Support for SEND

23/06/2026

I tell people that I do what I do because I like helping people and I have a strong sense of social justice (SEND law wise), and then I stop there.

I neglect to tell people that providing support for others, when I am not working in the early years, is also so much more rewarding than doing boring housework.

Today, I have been collating supporting information from documents such as Working together to improve school attendance, Summary of responsibilities where a mental health issue is affecting attendance and Working together to safeguard children...and although the house is still upside down - I'd happily read them all again to put off running the hoover round, for longer!

21/06/2026

I read a lot of EHCPs and so many of the outcomes (and, therefore, targets) are, to me, unbelievably demanding.

I read some and they read as if the autistic child will be, or should be, presenting as neurotypical within 18 months and that doesn't sit well with me.

There are some amazing practitioners out there; however, this is just Outcome 1 of an EHCP I wish I could give those practitioners who are still of the 'one size fit's all', abelist mentality.

A lot on a practitioner???

Remember that children's EHCPs sometimes have up to five outcomes!!!

21/06/2026

To all the wonderful fathers and carers that go above and beyond everyday...

16/06/2026

When I worked in special education, a particular pupil used to make me smile.
When dysregulated she could swear like a trooper!
However, when regulated, she could better control her language and would choose to air her exasperations with, 'Oh, four foot snake!!!', instead.

I decided long ago, that if I were to ever write a book about navigating the SEND system and navigating others people's attitudes towards invisible disabilities, I would, indeed, be titling my book 'For Foot Snake!!!'.

What would you title your book?

14/06/2026

So, if you see me doing a 'physiological sigh' in your presence, you've said something incredibly dismissive regards SEND, but I'm choosing my battles and working on my internal anger! 🤐 🥴

13/06/2026

Just a reminder that the vast majority of independent SEND advocates (that I know, anyway) do a huge amount of voluntary work, alongside any paid work.

13/06/2026

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

'Every local area will now begin expanding access to speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, specialist teachers and educational psychologists' - GOV.UK

The challenge for LAs? ... To find them first!!!

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/local-areas-prepare-new-experts-at-hand-teams #:~:text=The%20new%20Experts%20at%20Hand,system%20before%20help%20becomes%20available.