Introducing the "Who Am I" Programme – A Guide for Parents

The SEND Foundation, in collaboration with main stream and SEND schools, is excited to introduce Who Am I? – a new course that we are currently piloting in select schools across the UK.

What is Who Am I?

Who Am I? is a specially designed workshop for learners of all ages – from Primary to Secondary and beyond. In today’s world, where children and young people are facing increasing challenges related to mental health and emotional well-being, this course aims to support their growth, confidence, and emotional understanding.

Course Structure: Sessions

The course consists of two key sessions:

• Session 1: A 3-hour workshop delivered on the same day.

• Session 2: A 2-hour follow-up and evaluation session.

There is also the possibility of a Parent Information Session to provide you with insights and updates about the course and its outcomes.

Total Duration: 5 hours per group Maximum of 12 students per course. Students must opt-in or be curious about taking part – participation is encouraged, not forced. Groups can include form groups, classes, or selected students, which will be agreed upon in consultation with your school.

Why is this Course Important?

More and more young people are navigating challenges such as:

• Anxiety and stress

• Social and emotional struggles

• Friendships and communication difficulties

• Hormonal changes

• A general need to understand and express their feelings better

Who Am I? provides a safe and supportive space for learners to explore who they are, what they feel, and how to communicate those feelings in a healthy and positive way.

What Will Your Child Learn?

Throughout the course, children and young people will:

1. Explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences in an age-appropriate and engaging way.

2. Develop tools and strategies to better understand their feelings and communicate effectively.

3. Build confidence and self-awareness that will help them manage social and emotional challenges both inside and outside of school.

   
   
   
   
   
   

Tailored to Your School’s Needs

The course content will be customised to suit the school’s specific context and the age range of the students taking part. This will be done in consultation and collaboration with Beth, Claire & Paul to ensure it meets the needs of your learners.

Meet the Team: Who Will Deliver the Course?

Beth Widdrington

Specialist SEND Group CEO

With more than 20 years of experience in education, Beth’s career began in teaching and has been dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people with SEND. Having pursued extensive studies in behaviour and mental health, Beth is passionate about empowering professionals to help children reach their full potential through the work of the Specialist SEND Group.

Claire Bramwell

International & Training Manager

Claire’s teaching experience spans Primary and Special Schools across the UK. She has worked with young people on the verge of exclusion for a prominent UK charity and managed school music projects. Now, as International & Training Manager for SEND International, Claire recruits for UK and international schools and is a specialist SEND trainer.

Paul Maguire

Senior SEND Trainer

Paul brings 30 years of experience in residential social care. A qualified social worker with an MA in Applied Social Studies and DipSW from Durham University, Paul spent 25 years as a registered manager of a local authority children’s home. Now a Senior SEND Trainer, Paul is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and experience with others through high-quality training.

Paul Bray SEND Trainer

Over 25 years of mainstream and SEND experience as teacher and school leader. An internationally published author, SEND educational scholar and renowned tutor. He has spoken at many National and Global conferences, including the World Education Summit, two Global Education Solutions Conferences and was iCERi Inclusion & SEND Conference Chair, 2023.

All trainers are DBS-checked and Mental Health First Aiders.

How Will It Benefit Your Child?

By attending Who Am I?, learners will gain skills to:

• Understand and express their emotions in a healthy manner.

• Build stronger friendships and navigate social situations.

• Feel more confident in themselves and their unique identities.

• Manage feelings of anxiety, stress, or emotional overwhelm.

These essential life skills will support learners now and equip them with a strong foundation for their future well-being.

Working Together for a Brighter Future

We are thrilled to be piloting Who Am I? in schools across the UK and look forward to seeing its positive impact on learners. This course has been developed with their unique needs in mind and addresses an important area that often goes overlooked in traditional education.

We understand that parents play a vital role in supporting children’s emotional health, and we encourage you to talk to your child about the course as they begin this journey of self-discovery.

If you have any questions or would like more information about Who Am I?, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s school or our team at Jonathan@thesendfoundation.org

Together, let’s help our children feel confident, understood, and ready to take on the world.