Be careful what you wish for...

Douglas Silas,
Specialist SEN Solicitor
15th March 2021

---

---

Too often, I find that we wish for something, but when our fantasy becomes reality and we eventually get it, it then actually does not make us as happy as we thought it would.

​In fact, sometimes when we get something that we previously wished for, it can actually make us unhappier than we were before (as our expectations have then been boosted unrealistically, so we then have farther then to come down)! We regularly let ourselves drift into fantasies in our minds, imagining that doing this or that, or getting this or that, will somehow magically take us away from our everyday realities. 

I am all for visualisation of success, but am always very clear to always point out to anyone who asks me that visualisation alone is not sufficient and you always need to also put in good old fashioned hard work behind the scenes constantly (and often for many months and years) perfecting a skill privately, before the rest of the world sees you succeed publicly; and even then you need to again concentrate on the next thing to achieve. 

Like I heard someone say once, everybody wants to succeed, but not everybody (often very few people in reality) are prepared to do what it takes to succeed!

Unfortunately, our society seems to be fixated on so many things that aren't real - whether it is an everyday fear of missing out (FOMO), just because we think that other people are doing better than us in life (which is usually not the case in reality, as they are usually just good at giving others that impression, by hiding away their difficulties), or because we try to believe what we see on-screen or in the movies, where everything always seems to work out for the best in the end. But that is just fantasy, not reality.

So, whilst  I always encourage people to pursue their dreams, I need to warn you to also recognise when those dreams are just fantasy and will leave you ultimately disappointed. But please do not think that I am trying to burst anyone's bubble. The greatest achievements that have been made over many years and centuries have been by people who have usually been told by others that they cannot do this or that, but have ignored them, worked hard and usually failed many times, but have never given up.

As I also heard someone say once, remember the person who gave up? No, no-one else does either!

In this week's  SEN Update you will find information about:

• PART-TIME TIMETABLES
• SEN MAGAZINE
• LATEST NEWS ONLINE

 
I know how busy everyone always is, so please feel free just to read the sections that are of interest to you or read everything; the choice is always yours.

Don’t forget, to ensure that you never miss one, you can get my SEN Updates personally by completing your email details above,
​or by following me on one of the social media platforms I use (i.e. Twitter/Facebook).

You can also share this SEN Update with others (please only do so if it may be relevant to them) by using one of the icons,
usually to the right or at the bottom of this page.

---

PART-TIME TIMETABLES
It's been bit of a slow week this week on the internet, with most people now focused on schools and colleges going back and so many parents and professionals trying to try and get back to some semblance of reality. 

As one of my friends also said to me, at this time last year, we were heading into our last week before the first 'lockdown'. Who could  have known that the world could change so much?

Anyway, rather than bombarding you with Government guidance again this week, I want to share with you  a very good (previous) factsheet that I found, which is still quite relevant, that has been shared by the IASS (Information. Advice and Support Service network), entitled: ''Part-time timetables', which they described/tweeted as follows:

"Here’s a factsheet about part-time timetables. It includes information relating to school attendance, reasons for giving a part-time timetable and examples of case law: http://bit.ly/PTFactsheet"
​
I hope this is helpful.

---

SEN MAGAZINE
This week I also want to highlight for you the good work that is done (and has been done for many years) by SEN magazine and direct you to their website: senmagazine.co.uk where you will find lots of interesting news, articles and information about SEN issues.

Whilst you are there, you can also download a free trial of their magazine and sign up to their monthly SENExtra newsletter.

---

LATEST NEWS ONLINE
As I say, it's been bit of a slow week this week, so I've only found a few news articles of interest:

First day back at school has 'gone well', say heads
Me and my neurodiverse family: ‘It’s chaotic, frenetic and hilarious’
Allow school trips in summer term, UK outdoor education centres say

---

Where can I find further information?
​
Again, aside from clicking on the relevant links for more information, I would also remind you of the very useful resources and information provided on the following websites:
 
- IPSEA
- Council for Disabled Children
- Contact
- Scope  
- Special Needs Jungle
 
I would also highlight again the fact that you can now get a digital copy of the magazine:  Autism Eye which is very helpful to any parents or professionals involved with children/young people with Autism.

Keep safe until next week.

With best wishes
 
Douglas

P.S I understand that there are always many educational/news items or other useful resources now on the web, so I would be very grateful if you could let me know of any that you find that you think that other people may find useful, so that I can direct people to it.

How useful do you find my SEN Updates?

Created with Quiz Maker