MENUMENU
- Home
- Get Our Help
-
Parent Carer Forums
-
- Events & Webinars
-
Live Webinars
-
- Resources
-
EHCP Support
IDP Support
-
- Sunshine Academy
-
- About Us
-
Vacancies
-
Our Mission
“To gain equity within education, health and care for children and young people with special educational needs – and their families – through accessible education, support and advocacy for parents, carers and professionals”.
OUR CORE VALUES
We believe our core values all lead to empowerment. They exist at the forefront of everything we do.
EQUITY
JUSTICE
SAFETY
ACCESSIBILITY
INTEGRITY
OUR STORY
We were founded in 2017 by Chrissa Wadlow after her own gruelling battle to gain her daughter a suitable education provision.
Her journey, littered with injustice, was filled with a catalogue of errors and the family received very limited help from services they thought they could trust, creating irreparable damage for the entire family.
It took 2 SEND tribunals, a high court case and one final SEND tribunal for Chrissa to gain the educational placement her daughter needed. It shouldn’t be this hard.
Chrissa could not allow this to continue to happen, and so formed Sunshine Support to help other families navigate their way through the process of Special Educational Needs to ensure they received the RIGHT advice and guidance from trustworthy experts.
Her story has inspired thousands of families to seek justice and exercise their right to the law.
We offer a range of free, low cost and premium services to ensure information and empowerment is available for all.
Who is Chrissa?
Incredibly focused and extraordinarily passionate about justice, mum of 4 Chrissa (who originates from South Wales) has extensive experience in business management and has a special interest in psychology, which has led to her winning awards for her commitment to the SEND community. Chrissa is a seasoned SEND parent (over 20 years!) and proudly neurodivergent, she is an ambassador for the Inflammatory Bowel Disease community, having lived with Crohn’s Colitis since the age of 9. Here’s a little more you may not know about Chrissa.
What are the top 5 things that make you happy and full of lovely dopamine?
1) Nice smells – perfume, candles, mist diffusers, toiletries, cleaning products – it’s an ongoing joke here at Sunshine “when Chrissa comes to the office, get the oil diffuser on!”
2) Connection with trusted people – my family and friends are everything
3) Good food – everyone who knows me knows I’m a foodie, I am committed to travelling for good restaurants!
4) Singing and music
5) Working – I won’t admit how many hours I put in each week, you wouldn’t believe it!
What’s your favourite music genre?
Soul, Hip Hop (noughties!), R&B, musical theatre and anything with a Welsh connection!
Tell us a random fact about yourself…
I got through a few rounds of The Voice, but chickened out of going further… Maybe one day!
Meet our Team
The Advocacy Team
Meet our dedicated advocates and legal advisers
Kelly Jarvis BA (Hons) English, PGCE Secondary English
Head of Advocacy & Consultancy
Kelly, what do you do here at Sunshine Support?
I manage the Advocacy team, alongside supporting parents, families and schools with all things SEND. PDA Education is my specialism!
What are you most proud of achieving in your role?
Securing multiple placements at outstanding specialist provisions via complex tribunal processes, ending years of fighting for highly deserving families.
What are the top 5 things that make you happy and full of lovely dopamine?
1) Anything “hygge”: candles/low lighting, baths and bath products, my weighted blanket, lavender smells and cosiness
2) A daily walk outside
3) A meal in my favourite restaurant
4) Seeing things live: music, comedy, theatre
5) Writing something satisfying: I love words!
What’s your favourite music genre?
Eclectic. My top three are 2000s nu-metal, 90s cheesy pop, and anything with a beautiful acoustic guitar.
Tell us a random fact about yourself…
I have a webbed toe, which my husband affectionately refers to as my “raptor claw”.
Jess Ward LLB (Hons) - Lancaster University
Legal Adviser
Jess, what do you do here at Sunshine Support?
I undertake work on all SEND matters. My specialism is drafting Pre-Action Protocol letters in preparation for Judicial Reviews.
What’s been your proudest moment?
Working with a solicitor on a Judicial Review relating to Isolation Booths which made the news, highlighting the problems these cause.
What are the top 5 things that make you happy and full of lovely dopamine?
