In every SEN setting — mainstream, nurture, or specialist — there are learners whose behaviour speaks far louder than their words. For some children, spoken language has not yet developed. For others, verbal communication is not their most natural or accessible form of expression. And yet, communication is always present. Behaviour, in all its forms, is communication, and as educators, our role is to learn how to listen. Presuming competence sits at the heart of inclusive SEN teaching. It...

As parents, carers and professionals, we often feel a strong pressure to appear “together” in front of our children. We want to be calm, capable, and reassuring — especially when our young people are struggling. While this instinct comes from a place of love, it can sometimes unintentionally send the message that adults don’t struggle … or that struggling is something to hide. In reality, one of the most powerful tools we have to support children and young people — particularly those with...

Why we think discussing medication before assessment is the wrong way round...