Skylark Specialist Educational Consultancy

02/09/2021

It was so good today to be back in person and a privilege to be delivering training to staff who I greatly admire for the difference they make to the lives of the children and young people they work with.

We took a helicopter view of the different barriers to learning, what different labels mean and how the co-occurrence of difficulties is the norm and not the exception. Not looking at a child through the keyhole of a label is one of the (many) things I am passionate about.

Then Ruth Tyrrell, specialist dyslexia teacher and assessor gave a whistle stop insight into this complex world of dyslexia.

Thank you to everyone at CHILTERN WAY ACADEMY TRUST for a warm welcome today and to Mark Taylor for inviting us.

13/08/2021

Did you know that game of Peek a Boo CAN change the world?

Yes - it's true. Play that builds positive relationships and connections in children changes the way they are wired , forming the adults of the future. These secure attachments and the ability to connect and interact are the foundations of the adults we become.

We know that connection and positive relationships are important for us as adults in our personal and work lives. Building these life skills starts early - really early.

Molly is only 7 but she gives us a good reminder. It's only a 7 minute watch and I promise you it will give you a warm fuzzy feeling for your Friday.

"What if I was to tell you that a game of peek-a-boo could change the world?" asks seven-year-old Molly Wright, one of the youngest-ever TED speakers. Breaking down the research-backed ways parents and caregivers can support children's healthy brain development, Wright highlights the benefits of pla...

15/07/2021

A fabulous book and a free 1-2-1 coaching session with the author Jean Gibson What an amazing offer.... but you need to hurry...

Jean's book is launched on Kindle for just 99p and the paperback follows soon. It is a clearly written yet passionate book, based on personal experience. It provides a valuable resource for anyone who has ADHD in their life.
If you are an adult, parent, care giver, family member, doctor, teacher or anyone coming into contact with someone with ADHD, this book gives you a real-life understanding of the condition, the impact, techniques, tips and resources to help cope with the condition.

Links in the comments below.

07/07/2021

I never imagined being on the radio but thanks to meeting Rachel Tyrrell at I was invited on to her show on Marlow's very own River Radio. Every Tuesday Rachel hosts School of Parenting with interviews and discussions on a wide variety of topics. A gin maker and tutor, she's also a natural on the radio and it was a real pleasure to see her in action and talk about what I do.
The show is on Apple Podcasts so you can listen in to us chatting here.
18 months ago this would have been way outside my comfort zone but I loved it. Isn't amazing how we continue to grow even while we age!!

‎Show School of Parenting on River Radio, Ep School of Parenting (aired on 2021-07-06) - Jul 6, 2021

30/06/2021

Being in school was like a crumpled piece of paper. When it was smoothed out the creases were still there like scars......

13 year old Libby Scott has written 3 books based on her own experiences of Autism with central character Tally who helps us see life through her lens.It was wonderful to hear her interview on Woman’s Hour today. We often make assumptions about labels, based on our preconceptions, own experiences or limited knowledge. Libby highlighted that she has her own unique profile that does not fit with some of the assumptions often made.

She makes the important point that each person with ASD has their own profile and it can change over time. This reinforces my passionate belief that it is key that the needs of the individual are understood at the time, by everyone around them, as well as by themselves. Their voice must be heard.

Libby also spoke about how hard school can be and has been for her. She described being at school (and I paraphrase here) like being a crumpled piece of paper and when she got home the paper was smoothed out but the creases were still visible - like scars.

I believe that it is right and reasonable for some children to have an educational provision that meets their individual needs when the existing system does not. Perhaps this means some days learning from home or in a different setting such as a forest school or farm/animal therapy placement.

Could Flexischooling be the way we can meet the needs of some of these children who have a right to education?

Do we need a more creative and ‘can do’ approach to the educational provision we provide - before it gets to the crisis point of school refusal and academic failure?

What do you think?

Well done Women’s Hour’s Chloe, Libby Scott and her mum Kym. Link in Comments - 15 mins into programme.

24/05/2021

We know that girls are brilliantly clever at masking Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD and yes, we are getting better at noticing but it is so sad to hear of women who have struggled for so many years. It was lovely to hear Holly Smale on Women's Hour today talking about, and celebrating her diagnosis of Autism at age 39. It is fabulous that she can now be her authentic self but sad to hear how misunderstood she has been for so long and how she suffered.
That's why I do what I do and am passionate about unpicking why a child is struggling in school - not just academically. It's not about labels but all about a child being understood for who they are. If others understand what a child needs so that they can be their authentic self, they can thrive. They don't need to suffer and feel they are 'different' or 'broken' like Holly did.

Catch up with the interview in the comments and call me if you know a child who is misunderstood. A discovery call is free.

21/05/2021

When things are difficult emotions can run high.
Our triggers can be more sensitive.
Knowing how to manage our own emotions is an important step to take in order to support those we love in how to handle theirs. Difficulty with emotional regulation is often present where there are difficulties with learning.
Learning to change a reaction to a conscious response, takes some mastery.
Here's a masterclass that may help.
Thursday 20th May.
Booking link in the comments.

27/04/2021

Have you been feeling a bit Blah?
I have.
Do we stop and give our children the chance and the words to say how they are feeling?
There seems to have been quite a lot around recently about naming our emotions. Having the words to say how we are feeling, to ourselves and to others, is important and something I believe children should be encouraged to do, safe in the knowledge they cannot be wrong.
I know I am guilty of the default "I'm fine". I am going to try not to do that but instead press pause before answering honestly. Some days I may be "fine" and others I may be "languishing".

How are you feeling today?

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/well/mind/covid-mental-health-languishing.html

The neglected middle child of mental health can dull your motivation and focus — and it may be the dominant emotion of 2021.

13/03/2021

I am delighted to be joining this week of events being held by Positively Empowered Kids to raise awareness, support and inform.

We are all wired differently and that often means there are super powers waiting to be released so Yes! Neurodiversity is something to celebrate.