Round Table Advocacy

01/03/2026

Step up an meet the needs of children. Recognise needs, do not ignore.

Children’s communication is the biggest and most insightful tool to know. Read the signs, learn the cues.

It concerns me how many go into education and willingly fail, intent, ignorance or just plain stupidity - had lasting consequences.

07/01/2026

New guidance has been published on the use of restrictive interventions (including reasonable force) in schools, coming into effect from April 2026.

The guidance explains how schools should keep children and others safe, and why restrictive practices should only ever be used when absolutely necessary.

Page 11 includes specific information about SEND, so it may be particularly relevant for families of disabled and neurodivergent children.

Sharing for awareness (the guidance is linked in comments)

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6943dad6501cdd438f4cf5aa/Restrictive_interventions_including_use_of_reasonable_force_in_schools.pdf?fbclid=IwZnRzaAPLiu1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEexNNwaksiqxe1ZiMcwU3yEXsh7WwZtov-0406TsbUrHQYPtEhpvh0EhiBt0E_aem_W3G3WFWXLHpc-NMJRNDl5w

01/01/2026

24/12/2025

Can be an exceptionally tough time for some

24/12/2025

Stimming Is a Regulation Tool, Not a Problem to Eliminate

Stimming helps autistic and neurodiverse individuals regulate emotions, process sensory input, and stay grounded. It can look like tapping, wiggling, repeating sounds, or focusing on movement.

This post normalizes stimming as a natural, healthy, and adaptive behavior.

Reflections:
🔹 Stimming supports emotional and sensory regulation.
🔹 It reduces stress and increases focus.
🔹 Each person’s stims serve a unique purpose.
🔹 Suppressing stims can increase anxiety and dysregulation.
🔹 Acceptance promotes safety, identity, and well-being.

When we embrace stimming as communication, we create environments where people feel safe to be themselves.

23/11/2025

CCC and majority of schools who ignore the voice of a YP, ignore their masking and just IGNORE … need to rewatch this when it comes to a child/YP struggling

In 2022, Cambridgeshire County Council collaborated with pupils from Swavesey Primary School and Swavesey Village College to produce a performance of the poe...

11/10/2025

A wonderfully long day had yesterday TES SEND Show 2025 lots of wonderful people met, Directors from Lancashire CC - amazing what you learn about people! Engagement with Ofsted - spoke about my son’s case, direct safeguarding confirmed and intrigue how my council appeared not to know about the new legislation relating to SIN April 2025!

Many professionals met with, engaged and exchanged details.

Just a few goodies! Brilliant day had with Claudia Holmes SEND Advocate, friend and colleague.

17/08/2025

Pulling together to create change

03/04/2025

Many need this book to help them through the processes! Well done James!

03/04/2025

It’s a very busy with families, support, editing documents

I need a holiday!

04/02/2025

A must sign

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700708?fbclid=IwY2xjawIPTvRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHbajpylfVdwrWpbl7bTKwGzTDvBMeOaAcCE-_l1Z3UzWLCHxIuaeGk0chQ_aem_QKXUUFR645LfmIuossqhUQ&sfnsn=scwspwa

We ask that the Safety Valve programme, which gives funding to local authorities who put plans in place to reduce school deficits, is ended. We believe it incentivises cutting support for vulnerable children, and we want funding to cover local authority deficits to be provided without condition.