The journey of SEN Advocacy is a rewarding one. Whether you’re new to SEND or a seasoned pro, it’s great to see you here! Getting involved in advocacy for education is empowering for parents of all children, but especially for children with SEND. Effectively putting across SEND-related views and perspectives can help drive attitudinal and institutional change in education, and with proper education comes a proper understanding of SEND needs.
That said, it can be hard to know where to start. There is a wealth of information available online, but it’s not always accessible, and certainly not always accurate. When you begin to dive into advocacy, and how you can advocate for your child, try not to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information you are likely to encounter. There are many reliable resources and SEND Advocacy help you find them. One of the best places to start is with information from official government sources, such as the Department for Education (“DfE”). However, this information is not always presented in a very user-friendly manner and of course it is not tailored to your specific circumstances. Online training courses are a flexible way to develop your SEND knowledge and get pursue advocacy for education, of which IPSEA is a good example.
But if you’re looking for a comprehensive online programme designed specifically with the needs of parents and carers in mind, the upcoming SEND Advocacy Academy is for you. The SEND Advocacy Academy will equip you with the knowledge, tools and strategies you need to successfully navigate the SEND system, leaving you with the confidence to effectively engage in advocacy for education. Register your interest here and keep your eyes peeled for upcoming information!
In addition to looking to training to develop advocacy for education, don’t underestimate the knowledge of your peers. SEND Advocacy Academy has a Facebook group dedicated to SEND-related matters of education, full of parents and carers with similar experiences and challenges..
There are lots of ways to get involved in advocacy for education, but don’t feel you have to do everything at once. Just by taking the first step in challenging a professional about the support they are offering, you are already advocating for your child. Don’t feel pressured to become an expert on SEND law, policy and practices - that’s what we’re here for. We know the laws, but you know the child, and your knowledge is just as valuable as ours when it comes to understanding SEND needs. SEND Advocacy recognises you are your child’s best education advocate, and we will support you through your journey of getting involved in advocacy for education.
If you need someone in your corner to help you secure the education your child or young person deserves, contact us today.
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