Don't Let Yourself Get Distracted...

Douglas Silas,
Specialist SEN Solicitor
8th February 2021

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This week I am going to try to go a bit lighter and not give you as much to read if possible, so you don't let yourself get distracted.

Unfortunately, these days, just as we read and delete one email or social media account, another three or more enter our inbox or feed!  In fact, we seem these days to be constantly bombarded by notifications, social media posts or news (whether that be on the TV/the radio, in print or online), all competing to distract us as best they can from what we are doing.

So we need to take back control of our life and not let other things control us. For me, I have switched off notifications, use an email filtering service (its called 'Sanebox' if you are interested) and now only read, listen to or catch up with the news at the weekend (I have found that if something is important, it will somehow filter up to me through other people, or it will have by then resolved itself!)

Ultimately, the trick is not to let yourself get distracted or become too emotionally attached to things. So feel free to only quickly scan this email and, if there is not something of interest to you, just delete it (yes, I said that, you have my permission!) If you really think that it may be relevant to you or others, then either deal with it immediately, or put it into a 'news' or 'later' folder to look at later when you have time.

But the most important thing though is to get it out of your inbox/feed and get on with your life - you have more important things to do.

​And don't worry, I will write another update next week!

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The first thing I want to point you to this week is a free online book library that is available,  which I found through a news article a few weeks ago on the BBC's website, entitled: 'Virtual library gives children in England free book access' , which stated:

'Children in England will be able to access books online free during school closures via a virtual library.

Internet classroom Oak National Academy created the library after schools moved to remote learning for the majority of pupils until February half-term.

Formed with The National Literacy Trust, the library will provide a book a week from its author of the week.
The aim is to increase young readers' access to e-books and audiobooks, particularly the most disadvantaged.

Oak National Academy is funded by the Department for Education....'

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There are also a number of good resources out there, such as from Contact, including:

- Their 'Listening Ear' service which provides free 1-1 support for parents via telephone appointment. Their advisers can help with emotional support, strategies for reducing your child's anxiety & challenging behaviour and much more. Book here: https://bit.ly/3gd2aYH
- 'The helpful podcast for families with disabled children' (search for this in your podcast app), which they say covers disability benefits, special education, health and diagnosis, and accessing social care and is another way for you to access their invaluable and trusted information.
- Their 'Education and Learning' information pages, which you can find here

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There were again lots of thought-provoking new articles this week in the media - here's a few if you are interested:

Over a million pupils in England's schools as demand rises
Coronavirus doctor's diary: We're getting self-harming 10-year-olds in A&E
'I'm stressed. I shout. Can I do better?': experts advise on pandemic parenting
Covid: The devastating toll of the pandemic on children (only brought to my attention this week)

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Where can I find further information?
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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 digital copies of the magazines: SEN Magazine and Autism Eye which are both very helpful to any parents or professionals involved with children/young people with SEN.

Keep safe until next week.

With best wishes
 
Douglas

P.S I understand that there are a number of educational 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 other people may find useful, so that I can direct people to it.

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