SEND Newsletter: Issue 8
Dear Parent and Carers,
Welcome to issue 8 of the Herefordshire SEND newsletter. This newsletter is co-produced by Herefordshire Council, Parent Carer Voice Herefordshire and Herefordshire Integrated Care System (ICS). This newsletter aims to provide easy access to key information and updates for families of children and young people with SEND.
With the summer holidays arriving next week, please make sure you scroll down to find out what’s on for children and young people in Herefordshire. Lots of local providers have given us details of their summer programme which we have put together for you below.
Please give us feedback on this newsletter so that we can make it work for you and hear what articles or information you would like to see in future. You can send your suggestions about the newsletter to the editor, Emma Kelly, by email: localoffer@herefordshire.gov.uk
- Message from Liz Farr, Director of Education, Learning and Skills
- Parent Carer Voice Herefordshire - PCV Annual Survey
- Herefordshire and Worcestershire SENDIASS
- NHS Herefordshire & Worcestershire Autism & ADHD Pathway Improvements Workshop
- Local Offer Updates
- New Mental Capacity Act Toolkit for Parent Carers
- Free Fear-Less Triple P group
- Introducing Mentor Link
- Herefordshire short breaks update
- Patient experience at Hereford emergency department
- Outcome of the consultation on the proposal to expand the number of places in autism bases in mainstream schools in Herefordshire from 1 September 2023
- Speak to your Learning Disability Partnerships Board
- Summer holiday activities for children and young people in Herefordshire
I hope you are all enjoying the events and activities that the summer term brings. As a former headteacher, this was always for me a special time of the school year, rich with memorable events and a chance to look back at all that has been achieved over an academic year, key stage or phase of education. For some, new challenges also lie around the corner.
This has been a busy and rewarding first year for me, building on the firm foundations that the hardworking SEND team have established. Our new co-produced SEND strategy sets out our ambition to do even better. The forward momentum is tangible, as is the whole team’s commitment to striving for excellence.
By way of some highlights:
- We welcomed Roz Pither to the team, as our interim Head of Additional Needs. Roz has made a very positive impact to developing our work further and building positive relationships across the SEND system in Herefordshire. Recruitment is underway for a permanent Head of Additional Needs following the retirement of Les Knight.
- We have remodelled our Behaviour Support Service with colleagues and young people. The SEMH Inclusion Service not only has a new working title, but has adapted and revised the way it works co -productively with schools and young people. Support from this service now has collaboration, discussion and partnership at its heart. We have been grateful for the very positive feedback received so far including: including that next step planning is completed on the day and responses to referrals are quick and efficient. One school commented: “We like the new referral system. Our referral was picked up within 24 hours and an appointment made for an initial visit within 2 weeks. It’s great to be able to access a service with such a quick response.”
- We were delighted to be joined by Reception class teachers and school leaders from 35 different educational settings at the beginning of June for our ‘Child Readiness – Preparing for Success’ day. We were able to bring together a multitude of services that support children, including in their first year at primary school. It really was a one stop shop for knowing more about the different professionals and services that are available across the Herefordshire SEND area partnership, and how we work together to support schools, children and families. We have received great feedback with one delegate commenting: ‘Today will have a positive impact on ensuring a smooth transition for our new cohort of pupils and will help us to follow the correct pathways/graduated approach.’ We know the day will have played its part in supporting children with their transition into school.
- We want to make sure that if you have applied for an EHC plan that this is routinely issued within the 20 week statutory timescale. I am pleased to report that although this process slowed last summer for some Herefordshire families, we are now firmly back on track. In April, 100% of new plans were issued within timescales and this was sustained in May, with 95% issued on time. This means that Herefordshire families are receiving plans within scheduled timescales, and our performance in this area outstrips that seen nationally. About 65% of plans nationally are issued within 20 weeks.
- Annual reviews for the majority of our phase transfer pupils with an EHC plan were completed within the admission process timescales. This was particularly helpful at supporting our Year 6 pupils prepare for the next stage of their education.
- In May we reviewed our EHC plan process with some external experts. They could see strong practice in this area and noted in particular the voice of children coming through plans clearly. This will always be so important to us all.
