We have based our top picks for resources upon what we know that our team and our clients have found helpful and would love to hear from you about other favourite resources that you find useful.
Information about educational support
Returning to school after coronavirus
Resources for primary aged children: there is a free book illustrated by Axel Scheffler that you can download regarding the virus and how it is affecting us and there are lovely Sesame Street videos regarding health emergencies that we recommend
Resources designed for teenagers: the Stem-4 resources page has updates regarding the pandemic and also excellent materials to support teenagers with anxiety
Resources for schools and education professionals – MentalHealth.org.uk has a great deal of useful information including a great article with ideas regarding how to support learners in school in relation to the pandemic and we also recommend Mentally Healthy Schools for ideas about supporting learners with challenges at this time
ADHD
ADHD Foundation – the foundation is an active organisation spreading best practice for those learners with ADHD also running local groups as well as courses and training
Dani Donovan – Dani Donovan is an artist who has been identified with ADHD and we love her fun and explanatory art work
Fintan O’Regan – Successfully Teaching and Managing Children with ADHD (Nasen Spotlight)
Autism
The National Autistic Society – a leading organisation in the UK for information and advice
The Reason I Jump, Naoki Higashida – We like this book because it is written by a young man identified with autism about his own experience
Parenting a child with autism – a parent’s view of what works, what helps and what does not and top tips
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral Palsy UK – this charity provides diagnosis advice, information about support and also respite care
Communication difficulties
Language for learning in the primary school, Sue Hayden and Emma Jordan
This is a really useful book that tells you about what support your child should be receiving in school if they have speech, langauge and communication needs
Language for learning in the secondary school, Sue Hayden and Emma Jordan
This is the secondary school version and we also find this really helpful to understand what kind of support your child with SLCN may need
A parent’s view of speech and language needs – read what the journey to support a child with communication needs can be like
Dyscalculia
The Dyscalculia Information Centre – the website has an online test as well as practical information
Dyslexia
The British Dyslexia Association – a good place to start and revisit about dyslexia and also has information about dyscalculia
Creative, Successful, Dyslexic: 23 high achievers share their stories, edited by Margeret Rooke – we find this a really encouraging book
Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia Foundation – very comprehensive website and the local groups are a lovely resource if you are near one plus there is a great helpline
Dyspraxic Me – a lovely peer mentoring charity for young people aged 16-25 with dyspraxia with meetings in London
Mental health for learners
Corona virus and teenage mental health – advice by Stem-4 for teenage mental health during the corona virus outbreak
Mentally Healthy Schools – a comprehensive series of resources produced by Heads Together for schools that can be useful also for parents and families
Mental health for parents
The emotional impact of parenting a disabled child – an article by Joanna Griffin in Special Needs Jungle
The impact of SEND parenting on parents’ mental health – a report by psychologist Joanna Griffin on the impact on parent carer mental health by supporting a child with SEND
Parent carer wellbeing during self-isolation – article by psychologist Joanna Griffin on how parent carers can support themselves during self-isolation
Sensory processing disorders
Star Institute – this US based organisation provides research based information on their website and offers online training
Practical help for parents and carers
Childlaw Advice – This website contains a great deal of information about legal matters to do with children including with regard to education and home education related laws
Legal requirements around home education – This gov.uk site explains what you are required to do in relation to home education and how to check what support your local authority offers for home education and you can search by postcode
Please get in touch with us if you have any questions by email to silja.turville@acorntooakeducation.org or by phone to 020 7193 8407
