The interview is in response to last week’s announcement by Paul Givan, Northern Ireland’s Education Minister, of his programme to reform the provision of support for children with special educational needs. Tori Sheppard, a neuro-developmental therapist based in Coleraine, says the announcement has been met with some emotion by the local press, social media, parents, and educators.
Tori Sheppard is a professional who works with families navigating the system. She is also a parent who has found getting help for her own children – both in education and in the NHS – to be a struggle.
Her first thought on hearing the announcement was that the policy makers and educators who will shape this programme should hear from one of the world’s leading experts in child development and neuro-developmental education, Sally Goddard Blythe.
She asks that if you know anyone who is in a position to influence the future of education in Northern Ireland, or press/news agencies who would be interested in following up with Sally Goddard Blythe, please share this interview with them.
It’s also a good watch for parents and teachers and anyone interested in this work.
