Today, we officially welcome the brilliant educational resources site, Twinkl as a more regular contributor to SNJ! Today’s article is by Amanda Protheroe, Twinkl Family Inclusion Segment Manager
There is a huge amount of discussion around special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the media right now. At Twinkl, we believe the most important element of this conversation is often the one that can be left out: the voices of the people and families who are actually navigating the SEND system every single day.
We know that the truth lies in the lived experiences of parents, carers, and children. That is why Twinkl Parents is dedicated to creating a safe, empowering, and authentic space where families can share their honest realities. Our goal is to foster a meaningful community that amplifies your triumphs, acknowledges your hurdles, and, above all, reminds you that you are not alone.
Why lived experiences matter
Navigating the SEND system can often feel like a full-time job, one where the rules change constantly, the paperwork is endless, and the emotional toll is so heavy. We want to open up the floor for SEND families to speak their truth, move past clinical definitions and dry legislation.
By sharing your journey, you help shed light on:
- The day-to-day realities: The triumphs of a breakthrough moment, the exhausting battles of advocacy, the adjustments made at home just to help your child and family get through the day, and the unique routines that keep your household running.
- The hopes and dreams: The fierce ambition parents hold for their children’s futures, from mastering independent living skills to finding a community where they are truly accepted and celebrated.
- The real worries: The late-night anxieties about transitioning between schools, the fear of funding cuts, and the quiet concern of “what happens when they grow up?”
When one parent speaks out, it can act as a lifeline for another who might be feeling isolated by their current circumstances.
Getting involved: share your story your way
We want to make sharing your story as accessible and stress-free as possible. We know your time is precious, so we have created two simple ways for you to contribute to the Twinkl Parents SEND community. Whether you love being on camera or prefer the quiet reflection of the written word, we want to hear from you.
1. Share a video story (up to 1 minute)
If you feel comfortable on camera and want to deliver a quick, impactful snapshot of your life, a short video is a fantastic option. You don’t need professional lighting or a script—just your authentic self.
- What to do: Record a video of up to 60 seconds sharing a part of your SEND journey. It could be what your day looks like, your hopes for your child or your worries.
- How to share: Post your video on your social media channels, tag @TwinklParents, and use the hashtag #SENDParentsShareYourStory. This allows our team to find your video and, with your permission, amplify it to our wider community.
This video is one a lovely parent shared with us this week ♥️
2. Share a written quote
If you prefer to express your thoughts through writing, we have a space for you.
- What to do: Think about a specific message, a piece of your story, or an insight you want other SEND parents to hear.
- How to share: Fill out your experience, using our quick and easy Google Form. It only takes a few minutes.
Navigating uncertainty with practical support
While amplifying the voices of families is vital, we recognise that it is merely one part of a larger picture. The other side is providing practical support. Right now, there is a large amount of uncertainty surrounding the SEND system in England.
At Twinkl Parents, we are committed to supporting your family through these times of change with practical, reliable, and expert-led help.
Free resources for all SEND Families
To help ease the burden during this period, we are making an extensive range of our SEND Parent resources entirely free until 23rd August.
You do not need to sign up for a trial, and you do not need a paid membership. All you need is a standard, free Twinkl account to unlock an entire library of materials designed by educators and SEND specialists.
What’s Included in the free resource access?
Visual timetables & communication cards: Tools to help structure the day, reduce anxiety, and support non speaking children.
Sensory break ideas & calming activities: Practical strategies to help self-regulation and manage sensory overwhelm at home or on the go.
Navigating the school system: Simple, jargon-free checklists and advice to help you feel confident when prepping for school meetings.
How to access the resources
Getting your hands on these free resources is quick and straightforward:
- Sign Up: Create a free account on the Twinkl website (no credit card required).
- Visit our SEND Reforms Parents Page: Head over and click on the ‘All the Tools you need’ tab.
- Download & Print: Browse the collection and download whatever your family needs.
Because the educational landscape is shifting, our page will be continuously updated over the coming months. We will be adding up-to-date insights, breakdown guides on the latest news, and new resources to ensure you always have the most relevant information at your fingertips.
Your voice matters. Your child’s story matters. Let’s make sure the world hears them. Sign up today, download your free resources, and join the conversation using #SENDParentsShareYourStory. We are with you every step of the way.
About Amanda and how to connect
As the Twinkl Family Inclusion Segment Manager, I have a passion for supporting families. Having been raised in a “SEND family” with an autistic brother, and now raising neurodiverse children myself, I bring a personal perspective to this work.
There are many ways to become part of our expanding community here at Twinkl Parents. I manage our Twinkl Parents – SEND Facebook Group, where we share supportive resources and fresh ideas. Additionally, we provide weekly email updates specifically designed for SEND parents; you can sign up for those here.
If you are home-educating, we also have a dedicated Home Ed Facebook Group full of planning support and community advice. We would love to see you there!
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Also read:
- Beyond EHCPs: Why Inclusion Needs More Than a Document
- The Unacceptable Truth: 20 SEND legal rights at risk from the Government’s SEND reforms
- How health and family support systems are failing children starting school
- WEBINAR RECORDING! The implications for children’s legal rights to EHCPs and EOTAS of the Government’s SEND proposals
- When things go right: Shining a light on SEND Practitioners making a positive impact [Giveaway!]
- From suspicion to support: why the Government’s child protection reforms matter for disabled children
- Have your say on the future of transport for disabled children and young people
- Unison voices major concerns over SEND reform health plans for sick and disabled children out of school in the EOTAS consultation
- Top Tips for the EOTAS & EHCP consultation: Protect your child’s rights to statutory SEND support
- Navigating constraints: Why a former PCF chair thinks the current model is missing the mark for families
- Dear Secretary of State for Education, Lucy Powell: an Open Letter from Special Needs Jungle and SEND legal charity SOS!SEN
- Research: Disabled young people define inclusive education as “learning in the place that’s right for them”
Key Content
- How health and family support systems are failing children starting school
- From suspicion to support: why the Government’s child protection reforms matter for disabled children
- How Twinkl Parents are aiming to give SEND families a voice—and some free resources
- When “fine” at school isn’t fine at home: the hidden cost of autistic masking on families
- Philippa Stobbs OBE: Reform plans must have a clear line of sight from children and young people with SEND to better outcomes.
- Why my daughter’s SEND experience means we’ll take this consultation judicial review fight wherever it needs to go
- “Why would anyone in government think that was an okay idea?” #SaveSENDLegalRights
- ARFID: Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder is much more than just “fussy eating”
- Where will all the teaching assistants come from? The research exposing the reality gap in the government SEND plans
- National Education Union’s Daniel Kebede: “Reforming SEND cannot be done on the cheap”
- Professor Brian Lamb OBE: Parent’s shouldn’t have to police the SEND system
- The “enormous burden” of admin and monetary costs to SEND families, supporting a system that should be supporting them
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SNJ is a non-profit and everyone who writes here does so voluntarily. We need your support to help us with costs by donating once or as a regular patron. Find out more here
- WEBINAR RECORDING! The implications for children’s legal rights to EHCPs and EOTAS of the Government’s SEND proposals - September 3, 2026
- From suspicion to support: why the Government’s child protection reforms matter for disabled children - August 28, 2026
- Have your say on the future of transport for disabled children and young people - August 25, 2026
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