St Austell mum overcomes the odds to champion SEND Education through degree

A single mum from St Austell is determined to make waves after transforming her personal experiences into academic research.

Natasha, a recent graduate of the FdA Early Childhood Education degree at the University Centre Truro and Penwith, defied the odds to become the first member of her family to study at university level, all while raising a family and studying through pregnancy.

With a passion for supporting children with Social and Emotional Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and a goal to enter the field of Education Psychology, Natasha is now continuing her academic journey on the BA (Hons) in Human Behavioural Studies.

Her motivation to study education and her particular focus on SEND education was inspired by her own experiences as a mother navigating the complex support systems required for her children.

She channelled these challenges into her second-year research, which explored inconsistencies in the Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) process. Working alongside primary school SENDCOs, the local SEND support service SENDIASS, and fellow parents, Natasha shed light on the difficulties many families face when applying for vital support.

Reflecting on her journey, Natasha said: “The topic of SEND in education really interested me. A lot of people get bored by the policy side of it, but I found it fascinating especially after having so many meetings for my own children. I feel like there’s a shortage of help, and if I have the background knowledge, I want to use that to help others.”

She added: “Now that I’ve studied for my degree, I can come at it from both a professional viewpoint and a parental viewpoint. I’m currently going through an EHCP appeal for my daughter, and what I’ve learned about SENDCO practice is helping me navigate the system.”

Despite the pressures of academic life, pregnancy, and parenting, Natasha never wavered in her determination to succeed. She credits the strong support system at the University Centre for helping her stay the course: “I wouldn’t have got through my degree without the support here – especially from my tutor, Karen, Jess [Programme Team Lead for Education & Teacher Training], and Kelli [HE Student Support Advisor],” she said.

Natasha’s commitment and creativity were recently recognised at the University Centre’s dissertation showcase, with the presentation of the Bianca Trew Award, given to one student per year who demonstrates the most creative approach to education. She was nominated by the entire teaching team for her resilience, dedication, and unique academic contributions to the field of SEND.

Karen Keast, Deputy Team Lead for Education, praised Natasha’s efforts: “Over the duration of the course, Natasha was subject to multiple, major external circumstances which would ordinarily create hurdles and significant dilemmas to cease continued study. Through the University Centre’s support systems, she not only completed the full two years but also produced research that spotlighted key gaps in EHCP accessibility. Her work carried a unique and meaningful focus that brought depth to all her academic submissions.”

Now in her final year at the University Centre, Natasha is conducting dissertation research on the link between adverse childhood experiences and adult behavioural patterns – a subject she hopes will lead her toward a career in Educational Psychology or with an agency such as CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).

Her message to others considering Higher Education is: “Anyone can do a degree if they put their mind to it. You need a lot of resilience, but if I can do it, singlehandedly raising children whilst being pregnant, anyone can!”

Mature learners like Natasha in St Austell and surrounding areas can now find it even easier to access life-changing courses on their doorstep thanks to our Adult Education offer at the STEM and Health Skills Centre in Bodmin. Discover your perfect course by visiting our University Centre homepage www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/uni