Julie Derrick’s Post

Forcing a child to attend school to meet government targets is NOT going to create positive outcomes for the child nor the family. It also doesn't make professionals feel very nice, either! There are SO MANY OTHER WAYS for children to receive a good quality education, WITHOUT affecting their mental and physical health. We have lots of resources here: 💗 WATCH our in-depth webinars on School Attendance Difficulties (we have a huge collection looking at things from many different angles) which will help you pin point exactly what is going wrong and how to fix it. You can watch this within our Sunshine Academy learning platform for parents here: https://lnkd.in/g7Nqsx5Y Or if you prefer to watch live, and missed yesterday's live webinar, Chrissa will be hosting another live webinar on this in June... Here are the details: 💜 25/06/24 - Supporting School ‘Refusal’ & Attendance Difficulties https://lnkd.in/eceFJdwK 💚 READ our article on School Attendance Difficulties, a great starting point and contains a 3 step approach to helping your child: https://lnkd.in/epbRSdPT... 💙 REQUEST a call from our advice team by completing the contact form here: https://lnkd.in/dtDJ-7q... Need more 'hands on' help? Here are our details of our educational advocacy service.. 💖 ADVOCACY SERVICE - If you need help please do complete the application form here: https://lnkd.in/e8cd9YwQ 🖤 Dept for Education’s guidance is also very helpful: https://lnkd.in/eG6FDBvr... #schoolrefusal #ebsa #schoolavoidance #schoolattendance #mentalhealth #sunshinesupport #send #ehcp

Important insight here into the challenges for parents when a child can’t go to school - everyone should read this

🌟 What is EBSA? Understanding a Hidden Challenge 🌟 Imagine this: Your child, once eager and excited about school, now refuses to step through the gates. Each morning becomes a battle, and no matter how much you encourage, console, or negotiate, their fear feels insurmountable. This is the reality for families navigating Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)—a complex and often misunderstood challenge. EBSA isn’t truancy, where children intentionally skip school to avoid consequences. Nor is it simply disengagement or laziness. Instead, it’s driven by deep emotional distress, anxiety, or overwhelm tied to the school environment. For the children affected, school feels unsafe, even if they can’t fully articulate why. For parents, it’s a heartbreaking journey filled with confusion and isolation. They wrestle with questions like: 💭 Why won’t my child go to school? 💭 What did I do wrong? 💭 Why doesn’t anyone seem to understand? The stigma is heavy. Parents often face judgment from others, unfair assumptions about their parenting, and a lack of understanding from schools. It can feel like shouting into the void, searching for answers. EBSA is more common than we think, and behind every statistic is a child yearning for support and a parent desperately trying to help them find their way back. If you’re a parent walking this road, you’re not alone. Let’s start the conversation. 💙 #EBSA #EmotionallyBasedSchoolAvoidance #Parenting #MentalHealth #Neurodiversity #Advocacy #Education

