SEND coffee mornings provide support and insight for parents.
This week, Finham Park School proudly hosted two successful SEND Coffee Mornings for parents and carers, offering a valuable opportunity for discussion, support, and collaboration.
Presentation slides from Coffee mornings
Year 6 Transition Coffee Morning - Wednesday 9 July 2025
On Wednesday, we welcomed parents and carers of incoming Year 7 students to our Year 6 SEND Coffee Morning. This session focused on how we support students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) as they transition into secondary school.
Parents met key members of the SEND team, including Jo Kovacs (Director of SEND), Deputy SENDCOs Rachael Hurton and Cat Reardon, as well as our wider pastoral and support staff. We explained how we gather information from primary schools to ensure a smooth start for every student, and shared how Pupil Passports are created to outline key strategies for supporting students.
The session also covered:
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How students are placed on the SEND register.
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Types of needs we support, including Autism Spectrum Condition, ADHD, Specific Learning Difficulties, Speech & Language needs, and more.
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Access arrangements for exams.
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How we work with external agencies such as Educational Psychology, CAMHS, and Speech & Language Services.
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Key contacts for parents if they have concerns or questions.
Parents appreciated the chance to meet the staff, ask questions, and learn about the strong network of support available at Finham Park.
Current Parent Coffee Morning - Friday 11 July 2025
Today, we welcomed current parents and carers to explore two key topics aimed at supporting students' wellbeing and progress: Energy Accounting for Autistic Fatigue and Burnout and Understanding and Managing Anxiety.
Energy Accounting and Autistic Burnout
Led by Deputy SENDCO Rachael Hurton, this session explored autistic fatigue and burnout, common challenges for autistic students. Parents learned about:
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The causes of autistic fatigue, such as sensory overload, social pressures, and masking behaviours.
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The signs of burnout, which may include meltdowns, increased sensitivity, and even physical shutdowns.
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How “Energy Accounting” can help students balance their energy by tracking what activities drain or replenish them, and adjusting their routines to avoid burnout.
Understanding and Managing Anxiety
In the second part of the morning, we focused on anxiety, a significant issue for many young people. The session covered:
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The impact of anxiety on learning, health, and relationships.
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Building a “toolkit” of strategies to manage anxiety effectively.
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The process for referrals to external services, such as CAMHS, if additional support is required.
Parents were provided with practical strategies they can try at home and reassured that our Learning Mentors and support staff are on hand to work closely with families.
Thank You
We would like to thank all the parents and carers who attended this week. Your engagement and collaboration are vital in supporting your children to thrive at Finham Park.
If you were unable to attend but would like further information, please don’t hesitate to contact our SEND team or your child’s College Mentor.
