On this bonus final episode Dee and Nat discuss their experiences when looking for Early Years/school settings. Focusing on what they found helpful and also discussing what considerations a parent carer in the UK might want to make; identifying some of the differences between SEND parent carers and typical parenting. 

For any parent, finding a child care provider for your child can be nerve wrecking. The thought of leaving your baby in some cases for the first time, in the hands of complete strangers, brings out anxiety in the best of us. However, if you have children with SEND, there is often an extra layer of fear, much more research is needed and extra considerations are usually required. 

The early years is vital for all children. For some mainstream may be suitable  and for others a specialist provision may be more appropriate. Whatever the decision, make sure it's an informed one by doing the prep as far in advance as possible and go with your gut instinct. It's usually right!

Updates on future episodes check us out: @thesendsisterhood; please leave a review in IG and rate each episode on here.

If you have any comments, feedback or would like to participate on a future episode of the SEND Sisterhood write to: [email protected]

Music by SK @GMGOmusic

Disclaimer: We are not speaking as professionals; for all parents or all persons with disabilities - this podcast is simply based our own experiences and perspective.

On this final official episode of the series (watch this space for the bonus episode coming soon!) Nat and Dee consider if there are in fact any "joys" to being a SEND parent-carer. 

Taking a look back on the early years of being a parent-carer - with a pinch of "if you don't laugh; you'll be crying all the time"; the ladies discuss if it will always be a "woe is me" situation or if in fact it is possible to have any joy during this journey.

Updates on future episodes check us out: @thesendsisterhood; please leave a review in IG and rate each episode on here.

If you have any comments, feedback or would like to participate on a future episode of the SEND Sisterhood write to: [email protected]

Music by SK @GMGOmusic

Disclaimer: We are not speaking as professionals; for all parents or all persons with disabilities - this podcast is simply based our own experiences and perspective.

On this penultimate episode, Nat and Dee discuss and share their experiences of learning and development within the context of being a parent-carer. 

They explore whether additional training is essential; if "training" can benefit you and your family; any barriers to training and consider, the question of "what if you haven't done any training at all?" 

For most of us, we have been thrown into the SEND world with limited preparation; and even for those who had some knowledge of SEND within your professions,  you may have still have felt unprepared for what was ahead of you.

If you have learnt of your child's diagnosis pre-birth, you may not have had the head space to take in any information or may have consulted with "doctor Google", leading you down a rabbit hole of endless information! 

However your entry into the SEND world has come about, knowledge can be powerful and information is the key!

Please listen, share and meet us in the comments x 

Updates on future episodes check us out: @thesendsisterhood; please leave a review in IG and rate each episode on here.

If you have any comments, feedback or would like to participate on a future episode of the SEND Sisterhood write to: [email protected]

Music by SK @GMGOmusic

Disclaimer: We are not speaking as professionals; for all parents or all persons with disabilities - this podcast is simply based our own experiences and perspective.

Although it is noted that all parents at some stage in their journey experience "parent guilt"; Nat and Dee discuss whether there is perhaps, such a thing as "SEND parent guilt".  

Although the concepts are extremely similar; they question are there differences simply because being parent-carer of a child with additional needs.  Do additional needs = additional guilt? If so, what perhaps can be done about it?

Updates on future episodes check us out: @thesendsisterhood; please leave a review in IG and rate each episode on here.

If you have any comments, feedback or would like to participate on a future episode of the SEND Sisterhood write to: [email protected]

Music by SK @GMGOmusic

Disclaimer: We are not speaking as professionals; for all parents or all persons with disabilities - this podcast is simply based our own experiences and perspective.

There are so many misconceptions surrounding SEND Parenting and the impact of becoming a SEND parent on finances and careers. 

Occasionally, some may have to give up working altogether; while others attempt to continue the status quo, only to end up experiencing burnout physically, mentally and financially. 

On this episode, Nat and Dee pick apart the financial and career changes they have experienced after becoming SEND parents.  Perhaps there is hope at the end of the tunnel; it just has to be accepted that it might not always come in the way or timing you might like or expect. 

Updates on future episodes check us out: @thesendsisterhood; please leave a review in IG and rate each episode on here.

If you have any comments, feedback or would like to participate on a future episode of the SEND Sisterhood write to: [email protected]

Music by SK @GMGOmusic

Disclaimer: We are not speaking as professionals; for all parents or all persons with disabilities - this podcast is simply based our own experiences and perspective.

When you have a child with SEND; one of the first fearful things you hear about is getting your child an Education Heath Care Plan (EHCP). 

Although it may seem as if an EHCP is a given for all SEND children; the truth is, that the process of obtaining a plan can be extremely challenging and really take its toll on the well-being of a parent and needs of a child if they remain unmet. 

On this episode Nat and Dee invite special guest Simone Lewis, a Local Authority SEND Support Team Manager and respite Foster Carer for a child with complex special needs, to discuss the details behind getting the right education needs provision for your child. 

Updates on future episodes check us out: @thesendsisterhood; please leave a review in IG and rate each episode on here.

If you have any comments, feedback or would like to participate on a future episode of the SEND Sisterhood write to: [email protected]

Music by SK @GMGOmusic

Disclaimer: We are not speaking as professionals; for all parents or all persons with disabilities - this podcast is simply based our own experiences and perspective.

Playdates are meant to be fun.  But how much fun are they really for many SEND parents? 

Nat and Dee take at look at their own experiences with play dates, discussing the good, the bad and the ugly of the emotional rollercoaster also know as playdates. 

Updates on future episodes check us out: @thesendsisterhood; please leave a review in IG and rate each episode on here.

If you have any comments, feedback or would like to participate on a future episode of the SEND Sisterhood write to: [email protected]

Music by SK @GMGOmusic

Disclaimer: We are not speaking as professionals; for all parents or all persons with disabilities - this podcast is simply based our own experiences and perspective.

Nat and Dee tackle the difficult topic of health conditions; discussing  the volume of appointments, emotions and lessons learned when tackling the healthcare system and interacting with healthcare professionals. 

Updates on future episodes check us out: @thesendsisterhood; please leave a review in IG and rate each episode on here.

If you have any comments, feedback or would like to participate on a future episode of the SEND Sisterhood write to: [email protected]

Music by SK @GMGOmusic

Disclaimer: We are not speaking as professionals; for all parents or all persons with disabilities - this podcast is simply based our own experiences and perspective.

On this episode Nat and Dee divulge what it has personally been like to adapt to being a parent carer - discussing what a typical “week in the life” has been like for them; the impact on day to day life and on those they interact with.

Updates on future episodes check us out: @thesendsisterhood; please leave a review in IG and rate each episode on here.

If you have any comments, feedback or would like to participate on a future episode of the SEND Sisterhood write to: [email protected]

Music by SK @GMGOmusic

Disclaimer: We are not speaking as professionals; for all parents or all persons with disabilities - this podcast is simply based our own experiences and perspective.

Nat and Dee dive right in by discussing the concept of community, feelings of isolation and how their support networks evolved once they became parents to children with additional needs.

Updates on future episodes check us out: @thesendsisterhood; please leave a review in IG and rate each episode on here.

If you have any comments, feedback or would like to participate on a future episode of the SEND Sisterhood write to: [email protected]

Music by SK @GMGOmusic

Disclaimer: We are not speaking as professionals; for all parents or all persons with disabilities - this podcast is simply based our own experiences and perspective.