"While we all have a duty to protect, the power to heal rests with those equipped to do so." Child safeguarding is a shared responsibility, we all play a role in protecting our children. However, when it comes to responding to incidents, it’s vital to recognize the importance of expertise. Unlock the Power of Leadership: Join Our Premium Coaching Program #TheTasteofthePudding Empower yourself to create a safer, more supportive environment for children and families. Our comprehensive leadership coaching program is designed for: - Parents - Family practitioners - Child-Focused Organizations leaders - Executives across various sectors and government agencies This multi-faceted intervention focuses on five key thematic areas: - Belief Systems and Culture Considerations - Ethical Standards Analysis - System Formulation Strategies - Policy Development Skills - System Deployment Expertise - System/Policy Dissemination Proficiency By joining our program, you'll gain 21st-century cutting-edge knowledge, skills, and attitude (fortitude) to create a Family Strengthening and Securing A Friendly and Protective Environment for Children System. Program Benefits: Participants will be guided to understand and implement System's Approach to Family Strengthening, Securing A Friendly and Protective Environment for Children® and Rights-Based Parenting®, and how to develop the following core working documents befitting for their personal, family or organisational use: - Comprehensive Program Materials/Training - 21st Century and Globally Compliant Securing A Friendly and Protective Environment for Children® (Child Safeguarding and Protection) System/Policy - Policy Implementation Appendixes - Comprehensive Family Constitution & Implementation appendixes Additionally - A Comprehensive PASSION TO PROFIT Practical Guide - Taiwo AKINLAMI's Autobiography: My Childhood Uncensored®: From Erased Childhood to Transformed Adulthood - From the Child Discipline to the Culture of Discipline: 30 Mind Shifting Principles for Building Strengthened & Disciplined Family Invest in Your Growth: Register now 👇 https://lnkd.in/dtNzce7p Need More Information? Schedule a Clarity Session 👇: https://lnkd.in/daBqjqQt Join Our Mission: Let's create a brighter today and future for our precious children and their families. Taiwo Akinlami Academy #Leadership #Rights #Children #Policy #System #CoachingProgram #ChildSafeguarding #ChildProtection #Processes #Premium #Education #TaiwoAkinlamiAcademy

"I feel like not only my needs as a provider [were met], but as an individual. Just to have the connection that I did with my coach, [they] really wanted what was best for me." - Provider, Fall 2023 Is coaching worthwhile?  Our coaching program is not just another service. It's a powerful tool that can transform your early child care center. Our dedicated coaches are here to help you create an inclusive and nurturing environment where every child feels valued and supported.  Our coaches are ready to assist you in many areas, from addressing special needs and challenging behaviors to implementing health and safety best practices. They provide hands-on support tailored to your program's unique needs. CICC's coaching program helps your organization build relationships and trust.  Your coach will work closely with you to identify the best resources and referrals, model effective strategies, and offer training on vital topics such as inclusion, health, safety, and infant/toddler care.  You'll gain access to free resources and materials and enjoy ongoing support from a trusted professional committed to your organization's success. Are you ready to elevate your child care program? Learn more about how our coaching can make a difference: https://lnkd.in/g6WdBdvb #inclusionMatters #earlychildhoodeducation #childdevelopment #CICCcoaching #earlychildcareeducators

📣 New training courses and webinars 📣 Did you know that we offer a diverse range of learning opportunities to support the children's sector workforce in Scotland? From navigating childhood development to embedding children's voices in your work, we share best practice and expert knowledge on a range of topics. Here's just a few of the webinars we have coming up over the next two months: 🗓️ September 10: Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance This webinar will help practitioners understand the distinct behaviour profile associated with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). 🗓️ September 12: Embedding children and young people's voices in your organisation Gain more in-depth knowledge about the different ways to embed children and young people’s participation in your work. 🗓️ September 24: Building resilience – empowering yourself and supporting young people Relevant to anyone working within the children’s sector, this training explores the research, models and neuroscience concepts behind resilience, and shares new strategies and tools to support you and your work. 🗓️ October 3: Child Protection Lead training Providing an overview of Child Protection Lead roles and responsibilities in Scotland, this course promotes the best outcomes in safeguarding children and young people. 🗓️ October 8: Delay or deficit? Assessing children's development after lockdown Gain confidence in recognising whether a child’s development is delayed or needs further assessment. Part of a new webinar series, this training comes with a multi-buy discount. Click the link in the comments for more information and to book your place 👇 👇 #ChildrensSector #CPD #UNCRC #learningopportunities #trainingcourses #childhooddevelopment

