Tina Cockram, SEND Family Support

01/05/2026

It’s been such a busy week. I have now had time to pause and reflect… and there have been some really meaningful wins for my families this week.

From supporting in a Child in Need meeting where my input helped secure a strong package of support, to submitting comprehensive EHCP applications, preparing for mediation, and working through a DLA application in a quiet library space.

I’ve also had a really positive and exciting meeting with a local SEND organisation, and we’re hoping to collaborate on something that will support our community… more to come on that!!

I feel very grateful to be trusted to walk alongside my families, I love especially our little celebratory chats after a meeting when we have secured what we set out to achieve!

24/04/2026

✨ Welcome to “pop up office” for the day!

How lucky were we today to enjoy such a beautiful hybrid session 💛

We spent the first half of our 1:1 together on a peaceful wellbeing walk through the lovely gardens, taking time to check in and chat about what’s currently happening for one of my regular clients and their family.

Then it was time to switch gears! The second half of our session focused on the practical side of my support, getting things done and making positive steps forward.

Moments like this are a reminder that support doesn’t have to happen within four walls , it can be calm, flexible, and truly meaningful.

What a little gem we have in Middleton 🌿

💫 I’m also excited to be offering FREE in-person check-ins on 8th May, from 9:30am – 12:30pm for 20 minutes to get a little taster of the support I can offer.

If you’d like a friendly chat, some support, or to find out more about how I can help, feel free to get in touch to book your slot.

https://calendly.com/tinacockramsfs/in-person-checkin-20-minutes

20/04/2026

Love this video from the National Autistic Society, of a father recognising his own struggles as a child in his daughter.

17/04/2026

Good evening everyone and to my new likers!

My Free Discovery Call calendar is now open for next week. There are just four slots available.

What is a discovery call?

A discovery call is a relaxed, no-obligation conversation where we’ll talk about what’s happening for you right now, any challenges or difficulties you may be facing, and what kind of help or guidance you’re looking for. Together, we’ll explore whether I’m the right person to support you m...

17/04/2026

Today has been a busy one, supporting three families ❤️.

I have just got home and opened my laptop to an email from a family I supported today.

They had been feeling so frustrated and unable to communicate their child’s needs in school. Their little boy was being seen as “misbehaving”, when actually he has a developmental delay, which can show up as difficulties with emotional regulation, turn taking, and expressing when he feels overwhelmed.

Last night we had a call to prepare, talking through their concerns and the strategies that could really support him.

Today, I attended the meeting and checked in with them afterwards… and the difference in how they felt was huge.

This is why SEND family support matters.

If you’re feeling the same and not sure where to start, I offer free discovery calls, you can book here: https://calendly.com/d/ctpt-ppd-czp

16/04/2026

Please take a moment to watch this video…..it’s so such a powerful message.

I am sure this story will resonate with so many people. It’s an all to familiar and deeply shocking reality for SEND families and the true reality of the crisis we are in.

It’s heartbreaking to hear the pain behind stories like this one, it also reflects a wider truth, many families are at breaking point. This is not an isolated experience.

All too often, it feels as though local authorities are relying on families having no fight left, hoping parents won’t have the energy to challenge them and take their child’s case to Tribunal…

16/04/2026

Lovely read from Dr Naomi Fisher who has worked collaboratively with Missing The Mark. I have supported lots of families recently who have taken a leap of faith and have decided to Electively Home Educate. It’s a huge decision snd very daunting but take a look at this post, I think you will find it a great comfort

Have you got a teen who has stopped going to school - but isn't sure what happens next? Do they find it hard to imagine what learning could be like, if they aren't in a classroom?

Missing The Mark and I have written our next self-help books for teens, and it's all about learning. Not about schooling, but about learning. How to ignite that spark of curiosity and enthusiasm again, and to help them feel like they have the power to get themselves on track to live the life that they want. We talked to real-life teens who have done just that, and their stories are in the book.

It's available for pre-order now at all good booksellers. Packed full of cartoon illustrations and easy to leave around the house for people to flick through. I am particularly pleased that it's bright orange as I think that will make it harder to lose!

Please spread the word.

12/04/2026

✨ Helping Young People Understand What’s Beneath the Surface ✨

In my mentoring sessions, we gently explore what a young person may not yet have the words for.

Many children and young people struggle to explain how they feel. That’s why we use simple, supportive tools like mind maps and the iceberg visual.

I usually start off with a few seasons getting to know the young person around a game or activity, then we slowly explore our feelings, usually expanding that enjoyed activity, as that way it does not feel as imposing and direct.

My training is in person centred counselling and I believe we should be led by the young person at a pace that suits them. This approach is very reassuring and enables them to feel safe, adopting this approach you notice a change starts to happen in time.

What we often see on the surface:
👉 Anxiety
👉 EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance)
👉 Withdrawal
👉 Low mood
👉 Sleep difficulties

But underneath, there can be so much more…

Together, we build a picture over time, so their voice is heard and understood.

These visuals become incredibly important.
They help:
✔ Give evidence in meetings
✔ Show the bigger picture
✔ Support children who may be masking in school

This isn’t about quick fixes, it’s about understanding, trust, and giving young people the space to feel seen.

💛 Every child deserves to be understood, not just managed



*An AI image was used to create this post.

09/04/2026

Love Sir Stephen Fry, he makes a lot of sense on lots of subjects, on this occasion he is speaking out on living with bipolar. It’s a great message “the storm will pass….you just have to hang in there”

08/04/2026

Last week I won at tribunal 🙌

However this time, it was over a parking ticket issued by Manchester City Council because payment was not made within 10 minutes of arrival at a car park. What they didn’t take into account at all was someone supporting a child with autism, the challenges of transiting to a new environment, navigating an unfamiliar car park, and even trying to find a payment machine that was in an area that stunk strongly of urine 🤢 and lots of other factors !

It isn’t always straightforward and rigid rules don’t reflect the reality many people face.

I fought this all the way, I am very principled 💪🏻……and I am pleased to say the decision was overturned……dopamine hit was secured.

A reminder that it’s always worth challenging something when you know it’s not right.