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Wow, just wow! After the local authority declined to assess my son for an EHCP, through to a draft EHCP which was full of flaws, Rachael Edwards managed to help and supported me to amend the draft EHCP to ensure that the needs of my son were addressed. When the LA then declined to agree any of these amendments, I was despondent and really upset. After multiple phone calls with the LA, I was in tears and getting nowhere. I turned again to Orchid SEND consultants. Rachael wrote me a superb letter that I sent via email to the LA. It was so good that I got an email response back in 20 minutes. I felt that finally I had been listened to. Our journey isn't over, but I know that Orchid will be there with their great support if needed. I wish I had contacted them sooner.
Parent
"Rachel Parsons has the rare skill of making children of all ability levels feel proud of themselves and empowered to achieve to their full potential."
Parent
We have called on Rachel Parsons a number of times for advice. She is amazing, always gets back to us in a timely manner, has a real empathic nature and totally understands our child's needs and world. Rachel was instrumental in supporting our child after falling out of school and has been on hand ever since to support with our child's Education and Health Care Plan to ensure that it is managed properly.
She is a real powerhouse and is now firmly a tool in our toolkit as we navigate our way through the school system.
We would definitely recommend using Orchid.
Parent
Rachael Edwards has completed 2 dyslexia assessments on our sons (aged 12 & 14). Throughout the whole process she has been fantastic! She has explained each step of the process and built a relationship with the boys to make them feel comfortable and listened to. They both really enjoyed the day - even though it was hard work!
Her reports have been extremely thorough and show how she has spent time really getting to know the boys' personalities and their specific learning issues and needs.
Their school has accepted the reports and her diagnosis and have agreed to put her recommendations in place.
I would highly recommend Orchid Consultancy and have been very grateful to have met such a fantastic team in my home town of Ilkley.
Thanks so much
Parent
I really valued your assessment, you had a very detailed, thorough look and the combination of assessments seemed very useful. Your professional experience and expertise really came through. I thought you had a great approach with T and that he was willing to engage with the process was evidence of this.
Parent
"It has certainly been a very, very emotional rollercoaster over the last 8 months and I just really wanted to thank Rachael Edwards, so much for all her help. I don’t think I would have managed to turn the outcome around on the initial appeal for assessment without your help, so a big, big, huge thank you!! J will now receive the support he needs for secondary, which is just fantastic and I am absolutely thrilled. You have done a tremendous job. I have literally cried my eyes out with happy tears all day! Thank you again and I will certainly be recommending yourself, if anyone else in my path has similar issues."
Parent
"Rachael Edwards attended my 18 year old son’s EHCP meeting at very short notice and made a discernible difference to ensuring the document was fit for purpose at this critical time of his school career. She clearly understood exactly what was needed and was so impressive with her insight and knowledge that the Headteacher asked if she could attend all the school’s EHCP meetings! It definitely gave me far more confidence on the day knowing that I had Rachael’s expertise to hand and that she is there to support me through this very stressful process."
Parent
“We met Rachel Parsons prior to our daughter starting at IGS. We were very concerned about how our daughter would manage after she had fallen out of school due to severe anxiety. Rachel was brilliant at listening to our concerns, answering any questions and making suggestions on how we might move forward. She was very accommodating and flexible in meeting our needs. I asked my daughter what she would say about Rachel and she said automatically that Rachel was a real help in getting her back to school. Her face lit up when I mentioned Rachel’s name”
Parent
"Rachel Parsons is incredibly experienced in all matters SEN related and knows the education system inside out. The moment you meet her, it's clear that what drives her is a genuine love of children and a concern to ensure that they all receive a level playing field. She dealt with our concerns and questions in a direct, practical way and with real sensitivity and understanding of the issues. I can't think of anyone better to have in your corner if you are a parent of a child with SEN"
Parent of two children with SEND
"Rachel Parsons has a deep and extended interest in of all aspects of SEND. An experienced practitioner, Rachel is able to use her skills and knowledge to plan and deliver exceptional support to all types of SEND and vulnerable learners. Her warm and caring nature allows young people and their parents to have full confidence and trust that she will work tirelessly to deliver excellent SEND support."