- We know that work directly with young people is not where we want it to be, so we have developed our children and young people’s engagement and participation framework. We are committed to working together and so it is of importance that we listen and take forward yours and your child’s views in shaping our service over the next few years.
- We are establishing a hub and spoke model for the Young People’s SEND network and so far we have 11 groups from schools and community working with us. The children and young people in the network are working on the name and scope of our network this summer and look forward to sharing an update with you.
- We meet regularly with our Parent Carer forum (Parent Carer Voice) who, with new representatives imminently being trained, will have 14 parent delegates supporting work across education, health and care, ensuring that the parent carer perspective is part of all our discussions and planning. This enables us to work together and be really connected to what families and children either want or say works well.
We know we have challenges ahead. However, I want to provide reassurance to families that we are working more closely together than ever and tackling things head on. We are ambitious for our Herefordshire families and want to be the best we can be together. Some of what we have achieved this year has been rapid, focused and useful. For instance, we know that nationally there is a shortage of specialist provision. We are delighted that we will be open four new resource based autism hubs in September 23. This expands our provision considerably – our grateful thanks to all those involved with this important work.
There are more challenges to conquer, but we intend to do just that. With Wimbledon well underway I am reminded of Andy Murray when he said, ‘I believe you should give 100%, so I simply chase every ball.’ If you will excuse the tennis analogy, that is exactly, so to speak, what I and my wonderful colleagues intend to do.
I wish you, your family and loved ones a magnificent, fun-filled summer.
Best wishes,
Liz Farr
Parent Carer Voice Herefordshire - PCV Annual Survey
That time of year is coming round again where we are planning the annual survey of parent carers. This is a joint survey which comes out in September, and is coproduced between Parent Carer Voice Herefordshire, Herefordshire Council and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB). The survey is used for many purposes, to see how parent carers are feeling, seeing how happy they are with the services in Herefordshire and to find out what’s missing. It is really helpful if as many parent carers fill it in as possible.
How do we use the information?
PCV Herefordshire, Herefordshire Council and the ICB use the information to look at where problems may be with certain services, along with the anecdotal chats that we have with parents on social media and at coffee mornings etc.
What did we do with the information we collected last year?
At PCV there were a couple of things that stood out for us – the need to socialise more and the need for some support / training. We have been trying harder to make sure we offer more ‘coffee and chat’ options in different locations, days and times. We regularly hold coffee mornings in Ross, Ledbury and Hereford City and we have been out and visited Bromyard. We have also held the odd coffee and chat in the evening in Hereford for those who work in the day.
The training aspect has been more difficult to get hold of! Sleep trainers – there are limited services in and around the county and where we have found suitable ones they are busy up until September. We are looking into accessing training so that PCV can offer some sleep training or support.
Mental health support – we have spoken to a number of mental health providers and commissioners but they do not feel they can give any training to parent carers of children with additional needs about supporting their child / young person struggling with their mental health. We are still looking for options.
Follow PCV Herefordshire on Facebook or visit their website to keep up to date with their latest newsletter, consultations and events. You can also read more about their work and how you can get involved. To get in touch, email admin@pcvherefordshire.com
Herefordshire & Worcestershire SENDIASS
Free Training for Parents/Carers
The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Special Educational Needs/Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) offer FREE training to local parents/carers to increase knowledge around Special Educational Needs/Disability (SEND).
Workshops currently available:
What you need to know if your child has an additional need/disability- HW SENDIASS
What does a good Education Health & Care Plan (EHCP) look like? – HW SENDIASS
Who are SENDIASS and how can they support me? Online Information Session- HW SENDIASS
Autism and Me (developed by autistic young people)- HW SENDIASS
Workshops run monthly and all sessions are interactive, enabling participants to ask questions.
Autumn term dates will be released in the next few weeks.
Find dates and book your place online using the links above or follow HW SENDIASS Training-Eventbrite.
If you have any questions about the workshops, please contact SENDIASSTraining@worcestershire.gov.uk for more information.
Tips for Transition
It’s that time of year again; Transition- when children or young people move from one year group to another or from one school or setting to another.
Most children and young people find these changes difficult, but for children with additional needs, transitions can be particularly problematic.
Hopefully the SENDIASS Tips for Transition Information is useful in helping your child(ren) to prepare.
