About Vânia Mendes
"Children are at the centre of everything I do. When parents and schools are supported to work together, children are given the best chance to feel understood, valued, and able to thrive."
I am a British Registered Social Worker with a background in mental health and psychology. Before moving to Madrid with my family in 2022, I spent over 18 years working in children's services and mental health in London, including roles at Westminster City Council and within the NHS.
Now based in Madrid — and as a mother of two children attending a British school here — I understand international school life from both sides. I know what it means to navigate a new education system, a different culture, and the questions that come with raising children abroad.
I support parents whose children attend British and English-speaking schools across Spain, helping families communicate more clearly with schools, understand their options, and advocate effectively for their child — so that every child receives the support they deserve.
About Vânia
I have sat in serious and challenging school meetings — both as the professional in the room and as an overwhelmed parent. That experience is what led me to create this service: so that no parent has to face difficult school conversations alone.
Whether the concern involves school communication, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), bullying, or behavioural challenges, my role is to provide professional advocacy, honest guidance, and someone standing firmly in your corner.
Consultations are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Why I Created This Service
My Mission
Every child deserves to feel understood, supported, and valued at school. Every parent deserves to feel heard, informed, and confident when making decisions about their child’s education.
My mission is to bridge the gap between families and schools, giving parents the clarity, guidance, and professional support they need when school life becomes difficult.
I help families move from confusion to confidence, from feeling overwhelmed to feeling prepared, and from facing difficult school conversations alone to having someone experienced standing firmly in their corner.
Registered, accountable, and committed to the highest professional standards.
As a Registered Social Worker with Social Work England, I am accountable to an independent professional body and bound by a strict Code of Practice.
This means you are working with a regulated professional — not simply a consultant.
Guidance you can trust when your child’s school life feels difficult.
Ready to take the first step?
The Initial Consultation is 50 minutes and costs €100.
This is a focused space to talk through your concerns, understand your options, and identify the clearest next step for your child.