"By _____, will ____ in 4 out of 5 trials, with 80% accuracy." Why does this not work? Here's the problem... IEP goals won't work if they don't have the right setups! What am I talking about? Your child can't do something if they aren't given the tools, right? IEP goals that don't have the instructions and directions spelled out are like a flat tire. They're on your car, but won't go anywhere unless they're given air! A great IEP goal is crafted based on NEED and needs to match up to your child's strengths and abilities. Get the insider knowledge on how to Build a Better IEP©️ with our one-day DIY IEP Meetings workshop. Parents, you make the BEST advocate. Get the tools and resources you deserve to help your child thrive. Bracelet by https://lnkd.in/ga9g_JRC Ring by https://lnkd.in/gfCwTzuQ 👉 Follow Rise and TAP the 🔗for better IEPs https://lnkd.in/geywiiJr #iepmeetings #spedmeetings #parentsupport #parenttips #iepsolutions #schoolpsych #parentadvocate #iepmom #advocatelikeamother #momsupport #momsofchildrenwithdisabilities #resourcesformoms #disabilitycommunity #youarenotalone #disabilityparenting

New Blog: Understanding EHCPs EHCPs (Education, Health & Care Plans) are essential for supporting children with special educational needs, but they’re often misunderstood. In my latest blog, I break down the key sections of an EHCP and explain how they provide critical guidance for schools to support children effectively. At Forward Education Trust, all of our students have an EHCP, and we’re committed to ensuring each child’s voice is heard and their needs are met. Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/eDV3c9Wq #EHCP #Inclusion #EducationLeadership #SEND

"The fear of Special Education Needs(SEN) in children is the beginning of Early Intervention" part #1 💛What I simply mean by the above statement is that parents who embark on early intervention (emphasis on early), are wise 💛Let me get something straight, SEN in children is not a disease. It is a challenge that can be overcome when the proper actions are put in motion 💛This post is not in anyway to scare you, or guilt trip you 💛Rather, I want to encourage you that even if your child is already experiencing these signs, there's hope as long as you stay positive and consistent with your consultatant's instructions 💛And if you have kids who are below 2 years or above 2 and haven't been assessed, please do, and with the right professional 💛The number of children who are presenting signs of developmental delays, behavioral challenges and learning difficulties is becoming increasingly alarming 💛The number can be drastically reduced when parents do what is right at the right time 💛A wise man once said, "delayed obedience is as good as disobedience (emphasis on delayed)" 💛That delay, that negligent behaviour, that "it's not that deep", that, ",it's probably nothing, could cost you years of stress, and unnecessary pressure and struggle on your child 💛Your best bet is Early Intervention 💛Watch out for part #2 in subsequent post😊 💛Guess what! You will get more of these types of knowledge from the EYFS- course/guide, as a bonus 💛Have you got the course now? Offer ends 1st of May. 💛What do you know about Special Education Needs in children? 💛Feel free to ask me questions in the comment. I am here to help ♻️ repost to help a parent #help #earlyintervention #specialeducationneeds #eyfs #education #earlychildhoodeducation #consulting #iammsgifty #childatheartconsultbygifty #20daylinkedinchallengewithaoma

🌟 The “Invisible” Child 🌟 In the busy hustle of school corridors and classrooms, there exists a group of children who often remain unseen—the children experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). Their absence is quiet but deeply felt, leaving parents grappling with sadness, helplessness, and the heavy weight of unanswered questions. These children aren’t skipping school because they want to; they’re avoiding it because of overwhelming anxiety, sensory overload, or unmet emotional needs. Yet, in a system stretched thin, their struggles can go unnoticed, and their voices unheard. For parents, the pain is acute. Watching your child’s love for learning turn into fear can feel like an uphill battle you’re fighting alone. The sadness of knowing your child is misunderstood and the helplessness of not knowing how to bridge the gap between home and school is heart-wrenching. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Schools can prioritize early recognition of EBSA, creating safe spaces where children feel seen, valued, and supported. Parents and educators can come together to craft tailored strategies to ease the return to education—on the child’s terms. Together, we can move beyond labels and toward understanding. By shedding light on the experiences of these “invisible” children, we can start a conversation that leads to real change—change that uplifts not only these children but their families, too. Let’s make sure no child feels invisible, and no parent feels powerless. 💙 I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences with EBSA—let’s keep this important conversation going. 🌟 #EBSA #Neurodivergence #EmotionalWellbeing #InclusiveEducation #ParentSupport