Contact SENDIASS
For free, impartial information, advice and support on matters relating to children and young people with SEND contact SENDIASS on 01432 260955 Monday-Friday 8.30am-4pm or email sendiass@herefordshire.co.uk
For regular Special Educational Needs/Disabilities (SEND) updates, sign up to the SENDIASS mailing list by clicking the sign-up link on their SENDIASS contact page or follow them on social media:
NHS Herefordshire & Worcestershire Autism & ADHD Pathway Improvements Workshop
NHS Herefordshire & Worcestershire are holding a workshop on Monday 24th July, 1.30-4.30pm at The Bank House Hotel, Worcestershire to explore how the diagnostic assessment process and support for Autism & ADHD can be improved for children, young people and families. Parents and professionals are welcome to join. To register for the event visit the Eventbrite website to Book Children’s Neurodiverse Care Pathways Workshop
Please note this is the beginning of this process and there will be other opportunities for to be involved in co-production of future developments.
Local Offer
Our Local Offer focus group including parent carers, SENCOs, SENDIASS, health and council colleagues meet regularly to review content and navigation to ensure it works well for all who use it. If you would like to be involved in shaping the SEND Local Offer site, please get in touch by email: localoffer@herefordshire.gov.uk
New Mental Capacity Act Toolkit for Parent Carers
The Ministry of Justice UK have recently launched a new toolkit: 'Making financial decisions for young people who lack capacity'.
This parent carer toolkit explains how to care for a young person’s finances when they reach adulthood. Click to access the toolkit here: MoJ Mental Capacity Parent Carer Toolkit
Find out more about Preparing for Adulthood on Herefordshire's Local Offer including what happens if your young person has an Education, Health and Care Plan, Post-16 training options, annual health checks and more.
FREE Fear-less Triple P group
Does your child or teenager have anxiety that is affecting their everyday life? Is it stopping them, or your whole family doing certain activities? Do you swing between reassuring them and telling them to face their fears? If you would like to help your child worry less and be more confident, our Fear- Less Triple P course could help. The course is for parent carers of 6-14 year olds.
What can I expect from the course?
- Get a better understanding of anxiety and fear and what can be done about it
- Get a whole range of strategies and tools based on proven principles
Date: Starts on - Thursday 7th September 2023
Duration: 3 weeks
Daytime: Virtual – 10:00 – 12:00
Closing date for bookings: 2nd Sept 2023
Parent carers must attend all sessions.
To book your place please email parentinggroups@herefordshire.gov.uk
Visit the Parenting Groups and Courses page on the Herefordshire Council website to find out more about this and other parenting courses available this autumn.
Introducing: Mentor Link
Mentor Link offers long-term, weekly, one-to-one social and emotional listening support to disadvantaged and vulnerable children by providing them with a mentor. Mentor Link's aim is to ensure children feel valued and support and help them achieve a successful transition to adulthood.
All of the children Mentor Link supports are facing distressing social and emotional circumstances. Common referral issues include self -harm; anxiety; low self-esteem; family breakdown; bullying; abuse and neglect; alcoholism, suicide within the family; traumatic bereavement; special educational needs; behaviour. Some mentees are young carers; some are on Child in Need plans for historic trauma; and others are in the ‘Looked After’ system.
Mentor Link’s service is delivered mainly through schools, and they provide a mentoring service across the West Midlands including Herefordshire. Mentor Link welcome enquiries from schools, parents, GPs and other organisations. There is a charge for the service – visit the Mentor Link website or contact Enquiries@mentorlink.org.uk for more information.
Herefordshire Short Breaks Updates
With the summer holidays approaching, here are some handy reminders about how the Targeted Short Breaks Allowance can be spent to enable parent carers to have a short break from their caring responsibilities:
- Leisure activities e.g. Swimming, Bowling, Cinema/ theatre, Trampoline parks, Soft play parks, Leisure centres, Ice skating, Horse riding, Youth clubs / leisure clubs, Group activities and play sessions with other children
- Payment to a carer who is accompanying the child to do an activity / have a day out
- If your child needs specialist equipment in order to take part in leisure activities, this will be acceptable.
