What is an OT? with Kim Griffin
The SENDcast
We’ve all heard of Occupational Therapists – but do we truly understand the breadth and depth of their role? Kim Griffin has been an OT for over 20 years and joins Dale for today’s podcast ‘What is an OT?’. Kim sheds light on the history of the profession, explains how the name was derived and how it can specialise in different areas; such as working with children, adults, mental health, SEND, orthopaedics and so on. An OT’s role can support people across their lifespan! Kim specialises in paediatrics and has extensive experience working with SEND children within schools. During...
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Parenting foster/adopted children with Alison Knowles
The SENDcast
Let's begin by acknowledging a fundamental truth: there are no bad children. Each child exhibits behaviours as a means of survival within their unique environment. In the case of foster or adopted children, many have endured profoundly traumatic pasts, resulting in complex behavioural issues. However, at their core, they are children who, like any other child, simply need to feel loved, safe, and valued. In this week’s episode, Alison Knowles joins Dale to discuss ‘Parenting foster/adopted children’. We explore the specific challenges facing foster or adoption families including;...
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A Profound Separation with Joanna Grace
The SENDcast
Recently a new term has emerged 'profound autism', which refers to autistic individuals who have intellectual disabilities and require round-the-clock support. While this term has been well received in some circles, it has sparked controversy in others. We delve into this topic with Joanna Grace and explore the new term and its implications within the autistic community in today’s podcast 'A Profound Separation'. During our discussion, we touch upon the following: High or low functioning Intellectual disability The need for another new term Negative connotations Listening to the autistic...
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The National SEND Picture with Simon Tanner
The SENDcast
When it comes to the national SEND landscape, it's crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of what is happening across the country. Different schools and authorities often face unique challenges, and it's important to recognise the difference between struggles that are universal and those that are localised to specific schools. Having spent 6 years as a MAT SEND Leader, Simon Tanner joins Dale today bringing his expertise to discuss ‘The National SEND Picture’. During the conversation, Simon delves into the national issues affecting the SEND landscape, such as workload, funding, and...
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Controller, Friend or Benevolent Dictator with Fintan O'Regan
The SENDcast
The impact of a teacher's style and approach can be profound, especially when it comes to students with special educational needs (SEN) and behaviour challenges. Some teachers effortlessly handle students perceived as "difficult", while others struggle and resort to excessive punishment. On this week's podcast, we're discussing teacher styles for supporting SEN and behaviour with our regular guest Fintan O’Regan. Fintan looks a 3 specific types of teacher style and considers the merits of each - are you a controller, a friend, or a benevolent dictator? Controller – These subject...
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GIRL UNMASKED – Autistic Masking, School and Mental Health with Emily Katy
The SENDcast
School can often be a traumatic experience for autistic children and young people. Unfortunately, many individuals, particularly girls, go undiagnosed and lack the necessary support they need. This has led to low school attendance rates and a concerning decline in mental health. As it’s Autism Acceptance Week, I am excited to welcome Emily Katy to our studio to share her incredible story and insights on 'Autistic Masking, School, and Mental Health'. During Emily’s inspirational podcast she covers the following: Her journey – undiagnosed autistic for nearly 17 years, challenges at school...
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Standardised Approach to Exams with Dr Susie Nyman
The SENDcast
Exams can be a daunting experience for students as they face the pressure to perform well and the associated stress. Many students may feel unprepared, lacking effective revision techniques and uncertainty about what to expect in the exam room. Today, I am delighted to welcome back Dr Susie Nyman, one of our regular guests, to discuss ‘Standardised Approach to Exams’. With GCSE and A-Level exams fast approaching, Susie shares invaluable insights on how to succeed in exams, not just for students with SEND but for all, enabling them to achieve higher grades and secure admission to...
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Strengthening the SENCO-Headteacher Partnership
The SENDcast
SENCOs face lots of challenges in their role, one significant one being many headteachers’ lack of understanding of the role. Traditionally, becoming a headteacher followed a career pathway, progressing from teacher to deputy head, and finally to headship. During this, detailed SEND training was often overlooked which has led to an awful lot of misconceptions and lack of awareness among headteachers on the vital SENCO role. This has led to SENCOs feeling frustrated from not being heard or understood. In today’s episode, we hear from an experienced SENCO who has worked with 11 headteachers...
