Nurturing Those Who Nurture Minds
The Sprouting Mind offers a personalised range of services to help young people thrive and to support the professionals who guide them.
We specialise in SENCO supervision and mentoring, psychoeducational assessments, coaching for students and school consultancy services.
Rooted in experience, flexibility and a deep commitment to inclusion, The Sprouting Mind is here to nurture growth at every stage of the learning journey.
OUR SERVICES
SENCO Supervision: Reflective Practice Sessions
SEN professionals hold one of the most demanding and vital roles in education. Balancing the needs of students with special educational needs, navigating the expectations of teachers, senior leadership teams and parents, all while keeping the best interests of the child at heart, can be both rewarding and overwhelming. It’s a role that often feels invisible yet carries immense responsibility—a role where loneliness and exhaustion can creep in despite the passion and dedication SEN professionals bring to their work.
At The Sprouting Mind, we understand these challenges deeply. That’s why we provide a dedicated space for SEN professionals to feel seen, supported and empowered. Through structured and meaningful supervision sessions, we help SEN professional reflect on their practice, navigate complex situations and prioritise their well-being.
The Sprouting Mind is here to have your back because you deserve the same care and support you provide to others every day.
Our supervision sessions provide SEN professionals with the opportunity to engage in reflective practice. This includes discussing challenges, identifying solutions and exploring best practices. By creating a safe and confidential space, SEN professionals can gain clarity, build confidence and develop new strategies to enhance their impact in schools.
Student Support Services Helping Young Minds Thrive
At The Sprouting Mind, we offer tailored support to help students overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Whether a young person needs assessment, therapeutic support, or guidance with emotional regulation, our services are designed to meet their individual needs with care and expertise.
Psychoeducational Assessments
We provide comprehensive evaluations to understand a student's learning profile and to inform meaningful support strategies.
Our assessment services include:
Cognitive Assessments (WISC-V)
Academic Achievement Testing (WIAT)
ADHD Evaluations
Dyslexia Screening
Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Assessments
Each assessment is followed by a detailed report and personalised recommendations to support learning and development.
Individual Therapy and Support
We offer one-to-one therapeutic sessions for students needing targeted emotional, behavioural, or social support. Areas of focus include:
ADHD: Executive functioning skills, focus, self-regulation
Autism Spectrum (ASD): Social communication, emotional awareness
Emotional Well-Being: Managing anxiety, stress, and low mood
General Support: Building resilience, confidence, and coping strategies
Practical Support for Inclusive School
We work alongside schools to strengthen their inclusive practices through expert guidance, training and strategic support.
Services include:
Staff CPD Training
Tailored sessions to equip teachers and support staff with practical tools for working with diverse learners.
Parent Workshops
Informative and accessible sessions that help families better understand and support their child's learning needs.
Consultancy for SEN Provision
Guidance on SEN documentation, access arrangements, and preparation for accreditation or inspections.
All services are designed to fit your school’s schedule, goals, and context — with a focus on impact, clarity, and confidence.
Evidence
Factors found to be associated with retention included job satisfaction, having adequate resources, reward and recognition and being well supported by management. ...
The teachers we interviewed said they wanted more non-teaching time to plan, to reflect on their own practices and to learn from others. Managing workload had, in their view, prevented them from having any spare time for effective planning and reflection.
National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER): Engaging Teachers: NFER Analysis of Teacher Retention
Effective supervision is important in promoting good standards of practice, and supervisors should be available to practitioners as an important source of advice and expertise. Working to ensure children are protected from harm requires sound professional judgements to be made. It is demanding work that can be distressing and stressful.
Working together to safeguard children, 2010
ABOUT
At The Sprouting Mind, our approach is centered on creating a supportive and empowering environment for SEN professionals. We believe that effective SEND provision begins with supporting those who lead it.
Our supervision is not just about problem solving—it’s about growth, connection, and empowerment. By putting SENCOs at the heart of what we do, we ensure that they have the resources and support needed to thrive in their roles and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children they serve.
Our mission is to ensure that no SEN professional feels alone in their journey. By offering a safe and nurturing environment, we enable SEN professionals to rediscover their resilience, refine their strategies, and continue making a difference in the lives of the children who need them most.
FAQS
Who provides SEN supervision?
Paula Barrado is a qualified teacher, SENCO, Director or Learning Support and psychologist with over 10 years of experience working in various settings, from mainstream to special needs schools, in the UK and Thailand. She has served as a teacher, SENCO and Head of Learning Support, leading a team of counselors, clinical psychologists and SEN teachers. Her extensive expertise ensures that supervision is grounded in practical knowledge and strategic insight.
How do we provide SEN supervision?
Our supervision is conducted online, offering flexibility and accessibility for SEN professionals worldwide. Sessions can be either stand-alone or ongoing. While stand-alone sessions provide immediate support, we highly recommend ongoing supervision to build a consistent framework for growth, reflection and sustained professional development.
What happens during SEN Supervision?
Each session is a structured yet flexible opportunity to address the unique challenges faced by SEN professionals. This includes reflective practice, strategic planning, emotional support, and skill development. SEN professionals can discuss cases, explore solutions and set actionable goals that align with their school’s objectives. These tailored sessions ensure that every SEN professional leaves feeling supported and empowered.
What are the benefits?
SEN Supervision helps enhance SEND provision by improving leadership, boosting confidence and ensuring effective practice. It provides a dedicated space to reflect, prioritize mental health and develop resilience. SEN professionals gain the skills and strategies needed to address challenges and implement meaningful changes that benefit their schools and students.
