Kickstart Learning

10/07/2026

Time for a SPECIAL EDITION! Last month, we hosted our first ever Kickstart Learning residential; a truly neuro-affirming, PDA-friendly, gamechanger of a trip!

For many of our students, whether still attending school in some capacity or entirely EOTAS, school outings have long been inaccessible. This robs them not only of new cultural experiences and visits beyond their hometown, but also of adventuring with their peers - often a bonding experience that is remembered for life.

We believe that no child should miss out on these enriching opportunities, even when traditional activities are not an option. So, we created a residential trip like no other!

Scroll through to see how we made it happen, what we got up to at the brilliant and what the students thought about their first educational overnighter.

We are SO proud of everyone for making this trip possible; from the hard work of our wonderful team members, to the trust and willingness of our KS2 students and their parents. Well done all :)

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26/06/2026

This week's comes from one of our favourite accounts (Chameleons Of The Spectrum ) because they have very neatly summarised how different excessive heat can feel for neurodivergent people.

We are particularly careful to help our students with that very first point, as it relates to interoception - one of our largely unknown senses that is responsible for body signals. Without being able to notice and/or understand those signals, it's very easy to overheat before you even realise you're too hot!

Definitely one to watch out for with your ND friends, family and students this week.

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19/06/2026

This week's is a simple repost from Carers UK, whose latest survey gives you the chance to share your experiences as 'parent carers'.

For many families, supporting and advocating for their SEND children creates a whole new role beyond the so-called 'typical' parenting experience; that of an unpaid carer. Often this is juggled alongside paid work or can even force parents out of the workplace entirely.

We support the ongoing efforts of Carers UK to shine a light on the needs of unpaid carers and push for more support for families.

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Are you looking after someone?

If you're caring for someone who is disabled, older, or seriously ill, we want to hear your views.

Take part in the survey and share your experience of what it’s like to be an unpaid carer in 2026.

Your insights will help shape our campaigns and provide vital evidence for everyone striving to make life better for carers.

Tell us what matters to you and help build a powerful case for change.

Take part today: https://surveymonkey.pulse.ly/hfvanjit2m

18/06/2026

We love our Kickstart Learning team and believe that everyone deserves to benefit from their wisdom! So, we asked one of our 1:1 tutors to explain why she often focuses on wellbeing during her student sessions. Here's what Judy had to say:

"I think it’s so important for all! Children learning about their wellbeing can make them feel truly seen and understood. Our sessions help students get in touch with their own emotions and identify how each feels inside.

I talk about what it means to be neurodivergent, why we become dysregulated and how doing the things we love can make us feel better, calmer and give us enjoyment (dopamine!).

We discover individual likes and dislikes and explore what else can support their wellbeing, e.g. crafts, breath work, stimming, hydration, movement, good food, good sleep.

We also work on building a positive self-image – something that can often feel harder for ND people."

Scroll to see some recent examples of Judy's imaginitive wellbeing work.

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05/06/2026

This week's places the spotlight on ADHD Alien and her huge archive of comics.

Why do we love this account? ADHD Alien has been around for many years now and we have enjoyed watching the artist’s journey of understanding her own late-diagnosed neurodivergence both educational and autobiographical content, woven into a comic style that can help parents to understand ND experiences and allow ADHDers of all ages to feel seen.

>> Scroll to see the perfect example: a comic that describes the frustrations of executive dysfunction and provides a useful reminder to ADHDers and caregivers alike that this is NOT the same thing as laziness.

This distinction forms a core part of the Kickstart Learning philosophy, not only in the planning and delivery of our sessions, but also when guiding our students towards self esteem and self compassion.

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02/06/2026

We've been making the most of all our wonderful resources at the Kickstart Learning Hub in Beaconsfield.

From research tasks in the office to practical play in the gym area, our students can explore subjects through a wide range of materials, games and environments - and that's before we've even gone outside!

How do you inject fun and movement into learning? Stick around for more ideas from our ever-creative team.

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29/05/2026

If you have survived the half term break, congratulations! We'll be back on our full time schedule next week, but in the meantime here's another for you.

At Kickstart Learning we gravitate towards content creators who ‘get it’ because they have lived it... and those who can distil important educational information into digestible formats. With Em, the “sparkly AuDHDer speech pathologist” behind , we get both PLUS amazing art too!

Follow Em for beautiful, highly relatable content that perfectly illustrates the neurodivergent experience, including free downloadable resources to share with children, caregivers and professionals alike.

You might want to start the new school term with this one up your sleeve! Remember, supports are not meant to be temporary. Accommodations empower us to survive rather than just thrive :)

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22/05/2026

Another week, another recommendation! This time we're showcasing (otherwise known as speech therapist Andi Putt).

Andi creates some fantastic, easily digestible content about the multidimensional autistic community. The post we've shared here is a great example, with its clear summary of how gender can create huge variances in both presentation and experiences of autism.

*BONUS FEATURE* this week: Our very own Kickstart Learning colleague (Jen Staunton ) has published another neuroaffirming book! Get your copy here: https://amzn.eu/d/04u2bY1h

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21/05/2026

So far we have shared examples of *what* students can experience with Kickstart Learning, but this week we're focusing on *where* they can learn!

- At 'The Hub' in Beaconsfield (Buckinghamshire) we host both 1:1 and group sessions everyday.
- We also take students outside for practical sessions in the fresh air every week.
- For those students who feel comfortable enough to venture further afield, our team takes advantage of how many excellent educational opportunities exist across London and the South East.
- We also run many of our 1:1 sessions at students' own homes, where appropriate.

What SEND-friendly venues have you discovered recently? We're always looking for new trip ideas!

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15/05/2026

It's so what better way to start our Friday Follow series than with a spotlight on the brilliant ?

Many of the children we support at Kickstart Learning have a PDA profile, which means our team must approach all sessions through this lens.

But what does that mean?

Scroll to see a recent post from Casey (At Peace Parents) which neatly summarises the importance of understanding nervous system activation and how to reduce *perceived* threats when living or working with PDA children.

Does this resonate with your experience at home? Follow At Peace Parents for more accessible explanations of and reflections on life with PDA... and come back here next Friday for another recommended profile!

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