Sharon L. Smith
@sharonlsmith.bsky.social
‘Dr. mum’. Learning about: ‘wacky philosophies’, creative research approaches, education, disability, inclusion, (not)belonging, becoming, co-production, risk/vulnerability, policy, Down syndrome. Co-director Special Needs Jungle
https://linktr.ee/sharonls
https://linktr.ee/sharonls
Pinned
Sharon L. Smith
@sharonlsmith.bsky.social
· Nov 30
Pinned post: This Bluesky account is based on my own personal views.
Sharing posts ≠ endorsement, it might just be that I find something interesting or useful to have on my feed.
I reserve the right to delete posts because I either change my mind or want to tidy up my feed.
Please be kind. Thanks 😊
Sharing posts ≠ endorsement, it might just be that I find something interesting or useful to have on my feed.
I reserve the right to delete posts because I either change my mind or want to tidy up my feed.
Please be kind. Thanks 😊
Reposted by Sharon L. Smith
NEW POST: In the 2nd SNJ article on the Education Committee's behemoth #SEND Inquiry report, we examine proposals to force the NHS to pay up, plus fixing #EarlyYears and #Post16 #education By @rachel.stopsafetyvalve.uk @sharonlsmith.bsky.social @tanialt.bsky.social www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
September 19, 2025 at 5:02 AM
NEW POST: In the 2nd SNJ article on the Education Committee's behemoth #SEND Inquiry report, we examine proposals to force the NHS to pay up, plus fixing #EarlyYears and #Post16 #education By @rachel.stopsafetyvalve.uk @sharonlsmith.bsky.social @tanialt.bsky.social www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
Reposted by Sharon L. Smith
NEW POST: The Ontario system: As Ministers search for new ways to "fix" SEND, they're looking overseas. @captaink77.bsky.social & @sharonlsmith.bsky.social ask, are they considering a Canadian province’s #SEND structure for England? www.specialneedsjungle.com/o...
September 8, 2025 at 5:02 AM
NEW POST: The Ontario system: As Ministers search for new ways to "fix" SEND, they're looking overseas. @captaink77.bsky.social & @sharonlsmith.bsky.social ask, are they considering a Canadian province’s #SEND structure for England? www.specialneedsjungle.com/o...
Reposted by Sharon L. Smith
In their latest attack on EHCPS, LAs say schools are fighting attempts to place SEND children, some claiming an EHCP is an easy way to say they cannot meet needs. No EHCP=you’d never know why they refused, or they’ll exclude later #SaveOurChildrensRights schoolsweek.co.uk/enforcemen...
Threats and place ‘caps’: Councils reveal admission woes
Watchdog report shows widespread clashes between councils and academy trusts as Labour plans admission reforms
schoolsweek.co.uk
July 10, 2025 at 8:35 AM
In their latest attack on EHCPS, LAs say schools are fighting attempts to place SEND children, some claiming an EHCP is an easy way to say they cannot meet needs. No EHCP=you’d never know why they refused, or they’ll exclude later #SaveOurChildrensRights schoolsweek.co.uk/enforcemen...
Reposted by Sharon L. Smith
This Labour party is, for anyone who hadn't spotted it yet, exactly the same as the damn Tories were.
July 7, 2025 at 10:31 AM
This Labour party is, for anyone who hadn't spotted it yet, exactly the same as the damn Tories were.
