About Us
Talking SENse! is a registered charity providing low cost advocacy, advice and support to parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities. It was founded by Ken Upton working in partnership with a range of other parents. It was these parents that agreed the name and the logo.
I have first-hand experience of the SEN system when applying for my son’s statement. It was not easy and I needed the specialist knowledge and expertise that Talking SENse! provides.
We are a small team with a wealth of experience in the area of special educational needs including SEN Support, EHC needs assessments, EHC plans, annual review, mediation and, tribunal appeals. We know that the system is scary, some would even say corrupt. All of our advocates are parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities. We will do all we can to help.
We provide independent specialist advice, advocacy and support to parents on local authorities’ legal duties to assess and provide for children with special educational needs. If necessary we support parents in appealing to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal including representation if required. Our experienced case workers understand the responsibility, stress and anguish that having a child with special educational needs places on parents.
We are dedicated to working with you, to understand the needs of your child.
Our People
Sylvia Stanway
Position: Chair
Sylvia is an autistic woman with two autistic children with first-hand experience of the battles parents face in securing lawful provision for their children.
Following her appointment, Sylvia said "I am delighted to serve Talking SENse! It's mission to provide low cost advocacy to parents of children with SEN ensuring children get lawful provision is very close to my heart".
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Ken Upton
Position: Advocate
As well as being a SEND parent with lived experience of the SEND framework, Ken has worked in the field of SEND with parents, schools, voluntary organisations, and local authorities (LA) for three decades. Ken ran eleven tribunal appeals for two of his own children whilst expanding his continuing professional development (CPD) of the SEND framework by:
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- Obtaining an accreditation in SEND accredited by the University of Westminster.
- Obtaining an accreditation in Parent SEN Advocacy via SEN Action.
- Passing the IPSEA SEND law training for public and private sector levels one, two, and three.
- Attending law conferences.
- Volunteering and short-term employment at IPSEA as an advice line volunteer, tribunal support volunteer, and trainer/mentor of law students.
- Volunteering with SOS!SEN.
Rachel Swingler
Position: Advocate
Rachel is a SEND parent with lived experience of the SEND framework. She was previously a SENCO in an early years setting when she combined that role with providing 1:1 support to children with complex needs for several years. Rachel ran four tribunal appeals for her youngest daughter and has attended the Tribunal has a witness for parents. Rachel’s CPD of the SEND framework includes:
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- Passing the IPSEA SEND law training for public and private sector levels one, two, and three.
- Understanding the EHCP process with Contact.
- EHC needs assessments and Annual review with Talking SENse!
- Many various autism training events.
- Fabricated Induced Illness.
- Welsh Additional Learning Needs webinar.
Sarah Nikola
Position: Treasurer
I am mom to a wonderfully complex beautiful daughter. I firmly believe ALL children should have access to the education they need and deserve, which is why I am very proud and happy to support Talking SENse!
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Elliot Garbett
Position: Secretary
I am 24 years of age and I have just completed a law degree at Aberystwyth University. While I was at university, I developed a passion for working with people of all ages and abilities to help them achieve their goals and aspirations in life.
One of the aspects that makes me unique is that I have cerebral palsy and I am also hearing impaired. Throughout my life I have come across various boundaries and obstacles and I have had to find ways to overcome them.
I currently work with a range of people who have a range of disabilities across the West Midlands holding group discussions on careers advice and working with them on a one-to-one basis to help them obtain their goals. I also work with companies to make sure they meet all of the requirements, have the adequate adjustments in place and give them advice on employing people with disabilities.
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Jane Moore
Position: Trustee
Jane is married with four children and has a grandson with visual impairment.
Jane has a background with the voluntary sector, which started in 1993 when she became secretary for Walsall Deaf People's Centre. Later she joined a youth charity, which is where she perfected her accountancy skills. A retired nurse of many years, Jane now enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.
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Jo Yarnall
Position: Trustee
I'm a single mom to three children, my eldest having Down's Syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and rheumatoid juvenile arthritis. I set up a Down's Syndrome charity nine years ago called PROUD (Parents Relatives and Others Understanding Downs) and also trained as a Makaton tutor. In addition to this I am involved in parent participation with the local authority.
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Mary Adamson
Position: Trustee
I am a single mom of four children. The youngest is 15. He was diagnosed with high functioning autism in November 2011 and attends a pupil referral unit.
I currently work as an integration assistant in a mainstream primary school; supporting children with SEN.
I became a trustee for Talking SENse as it is of great importance to me.
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