The PDA Teacher

13/08/2026

11/08/2026

Over the weekend, we visited Bounce Southwest at Greendale Farm, Exeter, with our 3 neurodivergent children (14, 10, 4). We had such a great time, and the kids are already asking when we can go back.

We did the inflatable theme park first and then cooled off at the giant slip n slide ☀️ 🛝 💦

With three children with different needs, and all at different ages and stages, it’s often impossible to find something to do that we can all agree on — especially during the school holidays when most attractions are a complete no-go anyway! But it wasn’t too crowded, and there was enough going on that we could compromise and take turns.

We would definitely recommend Bounce Southwest, and we will certainly be back before the summer is out!

💙

11/08/2026

We’re excited to be offering a FREE Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) training session for the Torbay community 💬

This session is open to parents, carers, educators, family members and anyone who would like to better understand Gestalt Language Processing and how to support children who communicate in this way.

📅 Tuesday 25th August
🕥 10.30am–12pm
📍 The Boathouse, Marine Drive, Paignton, TQ3 2NJ The Boathouse
💛 Free to attend and no booking required

We’ll explore what GLP is, what it can look like in everyday life, how AAC can be used to support expressive communication differences and other practical ways to support communication in a respectful and neurodiversity-affirming way.

Please feel free to share with anyone who may find this useful. We’d love to see you there!

Hot and cold drinks will also be available to purchase from the venue.

22/07/2026

Yes!

As a PDA parent, carer, and educator, I say “no” all the time.

I say “no” to school staff.

I say “no” to caseworkers.

I say “no” to social workers.

I say “no” to educational psychologists.

Sometimes, I say “no” to parents.

…

And, despite rumours spread through rage-baiting news outlets and social media about PDA, I do say “no” to learners.

However, I only say “no” to the things that actually matter. Give them autonomy. Let them make decisions. Let them explore. Let them make their own mistakes and make a mess. It all comes out in the wash.

💙

🙌

15/07/2026

I get it. No one wants to admit that they messed up or that their idea of what something "should" look like is actually wrong.

But when you are responsible for 9 million school aged children - there is no place for ego and flawed ideology and you have to start listening.

Firstly. Listen to the children.
Learn from them.
It's quite simple, they show us clearly what they need.

Secondly. Listen to the parents.
Hear what has not worked.
And hear what does.

Thirdly. Listen to the research.
Understand child development.
Keep an open mind.

At this point. You can speak.

But only to ask questions.
To gain more information.
To develop a deeper understanding.
To brainstorm ideas.
To test your conclusions.

Finally. You can act.

But like any wise person will tell you, if you block access to the safety nets, without fixing the problems, you will not only be complicit in allowing the harm to continue...

But will be responsible for the additional harm that is created.

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We cannot afford to restrict access to home education, which can save lives and prevent further harm in school.

We cannot afford to move alternative provision to "short term" placements that put a sticking plaster on a wound that will just re-open once they are put back in school.

We cannot afford to refuse EOTAS packages to children who need a structured solution with professional input, outside of school.

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👉 Respond to consultations (see comments)
👉 Sign petitions
👉 Email your MP

14/07/2026

Sounds familiar 🥴

03/07/2026

Managers told council staff to delay access to SEND support and laughed about it, whistleblower says
https://www.itv.com/news/2026-07-03/council-staff-told-to-delay-access-to-send-support-whistleblower-claims

02/07/2026