The allowance cannot be used for:
- Activities, days out or holidays for the family
- Hire of holiday accommodation / caravans / camp site
- Transport / parking costs
- Incidental costs such as food and drinks
- Siblings and/or friends to join them in the activities
- Payments to close relatives who live in the same household
- Items, goods or services that do not provide activities for the named child and a break for you as a parent such as clothing, groceries, utility bills, TV licence, council tax, deliveries and takeaway food
- Mobile phone repair & bills/top up
- Subscriptions for household services (i.e. streaming services such as Amazon or Netflix etc.)
- Funding should not be used for resources in the home such as play/sensory equipment, IT equipment, computer games, garden play items or gym equipment.
If you’re not sure whether you can use the allowance to pay for the activity your child is attending, please check the quick read guidance document on Herefordshire Council’s website.
For other queried about the allowance, including how to use the pre-payment card and how to keep track of spending, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions document.
To find out what activities are available this summer, follow the Herefordshire SEND Local Offer Facebook page or browse the Talk Community Events Directory.
Patient experience at Hereford Emergency Department
Hereford County Hospital has a priority to improve the patient experience - the Emergency Department (ED) is a crucial first contact and that provided an opportunity to improve that experience for patients with sensory and autism-related needs.
With the support of the Operational Support Manager, staff at the Emergency Department have:
- Introduced sensory boxes in the ED reception and paediatric area
- An ‘expert by experience’ has trained staff in the ED
- Created communication folders including body maps, days of the week, emotions etc
- Re-laminated signage with anti-glare laminate
- Shared experiences and ideas with colleagues across the hospital
The changes have been well-received so far and 76% of families contacted said that their experience when visiting the ED this time was much better than previous visits. Some comments received from families include:
“100% better, a massive turnaround”
“love the fact the hospital is interested in autistic people”
“10/10”
“100 times better”
“Love the idea of the hospital passport”.
There is still lots of work planned for next steps, including further staff training, an infinity icon on patient records, sensory lighting, reasonable adjustments, school visits and more. We will use social media and future newsletters to let you know about how the work is progressing.
Outcome of the consultation on the proposal to expand the number of places in autism bases in mainstream schools in Herefordshire from 1 September 2023
The Department for Education (DfE) consider the introduction of mainstream autism base on the site of a school as a ‘significant change’ to the school. When making a decision on a ‘significant change’ to a school, a public consultation needs to be held.
We asked for your views on a proposal to open four new mainstream autism bases (MABs) in schools across Herefordshire, offering a total of 32 new specialist places for children with autism who meet the criteria for this type of specialist provision. The consultation for the proposal to expand places in autism bases in mainstream schools ran from Monday 20 March until Friday 21 April 2023 and 25 people / organisations responded.
We would like to thank all those who have taken the time to feedback and for the constructive comments that have been provided. Herefordshire Council has carefully considered all of the responses. Due to the level of support for the proposals the council has made the decision to introduce the autism bases at the three schools maintained by the Local Authority (Earl Mortimer College, Leominster, Leominster Primary School and Aylestone School in Hereford).
Where concerns have been raised in the consultation feedback, the council and the three schools will carefully consider these concerns and work towards resolving the issues.
The fourth school site, St Weonards Primary is an Academy and therefore the decision to introduce a mainstream autism base is the responsibility of the Regional Schools Director. The feedback gathered during the consultation will assist with this decision.
You can see the consultation summary on the Herefordshire Council website.
Speak to your Learning Disability Partnerships Board
Being a Part of Communities – Paid Work
An invitation to have your say.
Thank you for telling us your views on ‘Being a part of the Community’. Your views will be presented to the next board in September.
This poll
In this poll, we are looking at ‘What you do during the day’ - Paid Work.
We want to find out if you have opportunities and the support you need to train for and access jobs to become a part of the general community and feel confident taking part.
If not, we would like to know what the barriers are so that the Learning Disability Partnership Board can look at ways to make it easier for you.
Let us know what you do during the day - paid work survey.
Please share with your networks and help people with learning disabilities fill out the surveys. Thank you. The presentations on previous surveys can be viewed on the Council Learning Disability Partnership Board website.
SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN HEREFORDSHIRE
- The Courtyard inclusive workshops
- Herefordshire Wildlife Trust children and family events
- Summer family fun at Madley Environmental Study Centre (MESC)
- SEND Sessions at JumpInGym – now on the last Sunday of every month
- Find out what’s happening at National Trust properties across the county this summer!
