Every child deserves the right support to thrive in education. For some children and young people, this means having a tailored plan that addresses their unique needs. An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is designed to provide this support. But what exactly is an EHCP, and who can benefit from it? This post explains everything you need to know about EHCPs, helping parents, carers, and educators understand their purpose and how they work. A child’s study space with educa

The recent headline claiming that each SEND child in mainstream schools will receive an increase to the £6,000 per child budget sounds promising at first glance. It suggests more funding and better support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Yet, this headline can be misleading. The reality behind the funding changes is more complex and requires a closer look to understand what it means for schools, SEND children, and Education, Health and Car

How Inclusive Is the Schools White Paper? When a new education White Paper is published, one question always comes to mind: How inclusive is it really? As someone who has worked as a teaching assistant, teacher, SENCO and now supports families, schools and young people through CARES Tutoring and Consultancy, I read these documents through one lens: What will this mean for children and young people with SEND? Inclusion is more than a word Most education policies talk positivel

When it comes to education, understanding how well a student is grasping the material is crucial. Assessments play a key role in this process. They help identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas that need improvement. Without effective assessments, it is difficult to tailor teaching methods or provide the right support to learners. This is especially important for young people and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), where personalised approaches can

The number of children identified with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in England has been rising steadily over recent years. This trend often sparks concern and debate among educators, parents, and policymakers. But what do these increasing figures really mean? Are more children facing genuine challenges, or do the numbers reflect changes in identification, support systems, or broader social factors? This post explores the complexities behind the rising SEN

Understanding difficulties with numbers can be challenging. Many young people struggle with maths, and sometimes this struggle is due to a condition called dyscalculia. Identifying dyscalculia early can make a big difference in how support is provided. One useful tool for this is the online dyscalculia screener. In this post, I will explain what this screener is, how it works, and why it matters. What Is Dyscalculia? Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty that affects

Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that affects the way people read, write, and spell. It is not linked to intelligence but can make learning challenging without the right support. Early identification of dyslexia is crucial to help young people overcome these challenges and reach their full potential. One of the most effective tools for early identification is a dyslexia screener. In this post, I will explain why a dyslexia screener is important, how it works, and what

Choosing the right type of tuition for your child can feel overwhelming. Parents want to support their child’s learning but often wonder whether one-to-one tuition or group sessions will be more effective. Each option has its strengths and challenges, and the best choice depends on your child’s personality, learning style, and academic needs. This post will help you understand the differences between one-to-one and group tuition, so you can make an informed decision that bene

Mathematics can sometimes feel like a mountain too steep to climb. Many students struggle to keep up, and parents and schools often seek better ways to support learning. Over recent years, the mastery approach in maths has gained attention as a method that helps learners build a deep, lasting understanding of mathematical concepts. I want to share what I have discovered about this approach, why it works, and how it can be applied effectively. What Is the Mastery Approach in M

Preparing for Year 6 SATs can be a challenging time for both students and parents. The pressure to perform well often leads to stress and anxiety, which can affect a child's confidence and overall performance. One effective way to support children during this crucial period is through group sessions. These sessions offer a range of benefits that can make SATs preparation more engaging, effective, and enjoyable. Year 6 students collaborating in a group session How Group Sessio

When a child says, “I can’t do this,” it’s easy to take the words at face value. But often, these words carry deeper meanings that reveal what the child is really feeling or struggling with. Understanding these hidden messages can help parents, teachers, and caregivers respond in ways that support the child’s growth and confidence. Children’s expressions of frustration or refusal often mask emotions or challenges they cannot yet fully explain. This post explores what children

Identifying reading difficulties early can make a significant difference in a young person's educational journey. Dyslexia, a common learning difference affecting reading and spelling, often goes unnoticed until challenges become more severe. Early detection through effective tools can help provide the right support at the right time. In this post, I will explore the importance of early identification, explain how dyslexia screeners work, and offer practical advice on using t

Applying for an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) can feel overwhelming. Many families and professionals face confusion fueled by misinformation. This post clears up common myths about EHCNA applications, helping you understand the process with confidence and clarity. A person completing an EHCNA application form carefully Myth 1: Only Parents Can Request an EHCNA A widespread belief is that only parents or guardians can ask for an EHCNA. This is not true. W

When it comes to supporting young people in their learning journey, finding the right educational services can make all the difference. In Shifnal, CARES Tutoring And Consultancy Services Shropshire offers tailored support designed to help students thrive academically. Their focus on maths and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) ensures that every learner receives the attention and resources they need to succeed. I want to share what's on and how it can benefit

Educational success depends on recognising and supporting each student's unique needs. When these needs go unnoticed or unaddressed, students may miss out on crucial access arrangements that help level the playing field. This gap can affect their academic performance, confidence, and long-term opportunities. Understanding how missed educational needs lead to missed access arrangements is essential for educators, parents, and policymakers. This article explores the connection

Maths skills are essential for everyday life, yet many children struggle with numbers and calculations. Some face challenges due to dyscalculia, a specific learning difficulty affecting the ability to understand and work with numbers. Identifying dyscalculia and other maths difficulties early can make a significant difference in a child’s academic progress and confidence. This post explains why early detection matters, how to recognise signs, and what steps can help children

Identifying reading difficulties early can make a significant difference in a young person's educational journey. Dyslexia, a common learning difference affecting reading and spelling, often goes unnoticed until challenges become more severe. Early detection through effective tools can provide timely support and improve outcomes. In this post, I will explore the importance of early identification, explain how reading difficulty screening works, and share practical advice on u

Understanding government white papers can feel overwhelming, especially when they cover complex areas like Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). These documents often shape policies that directly affect children, families, and professionals working in education and care. This post breaks down the key points of the latest white paper, focusing on what it means for SEND provision, support, and future developments. Classroom setup with SEND learning resources What I

Effective student assessment methods are crucial in education. They help teachers understand how well students are learning and identify areas where improvement is needed. Without proper assessment, it is difficult to measure progress or tailor teaching strategies to meet students' needs. This article explores why effective assessment matters, different types of student assessment methods, and how to implement them successfully. Understanding Student Assessment Methods Studen

In today's diverse classrooms, educators face the challenge of meeting the unique needs of every learner. Personalised teaching approaches have become essential to foster engagement, motivation, and academic success. By tailoring instruction to individual strengths, interests, and learning styles, teachers can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment. This article explores practical ways to implement adaptive teaching strategies that support personalised lea