Reposted by Sharon L. Smith
The right to an education, health and care plan must be retained
Jane Asher, Carrie Grant, Chris Packham, Anna Bird, Fazilet Hadi, Sally Phillips, Jon Sparkes and 100 others call on gov not to remove the right to an EHCP from kids attending mainstream schools
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Jane Asher, Carrie Grant, Chris Packham, Anna Bird, Fazilet Hadi, Sally Phillips, Jon Sparkes and 100 others call on gov not to remove the right to an EHCP from kids attending mainstream schools
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
The right to an education, health and care plan must be retained | Letters
Letter: Jane Asher, Carrie Grant, Chris Packham, Anna Bird, Fazilet Hadi, Sally Phillips, Jon Sparkes and 100 others call on the government not to remove the right to an EHCP from children attending m...
www.theguardian.com
July 7, 2025 at 7:24 AM
The right to an education, health and care plan must be retained
Jane Asher, Carrie Grant, Chris Packham, Anna Bird, Fazilet Hadi, Sally Phillips, Jon Sparkes and 100 others call on gov not to remove the right to an EHCP from kids attending mainstream schools
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Jane Asher, Carrie Grant, Chris Packham, Anna Bird, Fazilet Hadi, Sally Phillips, Jon Sparkes and 100 others call on gov not to remove the right to an EHCP from kids attending mainstream schools
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Reposted by Sharon L. Smith
An easy read version of the Save Our Children's Rights campaign, fighting Labour's plans that threaten basic educational rights:
'Children with SEND might lose their right to important help at school called an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).'
static.filmer.tech/sites/saveou...
'Children with SEND might lose their right to important help at school called an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).'
static.filmer.tech/sites/saveou...
static.filmer.tech
July 7, 2025 at 8:53 AM
An easy read version of the Save Our Children's Rights campaign, fighting Labour's plans that threaten basic educational rights:
'Children with SEND might lose their right to important help at school called an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).'
static.filmer.tech/sites/saveou...
'Children with SEND might lose their right to important help at school called an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).'
static.filmer.tech/sites/saveou...
Reposted by Sharon L. Smith
Minister won’t rule out support cuts for children with EHCPs amid Send overhaul – UK politics live – UK politics live
Minister won’t rule out support cuts for children with EHCPs amid Send overhaul – UK politics live – UK politics live
Stephen Morgan, the early education minister, would not confirm every child who has an EHCP would continue to keep the same provisions
Here is the letter to the Guardian, signed by dozens of special needs and disability charities and campaigners, that is covered in our splash story about opposition to proposals to restrict access to education, health and care plans (EHCPs). (See 9.34am.)
Here is John Harris’s column on the topic. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
July 7, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Minister won’t rule out support cuts for children with EHCPs amid Send overhaul – UK politics live – UK politics live
Reposted by Sharon L. Smith
Big news: Guardian story and multi-signatory letter about fears about how the govt will follow the disability benefits fiasco: with drastic moves on the educational rights of children & young people with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities 1/2 www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Government faces battle over Send overhaul as campaigners voice fears
MPs and parents worry shake-up may abolish vital education, health and care plans that SEN children rely on
www.theguardian.com
July 6, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Big news: Guardian story and multi-signatory letter about fears about how the govt will follow the disability benefits fiasco: with drastic moves on the educational rights of children & young people with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities 1/2 www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Reposted by Sharon L. Smith
Really proud of @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social team and our partners Take action #SaveOurChildrensRights @renatawatts.bsky.social @sharonlsmith.bsky.social @gilliandoherty.bsky.social @catrionamoore.bsky.social @johnharris1969.bsky.social @learningdisability.bsky.social it's in @theguardian.com now
NEW POST: Join our joint campaign to #SaveOurChildrensRights. We've launched in @theguardian.com with a letter cosigned by 100 SEND charities & groups, academics, disability campaigners & celebrities, incl Chris Packham and Christine McGuinness www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
July 6, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Really proud of @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social team and our partners Take action #SaveOurChildrensRights @renatawatts.bsky.social @sharonlsmith.bsky.social @gilliandoherty.bsky.social @catrionamoore.bsky.social @johnharris1969.bsky.social @learningdisability.bsky.social it's in @theguardian.com now
Proud to be part of this campaign…
I am incredibly concerned about the suggestion EHCPs will only be for those in specialist provision - a retrograde step for inclusion!
I am incredibly concerned about the suggestion EHCPs will only be for those in specialist provision - a retrograde step for inclusion!