The Courtyard Inclusive Workshops
Monday 14 to Friday 18 August - 10.30am – 3pm (or 10.30am – 1pm half days)
Get ready to BE A STAR! at The Courtyard! Come along to their inclusive workshops to enjoy a week full of drama, dance and arts & crafts activities! All practitioners and staff are experienced in working with young people who may have special educational needs and/or disabilities.
£100 for the week. £50 for half days.
To book a place please contact Rebecca Cook on 01432 346511 or email rebecca.cook@courtyard.org.uk
Find out more on The Courtyard website.
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust Children and Family Events
There are lots of activities at the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust this summer!
Bears, Beasts and Tales - Wednesday 2nd August (National Play Day 2023) When you come down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise! Bring your favourite friend for an exciting adventure. Book through Herefordshire Wildlife Trust website.
Wild Adventure Club - Our Wild Adventure Clubs allow children to discover the joy and freedom of being in nature. We'll be building and lighting fires for cooking, learning bush craft skills, den building, hammock hanging and other nature-based activities.
Book a space on 8 August 10am to 3pm
Book a space on 9 August 10am to 3pm
Book a space on 15 August 10am to 3pm
Book a space on 16 August 10am to 3pm
Ledbury Wildlife Watch Club - We explore and learn as a group through hands on activities focused on wildlife and habitats. Herefordshire Wildlife Trust’s Ledbury Wildlife Watch Club for 8 to 12 year olds runs in and around Ledbury once a month.
Book a space on 13 August 10.30am to 12.30pm
Book a space on 10 September 10.30am to 12.30pm
Book a space on 8 October 10.30am to 12.30pm
Book a space on 12 November 10.30am to 12.30pm
Book a space on 10 December 10.30am to 12.30pm
Mixed-Media Collaging - a collaborative art project supporting the 'Recovering Our Rivers' campaign - Come and create beautiful collages, with Olivia Mabey of Creative Minds Herefordshire, for display around the county and be a part of this collaborative art project supporting the campaign for our local waterways and help spread the word!
Monday 31 July
Monday 7 August
Monday 14 August
Monday 21 August
Monday 28 August
Cost: £3 per person or £6 per family, with 50% of the money raised going directly to Herefordshire Wildlife Trust’s ‘Recovering Our Rivers’ appeal
To find out what else Herefordshire Wildlife Trust have in store for this summer, go to their events page.
Summer Family Fun at Madley Environmental Study Centre (MESC)
There is lots of fun to be had at Madley Environmental Study Centre this summer. These events are always very popular, so book early to avoid disappointment!
- Tuesday 1st and Thursday 3rd August – Campfire Cooking and Den Building
- Tuesday 8th and Thursday 10th August – Minibeast Safari and Terrific Trees
- Tuesday 15th and Thursday 17th August – Watery Wonders and Woodland Obstacle Course
- Tuesday 22nd and Thursday 24th August – Nature Challenge and Magic in the Woods
- Tuesday 29th and Thursday 31st August – Wild Art and Wacky Water Games
All activities are £9 per child for a half-day session and £17 for the full day. Accompanying adults are free of charge. The morning session runs from 10am – 12noon and the afternoon session is 1pm – 3pm. Picnics before or after the activities are welcome between 12noon – 1pm.
The Nature Reserve is reasonably flat, with terrain suitable for most wheel chairs, with assistance. There is a disabled access toilet and threshold ramp available to access the log cabin (wet weather lunch area). The site has a secure fence and the gates can be closed on request. The Nature Reserve is a wetland area, so please be aware there are large ponds and a stream on site.
To book a space, email contact@mesc.org.uk or call 01981 251616. Visit the Madley Environmental Study Centre website to find out more about each activity session.
SEND Sessions at JumpInGym – now on the last Sunday of every month
During the dedicated SEND Sessions, Jump In Gym at Hereford Leisure Centre is reserved especially for children and young people with SEND so that they can enjoy a quieter session with capped numbers, a dark den with sensory equipment available to use during the session, music switched off and reduced lighting if required.
There are accessible parking spaces right outside, baby changing facilities and a café on site. You can book in advance or turn up on the day and pay as you go each week – no regular commitment is required to secure your space.
