Here are the questions I've been asked so far, if you have a different questions please email me at SENChat@sendjo.org

What is SEN Chat?

SEN Chat is a peer support group for parents and families of children with Special Educational Needs.

Where and when?

Mondays from 9am - 11am at Melbourn Hub, High Street, Melbourn, SG8 6DZ https://melbournhub.co.uk/

What3Words ///surprise.release.irony

Who's it for?

Families of a child with Special Educational Needs, we interpret "family" however you interpret it, we won't be checking. It's for families of 2 year olds who are starting to wonder about SEN, for families of 18 year olds preparing for adulthood, and everyone else.

Do we need a diagnosis, IEP or EHCP?

No.

Your child's SEN does not have to be diagnosed or recognised by school or health in order for you to join in. You don't even have to have a clear idea of what it is.

What does it cost?

£0.00

However, it is held in the cafe at Melbourn Hub which is a charity and relies on customers making a purchase while in the cafe.

Who's it run by?

Me, I'm Jo, I'm a SEND Advocate and qualified SENCo with 25 years' teaching experience and 15 years' SEN parenting experience.

While I'll always be there, and am happy to help in any way I can, the real contributors are the families themselves who can support one another by sharing ideas and experience.

Why does it exist?

SEN families can feel very lonely and uncertain; you don't know it's you until it happens and it can take a while to find people going through a similar experience as you. Just as important is finding people who have already been through this and are able to share their experience.

Why Melbourn Hub?

I recently heard one of the Hub trustees say that their motto "for the community, by the community" runs through them like a stick of rock.

They recognised the need, they have the capacity to support us, they offered to help.

What can I do at SEN Chat?

Whatever you want, drink tea and chat to other people, ask for help understanding systems and paperwork, or sit quietly in the corner and take it all in. It could also be a good opportunity to look at the other services available at Melbourn Hub.

School keep getting it wrong, can you help me?

Now, there's a tricky one. In 25 years, every single person I've worked with in schools and the Local Authority has wanted what is best for every child. Sometimes it doesn't look like that, so I might be able to help you to interpret what's happening and to move past any disagreements.

If you're a SEND Advocate, are you going to be pushing your business at the group?

No. You know where I am now, call me if you need me.