An update from Alison Griffiths MP

My MP, Alison Griffiths, has just published a public statement about this campaign for children with selective mutism. She’s taken everything this campaign is fighting for straight to the Minister for School Standards in the House of Commons.

You can read her update here:

https://www.alisongriffiths.org.uk/news/supporting-children-selective-mutism

Alison has also asked whether I can attend the meeting with Minister Gould alongside her. We are now waiting for the Minister’s office to confirm the date. If this goes ahead, it means the lived experiences of families affected by selective mutism — my experiences -  your experiences — will be represented directly in the room where decisions are made.

Awareness across all education settings is essential. Children with selective mutism need environments where there is no pressure to talk, where staff are trained in proven selective mutism techniques, and where every child has access to a trusted adult. With the right adult, a child gains access to friendships, learning, confidence, and a sense of safety and belonging. My own daughter has benefited hugely this year because she finally had that — and it changed everything for her. She started to feel like she belonged, brave enough to participate, showing progress in her learning. She made friends and felt brave - school avoidance disappeared  - she wanted to be there. 💛   With better awareness comes better decision‑making and better outcomes for children whose needs have been missed for far too long.

It’s time these children were understood and supported. 

It remains my belief that teachers, teaching assistants and SENCOs want to help - but without signposting posting to knowledge and support - how can they? 

I want to say this clearly: there are so many hard‑working, devoted teachers, assistants and SENCOs who desperately want to help, but simply don’t know where to start. They are doing their absolute best with the knowledge they have. But it should not be the responsibility of parents to signpost schools or train staff themselves — it damages the parent–school relationship and leaves families exhausted from constantly trying to make their child understood. Training changes this. Training improves decision making and outcomes.

More importantly - it  improves the young persons likelihood of overcoming selective mutism, feeling safe, able to learn and make friends. It can allow them to thrive, they deserve that. 

More updates soon 

Jo 💛