EDUCATION EDITION
While the term SEN can sound daunting, the reality is that most of us – grown-ups as well as children – are neurodivergent to some extent. “We all have our own strengths and weaknesses,” says Elpida Christianaki, head of teaching and learning support and deputy principal at MPW Cambridge. SEN covers a range of learning differences, including processing speed, reading accuracy, reading comprehension and writing difficulties. Students might also have more than one diagnosis, such as attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in addition to autism, for example. These diagnoses shouldn’t be a cause for alarm. Some of our regional schools employ the most dedicated SEN specialists in the country – many of them are special educational needs and/or disabilities coordinators, or SENDCos, who stress that getting a diagnosis isn’t about trying to label children but instead identifying how best to help them. Finding ways of learning that help your child realise their potential is a huge confidence booster, so the earlier these strategies are put in place, the better. Neurodiversity is valued One positive development is in the way that neurodivergence is perceived. Increasingly, it’s something to be valued and even celebrated. “As a culture, we’re becoming more emotionally literate,” explains Julia Rondeau, SENDCo at Stoke College. “We’ve become more aware of our thoughts and feelings, our mental health and social interaction – and that’s where neurodiversity is benefitting most.” That shift in perceptions can only be a positive thing, agrees Rebecca Stewart, head of academic support at Kimbolton School. “We talk about ADHD and autism without the stigmas that they used to have. We’ve moved so far beyond that now.” Rebecca’s aspiration is to continue to break down barriers. “I want pupils to feel heard and supported and my big push is to change the wider cultural mindset around
s adults, we might struggle to concentrate or forge social and work relationships. If we manage to live our lives and do just fine, that might be something we never get around to investigating. However, when it’s our children who seem to find things difficult in a way that’s markedly different from their peers, impacting their progress and happiness, it might be wise to think about identifying the cause of their challenges. If your child is diagnosed with special educational needs, or SEN, then it’s time to get help. That’s where the schools and colleges in our area come in.
SUPPORT SYSTEMS Hands-on study at Stoke (left) and group working at Kimbolton (above)
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK DECEMBER 2024 61
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