Jason Sharpe

14/10/2026

Being in school doesn't always mean being included.

A child can walk through the school gates every morning and still struggle to access their education.

They might spend much of their day in a pastoral room. They might attend on a reduced timetable. Or they might sit quietly in lessons, overwhelmed, anxious and unable to engage with what's happening around them.

From the outside, it can look as though they're attending school. But are they actually learning?

This is something I speak about regularly through my work supporting families navigating school-related anxiety, SEND and barriers to education.

One message I keep coming back to is this: We shouldn't have to wait until a child stops attending school altogether before we recognise that something isn't working. Early intervention matters.

When a child begins showing signs of distress, we need to understand what's happening, listen to their experiences and work together to identify what support might help.

For some children, that could mean reasonable adjustments within mainstream education. For others, it might involve a more individualised approach.

What matters is that we don't confuse physical attendance with meaningful inclusion, because inclusion isn't simply about having a place in a classroom; it's about being able to participate, feel safe and access an education that meets your needs.

💬 I'd be interested to hear from parents: has your child ever been marked as attending school but struggled to access any meaningful learning?

If you're unsure what educational support or pathways might be available, my free North Somerset Parent Pathways Guide explores SEN Support, EHCPs, alternative provision and other options.

You can find the guide here: https://mrgillmantuition.com/north-somerset-parent-pathways-guide/

13/10/2026

"School still isn't working."

It's something I hear from parents far too often.

Their child is becoming increasingly anxious about school. Mornings are difficult, attendance is slipping, and despite conversations with teachers, nothing seems to be changing.

But here's something every parent should know: you don't need to wait for an EHCP or a complete breakdown in attendance before asking for additional support.

Mainstream schools have a responsibility to identify and support children with special educational needs, and the graduated approach of Assess, Plan, Do and Review should help schools understand what's happening and what needs to change.

That doesn't mean every difficulty can be resolved overnight. But it does mean parents should be involved in meaningful conversations about their child's needs, rather than simply being told to keep encouraging attendance.

I've put together a free North Somerset Parent Pathways Guide to help families understand their options, from mainstream SEN Support through to EHCPs and alternative provision.

If you're trying to understand your child's education options, download your free copy through the link in my bio.

And I'd be interested to hear from parents: when you first raised concerns about school, did you feel listened to?

11/10/2026

It's October. And for some families, school still isn't working.

September was supposed to be a fresh start. A new teacher, a new timetable, perhaps even a new school.

But for some children, the anxiety hasn't gone away. Mornings are still difficult, attendance is still a struggle, and parents are left wondering what to do next.

One thing I often encourage parents to consider is whether we're focusing too much on getting children into school, and not enough on understanding what's making school so difficult in the first place.

Because sometimes, waiting for things to improve isn't enough. Sometimes we need to start asking different questions.

If this sounds familiar, I'd love to hear your experience.

Has school become easier for your child since September, or are you still facing the same challenges?

11/10/2026

Is your child preparing to resit their GCSE English Language exam this November?

I know how stressful the final few days before an exam can feel. The pressure to remember everything, worries about exam questions, and uncertainty about what to revise can leave students feeling overwhelmed.

That's why I'm running my 'The Night Before' sessions: a series of live, online revision classes designed to help students feel calm, confident and prepared for their exams.

Each 60-minute session will focus on:

✅ Understanding the questions & what examiners are looking for.
✅ Practical techniques to maximise marks.
✅ Managing time effectively during the exam.
✅ Avoiding common mistakes.
✅ Last-minute revision strategies.
✅ Opportunities to ask questions.

💻 Live online via Google Meet
👥 Maximum 15 students per session
💷 Just £30 per session
📅 Held the evening before each AQA English Language exam.

These aren't lessons designed to cram in months of revision; they're an opportunity to consolidate knowledge, practise essential techniques and approach exam day with greater confidence.

🎟️ BOOK YOUR PLACE

📘 Language Paper 1: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2003255024705?aff=oddtdtcreator

📗 Language Paper 2: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2003255393809?aff=oddtdtcreator

Both sessions are specifically designed for students sitting the AQA GCSE English Language examinations.

Places are limited to just 15 students per session, so early booking is recommended.

Jason Sharpe is an educational speaker, writer and founder of Beyond Behaviour. Through talks, resources and community conversations, Jason helps parents, carers and professionals better understand the challenges that can sit beneath children's behaviour, confidence and learning difficulties. Drawi....

09/10/2026

Here we go again... 🚀

Every time we open a new centre, it takes me right back to the beginning: An empty room, a few chairs, a whiteboard and a vision.

