A clear picture
An independent account of how the young person presents in their learning environment.
Support
Education Pathways
Specialist guidance for parents and carers on working with schools, accessing reasonable adjustments and understanding SEND processes.
Overview
Who this is for
- Parents and carers who feel stuck with a school or college
- Families preparing for an EHC needs assessment or annual review
- Young people whose current provision is not working
- Anyone unsure what to ask a setting for, or how to ask for it
Why someone might seek this
None of the following confirms anything on its own. They are simply the experiences people most often describe when they contact us.
- Meetings with school keep ending without anything changing
- The support named in a plan is not what happens day to day
- Attendance is slipping and the reasons are not being heard
- You need someone who has seen inside the classroom, not only the paperwork
In short
What does education pathways support include?
Education pathways support at Sensational Minds costs £650 and includes a 45-minute observation of the young person in their school or college; a consultation with their teacher, where available; a parent meeting, with the school joining if needed; and a written report with recommendations and practical strategies for home and the education setting, based on the young person's individual profile.
What information is gathered
- Your priorities, concerns and what has already been tried
- Direct observation of the young person in their learning environment
- The setting's current provision, plans and paperwork
- The young person's own view, where they want to give it
How decisions are made
Recommendations are built from what is actually happening in the classroom alongside the young person's profile, so the setting is asked for things that are specific, reasonable and achievable.
What you can expect
- A 45-minute school or college observation
- A consultation with the young person's teacher, where available
- A parent meeting, with the school joining if needed
- A written report with recommendations
- Practical strategies for both home and the education setting
Outcomes
Outcomes and next steps
Actionable recommendations
Specific adjustments and strategies written so a setting can implement them.
Confidence in meetings
Evidence and wording you can take into review meetings and SEND processes.
Answers
Education Pathways: your questions answered
Clear answers, written in plain English.
How much does education pathways support cost?
£650, covering the 45-minute school or college observation, a consultation with the teacher (where available), a parent meeting (with the school if needed) and a written report with recommendations.
Do we need a diagnosis first?
No. This support is based on need, and many families use it before, during or entirely without an assessment pathway.
Will you attend meetings with the school?
The package includes a parent meeting, and the school can join it if that would help. Attendance at other school meetings can often be arranged separately, just ask when you enquire.
Is this the same as an EHCP application?
No. We do not submit applications on your behalf, but the report and recommendations can be used as supporting evidence and help you understand the process.
Can you support students in college or university?
Yes. We work with schools, colleges and universities, and can advise on reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students' Allowance evidence.
How do we start?
Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation and we will tell you honestly whether this is the right support for your situation.
What people say
"Receiving our son's autism diagnosis has made such a positive difference. It has given us a much deeper understanding of him, the way he experiences the world and why certain things can be challenging for him. Instead of feeling unsure or worried, we now feel empowered to support him in the right ways so he can thrive and be fully understood. What also meant so much to us was that the care didn't stop once the diagnosis was given."
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book a no-obligation consultation, or send us a question and we will reply within one working day.