I’ve been in education for 25 years as teacher, deputy head and headteacher, with 20 years as SENCo, a role I care deeply about. Most recently I gained my Masters in autism studies and SEN from the university of Birmingham.
My greatest accomplishment though is as a proud (all be it exhausted) mum to four. Two of whom have additional educational needs. My youngest has autism and ADHD and a range of associated needs, requiring an EHCP. I have first-hand experience when it comes to having to fight for your child’s rights from placement, provision, tribunal, mediation and beyond and this only serves to drive my passion to want to make a difference.
Susan’s posts on SNJ
“Susan’s
- The Unacceptable Truth: 20 SEND legal rights at risk from the Government’s SEND reformsYou may be feeling like the Department for Education has beaten you into submission this year with confusing consultation after…Continue reading »
- Review: Mental Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People with Learning Difficulties. A Guide for Educators (Giveaway)This post is in paid partnership with Jessica Kingsley Publications. As an educator myself, Dr Kirstie Rees’ book, Mental Health…Continue reading »
- Updated exclusions and behaviour guidance and how a thoughtful school culture can avoid discriminating against learners with SENDIt feels like decades since “hopeful beginnings” for a new school year was a reality, even before the actual fabric…Continue reading »
- When mental health prevents school attendance: Guidance summaryThe DfE has recently published a new document, ‘Summary of responsibilities where a mental health issue is affecting attendance’. Sensible,…Continue reading »
- Gendered misperceptions: Research shows girls with ADHD miss out on school supportAttention, Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder, (ADHD) remains a controversial topic for all sorts of reasons. Research illuminates just by how much…Continue reading »
- Déjà vu: How will the #SENDReview end the over-promising and under-delivering cycle of support for disabled children?As you have seen, SNJ are unpicking the detail and supporting parents to have a voice throughout the SEND Review…Continue reading »
- Creative reasonable adjustments for SEND learners that don’t have to cost a thingToday we welcome a new columnist, Susan Lenihan, SEND parent, former headteacher and a SEND Community Alliance campaigner Some time…Continue reading »
