SEN, Superpowers & a Seriously Cool Role Model in Tom Hardy

Why We Are Launching a SEN Circle

If you’re navigating SEN right now, you’ll know this feeling: you’re trying to stay on top of things: school reports, conversations, next steps. You’re hearing terms like “age-related expectations” and quietly wondering what that really means for your child.

You’re doing everything you can to support them and at the same time, trying not to let it all become overwhelming, because it can. So we asked ourselves a simple question: What might we be able to do that can actually help? Not just more information, not just another talk, but something that genuinely makes this feel clearer, more supported and importantly, more positive; this is why we’re launching our SEN Circle.

Because what’s often missing isn’t just expertise, it’s balance. Right now, most SEN conversations sit in one place:

• Challenges.

• Gaps.

• What’s not working.

And of course those things matter tremendously, but they are not the whole story. Our vision is a little different (not surprisingly, bearing in mind we may be neurodiverse ourselves!): To create a space that brings together depth and information alongside celebration and perspective.

A space where you can:

✨ Properly understand SEND reforms and what they mean

✨ Navigate EHCPs and school provision/choices

✨ Share real experiences openly and honestly

✨ And also step back and see your child for everything they are and celebrate those differences.

Because this journey isn’t one-dimensional, and this is the part we perhaps don’t hear enough amongst the school reports, the “age-related expectations”, the quiet worries about keeping up, the questions about fitting in….It can all start to feel heavy.

But what if we shift the lens slightly? What if your child isn’t behind, just different? And what if that difference is actually where their strength lies? This is why we believe that role models matter so much, because sometimes, we all need to see it to believe it.

The School Mum Edit: Our SEN Star of the Term

Each term, we’ll highlight someone we and our children can look up to. Someone who shows that thinking differently actually doesn’t have to limit you; it can be part of what makes you. Because the more our children see people like them succeeding, the more they start to believe they can too.

Our first SEN Star: The brilliant Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy: A superb actor from Venom has recently opened up about his autism, alongside Tom Holland. That’s two of the biggest names in film openly talking about their autism and dyslexia.

And honestly, how amazing is that for our children to see? But also can we just take a moment for CBeebies? Because if you’ve ever found yourself sitting down “just for a minute” and watching Tom Hardy read a bedtime story and somehow staying for the whole thing, you’re in very good company!

And in the last few days… It’s gone a step further; he hasn’t just talked about it, he’s leaned into it.by launching a jiu-jitsu collaboration centred around autism awareness and neurodiversity — bold, visible and unapologetic. Hes not hiding difference but celebrating it.

“There are so many of us. This is for you. With love, kindness, awareness — but mostly love and respect.”— Tom Hardy

And here’s the bit that really matters: your child might just be the next Tom Hardy or the female equivalent. Not despite thinking differently but because of it. Because neurodiverse brains can be:

• Frigging cool.

• Bloody brilliant.

• Creative.

• Original.

• And hugely successful.

Why is this moment particularly important?

Because alongside all of this the government’s SEND reforms — currently under consultation — are some of the most important proposed changes to SEN provision in a generation. They will shape how support works, how children are supported in school and what the experience looks like for families like ours.

The consultation deadline is midnight on the 18th, so this is where it all comes together. Right now, we believe we need two things: Clarity — to understand the system and reforms and perspective — to see the bigger picture and to feel a little positivity, and that is exactly what our SEN Circle is designed to bring together.

Join us for our first SEN Circle

We’re starting with a relaxed and welcoming coffee & pastries at Baton at The Heyford on Monday 18th May at 9am.

A space to step out of the noise for a morning and into something more considered.

We’ll cover:

• The SEND reforms clearly and simply

• Real conversations with other parents

• And yes a little bit of Tom Hardy too!

Because sometimes, perspective comes from the most unexpected places. This is one not to miss because moments like this, where you feel informed, supported and uplifted, are so important.

A final thought

Maybe your child doesn’t fit the standard mould, maybe they see things differently, think differently, approach the world differently and maybe — just maybe that’s exactly where their strength lies.

Because the next Tom Hardy (or the female equivalent) isn’t trying to fit in. They’re doing things their own way.