Dear Families,

In previous years, the North West, North Wales and Isle of Man Cleft Lip & Palate Network have arranged an event called “School Change Day”. This is a workshop run by the Clinical Psychologists and Speech and Language Therapists for children who are due to transition to secondary school and their parents/carers.

For the last couple of years, we have been unable to offer a face-to-face workshop, but would like to share an information pack instead. The pack has been designed by Clinical Psychologists from Cleft Services across the UK to address some of the things we are often asked at this stage of a child’s life. The pack makes reference to growing up with a cleft lip and/or palate, but much of the information is also relevant for those with other difficulties (including non-cleft related speech concerns).

Please click on the links to access:

1. A Feedback Survey – This is to Gather Feedback on the ‘Moving Up’ Booklets. There is a section at the start to be completed before you read either of the booklets.
2. A ‘Moving Up’ Booklet for Parents/Carers
3. A ‘Moving Up’ Booklet for Children

Also, some extra information:

4. An Information Booklet for Schools from CLAPA (The Cleft Lip and Palate Association)
5. A Template Letter for Schools from CLAPA
6. An Information Flyer for CLAPA’s Children and Young People’s Services
7. A One-Page Communication Profile
8. An Additional High School Survival Guide

We hope you and your child will find this information helpful for their upcoming move to secondary school. Whilst there have been some changes since last year, children moving schools this year are doing so in particularly uncertain times. Children might not have had the usual opportunities to say goodbye to their old school, friends and teachers, or to explore their new school this year. This might have been disappointing or upsetting for some. We hope all young people are able to find some way to mark this special occasion and wish them all the very best with the move ahead.

If you have any questions about the pack, or any concerns relating to your child’s cleft you are welcome to contact the Cleft Coordinator for the team who support you:

Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital: 0161 701 9091
Alder Hey Hospital: 0151 252 5209

We would also encourage you to contact your child’s school (either primary or secondary) should you have any concerns or questions about the transition. Finally, there are additional resources for children with cleft and their families (including information and social activities) on CLAPA’s website: www.clapa.com

Best Wishes,
The North West, North Wales & Isle of Man Cleft Network