Support for SEND

09/10/2026

So, we had The i Paper saying that there is no widespread overdiagnosis of autism and ADHD at scale.

But, now we have The Guardian saying there is a future risk of overdiagnosis and system failures.

Essentially, the difference in headlines all comes down to how each publication chose/chooses to frame the nuances of the same 600-page document: the Fonagy Review, a major independent review into NHS mental health, autism, and ADHD services.

My take on it... Well, my thoughts echo that of It's That Parent .

I'm genuinley pretty exhausted (parenting my own autistic children and supporting other wonderful parents and carers of autistic children) to explain why I feel the same this Friday evening, but I will definitely follow up in due course.

I've seen awful headlines today:

"Rush to diagnose autism can damage children"

"ADHD label risks harm for life for youngsters"

Yeah, it's not the diagnoses doing the harm ATM guys, it's everything else 🙃

03/10/2026

Much like any boss, if asked by someone in a position of authority whether they and their staff are doing their jobs correctly, they would naturally respond, “Of course we are!” (Why on earth would they say otherwise and compromise their own position?)

It should therefore come as no surprise that when constituents write to their MP, desperately pleading for them to investigate their local authority’s handling of their child’s special educational needs and/or disability requirements, the local authority responds with the same, albeit formally worded, message: “We are all doing our jobs correctly, and there is nothing to see here.”

But when unlawful practices and maladministration are occurring on a regular basis, and constituents have evidence to prove it in their seemingly never-ending trails of emails and paperwork, to deny otherwise is nothing short of sheer fabrication.

That is precisely why, on two occasions in recent weeks, I have written back to the MPs of families I have been supporting, acknowledging that I understand a senior representative of the local authority has provided them with a very reassuring response, asserting that the authority has always done, and continues to do, its utmost to support the parent/carer and child in question.

However, evidence can be provided that directly challenges those reassurances and an organisation's insistence that it is fulfilling its duties correctly cannot simply override the documented experiences of the families it is supposed to be supporting.

So, where evidence contradicts official assurances, genuine scrutiny and accountability from MPs are not optional; they are essential.

03/10/2026

Makaton Signing for Santa – making your Christmas experience more accessible.
Do you run a Santa grotto, Santa experience or Christmas event?
This practical session is designed for Santa, Mrs Christmas, elves and staff who support children during your Christmas experience.
Learn Makaton signs and ways to use signs, symbols to help children understand what is happening, communicate and take part.

Why attend?
• Make your Christmas experience more inclusive and communication-friendly
• Learn useful Christmas and everyday signs
• Gain practical ideas that can be used during your Santa experience
• Help make the experience more accessible for children who may find a traditional Santa visit difficult to understand or navigate

No previous Makaton experience is needed.
To reserve a place call in to see us at UpFront, 159/160 High Street, Northallerton, DL7 8JZ (opposite Argos)

26/09/2026

I can't wait for this to be fully released! I can't wait for people to develop a better understanding of the difference between 'won't' and 'can't'!
My child COULDN'T attend school and, much like the film will show, it had an impact that you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy.

26/09/2026

Take a second to look at this!!!

This is a slide from Curtly Ania’s YouTube channel, offering advice and guidance on what Ofsted are looking for from early years settings.

And how refreshing is it to see that an evidence-based mindset is fully expected to be employed in early years practice to promote positive well-being and behaviour?

An evidence-based mindset that promotes connection over correction and, as the slide states, moves beyond quick compliance to play the long game of, “What is this behaviour telling me?”

In addition to this, another of Ania’s slides explains how Ofsted want to understand how a comprehensive knowledge of the unique child informs planning for progress — not how lots of unnecessary paperwork simply informs where the child is assessed to be developmentally at any given point.

Christ, if only the later stages of education were underpinned by frameworks similar to the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, children and young people might experience better mental health and well-being than they do today.

23/09/2026

You know it's true love ❤️ when your husband hides the school promotional leaflets that come through your door because he knows that you can't cope with the promotion of certain aspects of school life that are actively harming some children.

23/09/2026

Oh my, oh my! Before it's even been seen by the world, Unauthorised Absence has made it onto the longlist for the British Short Film Awards, hosted by Claudia Winkleman in November! 🤩

This is an incredible honour - we recognise many of the brilliant films that are also listed, and are overjoyed to be alongside them.

We are so proud of the film we have made, and it is all thanks to the level of care and attention to detail that the cast, crew, and all our supporters who pitched in, have shown it.

Thank you Centreframe, and thank you British Short Film Awards Team!

22/09/2026

A just before, the SEND Connect fair, pic. 💜

No chances to take pics during the event because I was busy listening or talking. (In fact, my throat now hurts - but it was worth it to be thanked for sound advice.)

A really great event so another big thank you to Julie Makaton Tutor for arranging this. 💛

Really great to see so many other services, organisations and charities supporting children and families, also.

20/09/2026

Just a Sunday reminder.