Your host Sarah Billingham explores the important topic of choosing a school for a child with special educational needs. She dives into the decision-making process, considerations when visiting schools, and the significance of prioritising a child's individual needs. Sarah shares valuable insights and practical tools to assist parents in making this crucial decision.

The episode also addresses the question of mainstream versus special schools and when it may be appropriate to consider a special school placement. Tune in as Sarah provides valuable advice and guidance for parents navigating the school selection process for their children with special educational needs.

Here are the Highlights:

03:30 School facilities are not as important.

06:48 Proactive planning and personalised approach for children.

11:01 School's willingness to work with parents, flexibility.

14:50 Identify key priorities when choosing a school.

18:09 Consider different views, but make your own decision.

21:13 Is mainstream education suitable for my child?

23:11 Reach out for advice, visit schools wisely. 

Podcast mention:

Ep 02: Navigating the Special Education Journey with Richard Woods

Free downloads: 

Choosing a School for a Child with Additional Needs

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Easing Your Child’s Communication Frustration

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How do I know if my Child’s Emotional Outbursts are ‘Normal’?

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy_copy

About Sarah Billingham:

Sarah Billingham is a specialist speech and language teacher with a focus on emotional regulation. Her service, Confident Kids, equips parents, carers and practitioners with expert knowledge and the practical tools they need through training, coaching and group programmes. 

Becoming a parent changed Sarah’s perspective on parenting and early childhood development and deepened her interest in understanding the regulation needs of both children and their families. 

Qualifying in 2004, she initially worked in mainstream primary education and went on to lead a specialist speech and language resource base. She worked as Assistant Headteacher at a specialist SLCN school for five years and went on to lead their independent multidisciplinary assessment service until December 2021. She currently supports a number of mainstream, independent and special schools on developing their SEN practice. 

Sarah was a committee member of NAPLIC (National Association of Professionals Supporting Language and Communication Development) for five years and is a Regional Makaton Tutor. 

Connect with Sarah:

Website -  https://www.confidentkids.co/

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/confidentkids.co

FB community -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ConfidentTransitions

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confidentkids.co/

Email: sarah@confidentkids.co

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk