Conscious Minds Collective

09/06/2026

All SEND families need to read this

The DfE has updated its guidance on suspensions and permanent exclusions: SEND families really need to read this one carefully.

Read here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-suspensions-and-permanent-exclusions

There are TWO versions:
☀️ Current guidance until 25th July 2026
☀️ New guidance from 26th July 2026

A few things worth looking out for:
• increased focus on off-site direction
• continued use of suspensions/exclusions as behaviour tools
• reminders that SEND and mental health SHOULD be considered before exclusion
• more mention of internal suspension and alternative provision routes

Please don’t assume that because something is “school policy” it automatically means it is lawful or appropriate for your child.

Read it.
Question it.
Know your rights.

Because exclusions can have life changing consequences for SEND children and young people.

12/05/2026

I get asked this a lot… “so what actually happens in your 1:1 sessions?” 👀
Every session is completely unique to the person in front of me but here is what we often get up to together 🌱
🎯 Setting goals that actually fit using the SMART method
🌀 Mapping emotions and learning to name them
🔍 Getting curious about triggers and the patterns beneath our reactions
📈 Building a habit tracker that is kind and manageable
And through all of it they are building real coping strategies to help with their emotions and triggers. Without the judgement and shame that so often comes attached 💛
Just the tools, language and safe space to figure it out themselves.
If you are a parent whose child needs a different kind of support, drop me a message or head to the link in bio 👇

08/05/2026

It all started with… “do I need to change my email signature?” 😄🌿

✅ Professional branded email address
✅ Google Workspace up and running
✅ Domain verified & authenticated
✅ A signature that finally reflects what I actually do
Small steps. Big foundations.

Here for the wins today 💚
Breathe. Move. Connect. Grow.

09/04/2026

Join us for our 'SEND law and young people (post-16)' training on 6 May.

The training is delivered live via Zoom, and is designed specifically for parents/carers of children who are approaching or above compulsory school age (post-16).

Find out more and book: https://www.ipsea.org.uk/Event/send-law-and-young-people-post-16-6-may

14/03/2026

Great to have a chat yesterday with the team I.P.S.E.A. They helped me so much in the process and legalities around my sons EHCP and I am forever telling parents how invaluable their services are

We’re pleased to be exhibiting at the Tes SEND Show North today and tomorrow. If you’re attending, do come and say hello at stand C17 👋

Our legal team member, Maria Bloom, will also be delivering a seminar titled 'Legal responsibilities for SEND', providing an introduction to the SEND legal framework and the statutory duties for education settings.

If you’re at the show, please stop by to chat with us and pick up more information about our work and training. We’d love to see you there.

14/03/2026

This is amazing news. This is so needed. With the closure of Alderley Edge school for girls this would be a fantastic provision. Same goes for the old Loretta prep school in Altrincham ?

A private school which closed last year will reopen as an education provider for children with special needs.

Read more: https://bbc.in/3NockvD

27/02/2026

Sometimes teenagers don’t need fixing…
they need space.

Space to pause.
Space to breathe.
Space to understand what they’re feeling.

So many young people today are carrying pressure, anxiety and emotions they don’t always know how to talk about.

Finding My Balance is a small wellbeing programme designed to support teenagers in understanding their emotions, building confidence and learning simple tools to help them feel calmer and more in control.

Through gentle practices, creative activities and supportive conversation, young people begin to realise they are not alone in how they feel.

I’ll be running this as a 3-Saturday programme for teens, with small group numbers to create a safe and supportive space. There will be two cohorts, Age’s 11-13’s & 14-16’s

If you feel your teen might benefit, feel free to send me a message and I’ll happily share more details 💛



parentingteens

27/02/2026

We are looking for more amazing team mates, with a sunny disposition and a passion for seeking justice... Is that you?

27/02/2026

Just booked my ticket .. this will be a great talk

Traumatic experiences leave their imprint on the body as well as the mind. Dr Bessel van der Kolk returns to How To Academy to offer a new paradigm for healing.

27/02/2026

🗳️ Gorton–Denton by-election result: what it could mean for SEND families

Following the Green Party’s win in Gorton-Denton, some people have asked what their national policy positions might mean for children and adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

In the Green Party’s 2024 manifesto, autism and neurodivergence are not explicitly named. However, several pledges relate to areas many SEND families regularly raise concerns about.

📚 Education
The Greens propose increased support for pupils with additional needs within mainstream schools, alongside free transport for 16-18-year-olds with SEND - a measure aimed at improving access to further education and training.

🧠 Mental health
Their manifesto includes commitments to bring mental health care in line with physical health care, including access to evidence-based therapies within 28 days and trained, paid counsellors in every school and sixth-form college.

⚖️ Rights and inclusion
The party supports incorporating the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into UK law, which would strengthen legal protections for disabled people, including autistic and neurodivergent individuals.

As with all parties, policies vary in detail and delivery, and questions remain about how commitments would be implemented in practice. However, the by-election result has prompted renewed discussion about how national policy can better reflect the needs of SEND families.