Planning for Adulthood Conference

Planning for Adulthood Conference for Parent Carers: Tuesday 17 March

BELS, in collaboration with Barnet Parent Carer Forum, are delighted to share the agenda for the upcoming Planning for Adulthood Conference.

This event will take place online and is aimed at parent carers and other interested adults of young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to provide information to support their journey into adulthood.

If attendees cannot attend the entire conference, we encourage them to join for sections which may be of most interest to them. Please note that the agenda may be subject to change so sign up to the conference to receive any updates as well as the slides/link to recordings after the event.


Emily Bartlett
London CPP Participation Officer
Barnet Education and Learning Service

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Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Approximately 15-20% of population has a neurological difference. The term neurodiversity aims to describe the differences in the ways people think, process information, behave and communicate are recognised and respected. The umbrella term ‘neurodiversity’ is used to describe alternative ways of thinking such as: Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD.

Neurodiversity Celebration week (16 - 22 March) aims to transform the perception of neurodivergent individuals by recognising their skills and talents. In doing so the campaign continues to champion for a more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate difference.

Please see the attached document for more information. 

 
Natasha Joseph
Health Improvement Officer
Public Health
London Borough of Barnet

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Government Consultation - Children’s Digital Wellbeing

Government Consultation seeking views on major measures to protect children on social media, gaming platforms and AI chatbots

The government has launched a consultation on social media seeking views from parents, guardians, and young people in the UK to help shape the country’s next steps on children’s digital wellbeing.

The consultation will gather insights from the public on how to keep children safe online across social media, AI chatbots and gaming platforms. 

The Online Safety Act brought in strong protections, but there is growing agreement that more needs to be done. The contributions to this consultation will determine how the government will decide what that looks like.

Key questions the consultation will explore include some of the most talked-about potential changes. The three-month consultation is open to everyone with a view.

Dedicated versions have been developed for young people and for parents and carers, making it easier for them to share their experiences and views.

The consultation will close on 26 May.

The consultation sits alongside the government’s wider approach to online safety, including a new campaign and website that provides practical support that parents can use immediately, giving them the confidence they need to have conversations with their children about the content they see online.

Parents can find full guidance, conversation starters and safety advice on the ‘Kids Online Safety’ campaign website.

There are 3 surveys:

• One for everyone

• One for parents/ carers of children under 21

• One for children and young people aged 10-21

The consultation closes on 26th May 2026

Sharon Smith
Senior Public Health Strategist
Public Health
London Borough of Barnet