Forming Connections

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Our new monthly FREE SEN Law Clinic launches on:
6th May,
10am–12.15pm.

We are able to offer six 45‑minute appointments at each session.
To check availability or book a slot, please email [email protected].

How it works:
You’ll have 45 minutes with a SEND or Law student to talk through the challenges you’re facing. After your appointment, the student will consult with an experienced SEND professional and a solicitor. Together, they will create a clear action plan outlining:

your rights

suggested next steps

helpful signposting

Slots are 10am - 10.45 - 11.30

What the clinic cannot do:
They are unable to complete forms on your behalf or attend meetings with you.

If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, please email [email protected].

University of Derby

Understanding how the brain functions best, and the optimum conditions for personal improvement, is vital today in sport, personal development, leadership, and management coaching. 🧡

But education is one area where, for the most part, we don’t use insights from neuroscience. And for me, it’s the most important, because surely we need to know how children learn best?

🔶 How does the brain develop?
🔶 How does it process information and turn it into learning?
🔶 What can hinder learning,, and how can it be boosted?

This understanding can fundamentally change classroom practice. It certainly changed mine when I first learned about neuroplasticity 10 years ago on a mindfulness course in Brighton.
Now it’s your opportunity to bring this knowledge into your school, your staff, and your classrooms.
I’m facilitating a 90-minute deep dive, limited to just 10 people to optimise the learning experience.
There are two sessions, AM and PM, to suit your school timetable.
This is ideal for a change-maker in your school… that member of staff who will take this knowledge and apply it to make a real difference for colleagues and children.

Who will you choose? Who is the change-maker in your team?
📍 Derby city centre location
💷 £50 + VAT (booking fee applies)
Book now, and make the change. 🧡
Link to book in comments.

🧡Why Neuroscience Matters: The "Brain-Smart" Approach to Education 🧡

The first of our Derby City Centre, in-person workshop/CPD training Summer Sessions is now live and available to book.

Why not join us in person for a fun and eye-opening event all about how understanding the brain can totally change the way we learn and teach.

Discover the cool science behind memory, focus, and motivation, and get tips on making education smarter and more effective. Perfect for SENDcos,teachers, TAs.

Choose an AM or PM session, both are limited to 10 seats!
You can book from our website or direct from Eventbrite!
I’d love to see you there, if you have any contacts that work in Derby schools, I’d appreciate a share!🧡
Book using link in comments! 🧡

Forming Connections

Happy Earth Day everyone!
Memory on my Facebook of this day in 2020!
Just started a new job at a special school after Easter, that hadn’t opened yet, so had no children. They started 6 weeks later, but it was a residential school, so I only had a few weeks of lockdown at home, before we had to go in, as the children lived there!
It was a bit peaceful, the sun was shining and we had no idea really what was to unfold in the years ahead and the impact it would have on our children that we are still noticing now.

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Happening this Wednesday!!
Join us for a relaxed cuppa and chat!

A representative from Derby SEND advice line (Derby SAL) will be joing us around 11.

** FREE drink for members!!!, Not a member? don't worry you can either follow the link below or sign up on the day **

Grow & Glow Café at Friar Gate Studios on
Wednesday 22nd April
10.30–12.30.

There’s no agenda and no pressure — just a warm space to talk, share experiences, ask questions, or simply enjoy a quiet drink with people who understand. We’ll be there to listen, offer signposting where needed, and connect you with support.

This session is open to all SEND parent carers in Derby, and it’s a great chance for non‑members to meet us, find out what we do, and see how you can get involved if you’d like to.
To sign up as a member please follow this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScl7uukigMjWJXSCf_ApkvD56sy0XtiCA5jvtmo7ULZbjkrQA/viewform?usp=header

If you’d like more information, feel free to DM us or email [email protected].
We’d love to see you there.

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Join us for a relaxed cuppa and chat!

** FREE drink for members!!!, Not a member? don't worry you can either follow the link below or sign up on the day **

Derby SEND Voice would love to welcome you to a friendly drop‑in at the new Grow & Glow Café at Friar Gate Studios on
Wednesday 22nd April
10.30–12.00.

There’s no agenda and no pressure — just a warm space to talk, share experiences, ask questions, or simply enjoy a quiet drink with people who understand. We’ll be there to listen, offer signposting where needed, and connect you with support.

This session is open to all SEND parent carers in Derby, and it’s a great chance for non‑members to meet us, find out what we do, and see how you can get involved if you’d like to.
To sign up as a member please follow this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScl7uukigMjWJXSCf_ApkvD56sy0XtiCA5jvtmo7ULZbjkrQA/viewform?usp=header

If you’d like more information, feel free to DM us or email [email protected].
We’d love to see you there.

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🧡 We are solution-focused 🧡
What does that actually mean?

It means we start with the desired outcome, then work from where we are now to create a clear, achievable path forward.

I’ve used this approach when consulting with leaders, supporting new provisions, coaching, and working 1:1 with young people at risk of exclusion.

It’s not about looking backwards.
It’s about looking forward, with clarity, purpose, and possibility:
🔶 What’s already working well and should be protected?
🔶 What could work even better with small adjustments?
🔶 What needs to be let go (or sent to “Room 101” 😉)
As Stephen Covey said, “Begin with the end in mind.”

From there, we build solutions together, guided by what we know works, including the neuroscience behind strong relationships and thriving environments.

If you’d like to explore how a solution-focused approach could support your school or business, I’d love to connect 🧡

Nice relaxing day at the office!
New book and a happy Joe! 🧡