This interview is in response to the announcement that Paul Givan, the Minister of Education for Northern Ireland gave earlier this week saying that he is beginning his reform of the SEN system within Education in Northern Ireland. This has been met with some emotion from the press, social media, parents, educators because it IS a topic that is filled with concern for many people.
I come at this not only as a professional who is working with families everyday in the midst of this navigation for them, and as parent who found the road through trying to get help for my children not only in education, but in the NHS, enormously challenging. And it is a huge reason why I was led to this work….
When this announcement came this week, my first thoughts were that I longed for the policy makers and educators who will create this future for Northern Ireland, to hear from one of the foremost experts in child development in the world and specialist in Neurodevelopmental Education Sally Goddard Blythe. So I asked Sally if she would join me in this interview in the hope of giving air time to her thoughts and even advice at this critical moment for the future of education in Northern Ireland.
If you know of anyone who will be able to influence the future of education in this land, or press/news agencies that would be interested in following up with Sally Goddard Blythe please share this interview with them.
It's also a great watch for parents and teachers and anyone interested in this work!
As Northern Ireland faces Education Minister Paul Givan's announcement of upcoming reforms to special educational needs support, world-renowned expert Sally Goddard Blythe joins INPP Licentiate/Neurodevelopmental Therapist, Tori Sheppard, from Coleraine, Northern Ireland, for a vital conversation.
A pioneering figure in neurodevelopmental education, Sally Goddard Blythe served as Director of the Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology (INPP) from 2000-2025, authored 10 influential books on children's motor development, and revolutionised educational assessment through her INPP screening test—now used in schools across 14 countries. Her distinguished career includes advising the European Parliament, addressing the House of Commons, and developing standardised training materials that have transformed neurodevelopmental education . From her extensive clinical practice with children and families to her groundbreaking research on neuromotor skills' impact on educational achievement, she brings unparalleled expertise to this timely discussion. An essential perspective for parents, educators, and policymakers at this pivotal moment as Northern Ireland prepares for reform to special needs education.
If you are a teacher or educator, I would especially like to welcome you to the
One-Day Teacher Training that Map & Compass is hosting 22 March 2025
For more information and to book your place:
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