An Educational Journey: The Reality Of SEND Parenting

um thinking back when did you first realize that mainstream education wasn't working for Jack is there a particular moment that stands out in particular

There were probably multiple moments.

Yeah.

I think it became very apparent when he, I would say, probably was around year three going into year four.

I mean, he secured an EHCP.

Well, we secured an EHCP for him in reception year, which was great.

You know, he had a fantastic reception teacher

who

recognised, you know, the support that he required.

I mean, academically, he's always been very, very bright.

Yeah.

and actually this was 10 years ago.

So the EHCP process then was so different to what it was now.

Like the way parents have to battle and fight just to get through that first hurdle to get an assessment is insane.

Like for me, you know, when Jack's journey to get an EHCP was seamless, I didn't have to appeal or mediate at any point.

They agreed to assess straight away.

They agreed to issue straight away.

You know, it was, it was a very straightforward process.

Um, Not to say it wasn't stressful.

It still was stressful, but nothing compared to what I see families going through in this day and age.

And having that targeted and structured support was doing well for him.

And I always said in the early years, it would do well for him.

It was when he would go through those key stages.

And also Jack's biggest barrier at that time was his social and emotional development.

That's where he had quite a significant delay and really struggled with making sort of meaningful friendships, understanding social dynamics.