GOSH sets a shining example

By Rosie and Jo's mum. I’ve been watching the distressing case of Charlie Gard unfold for the last few months and, apart from the obvious, something has stood out for me that I imagine only other parents who have been in battles for SEND provision for their children will have noticed. The staff at GOSH …

Not all specialist schools are equal

A year ago Peter was at a different school.  He had a fabulous teacher; a true expert, but that alone was not enough.  He needed the care staff (many of whom we were very fond of) to understand his needs.  He needed a continuation of his specialist psychological therapy that was started when he was …

Education Tribunal and Local Authority ‘Games’

So, my friend Lucy and her husband recently went to tribunal and the games and shenanigans from the Local Authority (LA) were quite something.  We thought you should all know about them - forewarned is forearmed so they say!  Just so you know - I have no legal training so do check out facts with …

You want ‘Mum’ to be less anxious?

It's simple.  Look after her child in a way that accurately reflects their needs. To do this right you need to understand her child.  You may have to develop some humility, improve your communication skills, learn a few new things, test them out and liaise with 'Mum' and some professionals.  Not to hard right?  Part …

The Final Straw

By Cross and Ginger Sometimes when we are so embroiled in something, it’s hard to see the wood for the trees.  The journey through suspicion, diagnosis, school, EHCP and attempting to remove the barriers to learning have all taken their toll.  Some days I’ve felt a bit like when I had newborns at home - …

Am I perceived as dangerous?

Is is stigma?  I'm not sure, but I do feel that there are dark clouds of suspicion that hamper many conversations. A little while ago I met Lily's new school SENCO.  It was a short informal chat at the school gates.  She was friendly, open and clearly passionate about SEN.  I enjoyed meeting her and …

What is it you want, exactly?

I was recently asked to describe what I believe that ‘children with autism and their parents/carers want’.  It’s a good job that there was no word limit…. I answered that we would like: our concerns to be properly considered and fully explored by professionals that are trained to and invested in understanding the subtleties that …

EHCP – Not quite a silver bullet

By Cross and Ginger So, my child has his EHCP.  I thought at the beginning, that this would be the end of the battle.  If you’re reading this thinking “Er, well surely it is!” sorry to say, it’s actually just getting started. My son’s EHCP was so badly written that we are forced to Tribunal …