Sadly, kids don’t come with an instruction manual and that’s especially true for our SEND children. If you haven’t been around neurodivergent children before or don’t have any experience in the additional needs space, then facing the challenges that come up can feel overwhelming.
In almost every situation that you will face, you are your child’s best advocate. But we can only perform that role to the best of our ability by learning as much as possible – and that’s why we hold such a wide variety of webinars. We have at least 4 online webinars each month. Here’s some of the ones coming up in 2025 which will help you face some of the challenges you might be having.
I want to apply for an EHCP but I don’t know where to start
One of the most common things that we help parents with here at Sunshine Support is applying for an EHCP Needs Assessment. On 30 April 2025, we have an in-person workshop here at our hub in Derby which will talk you through how to effectively write your EHCP request. Tickets for this event are available here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1046764379437
If that’s too long for you to wait though there are a couple of other great options for you. On Sunshine Academy, which is our online learning platform, we have many EHCP courses which you can go through in your own time. The Academy is fantastic value for money at just 10.99 per month which gets you access to over 200 courses. You can sign up to Sunshine Academy here: https://sunshineacademy.sunshine-support.org/
Or if you need help and guidance on your personal situation, then get in touch for more information about advocacy support. This is a personalised support where we can work with you and guide you on what to do or we can even do it for you. You can apply for advocacy support here: https://sunshine-support.org/advice-and-support/#advocatehelp
I’m struggling with parenting my PDA child
PDA is a complex presentation and one which we need to learn specific ways to communicate with and support children who are struggling with demand avoidance. On 28 January 2025, author and education consultant Laura Kerbey will be with us for an evening exploring PDA and parenting.
She’ll be teaching us more about the unique characteristics of this profile, the crucial role that anxiety plays and how to manage meltdowns. It’s going to be a really insightful webinar for you if you are new to learning about PDA or if you have been in the PDA world for a while and want to learn more. Tickets for this webinar can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/970333703227
My early years child struggles to communicate
Learning how to use Makaton could be really helpful for you in this situation and we have an in-person workshop in Derby on 14 March 2025. Makaton is a unique communication programme centred around gestures and symbols. You might have seen it being used on popular children’s programmes like Something Special.
For children who are struggling to verbally communicate, Makaton is a simple to understand system which can take away the frustration they feel trying to be understood and communicate their needs. Our workshop is led by Makaton tutor Ali Pennington and as well as learning more about the system as a whole, you’ll walk out having learnt over 50 signs which you can teach your child straight away.
Tickets for this in-person workshop are available here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/807656902537
I’m thinking of home educating my child
Whether it’s because of personal preference or because your child is struggling in a school setting, understanding how to get started with home education can be difficult.
On 6 February 2025, we’ll be joined for an online webinar by Education Otherwise, the UK’s foremost charity for the right to home educate. They’ll be teaching us all about how home education works and looking at the options regarding SATs and GCSEs.
This is going to be a popular one as so many people begin to explore this option so book now to secure your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1001195832687
I’m new to the world of ADHD and want to understand more
Diagnosis for ADHD is increasing in both children and adults but understanding around the condition is still lacking. Awareness is being aided by popular podcasts such as ADHD Chatter and we are super excited to be joined by host Alex Partridge for an ADHD webinar on 27 February 2025.
Alex is the founder of online spaces UNILAD and LADbible and had his own ADHD diagnosis in recent years. Since then, he’s been on a mission to share more about ADHD. In his webinar for us, he’ll be discussing the idea of ADHD as a superpower (spoiler alert, he doesn’t agree that it is!) and will be sharing his hints and tips for both adults and children.
We are thrilled to have Alex come to talk to our community, you don’t want to miss this one. Book your tickets now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1004438942917
This is just a very small handful of the webinars and events we have coming up in 2025. Most of our events sell out early so we always recommend grabbing your tickets as soon as possible – we’ll always send you reminders so you won’t forget it’s coming up.
Our online webinars are hosted on zoom and when you log on, we can’t see or hear you so feel free to have the kids around or be in your PJs. If you join us live, there’s always an opportunity to ask questions on the night.
However, we also know how life can be sometimes. If you purchase tickets and then can’t join the live event, don’t panic! Every ticketholder gets sent the recording of the webinar the next day, allowing you to watch in your own time.
To see the full list of webinars and events we have coming up, visit here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/sen-support-ltd-15276094335
