SEND Tutoring chats to Catherine Bailey Founder of Parents in Need

Today on SEND Tutoring’s podcast we have Catherine Bailey, Catherine set up Parents In Need a charity that helps children with special needs get the help they need. They are a small charity constantly striving to finance specialist reports to enable children with special educational needs to access an appropriate education. Welcome Catherine

What is the Parents in Need charity and what does it do?

Catherine talked about her experience of having two autistic sons both needing help finding the right school. She mentioned that the diagnosis was the first hurdle in a long road of obstacles. Where she thought she would get help from the services designed for that purpose, she didn’t and her battle to find the right provision lasted four years for her firstborn. The second son’s provision may have been a little easier as she knew the system but navigating the path was fraught with difficulties.

She knew that she wanted to set up a charity that would help other parents and even if she was able to only help one family she would have succeeded. Parents in need have helped over 500 families and the number is still rising.

Who are Parents in Need?

Founded by a dedicated group of parents, each with personal connections to children or grandchildren with special needs, Parents in Need empathetically understands families’ journey when confronted with SEN. They recognise the emotional turmoil, confusion, and battles for suitable placements. Their collective aim is to extend a guiding hand to fellow parents, offering solace and practical assistance through every step of their journey.

Addressing the Need:

The existence of Parents in Need is a response to the significant hurdles faced by families with disabled children. Accessing appropriate schooling and therapy often proves daunting, with limited council funding exacerbating the struggle. Many children are relegated to schools based on proximity and cost, rather than suitability for their individual needs. This situation can lead to children languishing in mainstream environments ill-equipped to meet their requirements or placed in SEN schools that fail to address their specific challenges adequately. Their organisation aims to bridge these gaps by providing the necessary resources and advocacy to ensure children receive the education and support they deserve.

Conclusion:

Parents in Need stands as a beacon of hope for families grappling with the complexities of raising children with SEN. Their commitment to facilitating access to appropriate education and therapy reflects our unwavering dedication to supporting families in their times of greatest need. With their assistance, families can navigate the maze of challenges posed by the SEN system with greater confidence and clarity, ensuring that every child receives the tailored support they require to thrive.

Parents in Need is an entirely not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers. Every penny donated goes to help fund the reports that will help achieve the best and most appropriate education for children with disabilities. Unfortunately, these reports aren’t cheap.

To donate follow this link – https://www.parentsinneed.org/donate/

If you have any questions on the topics discussed in this podcast, or are looking for help finding a specialist one-to-one tutor for your child, book a free consultation with us today, we’ll be happy to help.