As a passionate advocate for families with children who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), I often find myself knee-deep in the thick of it, whether I’m delivering hands on support, tending to my farm, or navigating my own daughter’s SEND journey or motherhood of 3 children. There are times when I feel the need to justify my methods, offerings, and pricing. But here’s the truth in the words of
Mel Robbins……let them question me.
It provides an opportunity to share my skills, knowledge, and experience—something I don’t always highlight while I’m busy supporting those who need it.
Just like a dentist has both NHS and private patients, I offer a range of services to meet the needs of diverse families. Some families can pay for tailored support, while others rely on free or lower-cost options. Unfortunately, the system is broken, and many families are left feeling unsupported.
The Realities of Accessing Support is, In an ideal world, all families would have timely access to the support they need without additional financial burdens. But we know that’s not the case. Some families are willing to pay for private services, just as some children attend private schools. They value the tailored support, and I respect that choice. However, many families struggle to afford even the basics.
This is where I step in. I offer a sliding scale for my services and payment plans for families who need them. My goal is to ensure that no one is left struggling financially, emotionally, or mentally. I run various low-cost group alternatives to make my support accessible to as many families as possible.
I do my best Balancing Commitment and Capacity by offering free sessions, calls and advice and ongoing support each week, but I have to be mindful of my own limits. I’m a mother of three, one of whom has her own SEND needs, requiring a significant amount of care and support. My farm is a vibrant hub for therapy and education, but it takes a lot of work and care to maintain that environment for others therefore I have limited availability for 1:1 work and I also have to charge my worth for the amount of support I deliver and the services I provide to cover the sheer amount of costs it takes to maintain such an incredible environment and the vast amount of insurances and accreditations.
Moreover, I have my own health conditions to consider. I’ve learned that I am the “golden goose” if I don’t take care of myself, the support I provide will stop. This recent flu virus reminded me just how essential self-care is to my ability to serve others.
My approach is built on a whole-ecosystem ethos, A Holistic Approach to Support, recognising that children need education and support that engages and nurtures them. It’s about fixing trauma, preventing potential trauma, and helping them understand themselves. I provide a range of tools to help children regulate their emotions and grasp their learning processes.
I also prioritise supporting parents. The emotional toll of advocating for a SEND child can be immense. I offer trauma-informed support and guidance for navigating the complexities of accessing resources and support systems. It’s important to recognise the whole family network, including siblings, and how they are affected by having a SEND sibling.
My Expertise and Commitment is a wealth of training and experience From ASDAN courses to the Movement Method, animal therapy, and SEND learning strategies, mental health, nlp, hypnotherapy and various other skills, I tailor my approach to suit the needs of individuals and groups. I continuously seek out additional training in areas like PANS and PANDAS, neuro profiling, and autism awareness. This commitment ensures that everyone I work with receives the highest standard of support.
If I ever feel that a family needs more than I can provide, I’m dedicated to helping them find the right person for their needs. Collaboration is key, by connecting with others and sharing knowledge, we can create a stronger network of support for children and families.
To all the parents navigating the challenges of raising a SEND child, You Are Not Alone remember that. I am here to offer support, understanding, and compassion, regardless of your financial situation. My mission is to empower families to thrive and to create an inclusive environment where every child can flourish.
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