Advice and support, Sleep workshops, Training and we are a Forum which enables families voices to be heard and represented at a strategic level within services and organisations. We have an preparing for adulthood worker, early years support worker and a qualified counsellor.

Depending on the type of meeting and level of support required we maybe able to support you, please contact support@podstelford.org for more information.

Yes, we have both trained staff and volunteer befrienders, we will match you with the most appropriate person who has the knowledge and experience to help you. Please contact support@podstelford.org


We work across Health, Social Care and the Local Council at a strategic level.

Details of our family groups can be found on the websites calendar or on our Facebook page.

We run a wide variety of sessions and activities, so that we can cater for as many families as possible. These include, Lego club, coding club, craft and sports sessions during the school holidays, coach trips, monthly soft play sessions, preschool group and many more ad hoc sessions throughout the year.

No, our funding prohibits any form of campaigning.

We receive funding from many sources, these include the DFE and many small grants and donations from varying sources. We also fundraise and provide services to generate our own funds to keep us going. We are eternally grateful for every penny we are given and ensure it is used to support our members.

Yes, we are completely independent, our strategy and vision is led by parent carers.

General

EHCP stands for and Educational Health and Care Plan, it is a written document coproduced by, parents, school/nursery and professionals. It outlines the support/adaptions a child/young person requires in a school setting, along with the desired outcomes for the child.
Yes, they can with or without the school’s support. IASS can help and provide advice on the process. Telford SENDIASS | SENDIASS Telford

Max Card’s entitle the holder to discounted entry to many local and national attractions. They are only available to parents/carers with a disabled or fostered child (0-25) living in Telford ; Wrekin. The cards cost £3 each, with only required per family, they can be purchased directly from us. For more information please visit Discounts for fostered and disabled children – MaxCardMaxCard (mymaxcard.co.uk) or to purchase one contact kerrie@podstelford.org

An EP is an Educational Psychologist, they are usually requested by the school to assess your child in the school setting and provide a report and guidance on areas of strengths and weakness, as well as suggested strategies and outcomes.

The panel is made up of a team of experts who can advise on strategies or appropriate diagnostic pathways. Referral into the panel can only be made via your school. Emotional Health and Wellbeing Panel – SEND – Local offer (telfordsend.org.uk)

A personal budget is an amount of money allocated to support your child to achieve agreed outcomes. To find out if your eligible or to apply please contact the Children with Disabilities team. Short Breaks Personal Budget – SEND – Local offer (telfordsend.org.uk)

Try to speak directly with the SENCO or Head teacher, if this fails to help you could speak with IASS Telford SENDIASS | SENDIASS Telford who may be able to assist. If there continues to an issue check out the school’s complaint procedure, this should be on their website, you could also write to the school Governors or speak with the SEND department at the council.

In the first instance speak with your child and the school and see if there is anything that maybe causing your child distress. Next discuss with the school any strategies that can be put in place, such as a teacher meeting the child in morning, use a different entrance, alter start time etc.

We may be able to offer some support and strategies, please contact support@podstelford.org Alternatively, Strengthening Families may be able to offer low level support and some courses Strengthening Families – SEND – Local offer (telfordsend.org.uk) Also, PEGS is a peer lead organisation who provide support around violent and aggressive behaviour Parental Education Growth Support (PEGS) – Shropshire (pegsupport.co.uk)