Edwin Rutsch’s Post

by Mazhar Abbas Children's Health Scotland highlights the urgent need for educational reforms in Scotland to accommodate children with health conditions. Learn about the organization's advocacy for inclusivity and support. The organization's plea for empathy and a shift in perspective towards school non-attendance issues marks a critical step toward ensuring that every child, regardless of their health condition, can access and benefit from education. As Scotland stands on the cusp of educational reform, the collective efforts of organizations like Children's Health Scotland, educators, and the community at large could herald a new era of inclusivity and support within the educational system. This movement not only champions the rights of children and young people with health conditions but also paves the way for a more empathetic and understanding approach to tackling the complex challenges of school non-attendance.

Despite the benefits of integrated settings, most early childhood education programs are remarkably segregated. On June 18, join @learning-policy-institute, @the-century-foundation, @new-america-foundation, and @southern-education-foundation for a webinar that will highlight this often overlooked problem and share strategies policymakers and administrators can use to foster integration, as well as examples of cities and states putting these strategies into action. https://bit.ly/3UMU5ji .

Explore a narrative that highlights the struggles of parents fighting for their children's right to an education that accommodates their unique needs. This post emphasizes the importance of community organizing, policy reform, and financial support from various sectors to ensure fair educational opportunities for all students, especially those requiring special education services. Discover how collective action and informed advocacy can bridge the gap towards educational equity. Stay tuned for an upcoming webinar that will explore these issues further, offering insights on how you can contribute to meaningful change. https://ow.ly/XOp750RnxJC

🌟 Advocating for a Brighter Future in SEND Education 🌟 Recent discussions around Worcestershire's SEND provision have highlighted areas needing improvement. It's crucial to recognise the voices of families, campaigners, and leaders calling for change. Every child deserves access to the education, support, and opportunities that empower them to thrive. While challenges remain, I'm encouraged by the commitment from council and NHS leaders to make significant strides forward. With collaboration between all parties—parents, educators, and policymakers—we can ensure that no child is left behind. Let’s champion progress and accountability to create a better future for all children with special educational needs! 💪 SMART Education Recruitment #SEND #InclusiveEducation #MakingADifference #Collaboration

Explore a narrative that highlights the struggles of parents fighting for their children's right to an education that accommodates their unique needs. This post emphasizes the importance of community organizing, policy reform, and financial support from various sectors to ensure fair educational opportunities for all students, especially those requiring special education services. Discover how collective action and informed advocacy can bridge the gap towards educational equity. Stay tuned for an upcoming webinar that will explore these issues further, offering insights on how you can contribute to meaningful change. https://ow.ly/XOp750RnxJC

New Blog: Understanding EHCPs EHCPs (Education, Health & Care Plans) are essential for supporting children with special educational needs, but they’re often misunderstood. In my latest blog, I break down the key sections of an EHCP and explain how they provide critical guidance for schools to support children effectively. At Forward Education Trust, all of our students have an EHCP, and we’re committed to ensuring each child’s voice is heard and their needs are met. Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/eDV3c9Wq #EHCP #Inclusion #EducationLeadership #SEND

Experts recognize the need for transition in children's education, healthcare, social and physical activities, and more. What are you thoughts on why there aren't comprehensive transition plans in place in all of these areas? #heart4advocacy

Academic research has also consistently identified what we've always known. For many students with complex health conditions, school is one of the few places where they can be seen as normal children or students rather than patients. It's a valuable place for them to hang out, socialise, and feel like they're part of something! School spaces and school policies must be crafted to ensure that students with complex health conditions feel like they can belong and participate as regular kids. These policies must be integrated with technology to ensure no one is left out. Our Seen&Heard Helpline Service offers parents and carers - and educators and health professionals - information on education support pathways and technology options to keep students with complex conditions connected to their school community. Call 1300 237 234. #seenandheard #IfImissedschool #missingschool #learnfromanywhere #educationequality #educationsystems #disabilitystandardsforeducation #sickkids #philanthropy #governmentfunding #petition #takeaction

Feeling frustrated with the education system when it comes to special needs children is a sentiment shared by many parents (and the therapists that work with them). It can be incredibly disheartening to see our children being put into boxes and treated in a one-size-fits-all manner, rather than receiving the individualized support and care they truly need and deserve. Every child is unique, and this is especially true for children with special needs. They have their own strengths, weaknesses, and ways of learning, and it's essential that they are treated as individuals rather than being lumped together based on their particular diagnosis. It's a disservice to our children when they are not given the personalized attention and support required to thrive in their educational journey. The frustration arises when we see the school system's insistence on fitting our children into predetermined categories and programs, without considering their individual needs. It can feel like our voices as parents are not being heard, and that our children are being overlooked and misunderstood. As parents, we know our children better than anyone else, and we want to advocate for them to receive the best possible education tailored to their unique requirements. It's time for the education system to recognize that one size does not fit all, especially when it comes to special needs children. They deserve to be seen as individuals and to be treated based on their specific needs. We need more resources, more support, and more understanding from the educational authorities to ensure that our children can thrive and reach their full potential. We must continue to advocate for our children, push for change, and demand that the education system recognizes and respects the individuality of each and every child with special needs. It's only by coming together and voicing our concerns that we can work towards a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for our children. Every child deserves to be treated as the unique individual that they are. 🧠 #specialeducationadvocate #disabilityadvocate #onesizedoesnotfitall #stopthinkingitdoes

The Productivity Commission’s final report on Early Childhood Education and Care emphasises equity and access as central to building a universal ECEC system. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds, who stand to gain the most from high-quality early education, are often the least likely to access it. Children from more advantaged backgrounds tend to have better access to ECEC services, both in terms of availability and affordability. The inequity is stark. We hear and see this time and time again through our work and conversations with regional communities. These are real families and communities who are taking the hit and experiencing the broader social impact of lack of ECEC access. All families - ALL families - should have choice and access to high quality education and care not only for their children, but for parent/caregiver wellbeing, respite and economic empowerment. https://lnkd.in/gXhYPRYw