Our Service
A new branch in our Wild Ways offer ... Know Your Rights and reduce overwhelm!
Open to parents, carers and Head Teachers/SENDCo’s supporting children of all ages, and at all stages of accessing specialist SEND provision.
Are you a parent or carer feeling overwhelmed or need support navigating SEND processes?​
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Are you a professional who would like to upskill or consult on a particular case and better understand how to support families of children with SEND. ​
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Need help understanding your child’s rights and communicating with professionals?
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Please note this is not a legal service; this SEND Advisory & Navigation Service:
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helps guide decisions, informed by up-to-date knowledge of the legal entitlement.
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can support practically, and emotionally, alongside access to legal services i.e., a solicitor or barrister.
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supports parents/schools with the process of navigating the SEND system and securing the best education provision for each and every unique child.
What we Offer
The service offers a range of support tailored to individual needs. This includes one-to-one advisory sessions, guidance on SEND law for both parents and schools, practical help that adapts to each situation, and ongoing emotional support. Support is available at any stage you need, extending up to SEND tribunals or judicial review, and there is also help with signposting to other related services.
We offer support from a place of extensive expertise, knowledge and experience. Our staff also offer a service rooted in the deepest moral purpose and belief that all children should be able to thrive. Our staff have significant lived experience in supporting their own children through complex illness as well as fighting for the rights of children from a professional perspective.
Who?
This part of our service is delivered by Claire Pickard (TWF Young Person Guide and SEN practitioner. Former Headteacher and Special school Governor).
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Recently IPSEA Qualified (Levels 1, 2 and 3) - professionally trained in SEND law, not a legal representative, i.e. not a solicitor nor barrister.
Lived experience.
‘IPSEA level 3 SEND law trained, Claire’s focus is being a champion for families, alongside working part-time as a SENCO, committed to helping children realise their potential and supporting schools to fulfil their responsibilities.
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With over two decades of experience in education and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Claire brings a unique blend of professional expertise and personal insight.
Claire’s journey began in special schools for children with Autism, leading to a PGCE from the University of Cambridge and roles as a teacher, SENCO, Deputy Headteacher, and Headteacher. As a National Leader of Education, she supported struggling schools to improve, and later, as a Governor and Inclusion Lead, gained deep strategic and operational knowledge. Personally, as a parent to a child with complex needs, Claire understands the challenges families face, including liaising with multiple NHS professionals.’
About
My name is Claire Pickard
I am delighted and privileged to be able to offer support for families in pursuit of the best possible outcomes for their children. My youngest son is now ten and has a rare, life-limiting genetic condition, cerebral palsy and epilepsy, so I have personally experienced the complex struggles navigated by many parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. I started my career in education and special needs by working in independent special schools for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. This work inspired me to train as a teacher. I gained my Post graduate Certificate in Education from the University of Cambridge in 2002, with a specialism in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. During my time as a teacher, I taught all of the primary age groups and worked as a special needs co-ordinator and Deputy Headteacher before qualifying as a Headteacher in 2010. I loved my eleven years working as a Headteacher and during this period I was appointed as a National Leader of Education, supporting struggling schools to improve. When my youngest son turned seven, I decided to take a break from school leadership and learn more about speech and language therapy. I worked privately supporting children with speech, language and communication challenges aged 3-15. During this time, I also worked in schools as a lead for Inclusion. I have been a school Governor for both mainstream and special schools for 18 years and as such have an excellent understanding of how educational organisations function at all levels, strategically, operationally, and financially.  Most recently I have focused my time on advocacy work for families and am level 3 IPSEA SEND law trained. I also maintain my work in schools as a SENCO two days a week. I am eager to use my broad range of experience, both personal and professional, to work in partnership with parents to help their children realise their potential.
What?
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1-2-1 Advisory Service – SEND Law information sharing and guidance, for parents/schools to make informed decisions.
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Practical and Emotional, flexible support. Examples in the table below is indicative, not an exhaustive list; personalised support plans are determined at the initial assessment stage and reviewed, and adapted accordingly, throughout access to this service as needs/actions evolve.
Practical Support
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Expert guidance and assistance in completing forms/paperwork relating to SEND applications, assessments, reviews.
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Drafting and proofreading of letters/emails.
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Reviewing EHC plans, EOTIS decisions – to help provide clarity and advice from an independent perspective on any updates/amendments deemed beneficial.
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Professional knowledge and skills in how to collaborate effectively with schools/Local Authorities.
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Action planning on ‘what you can do’ when an EHC plan is not adhered to.
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Guidance in writing appeals.
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Attending meetings alongside service user, as an impartial advisor, offering an expertise-informed perspective to the family/school following the meeting.
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Answering questions relating to SEND statutory guidance and legislation.
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Providing professional guidance on whether an EHC plan is a suitable option to pursue, helping identify most suitable alternatives if chosen by the family.
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Information of alternative education provision, including Local Offer.
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Active signposting – helping to access to other services identified as useful.
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Emotional Support
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Approachable, active listener – giving full attention to detail in a non-judgemental manner, to truly understand specific needs and provide advice in relation to legal rights.
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Empathetic care - validating all emotions and enhancing wellbeing.
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Reassurance - sparking hope and motivation to reach goals.
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Trusting relationship, to feel held and empowered.
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Develop knowledge, skills and confidence in navigating SEND processes.
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Timely access to support - via bookable online sessions, Telephone calls, and ad hoc WhatsApp communication.
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Information and assistance to access other relevant services delivered by The Wild Ways, including education, mentoring, online community groups, in person projects for YP, family support packages, and respite.
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The Wild Ways - SEND Advisory & Guidance Service l Enquiry Form
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What Families Are Saying
"Before Raising a Wild Child, we were in daily crisis. Now we feel connected, confident and less alone."
"This support changed everything. It made me understand my child - and myself - in a whole new way."
“The support our RAWC Associate offers is invaluable. The WhatsApp support in-between weekly sessions is so reassuring - even if we don't need to use it just knowing it's there offers peace of mind that help and support is available if we need it. I have never heard of any other service offering this.”
“Thank you for the training this morning, I have learned more from you than any other book or training session in the last 8 years. Not only for my future patients, but also for me and my family!”