From Strengths to Success: Celebrating the Unique Gifts of SEND Students in 2025/26

The start of a new academic year always brings fresh opportunities and a sense of new beginnings. For children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), this transition can feel both exciting and overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important to remind ourselves and our children that education is not about fitting into one mould.

Every learner has their own strengths, passions, and unique ways of learning. By focusing on these, we can help our children begin 2025/26 with confidence and self-belief.

Why Focusing on Strengths Matters

When we talk about SEND, the conversation often leans towards challenges. But what if we start with what our children already do well? Some children are creative thinkers, others are natural problem-solvers, empathetic friends, or determined learners.

This strengths-based approach shifts the focus from “what’s difficult” to “what’s possible.” It tells our children that they are more than their needs; they are individuals with gifts worth celebrating. Starting the year this way helps reduce anxiety and encourages resilience.

Tips for Parents: Helping SEND Students Begin the Year Positively

Parents and carers play a huge role in shaping how children feel about school. Here are some gentle, practical ways to support SEND learners as they step into the new academic year:

1. Celebrate Daily Wins

   Take a moment each day to recognise something your child has done well — however small. Consistent encouragement builds confidence.

2. Set Simple, Achievable Goals

   Instead of big expectations, focus on one or two manageable goals. This helps children see progress and feel capable.

3. Create Calm Routines

   Predictable schedules reduce uncertainty. A simple morning or evening routine can make transitions smoother.

4. Make Space for Strengths

   Whether it’s art, music, building, or storytelling, allow time for the activities your child enjoys and excels at. These moments of strength spill over into learning confidence.

5. Keep Communication Open with Your Child

   Encourage your child to share how they’re feeling about school. Listening without judgment helps them feel safe and understood.

6. Stay Connected with the School

   Regularly updating teachers about your child’s progress, concerns, or changes at home ensures the school can provide the right support. Open communication between parents and educators builds a stronger, more consistent support system for the child.

   
   

Supporting SEND learners is a journey we share as parents, carers, and educators. The 2025/26 school year is another chance to help our children grow in confidence, build resilience, and recognise the unique strengths they already hold within them.

When we celebrate those strengths, we send a powerful message: success is not about being the same as everyone else, it’s about being the best version of yourself.