SEND Parent Partnerships with Danise B. Grant
The SENDcast
Parents of SEND children face numerous challenges, including feeling unheard, overwhelmed, and stressed when trying to get their child’s needs met. They often find themselves at loggerheads with institutions, grappling with systemic failures such as inconsistencies across local authorities, the postcode lottery, and the inadequacies of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). As Danise Grant aptly states, “It shouldn't be such an uphill battle for people to get what they need.” In this episode, ‘SEND Parent Partnerships’, Danise joins Dale to share her unique perspective as a former...
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Dyslexia Myth Busting with Louise Selby
The SENDcast
This Dyslexia Awareness Week (7-13 October), we are excited to share our latest podcast episode featuring dyslexia specialist Louise Selby! We tackle some of the most common myths surrounding dyslexia, shedding light on the misunderstandings that persist in education and beyond. There’s a significant debate about whether dyslexia even exists, and it’s concerning that many educators and parents still lack a clear understanding of this condition. A shared understanding could lead to better support for students, ultimately focusing on providing high-quality teaching. In this episode, we...
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Autism: My Personal Experiences and Advice for Professionals with Joe Fautley
The SENDcast
We're excited to announce that in this week’s episode of the SENDcast, we welcome Joe Fautley to share his invaluable insights in “Autism: My Personal Experiences and Advice for Professionals.” In this open and honest discussion, Joe offers a unique perspective as a young adult growing up and living on the Autism Spectrum. He shares his personal journey, highlighting the needs, strengths, achievements, challenges, and aspirations of children and young people with SEND. Joe's experience as an Autism advocate shapes his approach to making education more accessible and comfortable for...
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Why Movement Matters with Chloe Plummer
The SENDcast
Many of us take everyday tasks for granted, like standing up from a chair. However, for individuals with physical disabilities and complex needs, this simple act can be a significant challenge that not everyone can accomplish independently…yet. This week, we delve into the crucial role of functional movement in the lives of children with physical disabilities and complex needs. Our guest, Chloe Plummer from MOVE Europe, discusses ‘Why movement matters- the importance of providing functional Movement Opportunities Via Education’. She tells us how their innovative programme empowers...
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Reconstructing the Students' Brain using The Person-Centred Approach to Learning with Dr Susie Nyman
The SENDcast
All students benefit from personalised learning. By empowering them in a person-centred manner, they can engage openly with educators, making essential connections between subject content and their own experiences. This approach enhances their ability to remember and recall key information for future examinations. We're thrilled to welcome back Dr. Susie Nyman in this week’s episode for another engaging discussion on personalisation and the person-centred approach for SEND students. Her insights are rooted in her work at The Sixth Form College, Farnborough, including her involvement with the...
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Ask Don't Tell with Alison Knowles
The SENDcast
How often do you ask children what they think about something instead of simply telling them your opinion based on your own experiences? Often adults give answers based on their model of the world and views which aren’t necessarily right. In today’s podcast, Alison Knowles, Emotional Therapist, joins Dale to discuss ‘Ask don’t tell’. Alison tells us that by asking WHAT? and HOW?, you can transform your conversations with children. These simple questions not only build their confidence but also show them that you genuinely care about their thoughts. Encouraging...
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SEND Briefing Preview: What will the new Government mean for SEND? with Jane Friswell
The SENDcast
Ahead of Jane’s FREE SEND Briefing on 24 September, she joins Dale for this special episode to give an insight into what she will be presenting in her session ‘What will the new Government mean for SEND?’. “I think what we’re going to see from this government is a real push down that early intervention route.” Jane Friswell Listen to hear Jane’s thoughts on the government changes, focus on inclusion, early intervention, resource allocation and more…… Useful Links Vote for B Squared at the Education Today Awards: B Squared Website – ...
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Positive Psychology (PP) Wellbeing & SEMH with Dr Rob Long
The SENDcast
Often, when children are labelled with a 'problem,' they are perceived as different or failing, which can create a cycle of negativity. This can lead to challenges such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression, as the brain tends to hold onto these negative perceptions. In the last 10-15 years, the field of positive psychology has emerged as a valuable counterpoint to the traditional focus on fixing mental health issues. Dr Rob Long, a Chartered Psychologist, joins us to discuss how positive psychology can offer a transformative approach to supporting children and young adults, particularly...
