Why We Need More Support For Neurodivergent Teachers with Catrina Lowri
The SENDcast
We typically discuss how to support neurodivergent children, but what about teachers? Today, Dale and Catrina Lowri, founder of Neuroteachers, discuss the need for increased support for neurodivergent teachers and support staff. Catrina shares her personal journey as a neurodivergent educator with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, dyslexia and ADHD. She sheds light on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the education system, including stigma, lack of understanding, and inadequate support. Catrina highlights the importance of recognising the strengths and needs of...
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nasen awards - Michelle Madziak, Teacher of the Year
The SENDcast
In this special episode, Michelle Madziak discusses her recognition as a joint winner of the Teacher of the Year award at the nasen Awards. She emphasises her passion for empowering students and the transformative impact of her work in a special needs setting. Michelle highlights her innovative use of communication tools like tactile signing and iPads to enhance inclusion. She shares her experiences leading outdoor activities, such as camping and canoeing, for students with complex needs, stressing the importance of providing them with opportunities similar to their mainstream peers. Michelle...
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The Importance of Literacy Education for ALL learners with Chantal Bryan & Sarah Giles
The SENDcast
In today’s episode, ‘The Importance of Literacy Education for ALL Learners’, Chantal Bryan and Sarah Giles from the charity Teach Us Too join Dale for an engaging discussion. The conversation centres around Chantal’s son, Jonathan, who faces significant challenges due to his complex physical disabilities. I was inspired by his incredible journey towards being able to communicate with his family and his progress in learning to read and write! Chantelle shares her experience of taking Jonathan out of special school to provide him with a literacy-focused education, emphasising the...
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nasen awards - Chapman Shum, Young Advocate of the Year
The SENDcast
The podcast features Chapman Shum, the nasen Young Advocate of the Year 2024 winner, discussing his journey as a visually impaired musician. Chapman, who was born blind and has learning difficulties, shares how music has been a powerful tool for connection and expression. He emphasises that challenges can be overcome and aims to inspire others facing difficulties. His mentor, Professor Adam, highlights Chapman's exceptional musical abilities, including his talent for improvisation and participation in the National Open Youth Orchestra. The conversation highlights the importance of recognising...
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Structured Teaching, Pre-empting Barriers and Developing Curriculum Pathways with Tanya Lefort
The SENDcast
As the number of children with SEND in mainstream schools continues to rise, coupled with limited spaces in specialist settings, the demand for effective and inclusive support is huge. More children are entering classrooms with complex needs, placing pressure on mainstream schools to meet those needs. But how can schools do this? This week, Tanya Lefort joined Dale to discuss ‘Structured Teaching, Pre-empting Barriers and Developing Curriculum Pathways’. With 18 years’ experience in SEN, Tanya highlights effective strategies for educators to meet the increasing demands of inclusive...
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nasen awards - Dale Pickles, Resource for SEND
The SENDcast
In this podcast episode, Dale Pickles takes a step back from hosting duties where his colleague Jon asks the questions. They discuss the success of the SENDcast podcast, which won the Resource for SEND at the nasen awards 2024. Dale reflects on the podcast’s journey over four years, highlighting its reach of over 350,000 listens and contributions from 83 experts in the field. Dale emphasises that the recognition from nasen is not just personal but aims to expand the podcast's audience, helping more people discover its valuable resources. He discusses the challenges, why he produces the...
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Foundations of Early Literacy – What Are the Building Blocks? with Dr Sarah Moseley & Ginny Bootman
The SENDcast
This week Dale is joined by Dr Sarah Moseley, Educational Consultant, and SENCO of four schools, Ginny Bootman to discuss ‘Foundations of early literacy – what are the building blocks?’ This is the first episode in a series exploring the foundational components of early literacy, which aims to bridge the gap between theory and classroom practice. They discuss the importance of oral language, vocabulary development, and how these foundational skills set the stage for reading success. Key topics include: The role of listening and speaking in literacy development Strategies for engaging...
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nasen awards - Karen McGuigan, Highly commended Resource for SEND
The SENDcast
In this special podcast episode, Karen McGuigan discusses her work with the ‘Maths for Life’ program, which was highly commended in the resource for SEND category by nasen. Karen explains that ‘Maths for Life’ is designed to help students build foundational mathematical skills, particularly for those who struggle with the national curriculum. Karen emphasises the program's focus on practical applications of maths, making it relevant to everyday life, rather than abstract concepts. She contrasts ‘Maths for Life’ with mainstream programs like White Rose Maths, noting that it is...
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Supporting Colour Blindness with Marie Difolco
The SENDcast
Did you know that 300 million people worldwide live with colour blindness, including 3 million in the UK and around 450,000 of those are children? Unfortunately, many of these children are being let down by the education system, as colour blindness often goes unrecognised - meaning there’s likely one child in every classroom facing this challenge. In our latest podcast episode, Dale is joined by Marie Difolco, a passionate advocate and mother to a severely colour blind child. Together, they discuss ‘Supporting Colour Blindness’ and the need for accessible use of colour in education. When...
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nasen awards - Maxine O'Neill, Specialist provision of the year
The SENDcast
Maxine O'Neill discusses Hope School, which won the Specialist Provision of the Year award. She highlights the school's commitment to a trauma-informed approach, serving 68 students and working with 32 schools across Liverpool through their HEARTS program. This program emphasises holistic thinking, empowerment, trust, and safety within the school community. Maxine explains the importance of recognising trauma in all forms, not just extreme cases, and how this understanding has transformed their approach to education. She emphasises the school's philosophy of inclusivity, stating they do not...
info_outlineWhy is it that so little is known or mentioned about Conduct Disorder especially as terms such as ADHD and ODD are pretty much established in schools across the UK? Conduct Disorder is to some extent more specific in many of its symptoms than other behaviour terms and has been a constant in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
It’s as if we are afraid to talk about let alone diagnose it, so in this week’s episode, Fintan O’Regan joins Dale in the studio to shed light on the term ‘Conduct Disorder’ and why so little is talked about it.
During our discussion, Fintan gives an overview of Conduct Disorder, explaining its defining characteristics and the behaviours observed in school settings. Listen to hear valuable strategies to support pupils and gain insights into distinguishing between impulsive behaviours associated with ADHD and the calculated, premeditated actions associated with Conduct Disorder.
“The approach you would take for someone who's non premeditated versus someone who is premeditated is different”.
Fintan O’Regan, Behaviour and SEN Consultant
About Fintan O'Regan MA, PGCE BSc
Fintan was the Head teacher of the Centre Academy from 1996 -2002, which was the first specialist school in the UK for students between the ages of 7-19 specialising issues related to ADHD, ASD and ODD.
He is an associate lecturer for Leicester University, the National Association of Special Needs, the Institute of Education, the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre and the former Vice Chairman of the UK ADHD Network and of the European ADHD Alliance.
Fintan now works as trainer and consultant for schools and school support systems including, Social Services, Health, the Police and Foster carers with regards to providing behaviour management strategies for children and families struggling with SEND and behaviour issues.
Contact Fintan O'Regan
https://twitter.com/FintanOregan
Useful Links
Conduct Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence
DSM-5 Changes: Implications for Child Serious Emotional Disturbance
American Psychiatric Association - Conduct Disorder
O’Regan F (2006) Challenging Behaviours Teachers Pocketbooks
O’Regan F (2006) Troubleshooting Challenging Behaviours
O’Regan F (2018) Successfully Managing Children ADHD Second edition
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