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Sensory Strategies with Kim Griffin
The SENDcast
From birth, we possess certain innate senses, such as touch, while others, like vision and balance, continue to develop throughout childhood and beyond. Understanding how these senses evolve and impact our daily experiences is crucial for creating an optimal learning environment. In this episode, Kim Griffin guides us through an insightful discussion on ‘Sensory Strategies’ covering various aspects, including: the types of senses perception of sensory support, strategies and tools arousal states and their influence on learning regulation how different senses can be distracting in school...
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How exercise is different for children with SEND and why it matters with Miriam Saffer
The SENDcast
There is a lot of talk about the need for reasonable adjustments and targeted support for those with SEND when it comes to school, but far less about the need for accessibility and inclusion in other aspects of life. Research shows that the rates of obesity, asthma, heart disease and many other long term negative health outcomes are significantly higher in communities and groups of the population who have a disability, whether that’s a physical or a neurodivergent condition. Keeping physically active is vital to good health, but depending on a young person's needs, the options available can...
info_outlineWhen was the last time you used a pen? Maybe when completing a form, or writing some Christmas cards, but we certainly don’t have pen pals anymore! Everything outside of school is digital and has been replaced with technology – so why do we still expect children at school to write perfectly with no mistakes?
Around 10% of the population are dyslexic and it’s a condition that goes beyond difficulties with reading and writing, often leading to profound effects on an individual’s well-being.
In today’s episode, Dr Helen Ross a dyslexia expert and consultant, joins Dale for a lively discussion on the relationship between ‘Dyslexia and Mental Health’. Helen draws upon her personal experience and expertise to emphasise the damaging effects on children and young people of being belittled for their inability to write neatly, spell correctly, or make mistakes in their handwriting. The infamous pen licence can create all-consuming anxiety for some children and young people and the pressure they put on themselves permeates every aspect of their lives!
I hope you have a great last day of term and enjoy your well-deserved break! Don’t forget that new episodes will still be released throughout the Christmas break, so make sure you tune in if you get a chance!
About Dr Helen Ross
Dr Helen Ross is a fully qualified special needs teacher and former SENCO, working as an independent educational research consultant, specialist assessor and SEND expert.
Helen is a Trustee of the British Dyslexia Association, Chair of the Wiltshire Dyslexia Association and is on the board of the US, not-for profit National Coalition of Independent Scholars. She has consulted for the British Dyslexia Association, The Committee for Science and Technology (part of the UK Government), and Wiltshire Local Authority. She also works internationally with various third sector and commercial organisations with evaluation, consultancy and resource development.
Helen’s research explores stakeholder experiences of SEND provision within the mainstream education sector, focussing on the empowerment of those supporting young people, to help them to take ownership of their own learning. She uses her findings from research to inform her own practice and to support other practitioner in their own work, through CPD webinars and live sessions.
Contact Dr Helen Ross
Useful Links
- Ross, H (2023) ‘Educating Post COVID-19: Moving on From Pandemic Pedagogy’ The Independent Scholar 9 pp 5-22 Available from: https://www.ncis.org/sites/default/files/TIS%20Vol.9%20FINAL.pdf
- Ross, H. (2023, March) ‘No Woman is an Island’ From the Council to the Commons Chamber 3: 25.
- Ross, H. (2022, November) ‘Dyslexia: from the Inside and Out.’ Dystinct Magazine 12: 41-56.
- Ross, H (2023). Interviewed by Stig Abell. Aasmah Mir and Stig Abell with Times Radio Breakfast. Times Radio 14 March. Available at https://www.thetimes.co.uk/radio/live (Accessed 14 March 2023)
- Ross, H (2023) Expert Opinion in ‘ChatGPT for students with Dyslexia? Expert Opinion: Examining the use of ChatGPT as an Assistive Technology Tool for Students with Learning Disabilities’, Feb 23 [Online] Available at https://on.dystinct.org/chatgpt-learning-disability-assistive-technology-expert-opinion/ (Accessed 14 March 2023)
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