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Identifying Language Needs in Primary Through Screening
The SENDcast
Schools invest in tools to identify and support students with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). But are these investments paying off? Many schools struggle with poor implementation, wasting valuable time and resources. We're excited to welcome back Angharad Welch, Speech and Language Therapist, to the SENDcast! Four years after her debut, Angharad returns to discuss ‘Identifying language needs in Primary through Screening’. In this episode, Angharad emphasises the importance of effective screening practices and the challenges schools face in implementing them. Here are some...
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Awesomely Autistic with Tigger Pritchard
The SENDcast
Having had several chance encounters at the Autism Shows, we're delighted to finally have Tigger Pritchard as a guest on the podcast! ‘Awesomely Autistic’ is a profound and insightful exploration of Tigger's personal journey as a neuroaffirming advocate, consultant, and trainer. Tigger shares a heartfelt and deeply honest insight into his experiences growing up as an autistic individual. He describes the challenges he faced, particularly during his school years, when he felt alienated and misunderstood in a world that didn't seem to embrace his unique way of thinking and engaging with the...
info_outlineSENsible24: Elevate Your SENCO Experience with a little bit of fun and learning
Step into a world of inclusivity and collaboration at the first LIVE in-person event, "All in the Room". Inspired by the idea of meeting SEN needs within the classroom, this event brings together exhibitors, speakers, and SENCOs around the same tables. Join us for a day filled with engaging sessions, laughs and a few moments of realisation, led by experts in Special Educational Needs (SEN), where knowledge is shared and connections are made. From adaptive teaching strategies to tackling workload bureaucracy, we invite you to be part of this fun filled community day where everyone learns from each other, even Gavin...
Event Highlights:
📚 Practical Wisdom: Lots of stories and helpful tips from those that have been there and done that, not only that but the combined experience in the room will reach well over 1000 years!
🤝 Networking Extravaganza: Connect, collaborate, and get moving around the room, ohh you thought you were just coming to sit by people you already knew? Haha, think again, SENCOs meet other SENCOs as we get you engaging with each other like never before!
🛍️ Exhibitor Showcase: Every event has to have some well placed exhibitors, but these are just those throwing money at the event, going "I want to be there!" Every Exhibitor has been hand picked to attend and is linked to a talk, they might even be a little picked on, well they spend ages trying to get you to buy their stuff, so let's have a little fun!
☕ Free Nourishment: Nourishment? Who uses that? Free food, 200 people eating in a gourmet restaurant, just avoid Gavin he is all elbows and with that many people you can be assured something will go wrong, if it does we can open the Prosecco and just laugh about it!
🎟️ Limited Tickets: Super limited and we reallly have to sell all these to break even with the bank, running this kind of event isn't free, we have some discounts available for our website members (Plat/Plat plus), but we really can't do much more than that. Sorry!
🥳 Celebration: We will be recognising the work that SENCOs do, you work soo hard to make such a different and one random lucky or unlucky SENCO will be pulled up to the stage and given the award that represents the hard work of all SENCOs!
This is more than just a boring conference; it's an opportunity to grow, connect, and celebrate your role as a SENCO. Whether you're a seasoned SENCO or just starting your journey, SENsible24 is the place to be.
About Abigail Hawkins
Abigail runs SENDCOSolutions, an SEN consultancy and SENsible SENCO CIC, a not-for-profit networking support group. She has been a SENCO for over 25 years and has taught a multitude of subjects across all phases from 2-year-olds to adults.
She works with software companies developing supportive software for SEN and Safeguarding purposes, has developed and delivers on a teaching assistant apprenticeship programme, authored several books on SEN and exclusions and runs a support network for over 9000 SENCOs.
Until recently, she was the Chair of Governors for 3 schools in the East Midlands and she still works as a SENCO for part of her week. Abigail has a no-nonsense, practical approach to SEN issues faced by schools.
Abigail was one of the three lead voices on a series of SEN webinars delivered over the lockdowns amassing an audience of over 12000 viewers and she uses modern approaches to share SEN-related information including a successful YouTube channel.
Contact Abigail
Website – www.sendcosolutions.co.uk
Email – [email protected]
Twitter – @sendcosolutions
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/sensiblesenco
Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/SENsibleSENCO
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B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk
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Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast
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Email Dale – [email protected]
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Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe