I am a specialist dyslexia teacher, tutor and parent to children with additional needs. I am creating a 'parent compendium' (https://greatexpectationseducation.uk/parent-carer-compendium) on my website to help parents access the SEN system in the UK. This is the introductory paragraph to the compendium. Please review this and rewrite it so that it is more expansive, and outlines why parents of children who have additional needs might find it a useful resource: A compilation of resources that have been useful to me as a parent carer, or have been recommended by someone I know. Introduce a section on the compendium: The Nitty Gritty - contains info on disabled living allowance, SEN legal resources, diagnostic reports - understanding terms and the assessments used, access arrangements. That sort of thing. The paperwork.

Say It Your Way

Supporting Speech, Language & Communication

Communication looks different for every child—and some need extra support to find their voice, whether through spoken words, signs, symbols, or technology. This section gathers tools and ideas to help you support your child’s speech, language, and social communication at home, as well as resources around AAC and working with SALT (Speech and Language Therapy). It’s a space for unlocking communication, in whatever form it takes.

Getting Things Done (Differently)

Executive Function, Memory & Organisation

Planning, remembering, managing time and emotions—these skills don’t come naturally to everyone, especially for neurodivergent learners. This section explores strategies to support executive function: practical, brain-friendly ways to help your child build routines, manage tasks, and feel more in control of their day. Think of it as a toolbox for the thinking behind the learning.

Next Steps

Transitions, School Life & What Comes After

Big transitions can feel overwhelming—for children and for their families. This section offers guidance on navigating key moments like moving from primary to secondary, preparing for post-16 education, and understanding phase transfers within EHCPs. You’ll also find resources for school refusal, flexi-schooling, and thinking ahead to adulthood and independence. Step by step, with support.

Feeling Good, Learning Well

Wellbeing, Mental Health & Self-Esteem

Learning is hard when emotions are big. This section focuses on mental health and emotional wellbeing—how to support your child through anxiety, overwhelm, burnout, and everything in between. You’ll find ideas for emotional regulation, sensory strategies, building resilience, and nurturing a strong sense of self. Because feeling safe and supported is the foundation for everything else.

Spark & Strength

Celebrating Interests, Creativity & Identity

Our children are so much more than their challenges—and often, their strengths and passions shine brightly when given space to grow. This section is about celebrating those sparks: special interests, creative outlets, and the things that bring joy, motivation and pride. Here, we lean into identity, talents, and what your child loves to do—not just what they find difficult.

Everyday Wins

Practical Strategies for Life at Home

Some of the most powerful learning happens outside the classroom. This section shares ideas for supporting your child at home—routines that work, tips for promoting independence, sensory-friendly adaptations, and realistic solutions for everyday family life. These aren’t perfect systems—they’re flexible, lived-in strategies designed to make home life a little smoother, and a little more empowering.

Advocacy in Action

Practical Help with School Meetings, EHCPs & the SEND System

Being a parent carer often means becoming an advocate—sometimes without much prior knowledge of the system, and with little support. This section is here to help you navigate the SEND system with confidence, providing practical tools for school meetings, assessments, and form-filling. You'll find templates, guides, and tips for preparing for EHCP meetings, understanding legal jargon, and organising your child's educational records. This space is designed to help you advocate effectively for your child, without feeling overwhelmed by the process.

Systems That Help

Getting Organised as a Parent Carer

Staying organised as a parent carer can be a real challenge. There are appointments to track, forms to fill out, medication to manage, and important documents to keep safe. This section is dedicated to practical strategies for keeping everything in order—from setting up a SEND binder to using apps that help you manage your child's medical and educational needs. You'll find tips on creating easy-to-use checklists, calendars, and systems for staying on top of the never-ending flow of information, helping to ease the mental load of daily life.

Building Your Village

Finding Support, Community & Connection

Parenting a child with additional needs can sometimes feel isolating, but it doesn't have to be. This section is all about finding and building your support network. From local groups and national organisations to online communities and peer support, there are many ways to connect with others who understand what you're going through. You’ll also find resources for siblings, offering strategies to help them feel supported, and tips for finding SEND-friendly activities. It’s a space to find connection and know you’re not alone in this journey.

Parenting Neurodivergence

Understanding & Supporting Behaviour Through a Neurodivergent Lens

Sometimes the behaviours we see in our neurodivergent children are misunderstood or mislabelled. This section focuses on reframing “challenging” behaviour, offering gentle strategies for supporting emotional regulation, sensory needs, and communication. From Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) to strategies for managing PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), you’ll find tools to help understand and support your child’s behaviours in a compassionate and informed way. This section encourages an understanding that every behaviour communicates something important, and offers practical ways to support your child’s emotional and developmental needs.

Preparing for the Future

Long-Term Thinking Without the Overwhelm

It can be hard to look ahead when the present moment is so demanding. But planning for the future—whether it’s after secondary school or adulthood—can help reduce stress and give you a clearer idea of what’s ahead. This section focuses on long-term planning, from understanding adult services and financial support (like PIP or Guardianship) to fostering independence in small, manageable steps. Whether your child is preparing to leave school, enter the workforce, or navigate independent living, you’ll find resources to guide you through the process, with a focus on empowerment, realistic planning, and personalised support.

Eating, Sleeping, Toileting... and Everything Else

The Daily Challenges No One Talks About Enough

Life as a parent carer is filled with moments that often go unnoticed—especially when it comes to the daily challenges. This section provides practical tips for handling everyday tasks that can feel overwhelming, from managing feeding issues and sleep routines to supporting your child with toileting and other self-care activities. These are the moments that require patience, creativity, and support, and this space offers real solutions, ideas, and compassionate guidance for making daily life run a little more smoothly.

The SEND Glossary

Understanding the Language of the System

The world of SEND can feel like a maze of acronyms and complex language. This section is designed to break down all those terms and phrases into something understandable and useful. From understanding what’s in an EHCP to decoding reports from educational psychologists, you’ll find definitions and simple explanations for the most common SEND terms and jargon. This space is designed to help you feel confident when reading reports, attending meetings, and advocating for your child’s needs.