1. Spending time with my family
2. Organising something that had been an absolute mess
3. Chocolate
4. Watching Harry Potter
5. Sleep (although I don’t get much of it!)
What’s your favourite music genre?
Pop
Tell us a random fact about yourself…
I like watching NFL and support the Arizona Cardinals.
Rachel Parry Montessori Teaching Diploma birth - 9 years, Level 3 Social Care, Level 4 Advice, University of South Wales -Step up to Management
ALN / SEN Advocate
Rachel, what do you do here at Sunshine Support?
I have been in advocacy for over 12 years; I have a lot of experience in Social Care cases, IDPs (Welsh law) and I love tribunal work (particularly PIP/DLA!).
What are you most proud of in your career?
Advocating for a family who had their children removed from their care, they struggled to engage with Social Services. I provided support and a voice, which meant the children returned home and over time Social Services closed with no concerns.
What are the top 5 things that make you happy and full of lovely dopamine?
- Family time
- Holidays (if I can find anyone brave enough to look after my ‘not so calm’ dog )
- Walking (with my ‘not so calm’ dog )
- Pink Gin – filled with fruit so I get my five a day!
- A good challenge!
What’s your favourite music genre?
Definitely 70s and 80s old school pop!
Tell us a random fact about yourself…
I have lived in or visited 32 Countries.
More information coming soon!
Nicole Wright LLB (Hons), NNEB (Level 3 Diploma in Childcare)
SEND Advocate
Nicole, what do you do here at Sunshine Support?
I advocate for families from EHC support to social care proceedings. I have a degree in Law which I apply to my particular areas of interest, which are FII, Child Protection and School Transport.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I am most proud of my adaptability, being able to apply my law knowledge and my natural thirst for information to highly complex social care cases, where neurodivergent families have come off Child Protection as a direct result of my support.
What are the top 5 things that make you happy and full of lovely dopamine?
1. My amazing nuerodiverse children – without them I would never be doing the role I am today or have learnt all the things I have, including discovering my love of law.
2. Long walks with my Cockapoos
3. A project, often involving a lot of craft supplies and learning a new skill
4. Baking, ideally with a glass of Pino Grigio
5. A super hot bubble bath
2. Long walks with my Cockapoos
3. A project, often involving a lot of craft supplies and learning a new skill
4. Baking, ideally with a glass of Pino Grigio
5. A super hot bubble bath
What’s your favourite music genre?
One genre is too tricky so, everything from Sea Six Steve, The Bettles and The Eagles to St. Lundi and Vance Joy!
Tell us a random fact about yourself…
I walked 100km in under 22 hours.
Gabby BA (Hons) Early Childhood & Education, MA Language & Communication for children, NASENCo
SEND Advocate & Educational Consultant
Gabby, what do you do here at Sunshine Support?
I advocate for families and provide consultancy to schools and other professionals. I specialise in Language and Communication, PANS PANDAS and attendance.
What’s your proudest achievement?
Running an outstanding Language Provision for 15 yrs and securing support for families who have been threatened with attendance warnings.
What are the top 5 things that make you happy and full of lovely dopamine?
1. Cats
2. Crystals
3. Vegan food
4. My lovely daughter and family
5. The beach
What’s your favourite music genre?
Goth! Heavy metal/rock/punk!
Tell us a random fact about yourself…
I once electrocuted Prince Philip. I have published a children’s novel (part of an anthology). I sew for collector dolls under the name ‘Candy Pants Couture’
Nicola Darby LLB (hons), MSc Psychology, Qualified Solicitor (since 2004)
SEND Advocate
Nicola, what do you do here at Sunshine Support?
I advise and advocate for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND and help them navigate the process. My specialism is supporting parents through mediation and the Tribunal process.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Securing a special school placement via Tribunal and having my written submissions commended by the Judge in their decision.
What are the top 5 things that make you happy and full of lovely dopamine?
1. Spending time with my family and friends
2. Being taken for a walk by my dog
3. Feeding the hedgehogs in my garden
4. Having a bath filled with bubbles
5. Finding a bargain!
What’s your favourite music genre?
80s and 90s pop.
