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Navigating the SEND system can be overwhelming, and many parents find themselves without essential information until it's too late. Unfortunately, there's no handbook to guide us. Often, parents only begin to understand SEN processes, the graduated approach, and even SEN law when their child is already struggling.
This week, we welcome Samantha Ryan, a neurodivergent mother, SEND advocate, and author. In this insightful episode, Samantha shares her journey as a parent navigating the complex SEND system, advocating for her autistic son who has been out of school since March 2024. With her unique perspective, she discusses the emotional challenges faced by parents and the critical importance of being informed about the SEND process.
Key highlights from their discussion:
- The significance of understanding the assess, plan, do, review (APDR) cycle and how it impacts your child's educational journey.
- Practical advice on how parents can work collaboratively with schools to ensure their children's needs are met.
- The importance of early intervention and how informed parents can help prevent crises before they escalate.
- Insight into the emotional toll of navigating the SEND system and the need for a supportive community.
Samantha's experiences and insights can empower parents and educators alike to create a more inclusive environment for all children with SEND.
View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!
About Samantha Ryan
I am a neurodivergent mother, informal SEND advocate, and author of SEND Help! and A Parent's Guide to SEND Life and Law (although my day job is Global Process Owner working in Finance process and systems for ITV).
My son is autistic, PDA and probable ADHD. He hit burnout at school in March 2024 and was left with trauma after being restrained during a mental health crisis. He has been out of education since that fateful day. I have been fighting for support and continue to battle through the SEND support system.
I spent a year as co-admin helping to grow the Facebook group SEN Parent Support Group which was setup by Andrea Dixon-Boldy in February 2024 and was at 19,000 members by the time I left the group in May this year. Over that time, I did my IPSEA SEN law training for parents, created hundreds of resources breaking down SEN processes, designed and delivered training to hundreds of parents and offered parent-to-parent support alongside our amazing team of volunteers.
I am passionate about empowering families with the knowledge they deserve before they reach crisis point.
Contact Samantha
https://linktr.ee/samantharyansendnd
https://www.facebook.com/Sam.MentallyHilariousMum/
https://www.tiktok.com/@sam_mhm
Useful Links
Available on Amazon:
Parent's Guide to SEND Life and Law :
SEND Help! A Parent's Toolkit to Navigating SEND Processes
- B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk
- Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast
- Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk
- Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe
We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.