Director of Inclusion - Secondary school
"If you are worried about anything Mrs Parsons is the person to see. She is very kind, considerate and calm."
Pupil
"Having supported Rachel Parsons in building an inclusion department I found her in-depth knowledge relating to the whole range of Special Educational Needs invaluable. Her experience in working with children and young people across the entire age range covered by the SEND Code of Practice enables her to empathise and support families with diverse needs. Enthusiastic and tenacious, Rachel always puts the needs of the child first and works hard to ensure that their voice is heard. Parents and children alike have confidence in her from the very first meeting."
Vice Principal Secondary School
"Rachael Edwards is passionate about ensuring that children with SEND and their families have the best possible experience of education...….. She has a wide knowledge of SEND and of how to get the right support for children at the right time. She uses her knowledge and expertise well to solve problems and find solutions that work for children and families.
Rachael is an excellent teacher. She always carries out her duties as a classroom practitioner and as a SENDCo with the utmost professionalism. She is a kind and caring individual for whom the interests of her pupils is paramount. I always valued her contribution to the whole school, whether in terms of SEND or other aspects of school life."
Education Consultant/Former Deputy Headteacher
"Rachael Edwards is a hardworking and dedicated SENDCo, who is a true advocate for the children she works with. The wellbeing of the child is at the heart of what she does. Her ambition is for all children to thrive and flourish in school. Uniquely, she understands SEND practice and provision from the perspective of a parent, teacher and school leader"
Assistant Headteacher
“Navigating the special needs jungle can be particularly tricky for any parent/carer and our children’s education and their future is so important. I contacted Rachael Edwards when my son was approaching a transition, his EHCP had not been updated correctly and I wasn’t sure what to do. Rachael was great, she reassured me about my concerns, had lots of useful advice and we came up with an action plan that I felt comfortable with following up. Really useful to have an independent person with lots of experience to support. Thank you so much.”
Parent
"I have worked with Rachael Edwards for 4 years in a primary school. I can honestly say Rachael is the most dedicated and knowledgeable SENDCo that I have ever worked with! Rachael has a clear understanding of the meaning of collaborative working, and the impact that this has for a child with SEND. Rachael is skilled in recognising what children need, able to develop and embed whole school/class strategies, support staff with delivering targeted interventions as well as recognise when advice is required from outside agencies. Staff working with Rachael feel supported and her empathic ear means that parents feel reassured that their child's needs are being met."
Speech and Language Therapist
"Speaking with Rachael Edwards about my child and their learning needs was very helpful. It both reassured me that what I was expecting from school was reasonable and prepared me for meetings with school with clear agendas for each meeting. She helped me navigate the SEN process and make referrals to Bradford’s SEN services to get the best support for my child."
Parent
"Rachael Edwards attended my 18 year old son’s EHCP meeting at very short notice and made a discernible difference to ensuring the document was fit for purpose at this critical time of his school career. She clearly understood exactly what was needed and was so impressive with her insight and knowledge that the Headteacher asked if she could attend all the school’s EHCP meetings! It definitely gave me far more confidence on the day knowing that I had Rachael’s expertise to hand and that she is there to support me through this very stressful process."
Parent
"I have worked with Rachael Edwards for many years. Rachael is a highly-skilled colleague, who’s expertise in special educational needs has enriched the quality of provision accessed by many children. She promotes the importance of inclusivity within the learning environment and puts the development & well-being of the children at the centre of her work. Rachael supports families and colleagues to shape a highly personalised curriculum which best suits the needs, and the happiness, of the child. She is incredibly friendly and approachable, which means that she is able to support families effectively to ensure that the children can achieve to the best of their ability."