Professional Summary

I am a dedicated and compassionate SEND Family Support Worker with personal and professional experience in supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. I am skilled in navigating the SEND system, including the EHCP process, and providing tailored, holistic support to families. Committed to empowering parents, improving family well-being, and ensuring children’s needs are effectively met. I am very experienced in managing alternative provisions, running support groups, and delivering training. I am good at building strong relationships and working collaboratively with families, schools, and professionals.

 

Key Skills

Extensive knowledge of SEND law and legislation

Experience navigating the EHCP process

Advocacy and mentoring for parents and carers

Managing alternative provision for children with SEND

Running support groups and providing one-on-one support

Training delivery and parent education

Safeguarding and safer recruitment expertise

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Strong organisational and case management abilities

Personal experience as a parent of children with SEND

 

Professional Experience

• Acted as a single point of contact and advocate for families, assisting them in navigating the SEND system and accessing necessary support.
• Provided one-on-one support and mentoring to parents and carers of children with SEND, helping them understand their child’s needs and navigate the EHCP process.
• Organised and facilitated support groups for parents of children with SEND, creating a safe space for sharing experiences and building community.
• Managed alternative provision for children with SEND, ensuring that educational and care needs were met in a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Delivered Take 3 parenting courses, providing training and guidance on effective parenting strategies for families with children experiencing behavioural and emotional challenges.
• Collaborated with schools, healthcare providers, and social services to coordinate comprehensive support for children and young people with SEND.
• Provided training on SEND legislation, rights, and effective communication with professionals to empower parents and carers.

 

Training and Qualifications

Level 1, 2 & 3, ISPEA Training in SEND Law | 2023/2024 

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) guidance | 2015

Currently completing Level 3 ISPEA Training in SEND Law

Take 3 Parenting Course Facilitator Training | 2021

Safeguarding Training | 2015 - 2020

Safer Recruitment Training | 2015 - 2021

Makaton Training | 2010

Child and Exploitation Awareness Training Level 1 | 2021

Think Family Training | 2021

Prevent Training | 2021

Mental Health First Aider | 2022

Handling Violence and Aggression Training | 2010 - 2015 – 2021

Emergency First Aid at Work Level 3 | 2021

Emergency Paediatric First Aid Level 3 | 2021

Autism and ADHD Awareness Courses | 2015 - ongoing

Extensive Research on PDA Parenting | ongoing

 

Personal Experience

• Parent of Children with SEND: As a parent of four, including two children with special educational needs and disabilities, I have firsthand experience navigating the challenges that come with raising children with SEND. I have been through the EHCP process myself, understanding the emotional and bureaucratic hurdles that families face. This personal experience allows me to empathise deeply with the families I support and provide practical advice that is grounded in real-life situations.
• Navigating the SEND System: My journey through the SEND system has equipped me with extensive knowledge of the rights and entitlements of children with SEND. I understand the importance of early intervention, accurate assessments, and the need for continuous support and advocacy to ensure that children's needs are met. My personal experience enables me to guide families effectively, providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to advocate for their children.
• Overcoming Challenges: Living with dyslexia and ADHD, I have faced and overcome many challenges, both personally and professionally. These experiences have given me a unique perspective and the resilience to support other families facing similar challenges. My personal journey enables me to connect with parents on a deeper level, offering support and strategies that are practical and effective.