Just because you can, doesn't mean you should...

​Douglas Silas,
Specialist SEN Solicitor
19th April 2021

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​Just because you can do something, doesn't mean that you should do it...

People say that this is sometimes better referred to as knowing the difference between the theory and the practice, or knowing when it is better to think something only and not say it.

This latter principle is a favourite of mine and you will often hear me telling people that, although they can think something when speaking to someone, they should not always say it out loud, as if it is the wrong thing to say, it is now out there and they can never take it back, no matter how hard they try. This is especially true these days, when what you say can be so quickly amplified by social media - it can really have devastating and life-changing consequences for someone in just a short while.

Too often, we just want to demonstrate to the world how clever we are because we can do or say this or that. But as I also often say, there is a difference between being clever and being wise. The clever person will want other people to know how clever they are, but the wise person will keep silent or not do anything, as they know that speaking or doing a lot is often not very wise in the long run.

So, when you find yourself about to say or do something, stop yourself for just a second and internally ask yourself if you are only saying or doing it because you can and are really just trying to show other people how clever you are and the wisest thing is actually not to say it or do it. ​If you then don't say it or do it, just because you can, you may have just saved yourself from a difficult situation afterwards!

​In this week's SEN Update, you will find sections entitled:
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• NOTHING REALLY HAPPENS SOMETIMES
• 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.

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NOTHING REALLY HAPPENS SOMETIMES

This is, for most people involved with schools/colleges (either directly or indirectly), the first day back after the break (yes, I know that many of you, like me, only really had the Bank Holiday weekend off!)

Again (this is the third week), there has not been much to report on and the only thing that I think that is worth my bringing to your attention (aside from the new stories below) is the fact that the charity/organisation, IPSEA has dated its webpage entitled: 'IPSEA update on COVID-19 and SEN provision' that contains summaries of the current government advice.

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LATEST NEWS ONLINE
And here are the news articles that I found of interest this week:

Covid: Colleges face losing tens of millions of pounds
Government urged to scrap plans to assess youngest primary kids

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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 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

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