The start of term can bring all the usual trials and tribulations, not least of all, the predictable mix of runny noses, sore throats and stomach upsets. The autumn term especially can feel like one long round of catching, fighting and sharing infections. This can be...
Welcome to the Toucan Education Blog!
Here, we share expert insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories about alternative education, dyslexia support, workplace inclusion, and specialist learning strategies. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or employer, our blog is your go-to resource for creating supportive and effective learning environments. Dive in, explore, and stay informed as we champion education that works for everyone!
Managing Back-to-School Anxiety for Primary Age kids with SEND
The summer holidays often feel like a welcome breather with slower mornings, less demands and more freedom. But as September looms, many families notice the same familiar knot in their child’s tummy: the anxiety of returning to school. For children with Special...
Finding the summer holidays hard? Read this
We all start the summer holidays with good intentions. The first week feels exciting. Everyone’s sleeping in a bit, enjoying breakfast without the school run rush, maybe there are holidays and trips planned. Then reality sets in. Somewhere around week three, that...
50 Fun, Free, SEND-Friendly Things to Do This Summer
School holidays can feel liberating but long, especially if your child finds change tricky, struggles with transitions or thrives on the structure and routine of school. We know that neurodivergent children often need low-pressure, sensory-friendly ways to stay...
Rethinking Academic Progress for Children with SEND
As another academic year draws to a close, you might find yourself reflecting on how far your child has come, or worrying about where they “should” be. For many parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), this time of year comes with a...
Why is <eye> spelled like that? Making sense of tricky words
Words like <eye> are often labelled as “common exceptions” or “tricky words” and children in most educational settings are expected to memorise them. This can be difficult for those with dyslexia or delayed literacy but understanding the meaning behind the word...
Inside a (truly) neurodiverse-friendly classroom
At Toucan, we believe that education should fit the child, not the other way around. That’s why our learning spaces look, sound and feel different from what you might expect in a traditional school. For children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)...
Neurotransmitters & Learning: why it matters for children with SEND
Every day we work with incredible children who learn in different, dynamic ways. Many of our pupils have a neurodiverse profile including dyslexia, ADHD, and autism—that shapes how they interact with the world and how they learn. Understanding the workings of the...
A guide to stress-free homework for children with dyslexia
For many families, homework time can be a stressful part of the day—but when a child has dyslexia, the challenges can feel even more intense. Tears, frustration and avoidance are common. But it doesn’t always need to be a time of distress. At Toucan, we understand the...








