SEND Support Packs For Island Schools As Fundraising Target Smashed

After a fundraising appeal was set up just days ago, the group behind a campaign to provide Island schools with Special Educational Needs support packs says it's smashed its target.

Isle of Wight SEN Support - the group of parents behind the project, most of whom have a child with additional needs - brainstormed the idea to provide schools and colleges on the Isle of Wight with the packs.

Each pack will contain resources to help school staff better support SEND children, including:

• an open letter
• books that have changed the parents' way of supporting their children and contain valuable information to help school staff better support them
• visual aids that explain complex behaviours in a simple way
• some sweet treats for the staff members
• a list of further recommended resources from the SEND community

An initial target of £1,550 was set and a GoFundMe page launched online. In under a week, that target has been exceeded.

Head organiser, Colleen Mary Brannon, said:

"I can’t quite believe I am writing this so soon, but thanks to you, to your amazing support, we have already reached our £1550 target!

"The fact that we have been able to do this so quickly, that so many families, even in these difficult times, have spared something to support us, demonstrates how important this is to so many people, that people really do feel there’s a need for better understanding of SEN kids in school."

Any extra money raised will be spent on further resources and treats for staff members.

Colleen added:

"I truly believe this project has the potential to positively impact children, families and schools. 3 of those children likely to be positively impacted are my babies.

"So when I thank you, it’s not just polite, or a gesture of professional gratitude- it is deeply personal and from the bottom of my heart."

For more information on isle of Wight SEN Support, and for further updates on the project, find the Facebook page here.