BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner) second year students had the opportunity today to hear from guest speaker, Michelle Blake. She shared her lived experience as a parent of two children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
Michelle delivered a thoughtful and honest session offering personal insight into the challenges and realities faced by families navigating the SEN system. She spoke about the importance of early identification, the impact of clear communication between professionals and parents, and the emotional journey many families experience when seeking the right support for their child.
Throughout the session, Michelle encouraged the students, who are training to work in the education sector, to consider how empathy, patience, and a strong understanding of individual needs can significantly improve a child’s, and therefore the parents, experience in early education settings.
The students were engaged and reflective and asked both Michelle and her eldest son, Ethan, 19 who sat in on the session, any questions about their experience. Questions covered topics such as specialist provision, sensory issues, GCSE support and services signposting the next steps. Both Ethan and Michelle offered individual experiences and practical advice, such as the importance of consistent support plans, advocating children in multi-agency settings, and recognising the individuality of each child beyond their diagnosis.
Kathryn Le Serve, Course director BA Honours Early Childhood Studies and Foundation Degree in Early Years and Education said ‘Guest speakers can offer a perspective on an aspect of the education and care of young children that our students would not normally be exposed to, for example the struggles of getting the right provision for a child with SEN from a parent’s perspective. They also offer examples of real life scenarios across many aspects of working with children. These act to motivate and engage our students to continue with their studies and strive for completion.’
Michelle Blake said “I have given this talk to the Early Years degree students for many years now, when I first started my eldest was in Primary and now he has just started his first job. Reliving some of the harder periods of our journey can be difficult but every year it sparks conversations that I know will help SEN parents or children in the future as these students will go on to their own careers in education, with a real life account of the potential difference they can make to their pupils, and their families lives.’
The session forms part of UcWA’s commitment to preparing students for real world practice, helping them develop a deeper awareness of the diverse needs of children and the sensitive person centered approach required to support them.
