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 unless your parents have very deep pockets. Students usually have to have a part-time job to get by. But for disabled students …
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. …
Autistic children unlawfully denied care assessments: Your parent carer group can help further research
with Professor Luke Clements and Dr Ana Laura Aiello Has your autistic child had a social care assessment of their needs? Either from the disabled children’s team or as part …
SNJ in Conversation: Why we need to talk about race and SEND
This episode of Special Needs Jungle ‘in conversation with…’ tackles the often overlooked issues around race, racism, intersectionality and disproportionality within the SEND world.
Young people with SEND left in limbo with no place for September
with Ruth Perry, Senior Policy Manager at Natspec, the membership body for specialist FE colleges. One of the things we’ve been hearing, that’s been borne out by our coronavirus and …
Coronavirus and SEND Education: 75% of schools ignored Government risk assessment guidance during the lockdown
During most of June 2020, Special Needs Jungle offered a survey of to our readers, to ask them about some of the aspects of support their children with special educational …
DfE on SEND failures inquiry: We’ll get back to you later (and it’s not our fault)
Clean hands it seems, are not just for the pandemic. The Department for Education has them over any failures in SEND. It’s just not their fault. The DfE has finally …
Identifying SEND in the Early Years: Partnership and collaboration is key
with Dr Helen Curran senior lecturer in SEN at Bath Spa University, The earlier a special educational need is identified in a child, the better their chances are of achieving …