BY HEATHER RHODES Online schools can provide a haven for pupils with thinking and learning differences, offering an alternative to traditional schooling which is more adapted to their needs. But what is it exactly about online provision that works so well for these young people? Heather Rhodes, founder of the online school Highgrove Education, shares...
My private practice has now been operating for a decade but formalising the mission into a limited company back in 2020 was a big step. Growing a business in a pandemic, on the side of having a young family and a full-time job was no easy feat. But the pull was so intense that it...
Today, my youngest son and I went to a place we have been together many times before and I thought we may never go again. Over the years we have frequented this lovely park a great deal. But during Covid times, my children grew, and grew out of going to playgrounds in parks, and we...
When I think of mottos for my own family when I growing up, two spring to mind: ‘Remember, as far as anyone knows, we are a nice normal family!’ which was displayed on a sign in my parents’ kitchen. And the second, which was suggested latterly and also made me chuckle: ‘I was normal once....
BY SUSANNA PINKUS This is a topic I am asked about a lot. So here are some thoughts and tips:1. There can be many reasons why a young person is struggling with their attention and focus. This is why it is so important to look holistically to understand what the young person is experiencin 2....
BY SUSANNA PINKUS When your child is newly diagnosed with ADHD or indeed any other thinking or learning difference, you will want all staff to be made aware and to be understanding and supportive. This is important at all points in a child’s education but in the primary phase it is usually easier as there...
BY AARAN PATEL Does your child or a child you are teaching, struggle with reading tasks? Do they hate being given a piece of comprehension homework? Do they complain of having to read for more than a few minutes? Do they seem to try to avoid doing any schoolwork? Do you feel like they are...
BY SUSANNA PINKUS How do you build trust in your work? Whilst there is no set formula, building trust is something I think about a great deal. Each parent and child that I meet brings their own needs, hopes, fears, and requirements, and I need to tune into these quickly. Whether with parents, children or...
I would say to myself: Carry on treasuring those friendships. These are your people. And they will continue to deeply matter to you throughout your life. Don’t worry about the maths, you will eventually get a C and get much better at it as the years go on (there is something called dyscalculia which isn’t...
BY SUSANNA PINKUS I am consistently in awe of the amazing parents I meet. Without exception, they love their children deeply and have often gone to the most exceptional lengths to help them. But by the time they reach me, they are often at sea, unsure how to move forward. They ask questions such as:...
