Yesterday, we dealt with leaks from “unnamed sources” in two national newspapers about the Government’s apparent plans to create multiple “tiers” of support. EHCPs would be reserved only for those …
The Down Syndrome Act 2022 has been quietly making its way through the policy machine since it gained Royal Assent back in April 2022. It included a comprehensive call for …
In 2022, statistics were published by The British Association of Supported Employment (BASE) showing that only 5.1% of people with learning disabilities known to social services are in any form …
with Chris Barnes, Down’s Syndrome International Diversity and inclusion. Two words we champion daily, the holy grail for those in the disability community. But what do they mean? And how …
with Dr Kieron Smith, father of a child with Down’s syndrome, followed by legal opinion from barristers, Victoria Butler-Cole QC, Steve Broach, and Nyasha Weinberg of 39 Essex Chambers The …
with input from Colette Lloyd Why have we called this article, “it’s complicated’? Because it is completely understandable that a great many women do not want any further restrictions on …
The Bake-Off contestants race to uncover today’s technical challenge. In their haste, one contender reads the instruction to add two teaspoons of salt as two tablespoons and the resulting cake …
It seems that at every milestone and crossroads in your child’s life, your pride, relief and excitement at their achievements is met with an equal measure of stress and worry. …
I have to admit that for a while, R and I joined the ranks of Smug Parents. We didn’t mean to. Most of the time we are running around in …
Just over two weeks ago I witnessed an online surge, the likes of which I have rarely seen before. Started by one passionate mum, actor Sally Phillips, her ‘celebrity’ tag …
A couple of months ago I was invited to speak at the Academies Show in London on the subject of assessment for children with SEND. It was very exciting (and …
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 …
As a mum of children with special needs, I know I have walked out of meetings and thought, “Seriously? did I hear that correctly?” But I know that you often …
As a mum of a daughter with Down’s Syndrome, I understand at first hand how hard it is to make the decision over whether to choose mainstream or a special …
The Summer is almost over and as parents we are either reluctantly or desperately looking to the start of the new term, depending on how the last few weeks have …
You can’t have missed it. The story of little baby Gammy, supposedly left by his parents in Thailand with his surrogate mother, while his twin sister was taken home to …
Each year, the charity Mencap ask us all to join together for Learning Disability Week; a time to share information, campaign together, and celebrate achievements. This year is no exception, and …
As our newborn, youngest daughter, just diagnosed with Down’s syndrome, remained in the neonatal intensive care unit, I recall returning home one evening to a house that felt empty, too …
As this Valentine’s Day approached, I began thinking about how much we all love all our children equally. How we wouldn’t change a single hair on the heads of those …
Ain’t technology grand? Just before Christmas Hayley from DownsSideUp and, as you know, a Special Needs Jungle columnist, “got together” over Skype for a chat about SEN, parenting and why …