Tell us a random fact about yourself…
In a previous job I won the firm’s Strictly Come Dancing competition and can do a mean cha cha cha!
Lindsay Galley B.Ed (Hons)
Education Consultant
Lindsay, what do you do here at Sunshine Support?
I advise and advocate for families of children and young people with SEND and support them in navigating the educational system. I provide consultancy to schools and SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators) and support them in accessing the wealth of resources here at Sunshine Support.
What are you most proud of?
As a recent Headteacher and a SEND parent, I have a deep understanding of the strengths and challenges within the education system. I know that when families and education settings work together great things happen for our young people. I am proud to have led an inclusive school, and always will advocate for inclusive education because every child deserves to be in the right place to thrive.
What are the top 5 things that make you happy and full of lovely dopamine?
1. Spending time with my family and friends
2. Travelling near and far, especially into the mountains
3. Skiing (and après ski!)
4. Sunsets over the sea, especially over the Welsh coast and North Cornwall
5. I’ve recently discovered the gym!
2. Travelling near and far, especially into the mountains
3. Skiing (and après ski!)
4. Sunsets over the sea, especially over the Welsh coast and North Cornwall
5. I’ve recently discovered the gym!
What’s your favourite music genre?
Anything really! Pop, rock and 90’s Indie
Tell us a random fact about yourself…
I’m a bit of speed demon but shhh, don’t tell anyone!
Emily Fairbrother BSc Psychology, SEN law Trained
SEND Advocate
Emily, what do you do here at Sunshine Support?
I advocate for parents and carers of CYP with SEND. I also support parents through EHCP process including EHCNA, Mediation and the Tribunal process. My specialism is Autism & ADHD!
What are you most proud of in your career?
I am proud of my determination to succeed despite my own health difficulties over the years (Crohn’s Disease). My determination has given me that driving force behind advocating to support others and my thirst for knowledge. Over the years in education, my aim has always been to empower CYP and make a difference in the lives of CYP and their families – every CYP and parent/carer deserves someone who “just gets it.”
What are the top 5 things that make you happy and full of lovely dopamine?
1. Baking – all things chocolate
2. Taking my sausage dog (Bobby) out on a hike
3. A good book (“Pollyanna” – play the glad game)
4. Stationery; who doesn’t love a good notebook & pen!
5. Seaside
What’s your favourite music genre?
All things West End Musical related!
Tell us a random fact about yourself…
I climbed Snowdon in a RED weather warning (it was for charity and I wouldn’t take no for an answer!)
Kerri Pearce LLB (Hons), QTS, NASENCo
SEND Legal Adviser (non-practicing solicitor)
Kerri, what do you do here at Sunshine Support?
I support and advocate for parents and carers of children with special educational needs, helping them navigate through the world of SENd and ensure that they secure the support that their child requires to strive and achieve their best potential. Having previously practised as a litigation solicitor for over 10 years, I have particular interest in supporting and representing clients at Tribunal.
What are you most proud of?
I spent around 8 years working in education as a teacher and SENDCo across both mainstream and special school settings. My greatest moment was supporting a child with diagnosed attachment disorder who struggled to focus and concentrate on her work in class if I left her side due to her fear of further rejection. I undertook a wealth of research on attachment disorder and read books by the leading experts in this field. As a result of this I found out a childhood cuddly bear toy that I had when I was younger and sprayed it with my perfume, which I then introduced to the child and explained it’s history to them and how important it was to me that I would never leave it behind and would always come back to it. Over a period of time, we built up to the child managing 10 – 15 minutes work without constantly requesting my attention and continuous presence along side. I will never forgot this child and she will always remain close to my heart!
What are the top 5 things that make you happy and full of lovely dopamine?
1. Spending time with my family and friends, and our family cat.
2. Going on long country walks and doing a Les Mills Exercise Class.
3. Lying on the sofa with a good book to read, a hot chocolate and a bag of Maltesers.
4. Trips to the theatre to watch musicals.
5. Having a pamper at home or at a spa.
2. Going on long country walks and doing a Les Mills Exercise Class.
3. Lying on the sofa with a good book to read, a hot chocolate and a bag of Maltesers.
4. Trips to the theatre to watch musicals.
5. Having a pamper at home or at a spa.
What’s your favourite music genre?
