Sunshine Support

29/03/2026

If you’re looking at this graphic and quietly thinking, “this feels familiar”, you’re not alone.

In the early years, ADHD can show up in ways that are often brushed off as “just a phase”, “boisterous behaviour”, or “they’ll grow out of it”. But for many children, these patterns are early signs that they need understanding, support and the right strategies around them.

Sleep struggles, impulsivity, big emotions, constant movement, difficulty focusing, risky behaviour, or seeming “one step ahead and then miles behind” can be exhausting for parents and confusing for professionals.

Our ADHD webinar is designed to help you make sense of what you’re seeing. We talk through what ADHD really looks like in children, how it can present differently, and how to support your child in ways that reduce stress at home and in settings.

This is not about labels for the sake of it.
It’s about clarity, reassurance and knowing what to do next.

🎟 Book your place here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1952719790459

You don’t need to keep second guessing yourself.

29/03/2026

✨ Real advice
✨ Real answers
✨ Real experts

That’s what our SEND Advice Clinics are all about - and the next one’s happening on 23rd April at 7pm.

Whether you’re stuck in the EHCP process, unsure what to say to school, or just need a straight answer… this is your space.

💬 Join us for a live online session with our trusted consultants. Ask anything. Share what's going on. Get help.

⚠️ These clinics fill up fast - last month sold out - so grab your place quick:
https://forms.office.com/e/EPgg41LpaK

Not a member yet? It’s just £10.99 a month - cancel anytime, but trust us, you’ll want to stay: www.sunshine-support.org/academy

28/03/2026

Be honest… we promise we won’t judge.

👉 What’s the one thing you meant to do today but absolutely didn’t?

Tomorrow is a concept. This is a safe space 😌
Reply to someone who’s in the same boat.

28/03/2026

🌞 The feedback from Week of SEND has been pouring in 🌞

Over the past week, we have heard from parents, carers, teachers and professionals who have told us how empowering, clarifying and confidence‑building Week of SEND was. Messages about finally understanding EHCPs, feeling more confident to advocate, and no longer feeling alone have been landing with us every day.

If there is one thing you give your time to right now, make it this.
Week of SEND is available on demand, ready to watch at your own pace, in your own time. Every session. All the learning. All in one place.

If SEND has been taking up too much space in your head, this is your sign to down tools and get the clarity you deserve.

👉 Watch Week of SEND on demand now:
https://sunshineacademy.sunshine-support.org/course/week-of-send-26

Everything is there. Waiting for you.

28/03/2026

SEND life can feel isolating.
But it doesn’t have to be.

Cuppa&Chat is about finding your people. The ones who nod instead of judge. Who don’t need the backstory. Who understand the juggle, the worry and the love.

Free to attend.
Online and in person.
Multiple dates and times.
Hosted by Emma and Jo.

Pull up a chair. Your tribe is waiting.

Book here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/cuppachat-sessions-3847953

28/03/2026

If you’re looking at this graphic and quietly thinking, “this feels familiar”, you’re not overthinking it.

In the early years, autism can show up in subtle, everyday ways that are often explained away as personality, stages, or development “catching up”. But noticing these patterns early can make a huge difference to how supported a child feels and how confident you feel as a parent or practitioner.

Our Autism in Early Years webinar is gentle, practical and grounded in real life, not textbook theory. We talk through what autism can look like in children aged 0–6, how it may present differently, and how to respond with understanding rather than fear.

This session is for parents, carers and early years professionals who want clarity, reassurance and a better sense of what to do next. No pressure. No labels for the sake of it. Just knowledge that empowers.

🎟 Book your place here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1968520803715

Learning now can change everything later.

27/03/2026

He is seven.

He has been out of school for a long time because his anxiety was simply too much. Mornings were battles. Attendance was impossible. His nervous system had completely shut down.

When the draft EHCP came through, the Local Authority maintained their position. Mainstream was still “appropriate”. Nothing needed to change.

But we knew that was not the full picture.

