Review: Controlling pain with the PainPod
Some time ago, Renata and I were asked to review* a device called a PainPod that claims to control pain, a sort of Tens machine “plus”. A Tens machine is …
Our LA left us feeling so abused we escaped to Scotland for a better life with our SEND son
with Harminder Samra, SEND parent Just over two years ago we ran an article by Harminder Samra, the mother of Kyle, who has specific learning difficulties (SpLD) but no behavioural …
EHCP Annual Review: Our stats show there’s nothing annual about them…
After months of form-filling, evidence gathering, panel meetings and bureaucratic slow-dancing, your child or young person now has an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP). With a bit of luck, …
Review: Starving the Depression Gremlin – a CBT workbook
Depression is an increasingly common issue in children and adolescents. Today we’re reviewing Starving the Depression Gremlin – a cognitive behavioural therapy workbook on managing depression for young people by …
Exemplary Practice: Why this special school is PROUD of its pupil voice
with Mary Isherwood OBE, Headteacher Camberwell Park Specialist Support School, Moston, Manchester There’s so much bad, stressful or just plain fake news around to drive us all crazy, it’s way …
#VoteSEND: How disabled people & their families can make a difference this election
A poll of families who have a child or young person with SEND suggests that more than two million General Election votes are “up for grabs” among parents of disabled …
The right to a suitable education: what the law says
Why do I have to go to school to learn? Many children and young people find school or college inaccessible for a variety of reasons. It can be difficult enough …
Safeguarding and children with SEND: What parents need to know
with the Safe Schools Alliance “All organisations that work with or come into contact with children should have safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure that every child, regardless of their …
What’s a PRU to you? Busting the myths about alternative provision
with David Mills, Executive Vice Principal, Phoenix Park Academy & Sevenhills Academy When a child is admitted to a pupil referral unit (PRU) the impression people often get is that …
SEND Community Alliance: A Manifesto
We recently announced the establishment of our new campaigning group, led by the teams from Special Needs Jungle, SEND National Crisis and SEND Action. SEND Community Alliance is an independent …
It’s NOT your fault: An autistic teen’s comprehensive guide to surviving being bullied
I’m still just 17 and I’ve been bullied at school for most of my life. If you’re autistic or have a learning difference it’s very likely that you’ve been bullied too. …
Why the next government must make investing in new teachers of the deaf a priority
with Ian Noon of the National Deaf Children’s Society I’ve got two deaf sons. They’re brighter than I am. They’re more focused than I am. They work harder in the …
SEND Tribunal trial extended – but it needs more than just time to be a success
Plans have been announced to extend the current trial that gives the SEND Tribunal powers to make non-binding directions for appeals against EHCP health and social care decisions as well …
Launching the SEND Community Alliance: An independent campaign group
with SNJ’s Renata Blower, Gill Doherty (SEND Action) and Nadia Turki & Poppy Rose (SEND National Crisis) An exciting announcement today! After a very busy year for a number of …
When is a significant injustice to a disabled child, not a significant injustice?
with Claire Ryan Every week the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) publishes the latest set of decisions for complaints its investigated from parents against (some) schools and local …
SEND Inquiry report Part 2: No more reviews, it’s time to ACT
This is the second part in our SEND Inquiry report coverage. See Part one from Matt Keer here It has been a long time coming, but the Education Select Committee’s …
SEND Inquiry Report: Education committee blasts DfE, LAs and Ofsted over multiple SEND failures
Eighteen months ago, the House of Commons Education Select Committee launched a formal inquiry into SEND. The Committee (made up of 11 MPs) published its report today (report links at the …
SNJ Webinar: Successful strategies for EHCP Appeals
Today we’re announcing our first SNJ webinar! Expert lawyer and SNJ columnist, Hayley Mason of SEN Legal will be explaining how to successfully prepare your child’s case for appeals to …
Exemplary Practice: Creating a positive future of meaningful work for young people with SEND
with Matt Silver, Head Teacher, Shaftesbury High School, Harrow Recently I put out a call for positive stories of great practice in education, health and social care that we could …
Ofsted finds home education is most often not a choice – and off-rolling is a key culprit
More evidence that inclusion isn’t working has come from Ofsted, which has published research to show home education is often a last resort for families, rather than a lifestyle choice, …
