A CINDERFORD-BASED mentoring organisation has spoken out about the pressures faced by families of children with special educational needs and disabilities, as many pupils across the Forest of Dean return to school routines.

Food For Thought Mentoring shared a message of support to parents, highlighting what it described as systemic failings within mainstream education that leave families feeling blamed rather than supported when children struggle in school.

The organisation was founded by a former professional baker who left the industry after witnessing their own children struggle within mainstream education.

Despite being described as bright and creative, the children found rigid structures and sensory-heavy environments overwhelming, leading to anxiety and a loss of confidence.

Those experiences led to the creation of Food For Thought Mentoring which specialises in educational one-to-one culinary mentoring sessions.

In its recent post, the group said behaviours such as meltdowns, shutdowns and school refusal are too often labelled as discipline or attendance issues, rather than recognised as signs of distress.

It said many parents are left feeling judged or pressured to “fix” their child, instead of being supported to secure appropriate provision.

The organisation also criticised what it sees as an overemphasis on attendance figures and compliance, arguing that children’s mental health and individual capacity are frequently overlooked.

It pointed to the contrast many families observe between school and home, where children are often calmer and more regulated in environments where they feel safe and understood.

The group works with children across the Forest of Dean, including those who have become disengaged from education or are preparing for greater independence.

The organisation encouraged SEND parents to be gentle with themselves as the school term progresses, reminding them that advocating for their child’s wellbeing is not a failure, but a necessity.