Jess Thomsett worked carefully through the draft. Specific amendments were made. The reality of this child’s needs was clearly evidenced. A push for reconsideration at placement panel followed.

And this week, it was agreed.

A special school placement has been named.

A setting built for him.
A space where anxiety is understood, not punished.
A fresh start.

This mum first came to us after attending Kelly’s in person "How to write your EHC needs assessment request" workshop. From that very first application to today, we have walked the journey with her.

And it does not stop here. Her second child’s EHCNA has now been agreed and we are already supporting at draft stage.

When one door opens, others can too.

It should not be this hard to secure the right education. But when families are informed and supported, change happens.

Wishing you all a calm, hopeful weekend ahead. If you need any help, just message us.

27/03/2026

I was diagnosed with ADHD at 40.

Looking back, one of the things I care most about now is helping adults understand children and young people with ADHD earlier than I was understood. Because when ADHD is misunderstood, it can have a huge impact on mental health.

We know so much more now. And that knowledge can help prevent burnout, anxiety and mental health crises later on.

That’s exactly why we’ve created this **ADHD in Children and Young People webinar** with my brilliant colleague **Gabby Gregory**. She’ll explore what ADHD really looks like in children, how it shows up at home and in school, and what we can do to support young people properly.

Parents and teachers both welcome. Because the more we understand, the better we can protect our children’s wellbeing.

🎟 Book your place here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1952719790459

27/03/2026

And our EHCP workshop is underway!

Breakfast went down well, and now is busy with her team empowering amazing parents with knowledge - and after lunch we will get started on writing those request letters!

This is one of our favourite days!

Let’s go!

27/03/2026

When ADHD and autism sit side by side, it can feel confusing, contradictory and exhausting to parent.

One minute your child needs constant movement and stimulation.
The next they need routine, quiet and predictability.
They can be hyper focused and chaotic. Sensitive and sensory seeking. Deeply empathetic but struggling socially.

If this infographic made you go “oh… that’s my child”, please know this:

👉 You are not imagining it
👉 You are not failing
👉 And there is a way to understand what’s going on

We’ve put together a series of webinars that break this down in a practical, compassionate way. Not textbook theory. Real life support from people who live and work in this world every day.

ADHD in Children webinar: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1952719790459

Autism in Early Years webinar: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1968520803715

Autism in Women & Girls webinar: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1856988696179

Masking and Burnout webinar: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1963183880835

These sessions are about understanding your child, protecting their wellbeing and giving you the confidence to advocate without burning out yourself.

There is hope. There is language for what you’re seeing. And there is a community ready to walk this with you.

Book a place and come learn with us 💛

26/03/2026

A phase transfer happens when a child or young person with an EHCP moves from one stage of education to another.

For transfers from secondary school to post-16 education, the deadline is 31 March.

Read more in our blog below and let us know if you'd like any help.

(PS the phase transfer for primary and primary to secondary was 15th February, if you have difficulties or concerns about this just send us a DM!)

https://sunshineacademy.sunshine-support.org/blog/phase-transfers-what-they-are-and-why-they-matter-for-children-with-an-ehcp

This blog explains Phase Transfers for children with an EHCP, outlining what they are, why they matter, and how parents can navigate education transitions with confidence.

26/03/2026

Adoption is beautiful, complicated, emotional and rarely talked about in the honest way families actually live it.

In this episode of Sip of Sunshine, Chrissa sits down with Grace to talk openly about adoption; the rewards, the grief, the unexpected challenges and the deep love that sits alongside all of it. It’s a conversation about real life, not the polished version people see from the outside.

If adoption is part of your world, or you want to better understand the journey families walk, this episode is thoughtful, raw and incredibly human.

🎥 Watch now on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atwzjOEtDPs&list=PLMJYT9mj7eOA14ZVH1e6y2raIWey1PDPf&index=8

If it resonates, like and subscribe so more families can find these conversations. You’re not alone in your story.

In this episode of Sip of Sunshine, Chris Wadlow is joined by Grace, one of our brilliant SEND consultants at Sunshine Support. Grace shares her journey from...