Schools Advice Service
Help to find the right school for children with special educational needs
Bernadette John, Director
I have inside knowledge of hundreds of schools gained during almost a decade working as a reviewer for a leading schools guide. More recently, I headed up its SEN consultancy and editorial divisions from 2015-2019, identifying schools which are doing the best job in their field, and providing advice to thousands of parents.
Prior to this I was involved with several charities, advising and advocating for parents of SEN children, and working with government pathfinder organisations to establish local SEN services.
I also have personal experience – my eldest son has special educational needs following a premature birth. I have agonised over school choices, had to remove him from schools in crisis situations, and fought many battles with the local authority to secure the right school and college places for him.
I have a network of professionals who I can refer you to for additional support, assessments, therapy, and legal advice.
Contact me for further details.
"I am so grateful we came across Bernadette, not only for her expert knowledge of the SEN sector and thorough approach in evaluating settings, but for how she partners with parents all round to make sure they get the best possible outcome. Her understanding of our world is vast and she is always on hand to advise and support with true empathy when it comes to the challenges. I cannot speak highly enough of the support and service she offers." HB
Articles by Bernadette John
What to look for in a school for a child with SEN, SEN magazine
Key things to consider when choosing a school for a child with special needs, SEN magazine
https://senmagazine.co.uk/home/uncategorised/the-big-decision
Special schools are nothing to be afraid of, SEN magazine
https://senmagazine.co.uk/home/articles/senarticles-2/who-s-afraid-of-special-schools
Something isn't quite right ... what to do if your child is having difficulties at school, Absolutely Education
https://absolutely-education.co.uk/special-educational-needs-expert-concerned-about-child/
Gender questioning, Absolutely Education
https://issuu.com/zestmedialondon/docs/ab_ed_aw_17/86
Fussy eating and food avoidance, Chalk & Chat
https://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/digital-media/chalk-and-chat/issue-six/fussy-eating
Siblings and children with SEN, Chalk & Chat
https://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/digital-media/chalk-and-chat/issue-eight/siblings-and-sen
Media commentary
I provide commentary on all education issues to news outlets. I have appeared on all major TV news programmes, as well as the Today programme and other national and regional radio shows, and I have provided interviews and quotes for all national newspapers.
