Join the SNJ Squad as a “Patron” and get exclusive content!
Running SNJ takes time and money. As volunteers, we don’t mind spending time making the site as useful as possible, but we need your help to keep it online. We …
Missing the mark: Anxiety and avoidance, illustrated.
with Eliza Fricker, SEND parent and illustrator Twitter, eh? Sometimes it makes you grind your teeth, or it can offer a spark of wisdom. Or in the case of today’s …
SNJ in Conversation: Teaching Assistants, their role and how schools can use them effectively
For children with special educational needs, a skilled teaching assistant can be the difference between them being able to progress in school or not. They’re vital for teachers supporting children …
More than one in three disabled pupils experience bullying in mainstream school, plus other concerning SEND stats
I’ve had a peruse through a new publication from the Department for Education, about the experiences of pupils and their parents regarding various aspects of school. It’s based on survey …
Joining the dots of neurodiversity with Suzy Rowland *Book Giveaway
We haven’t done a book giveaway for a while, so today we’re offering a copy of SEND parent, Suzy Rowland’s new book “SEND in the Clowns”. Suzy is the founder …
SNJ in Conversation: SEND law now and EOTAS, Part Two
Today we’re releasing the second part of the really informative episode of SNJ in Conversation with SEND lawyers, Hayley Mason and Nicole Lee. They’re discussing the state of SEND law …
SEND Law right now. And why you mustn’t confuse EOTAS with home education
What’s the difference between Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) and Home Education? If you’re thinking about educating your child yourself then this is a definition you need to know. …
Family Fund grants: the who, what and how to apply
with Jim Paterson, The Family Fund Earlier in the year, the government announced it was giving an additional £10 million to the Family Fund during the pandemic, to families who …
The dyslexia ‘battle’ and middle-class mums? I think we need to look at the broader picture
with Alison Vaughan, teacher and SEND parent Last week, The Guardian ran a long feature by Sirin Kale, called “The battle over dyslexia”. An interesting read, especially as I wasn’t …
Why I’m using my new global United Nations role to promote neurodiversity and the importance of equality
Tania’s note: At SNJ, we want to pass on our huge congratulations to Siena for being selected for this incredible, exciting, global United Nations opportunity. Siena is an amazing young …
SURVEY: Does your child have all their SEND provision back? What’s your family’s experience been this term?
Government guidance for the autumn school and college term 2020 is “everyone in”. Only, that’s not the reality for many children and young people with SEND. As we’ve already covered …
Coronavirus guidance: What mainstream settings should do to ensure the inclusion of disabled children
with Lorraine Petersen OBE, Educational Consultant Trying to keep up with the government’s latest coronavirus education guidance can seem like a full-time occupation. There is guidance for schools for re-opening …
Introducing Oak National Academy’s new online specialist curriculum
It’s been an academic year like no other, but I think we can all agree that teachers and families have done an exceptional job supporting children during school closures. With …
Ofsted/CQC SEND inspectors dropping by soon, but in learning mode
It seems like a lifetime ago now – but there was a time when local SEND services were subjected to at least some external accountability. Ofsted & the Care Quality …
The scandal of the children with complex needs told they’re not welcome back at school
While schools opened to welcome children back last week, we have been hearing disturbing reports who have complex medical needs have been told to stay away. These children need support …
Left stranded: the impact of coronavirus on autistic people and families in the UK
with Jane Harris, Director of External Affairs at the National Autistic Society Coronavirus has had a negative impact on every section of society, but none more than the disabled and …
Special school heads think 14% of their children won’t be back
Amy Skipp is a researcher, founder of ASK Research, and the creator of the EHCP Journeys website. She’s writing today about the research she’s leading on for the Nuffield Foundation. …
Does the government really want to support disabled young people to go to university?
It’s never easy to fund yourself through university u less you parents have very deep pockets. Students usually have to have a part-time job to get by. But for disabled …
Explaining the inexplicable: why the government won the SEND coronavirus judicial review (round one)
Earlier this month, the High Court heard the case of a family who brought a judicial review against the government, claiming that the Coronavirus Act downgrading of legal duties for …
SNJ In Conversation: SEND training for SENCOs and school leaders with Anne Heavey and Hannah Moloney
Today’s SNJ in Conversation is offering tips for everyone interested in improving SEND teaching. While schools are still on their summer break, thoughts will be turning towards going back in …
SNJ in Conversation: Oak Academy’s improving SEND offer
One of the few positives of the pandemic and lockdown, was the creation of the Oak Academy resource, an online suite of lessons created by a group of volunteer teachers. …
