Valuing Minds

12/09/2025

Some lovely feedback from the mother of an 11 year old:

"We have had the privilege of working with Nicky for over four years, and her support has been truly invaluable to our family. She has taken the time to really get to know us and understand our child’s unique needs, offering not just professional expertise but also genuine compassion and care throughout.

Nicky has supported us through two SEND Tribunals, and her guidance, clarity, and calm reassurance at every stage made an incredibly difficult process so much more manageable. Her reports are detailed, insightful, and always focused on what is best for the child. Thanks to Nicky's support we were able to secure the right secondary school placement.

We are so grateful for everything Nicky has done for our child and for us as a family. Her knowledge, dedication, and thoughtful approach have made a lasting difference, and we would wholeheartedly recommend her to any family seeking support on their SEND journey."

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=796507662174954&set=pb.100054471819380.-2207520000

Some more lovely feedback:
"Many thanks Nicky and thank you for producing such a helpful report and for your excellent input as a witness at the Tribunal at such short notice."

12/09/2025

What are some of the keys to unlocking pupils motivation and engagement? Read our latest blog to find out:

In this blog, Olivia Riddle looks at key principoles underlying pupil motivation and steps teachers can take to enhance their students' level of motivation .....and engagement in the learning process.

20/08/2025

All change at Valuing Minds. Sadly, yesterday we said goodbye to , who has left us to begin her Doctorate in Child and Educational Psychology to become a fully qualified Educational Psychologist. We look forward to celebrating with Dr Riddle in due course.

And at the same time, we welcomed Holly Aylen to the team as an Assistant EP. Holly holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology with criminology and has a variety of different experiences in the educational psychology landscape. She has experience working with young people both in a professional work environment and through a volunteering background as well. Holly’s most recent role involved working in safeguarding for a young people’s charity. She is particularly interested in understanding the challenges that children and young people face in today’s society and has a passion for helping these individuals learn and develop coping strategies. Holly currently lives in Hertfordshire with her husband. Holly enjoys being outside in nature, skiing and walking!

27/05/2025

Curious about Pathological Demand Avoidance? (PDA) 🧠 Check out a beginner's guide from Melissa Skana, Assistant Educational Psychologist, to better understand this distinct profile and how best to support those with PDA:

Pathological Demand Avoidance is a distinct profile of autism - we look at strategies to support young people with PDA

19/12/2024

If you would like to learn how to make your Christmas neuro-diverse friendly, check out our latest blog by Melissa, Assistant EP:

Melissa Skana of Valuing Minds looks at the problems that can occur over the festive season and ways to make your festive season neurodiverse-friendly

19/12/2024

We always appreciate these thoughtful testimonials.

Parents of L, age 5: "Thank you so much for the report. We have just read it, and it’s absolutely impeccable! Your insights are so clear and truly capture our son in such an accurate and thoughtful way—we are incredibly grateful. We’ve now forwarded the report to our solicitor and deeply appreciate you getting it to us in time. We’re hopeful this case doesn’t go to tribunal, but if it does, we feel confident knowing we have a solid case supported by your brilliant expert advice. We can’t thank you enough for that."

31/10/2024

🎉 October is Dyslexia Awareness Month! Teachers, explore our latest blog for essential insights on supporting students with dyslexia. Let’s create classrooms where every learner can shine! ✨📘 Read here 👉

https://www.valuingminds.com/empowering-teachers-to-support-students-with-dyslexia/

This Dyslexia Awareness Month we focus on understanding dyslexia and sharing research-based strategies to help teachers empower students

03/06/2024

Valuing Minds are recruiting!

We are looking for an experienced EP to join our team. We have embraced the model where we all work 4 days a week but take home a full-time salary as we believe in having a good work-life balance. If you like the sound of that, please take a look at the job ad and get in touch.

See our job advert here:

26/01/2024

In our most recent blog, Dr Yasmin Lazarus, a Neurodivergent Psychologist, outlines what we mean by neurodivergent affirming approaches and provides some hints and tips about ways schools can assist and affirm neurodivergent learners.

Introducing neurodivergent affirming approaches at school to support neurodivergent learners (and others as well!).

12/01/2024

Special Needs Jungle has posted the following:

09/01/2024

The BBC would like to speak to parents whose autistic children and teens have been turned away by CAMHS.
Shivani is interested in speaking to parents in the South East so Essex etc, her email is:
Shivani.Chaudhari@bbc.co.uk

09/01/2024

Delighted to welcome a new member of the team - Melissa Skana has joined us as an Assistant Educational Psychologist.

Melissa holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and wants to pursue a career in Educational Psychology. She is interested in understanding the difficulties of learning and development, with a passion for enhancing educational experiences for those with additional needs. Her experience includes working with children and young people within an educational setting as a SEN Teaching Assistant, and a home setting as an autism support worker. In Melissa’s free time, she likes to call herself a baker. She also enjoys travelling to new places and you will most likely see her reading a book whenever she gets the chance!