Pop, RnB and soul music.
Tell us a random fact about yourself…
I have ridden a camel across part of the Sahara Desert and a horse across part of the Grand Canyon from a cowboy ranch to Spirit Mountain in Las Vegas.
The Operations Team
Meet the team that make it all possible
Jess Gould NVQ 3 Childcare, NVQ3 Children & Young People's Workforce, Dip. PA
Executive Assistant to Managing Director
Jess, what do you do here at Sunshine Support?
I do a lot of organising! I generally run Chrissa’s life; supporting, admin, diary management. Help with the social media, meetings, recruitment and forging relationships. I also undertake HR duties, which I love!
What are you most proud of?
My children; my son Caiyro, who made me a mum, and my daughter Bella, because without her I wouldn’t have this job or know these wonderfully amazing people I am lucky enough to work with!
What are the top 5 things that make you happy and full of lovely dopamine?
1. Food
2. Chocolate
3. Seeing the things I’ve organised come together and see success
4. Coffee
5. Reading a good book
What’s your favourite music genre?
RnB, dancehall, Hiphop
Tell us a random fact about yourself…
I will always choose chocolate and I’m always hungry!
Emma Level 2&3 Children's Care, Learning and Development. Level 3&4 SENDCo in Early Years Setting
Support Co-ordinator
Emma, what do you do here at Sunshine Support?
I co-ordinate all our enquiries and I support parents with free advice and moral support as well as signposting. I also run our online and in-person Cuppa&Chat sessions.
What are you most proud of?
Running our Cuppa&Chat sessions (that are growing busier with every event that we hold) and creating such a safe space for other SEND parents, like me.
What are the top 5 things that make you happy and full of lovely dopamine?
1. Giving people hope and support.
2. Music
3. Dancing and just moving around.
4. Reading
5. Spending time with family and friends including some of my wonderful Sunshine colleagues.
2. Music
3. Dancing and just moving around.
4. Reading
5. Spending time with family and friends including some of my wonderful Sunshine colleagues.
What’s your favourite music genre?
It’s all over the place, can totally depend on my mood but I am a huge Swifty!
Tell us a random fact about yourself…
I get hiccups just about every day at 11 o’clock!
Ashley AAT Qualified
Accounts & Finance
Ash, what do you do here at Sunshine Support?
I deal with Accounts Payable & Receivables, client invoice queries, lots of figures and I get involved in general admin support and the contracts we have with other companies.
What are you most proud of?
I home educate my children and I have been building up our home ed community Tribe, supporting parents who are looking into home ed or have recently made the jump.
What are the top 5 things that make you happy and full of lovely dopamine?
1. Our home education Journey
2. Being outside at the beach (on warm days) or in the woods with the ‘wildlings’
3. COFFEE
4. My puppy rotties (age 3 and huge!)
5. Alexa blaring music from the younger days
2. Being outside at the beach (on warm days) or in the woods with the ‘wildlings’
3. COFFEE
4. My puppy rotties (age 3 and huge!)
5. Alexa blaring music from the younger days
What’s your favourite music genre?
Anything from 80s to R&B, Garage, House, and Motown bangers.
Tell us a random fact about yourself…
I bungee jumped into a pub car park for charity!
Kat Allen BA (hons) Film and Television Studies with Broadcast Media
Media Producer
Kat, what do you here at Sunshine Support?
I produce SEND focused content for our Social Media platforms and our learning platform the Sunshine Academy. I also host our podcast!
What are you most proud of?
Partnering with the NHS to produce a highly informative training video for GPs on Autism in Elders.
What are the top 5 things that make you happy and full of lovely dopamine?
1. My large family (5 children and one husband)
2. Live Music
3. The summer
4. My brood of pets
5. Sunshine Team days!
2. Live Music
3. The summer
4. My brood of pets
5. Sunshine Team days!
What’s your favourite music genre?
I’m so eclectic in terms of music. Anything from Slipknot, Sleep Token to Taylor Swift.
Tell us a random fact about yourself…
I love professional wrestling and wrestle under the name Cherry Skye.
