In this episode, Debs, Gemma, and Emma dig into the challenges and tips for working with schools as SEND parent carers, especially as a new school year begins. They share practical advice on maintaining clear communication, documenting important conversations, and building positive relationships with teachers and support staff. Debs highlights the importance of keeping a written record of all agreements to ensure there’s a “paper chain” in case of misunderstandings. Emma and Gemma discuss how the Notes app and school apps have been lifesavers for keeping track of dates, appointments, and messages.

The group also tackles the perception of parent carers as “complainers” and the importance of celebrating when things go right. They emphasise the power of acknowledging teachers’ hard work and fostering a two-way understanding—recognising that teachers face pressures too. Towards the end, the trio reflects on the nationwide challenges for SEND kids, including attendance struggles and the lack of inclusive education options, stressing that if schools “get it right for SEND, they get it right for everyone.”

Key Tips from the Episode:

• Always document verbal agreements with teachers in a follow-up email
• Build open, respectful relationships with school staff for better support
• Use tech tools like Notes and school apps for organisation and communication
• Recognise and appreciate teachers’ positive impact on your child

Tune in for valuable insights, real talk, and a bit of banter as they gear up for the school year!

In this episode, Debs, Emma, and Gemma dive deep into the labels, assumptions, and misunderstandings that parent carers face. From being branded “difficult” or “hard to reach” by professionals to dealing with the outdated perceptions of some politicians, the trio doesn’t hold back on discussing the emotional toll and resilience required to navigate these stereotypes. Emma shares how she and her co-campaigner were dismissed as “bored housewives” by an MP, while Gemma talks about the unfair assumptions people make about parent carers “just sitting at home” rather than working.

The hosts also address the overwhelming administration involved in managing their children’s needs—managing appointments, advocating in schools, and staying on top of ever-changing local support options. They dig into the absurdities of “travel training” and the often outdated local offers for services. Their takeaway? Don’t let labels define you. Embrace who you are as a parent carer, even if it means earning a “Rottweiler” badge, as Debs has done with pride.

Throughout, they offer practical advice to new parent carers: let others’ judgments go, focus on what truly matters, and maybe even write a few unsent letters in a journal to clear your mind.

Topics covered:

• Mislabelling and assumptions by professionals and politicians
• The heavy load of admin work involved in caring for SEND children
• Coping strategies for parent carers facing judgment
• Advocacy, resilience, and finding humour in the chaos

Tune in for a raw, real, and empowering chat that every SEND parent carer will find familiar!

In this episode of SEND Shenanigans, we explore the hurdles parent carers face in the world of employment. Whether juggling a job, navigating self-employment, or dealing with the complexities of Carer's Allowance, the struggle is real. Tune in as we discuss the challenges, share our stories, and provide tips on balancing work and caring responsibilities. It's time to shed light on the resilience and creativity required to make it all work.

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