On Monday the Government released the SEND white paper, aiming to improve support for children with special educational needs. Key proposals include earlier identification, consistent mainstream support, and the introduction of Inclusion Support Plans. However, concerns about the practicality of these reforms and the overall educational culture persist, prompting further reflection on systemic changes.
Inclusion
Reforming for Belonging
Yesterday the Government published its SEND white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving.[i] As a parent of children with special educational needs, I have lived the exhaustion of fighting for provision. As a pastor shaped by what I call Broken Theology, I spend much of my time thinking about who is included and who is … Continue reading Reforming for Belonging
Pentecost: Hope Beyond Division
In a world marked by conflict, division, and hardship—from war in Ukraine and Gaza to austerity in the UK—Pentecost offers a quiet but powerful hope. It’s a story about breaking down barriers, finding new ways to listen, and discovering connection across our differences. This Pentecost Sunday, let’s reflect on what it means to speak new languages of understanding and build hope beyond division. Read more on how the Ascension calls us into action despite the waiting.
Disabled People and the Post-Covid Church: Exiled, Cast Out or Treated with Special Care?
Covid-19 has impacted us all; there is no question about that. Whether you have suffered with the virus yourself, watched as loved ones suffer and possible die, struggled with the uncertainty and restrictions or been revitalised by the change of pace and space from other people we have all touched. In the early days of … Continue reading Disabled People and the Post-Covid Church: Exiled, Cast Out or Treated with Special Care?
What are the implications of transposing the Gospel narrative from a first century Middle Eastern context to that of twenty-first century Britain?
A dissertation submitted to The University of Manchester for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Theology in the Faculty of Humanities (Spurgeon's College: 2017) Abstract There is a common call from Christian preachers to imagine Jesus Christ conducting his earthly ministry (as described in the Gospel accounts) in the present day, and within the … Continue reading What are the implications of transposing the Gospel narrative from a first century Middle Eastern context to that of twenty-first century Britain?
What is the Face of the UK Church to Adults with Disabilities? (A Critical Investigation)
A dissertation submitted to The University of Manchester for the degree of Master of Arts in Mission (Unpublished) in the Faculty of Humanities (Cliff College: 2020) Abstract In 2004 it became a legal requirement for reasonable adjustments to be made to public buildings, including places of worship, to make them accessible. Access is just the … Continue reading What is the Face of the UK Church to Adults with Disabilities? (A Critical Investigation)
A Vision for Church: Hopeful
When I sat down to write about the church being hopeful and offering hope I had in mind to write about being a resurrected people, living with the faith that despite the darkest of times we face we live in the hope that resurrected life is just around the corner. I come to this but … Continue reading A Vision for Church: Hopeful
A Vision for Church: Inclusive
A few years ago I was doing some research about the eucharist or communion for my own understanding of the different beliefs people have about what happens. The different beliefs lead to a variety of ways of sharing the bread and wine, who is authorised to serve the elements and who is permitted receive them. … Continue reading A Vision for Church: Inclusive
I am an Evangelical
I am an evangelical, an inclusive, justice seeking, hope filled, passionate, rebellious, faithful evangelical.
Unrestricting Voices
At the start of the year I have been pondering the significance of Advent, Christmas and New Year celebrations. There is so much anticipation, busying ourselves with preparation for a couple of dates that rarely live up to the hype of expectation. Having seen shops advertising Christmas since the summer it all comes and goes … Continue reading Unrestricting Voices
The Broken Church 