A very special Learning Disability Nurse asks: Who Do You See?
Helen Laverty is one of those women you thank your lucky stars to have in your life. She is a compassionate Learning Disability nurse, a dedicated professional lead in learning …
Category: Columnists
Teaching children complex communication
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place”. – George Bernard Shaw Communication is a hugely complex thing. The more I think about how …
Revolutionary New Resource for Parents: Talking About Down’s Syndrome
I am enormously proud to announce the launch of a very exciting project I have been working on for some months now. Talking About Down’s Syndrome: Conversations for New Parents is …
On conversation, sensory issues and being different: Some SNJ book reviews!
I am sometimes sent books for possible review but find it difficult to fit it all in. Luckily, I know some parents who are very good at reading and reviewing …
The role of the SENCO: what do you need to know?
The SENCO has a critical role to play in ensuring that children with special educational needs and disabilities within a school receive the support they need. Gradually over the years …
SEND reforms: Why working with parents means taking a walk in our shoes.
The new SEND system places an emphasis on teachers working hand in hand with parents as part of “Team My Child”. However, this may be easier to say than to …
Child Sexual Exploitation – a child psychologist’s account
SNJ note: Today we welcome back SNJ columnist Charlie Mead, a child psychologist who works with vulnerable young people in the Midlands & South West of England. Today he talks …
Ten Benefits of Pets for Children with SEND
I have very fond memories of spending hours in our small sunny back garden as a child. Often the games would involved digging patches of dirt, playing hide and seek …
Questions to ask on school visits
Some of you may have just submitted your school preferences; some of you may be visiting schools and provisions now or know it won’t be long until you have to. …
Sensory Occupational Therapy for Sensory Processing Disorder
Emily Alexander has a magical secret… she works for Santa at The International Elf Service. She is also a Registered Osteopath and a Mum to a wonderful little boy who has …
Rapid & radical training for all teachers in SEN is key to improving outcomes
We’re really pleased that SNJ is attracting many more teaching professionals and other SEND practitioners to our readership. In the end, we all have the same goal – ensuring that …
The 12 “Dos” of Christmas for parents of disabled children
Christmas is almost upon us and it seems like it’s been a long time coming. The retail hype seems to start earlier each year so it’s no wonder many parents …
Tips for expanding language at Christmas
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” So the song goes, and for many children at least (not so much adults) that may be true. However, for other children, …
Bringing Up a Child with Special Needs in Greece
The Experiences of One Mum Raising a Child with Special Needs in Greece Millie Slavidou is a writer of children’s literature. Her blog Glossologics is a glorious mix of amusing …
Supporting your child through the anguish of bullying
It’s almost the end of Anti-Bullying Week and as we started the week talking about bullying and SEND young people, I thought it would be fitting to end it with …
The power of reflexology on children with special needs
I’ve long had an interest in the use of alternative therapies and took Youngest to see a Bowen Therapist when he was just six weeks old and his clicky hip …
Seven Ways to Winter Wellness for your special needs child
It’s that time of year when parents and carers of children with long-term health conditions begin to feel nervous. How do we ensure their wellness through the colder months? The germs …
World Mental Health Day – Some healthy thinking tips
Today is World Mental Health Awareness Day and I thought it would be a good opportunity to write about keeping your mental health in a good place. Time is often …
The importance of learning resilience
We have all to one extent or another, faced difficult times, whether in our family, school or working lives. We have had to learn how to find a way through …
The pain of finding acceptance with Apert syndrome, a facial difference
We all have a basic need to be accepted by others. As many families affected by a disability know however, not being accepted by peers or being subjected to stares …