Vicky Saunders BA (Hons) Broadcast Journalism
Marketing & Communications Assistant
Vicky, what do you do here at Sunshine Support?
I help you to know everything that Sunshine Support offers through social media, email marketing and the website
What are you most proud of?
As a Mum I secured my son the specialist school place he desperately needed and now I want to help others do the same.
What are the top 5 things that make you happy and full of lovely dopamine?
1. My children – they exhaust me too
2. Formula One – I’ve been a huge fan since 1997
3. Taylor Swift – it’s one of the saddest things in my life that I didn’t get Eras Tour tickets
4. Reading – happy endings are compulsory
5. Working here – I feel so lucky to have this job and work with these people.
2. Formula One – I’ve been a huge fan since 1997
3. Taylor Swift – it’s one of the saddest things in my life that I didn’t get Eras Tour tickets
4. Reading – happy endings are compulsory
5. Working here – I feel so lucky to have this job and work with these people.
What’s your favourite music genre?
Pop.
Tell us a random fact about yourself…
I used to be a radio newsreader!
Sophie Pape Top Tea Maker
Personal Assistant
Sophie, what do you here at Sunshine Support?
I work alongside one of the Directors, Tom Wadlow and Kelly Jarvis, Head of Advocacy.
What are you most proud of?
I’m very modest… So I’m going to come back to this!
What are the top 5 things that make you happy and full of lovely dopamine?
1. Family – I have 2 beautiful Nieces who I adore
2. Music – You can often find me having a boogey in my living room
3. Carbs – Anything from a good pizza, pastry, to a packet of crisps
4. Giving others hope and support – A good chin wag is sometimes all it take to comfort someone
5. ‘Friends’ – My all time weakness that I have seen 1000s of times
2. Music – You can often find me having a boogey in my living room
3. Carbs – Anything from a good pizza, pastry, to a packet of crisps
4. Giving others hope and support – A good chin wag is sometimes all it take to comfort someone
5. ‘Friends’ – My all time weakness that I have seen 1000s of times
What’s your favourite music genre?
You name it – Grime, R&B, 80’s, 90, 00’s, MJ, Whitney, Maria, Celine!
Tell us a random fact about yourself…
I grew up on a Farm and once made a whole field of cows part like the red sea and I was only wearing a nappy.
Jo Life experience 20 years of ALN family life
Parent Facilitator
Jo, what do you do here at Sunshine Support?
I help support parents of children with ALN along their pathway and educational journey in Wales.
What are you most proud of?
Creating a small network of parents that support and empower one another that speak daily.
What are the top 5 things that make you happy and full of lovely dopamine?
1. My children’s infectious laughter
2. Maine coon affection aka furry smothering
3. Cwtches
4. Feel good music
5. Cosy family nights in
2. Maine coon affection aka furry smothering
3. Cwtches
4. Feel good music
5. Cosy family nights in
What’s your favourite music genre?
All music, no favourites.
Tell us a random fact about yourself…
I used to go to band camp, yes I was a music nerd and no nothing ever happened there like the Americans suggest, more’s the pity!
“Support from sunshine is amazing! From paid advocacy The Sunshine Acadamy, live webinars, and Cuppa and Chats; The validation and support helps so much.”
Parent/Carer | 2024
“There were so many light bulb moments attending my first Sunshine Support training workshop. Excellent trainer, and the option to have the advice clinic is just what parents need. Thank you!”
Parent | Midlands | 2018
“I was about to fork out for private assessments, not really knowing if they would be accepted or make a difference. Then I spoke to Marguerite, she gave me focus and saved me a fortune. My son is thriving now!”
Parent | London | 2020
Our Accreditations & Awards
Here is just a small selection of our awards and accredititions
Don’t miss out on Sunshine Support updates!
Subscribe to our Sunshine Support mailing list for the latest news, event announcements, SEND support and so much more.
Webinars and events
Quick Links
Legal
SEN SUPPORT LTD
Company No: 14212237
Copyright © All Rights Reserved.
Click here to read our privacy noticeAddress: Suite 6 | Chatsworth House | Aspen Drive | Derby | DE21 7SR