In just a few weeks, these rooms will be filled with young people building confidence, reconnecting with learning and discovering that education can feel different.

It's easy to look at an established business and only see the finished product. What you don't always see are the early mornings, the planning, the uncertainty and the belief that one day these empty spaces will become something special.

On 2nd November, we'll officially open our Weston-super-Mare centre.

It's another step in our mission to make high-quality, inclusive education accessible to more families across North Somerset.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us so far. We can't wait to welcome our first students through the door.

Here we go again!

07/10/2026

Just got home from MindFest in Pill, where I had the privilege of speaking about "When School Stops Working – Finding Your Child's True Pathway."

A huge thank you to everyone who came along, listened, shared their experiences and asked such thoughtful questions. It's always a reminder that behind every conversation about education is a family simply trying to do the very best for their child.

One thing I continue to take away from these talks is that parents don't necessarily need all the answers; they need clarity, reassurance and someone to help them understand the options available.

I'm also incredibly grateful to see the North Somerset Parent Pathways Guide continuing to reach more families. Knowing that it's helping parents feel more confident navigating the education system makes all the work that goes into it worthwhile.

Thank you to the organisers of MindFest for inviting me to be part of such an important event. It's been a pleasure.

Now... time for a cup of tea before planning the next one!

07/10/2026

Every school meeting is different.

Some are straightforward. Others are emotional. Many involve parents who simply want someone to help them understand their options and ensure their child's voice is heard.

Today I had the privilege of sitting alongside a parent at a school meeting, helping everyone work together to find the best way forward for their child.

One thing I've learnt over the years is that the best outcomes rarely come from confrontation. They come from collaboration. When schools, parents and professionals are willing to listen to one another, keep the child at the centre of the conversation and focus on solutions, incredible things can happen.

It's a reminder that behind every meeting, every report and every policy is a young person who simply deserves the opportunity to feel understood, supported and able to thrive.

That's why I do what I do.

06/10/2026

If you've ever walked out of a school meeting feeling like this, you're not alone.

Parents often tell me they spend days preparing, making notes and thinking through everything they want to say.

Then the meeting starts. There are teachers, SENCOs and other professionals around the table. The conversation moves quickly. Acronyms are used. Decisions are discussed, and afterwards, the same thoughts come...

"I forgot to mention that."
"I didn't explain it properly."
"I wish I'd asked that question."

That's one of the reasons I now offer Parent Mentoring. Sometimes parents don't need someone to take over the meeting. They simply need someone by their side who understands the education system, helps ask the right questions, keeps the conversation focused on the child, and makes sure everyone leaves with clear next steps.

You don't have to navigate these meetings alone.

📩 If you have a school meeting coming up and would like someone in your corner, send me a message and let's have a chat about how I can support you.

01/10/2026

📢 I'm looking forward to speaking at Pill Mindfest next week!

On Wednesday 7th October, I'll be delivering a talk entitled: When School Doesn't Work – Understanding Your Child's Educational Pathway

Every year, I speak to parents who are trying to navigate school anxiety, EBSA, SEND, EHCPs, alternative provision and home education. It can feel overwhelming, especially when you don't know what your options are.

During my session, I'll be sharing practical guidance to help parents better understand the education system, the support available, and the different pathways that exist when mainstream education isn't working for a child.

I'll also have a stall throughout the event, so please do come and say hello. I'll have copies of the North Somerset Parent Pathways Guide, information about my work, and I'd be delighted to answer any questions you may have.

The event is completely free and features a range of organisations, guest speakers and support services for parents, carers and young people.

📅 Wednesday 7th October
🕓 4:00pm – 7:00pm
📍 Pill Community Centre, Church Place, Pill, BS20 0AE

I hope to see some familiar faces there!

30/09/2026

When school stops working, many parents don't know where to turn.

That uncertainty is exactly why I created Parent Pathways Live.

This evening, I'll be delivering the very first session entitled "When School Stops Working: Understanding Your Options as a Parent"

Whether your child is struggling with school attendance, anxiety, SEND, autism, ADHD, or you're simply feeling overwhelmed by the education system, this session is designed to help you understand the pathways available and make confident decisions about what comes next.

We'll cover:

✅ Why school sometimes stops working
✅ What support options are available
✅ How to understand your child's needs before making big decisions
✅ Practical next steps you can take

There will also be 30 minutes of live Q&A, so you'll have the opportunity to ask your own questions in a supportive, judgement-free environment.

If this sounds like something you or another parent you know would benefit from, I'd love for you to join us.

🎟️ Book your place here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2002378083751?aff=oddtdtcreator

Please feel free to share this post with anyone who may need it. Sometimes, knowing where to start can make all the difference.