July 6, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Proud to be part of this campaign…
I am incredibly concerned about the suggestion EHCPs will only be for those in specialist provision - a retrograde step for inclusion!
I am incredibly concerned about the suggestion EHCPs will only be for those in specialist provision - a retrograde step for inclusion!
Reposted by Sharon L. Smith
NEW POST: Join our joint campaign to #SaveOurChildrensRights. We've launched in @theguardian.com with a letter cosigned by 100 SEND charities & groups, academics, disability campaigners & celebrities, incl Chris Packham and Christine McGuinness www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
July 6, 2025 at 5:07 PM
NEW POST: Join our joint campaign to #SaveOurChildrensRights. We've launched in @theguardian.com with a letter cosigned by 100 SEND charities & groups, academics, disability campaigners & celebrities, incl Chris Packham and Christine McGuinness www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
Reposted by Sharon L. Smith
People who have Down’s syndrome are more likely to have difficulties with their eyesight – up to half will need to wear glasses.
Please watch this informative video on eye care and check out our webpage for more information on this topic for people who have Down's syndrome: bit.ly/45pZp37
Please watch this informative video on eye care and check out our webpage for more information on this topic for people who have Down's syndrome: bit.ly/45pZp37
Our new eye care film is out for #LearningDisabilityWeek
We’re busting myths & showing how people with learning disabilities can get support with eye care.
Thanks to George Webster, our eye care champions & The Village School.
https://www.seeability.org/news/seeability-releases-new-eye-care-film
We’re busting myths & showing how people with learning disabilities can get support with eye care.
Thanks to George Webster, our eye care champions & The Village School.
https://www.seeability.org/news/seeability-releases-new-eye-care-film
June 18, 2025 at 9:51 AM
People who have Down’s syndrome are more likely to have difficulties with their eyesight – up to half will need to wear glasses.
Please watch this informative video on eye care and check out our webpage for more information on this topic for people who have Down's syndrome: bit.ly/45pZp37
Please watch this informative video on eye care and check out our webpage for more information on this topic for people who have Down's syndrome: bit.ly/45pZp37
Reposted by Sharon L. Smith
On SNJ Today: Will Bridget Phillipson listen when #SEND parents tell her not to touch legal entitlements—and not just for #disabled children’s “current” rights? And why don't LA proxies want to listen to what parents are actually saying? www.specialneedsjungle.com/e... #Disability
June 10, 2025 at 6:52 PM
On SNJ Today: Will Bridget Phillipson listen when #SEND parents tell her not to touch legal entitlements—and not just for #disabled children’s “current” rights? And why don't LA proxies want to listen to what parents are actually saying? www.specialneedsjungle.com/e... #Disability
Reposted by Sharon L. Smith
NEW POST: After the excitement of hitting 100K signatures, today we examine Spending Review education cash. It was revealed SEND plans will now come in a wider Schools White Paper this autumn. @tanialt.bsky.social and @captaink77.bsky.social share some thoughts www.specialneedsjungle.com/p...
June 12, 2025 at 5:02 AM
NEW POST: After the excitement of hitting 100K signatures, today we examine Spending Review education cash. It was revealed SEND plans will now come in a wider Schools White Paper this autumn. @tanialt.bsky.social and @captaink77.bsky.social share some thoughts www.specialneedsjungle.com/p...
We reached 100k last night - and the numbers continue to grow this morning. Shows the level of concern about potential SEND reforms. Do show your support if you have not already...
Under 1k to go! PUSH! Breathe… petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...
Petition: Retain legal right to assessment and support in education for children with SEND
Support in education is a vital legal right of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We ask the government to commit to maintaining the existing law, so that vulnerable chil...
petition.parliament.uk
June 12, 2025 at 8:26 AM
We reached 100k last night - and the numbers continue to grow this morning. Shows the level of concern about potential SEND reforms. Do show your support if you have not already...
