What happens when SEND children feel safe

Yesterday, my son had his introduction with Nudge Education. And in a calm environment, surrounded by professionals who truly understood him, he did so well. He was able to shine. He showed how kind, how loving, how smart, how incredible he is. Honestly, my heart could have burst with pride, and I not sure how it didn’t.

That’s what happens when children feel safe.

When they are met by grownups who see them, hear them, and create space instead of pressure. Our children don’t need to be “fixed.” They need to be understood.

And when they are understood they thrive.

THat being said, too often, SEND families are met with barriers, battles, and endless forms. But it’s important to remember our children’s light doesn’t come from fighting systems. It comes from being in environments - home, schools, support services, community groups - where they feel secure and respected.

When the adults around them take the time to build safety, our children don’t just survive. They flourish.

Community Makes It Possible

None of us should feel like we’re doing this alone. There are people and organisations working hard to create these spaces, and there are ways for us as parents to connect, share, and build them too.

Here are some places to start:

Purple Guide (SEND parent toolkit): https://purplesend.squarespace.com

Purple Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EvtyLiDoW/

Nudge Education: https://nudgeeducation.co.uk/

SNIX Directory (Northamptonshire): https://www.nctrust.co.uk/snix/

Contact (national SEND family charity): https://contact.org.uk

IPSEA (SEND legal advice): https://www.ipsea.org.uk

The Takeaway

Yesterday reminded me of something important: our children don’t need us to push them into boxes. They need us to protect their right to feel and be safe, understood, supported, and celebrated.

Because when they feel safe and loved, they show the world who they truly are. And when we, as parents and communities, work together to build more of those spaces, more of our children get to shine.