10/06/2026
Last week, I had the privilege of attending a networking event organised by Zubeyde Aydemir, Lead for Turkish and Kurdish Achievement and Inclusion and Co-Assistant Head of Inclusion, as part of Haringey’s ongoing commitment to promoting equity, inclusion, and improved outcomes for all children and young people. The event focused on supporting Turkish, Kurdish, Turkish Cypriot, and Turkish Bulgarian (TKTCB) pupils, a well-established and significant community within the borough.
It was a pleasure to present on When Behaviour Hides Need: Challenges in Identifying SEN in Ethnic Minority Children. My presentation explored how behavioural difficulties, racism, cultural factors, and systemic barriers can contribute to Special Educational Needs (SEN) being overlooked or identified later in children from ethnic minority backgrounds. Drawing on a clinical case example from private practice, we discussed the importance of looking beyond behaviour to better understand and meet children’s underlying needs.
The event provided a valuable opportunity to share knowledge, expertise, and effective interventions, while also learning from the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to support children, young people, and their families.
This work holds a particularly special place in my heart. As the child of second-generation immigrants, I understand first-hand the challenges of navigating the education system while balancing cultural identity, language, and belonging. Being in a position today to contribute to improving understanding, inclusion, and outcomes for children from similar backgrounds is both a privilege and a deeply meaningful part of my work.
Thank you to everyone involved for creating such an insightful and inspiring event, and for your continued commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.