Reposted by Sharon L. Smith
The Department for Education recently announced a new investment to support improved access to Physical Education and sport for over 240,000 pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
The DSA welcomes the recognition of this.
To read more, please click here: https://loom.ly/F9evBvc
The DSA welcomes the recognition of this.
To read more, please click here: https://loom.ly/F9evBvc
June 12, 2025 at 6:15 AM
The Department for Education recently announced a new investment to support improved access to Physical Education and sport for over 240,000 pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
The DSA welcomes the recognition of this.
To read more, please click here: https://loom.ly/F9evBvc
The DSA welcomes the recognition of this.
To read more, please click here: https://loom.ly/F9evBvc
Reposted by Sharon L. Smith
NEW POST: What kind of government is “bold” enough to scrap statutory #EHCPs from vulnerable children? We look at some controversial remarks and what they may mean for families of disabled children www.specialneedsjungle.com/w...
May 16, 2025 at 5:02 AM
NEW POST: What kind of government is “bold” enough to scrap statutory #EHCPs from vulnerable children? We look at some controversial remarks and what they may mean for families of disabled children www.specialneedsjungle.com/w...
Reposted by Sharon L. Smith
Regression in Down’s Syndrome Webinar
Thursday 19 June 2025 | 10.45am – 12noon | FREE
In this webinar we will talk about what we know so far regarding regression.
If this is something you would like to join, please head to our website to register: bit.ly/438lMZr
Thursday 19 June 2025 | 10.45am – 12noon | FREE
In this webinar we will talk about what we know so far regarding regression.
If this is something you would like to join, please head to our website to register: bit.ly/438lMZr
May 14, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Regression in Down’s Syndrome Webinar
Thursday 19 June 2025 | 10.45am – 12noon | FREE
In this webinar we will talk about what we know so far regarding regression.
If this is something you would like to join, please head to our website to register: bit.ly/438lMZr
Thursday 19 June 2025 | 10.45am – 12noon | FREE
In this webinar we will talk about what we know so far regarding regression.
If this is something you would like to join, please head to our website to register: bit.ly/438lMZr
Reposted by Sharon L. Smith
The Down's Syndrome Association is incredibly concerned to read in this Schools Week article that cites Dame Christine Lenehan that discussions are ongoing about whether EHCPs should only apply to special school pupils.
Please read more on our website: bit.ly/433Giuc
Please read more on our website: bit.ly/433Giuc
May 15, 2025 at 4:08 PM
The Down's Syndrome Association is incredibly concerned to read in this Schools Week article that cites Dame Christine Lenehan that discussions are ongoing about whether EHCPs should only apply to special school pupils.
Please read more on our website: bit.ly/433Giuc
Please read more on our website: bit.ly/433Giuc
Reposted by Sharon L. Smith
NEW POST: In this important article, inclusion expert Dr Richard Rieser OBE explains how learning from #Disability history can help create policies where inclusive education can become a reality www.specialneedsjungle.com/d... #inclusion
May 14, 2025 at 5:02 AM
NEW POST: In this important article, inclusion expert Dr Richard Rieser OBE explains how learning from #Disability history can help create policies where inclusive education can become a reality www.specialneedsjungle.com/d... #inclusion
Reposted by Sharon L. Smith
Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper
Wednesday 16 April 2025 | 6.30 – 8pm
Join us online to hear about the government’s proposals and find out how you can have your say on them.
Register here: www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/ser...
Wednesday 16 April 2025 | 6.30 – 8pm
Join us online to hear about the government’s proposals and find out how you can have your say on them.
Register here: www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/ser...
April 7, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper
Wednesday 16 April 2025 | 6.30 – 8pm
Join us online to hear about the government’s proposals and find out how you can have your say on them.
Register here: www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/ser...
Wednesday 16 April 2025 | 6.30 – 8pm
Join us online to hear about the government’s proposals and find out how you can have your say on them.
Register here: www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/ser...