If you would like to visit Jump In Gym with your child before the session or talk to someone with any questions you might have, please call the centre on 01432 842075. The first Sunday session is on 30th July with another on 27th August. Get in touch to reserve your spot!
The Waterworks Museum Hereford
The Waterworks Museum is holding two Steam Days in the Summer holidays. Steam Days are when the steam engines are in operation.
Sunday 13th August 11am – 4pm
Sunday 27th August 11am – 4pm
It is also open every Tuesday throughout the year 11-4
- See the UK's oldest working triple-expansion steam engine as well as historic beam, gas and diesel engines spanning the industrial revolution to present day. Engineers are on hand to tell you all about the engines. On Sunday Steam Days, the steam engines are in operation.
- Enjoy the Water Park where children can learn about water, operate pumps, lift water from a well, push pumps and learn about water filtration
- Follow the Freddie the Frog Trail and complete the Firefighting and Story of Water quizzes
- Learn how the Waterworks helped to deliver clean drinking water, improving the health of Herefordians
- Discover what life was like in Hereford during World War Two
- Relax in our cafe and enjoy the short walk down to the River Wye
It’s free entry for children and there’s no need to book. Parking is also free!
Access: most of the areas are accessible to wheelchairs, with step-free access. The toilet facility is also accessible, with plenty of room for wheelchairs and carers.
You can read more on the Waterworks museum website.
Find out what’s happening at National Trust properties across the county this summer!
Berrington Hall
- Summer of Play (1 July to 3 September)
Enjoy free lawn games and activities all summer as part of the National Trust's Summer of Play. - The Storytelling Trail (26 July to 3 September)
Children can use a trail pack to discover various storybook scenes and create their own fairy tales! - Inspiring Landscape Talk (4 August)
Join us in the curved walled garden for an inspiring talk by landscape designer Tom Stuart-Smith. - Pond Dipping (9 and 30 August)
Explore Berrington's pool with the ranger team and discover the hidden world of wildlife beneath the surface. - Boating at Berrington Hall (14 to 27 August)
Have a blast with friends and family at the lake in Berrington Hall. More information coming soon.
For more details about these events and to plan your summer visit to Berrington Hall, please visit The National Trust Berrington Hall events page.
Croft Castle
- Summer of Play (1 July to 3 September)
Enjoy free lawn games and activities all summer as part of the National Trust's Summer of Play. - Snakes and Apples children's trail (26 July to 3 September)
Join the quest to find the mysterious golden apple hidden in the grounds of Croft Castle. - 'An Apple Gathering': The Apple Art Hunt (29 July to November 5)
Enter a world of apple discovery with stage two of Croft Castle's latest exhibition 'An Apple Gathering'.
For more information about these events and to plan your summer visit to Croft Castle, visit The National Trust Croft Castle events page.
Brockhampton
- Summer of Play (1 July to 3 September)
Hire a balance bike, run wild along the natural play trail, and enjoy classic lawn and garden games with your friends and family as part of National Trust's 'Summer of Play'. - Medieval Merriment children's trail (26 July to 3 September)
Little ones can travel back in time and discover life in the 15th century. - Pond Dipping (27 July)
Join the rangers for an exploration of Grove Pool, where a whole world of wildlife lives beneath the pond’s surface.
For more information about these events and to plan your summer visit to Brockhampton, visit the National Trust website.
The Weir Garden
When visiting The Weir Garden you can relax in the bell-tent: On those hot summer days, the comfortable new bell-tent is the perfect place to enjoy some shade, relaxing on a bean bag, enjoying a book, or playing a game with your friends. This a great calm space for SEND families.
- Summer of play (1 July to 3 September)
Head into the walled garden for some classic garden games like quoits and badminton that the whole family can get stuck into. - Tails of the Riverbank trail (26 July to 3 September)
Along this trail, little ones can meet the many different animals who call the riverbank their home, completing the fun challenges, games, and activities. - Make a wild crow (15 August, 11am to 2pm)
Whether you want to be a forest fairy or king of the riverbank, join us for this free craft activity and check off No. 16 on the '50 things to do before you're 11¾' list.
There's no age limit to enjoying a playful day out in nature. Visit The National Trust Weir Gardens events page for more information and to plan your summer visit.