Sensory Circuits and Sensory Movement Breaks with Ali Neal
The SENDcast
Neurotypical pupils are usually able to meet their sensory needs during play time, however SEND pupils may face difficulties in motor or social skills. This is where sensory circuits and sensory movement breaks are often needed in the classroom. But how do you effectively incorporate them into busy school days? Ali Neal, an occupational therapist, joins Dale to discuss practical ways to incorporate sensory circuits, helping pupils with their regulation and focus. By harnessing the power of movement, we can improve the lives of many SEN and neurodiverse pupils. Ali takes us through the three...
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Neurodiversity – Building Connections and Building Confidence with Marlon Huggins
The SENDcast
Gaming often gets a bad reputation, but it offers numerous benefits, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Many neurodiverse young people spend their lives in survival mode, navigating challenging environments - not just physically, but socially. The pressure to fit in, the fear of making mistakes, and the constant effort to mask can be exhausting. It's crucial for them to find spaces where they can relax and be themselves. In our latest episode, Marlon Huggins shares his inspiring story and the founding of SHYNNE. Last year, Marlon launched gaming events for neurodiverse children and...
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How Can Schools Support Parents of SEN Children More Effectively with Sarah Billingham
The SENDcast
SENCOs, school leaders & class teachers are currently spending large amounts of time supporting or responding to the concerns of parents of SEN children. However, much of this support is reactive and can feel like constant firefighting. A strategic approach to parental support is needed. Sarah Billingham, a specialist teacher with over 18 years of experience, returns to the studio to discuss ‘How can schools support parents of SEN children more effectively’. Sarah highlights the importance of effective communication between schools and parents. Here are some key takeaways from their...
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The Stories We Tell About Autism with Joanna Grace
The SENDcast
I expect you’ve come across controversial headlines such as ‘cause for autism discovered’, which suggest that autism is a disease. You may have also heard narratives claiming that autism results from bad parenting or is merely a form of behaviour. Some of these stories have been repeated for so long that they continue to shape our understanding without us even realising it. We are delighted to welcome back the newly appointed Dr. Joanna Grace, a sensory and inclusion specialist, to discuss ‘The stories we tell about autism’ in our 250th episode. “I've repeated that story to...
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Bridging the Gap with Parent Carers with Rachel Wright
The SENDcast
I wanted to share our latest episode featuring Rachel Wright, founder of Born at the Right Time and a parent of neurodiverse children discussing ‘Bridging the Gap with Parent Carers’. While schools, social care, and health services may believe they are partnering effectively with parents, the reality can be quite different. Rachel shares her personal journey navigating the healthcare system for her eldest son, who has complex needs. Her story highlights the frustration many parents feel when they are directed by professionals while lacking agency in decisions affecting their children. This...
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*Special Episode* nasen live 2025
The SENDcast
nasen live 2025 preview We are delighted to welcome Michael Surr, Head of Education at nasen to the SENDcast. We are excited to be exhibiting at on Friday 4th July at the VOX in Birmingham! It is nasen’s flagship conference dedicated to supporting education for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). In this special episode, Michael Surr, Head of Education at nasen, joins Dale to tell us what’s on at this year’s event and why you should be there! The one day conference is filled with engaging sessions covering vital topics and this...
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Digital Dilemmas with Helen Bray
The SENDcast
As children spend more time engaging with screens - whether through social media, gaming, or streaming - there are growing concerns about the impact on their ability to focus, self-regulate, and form meaningful real-world connections. This is a topic that resonates with us all, especially as I prepare to navigate technology with my daughter. In today’s episode, we welcome Helen Bray, Director of SEND, onto the podcast to discuss ‘Digital Dilemmas’. Helen explores how the digital world is reshaping child development, particularly in relation to executive function, emotional regulation,...
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How Does Dyslexia Impact in the Classroom? with Jane Craig & Samantha Buttle
The SENDcast
In our fast-paced world, it's essential to rethink how we approach learning and education. Unfortunately, many dyslexic learners are being left behind in the rush to cover extensive curriculum content. However, small adjustments in classroom practices can lead to significant improvements, enabling these students to thrive and reach their full potential. In this latest episode, Jane Craig and Samantha Buttle from Dyslexia Sparks, join Dale to discuss ‘How does dyslexia impact in the classroom?’. Here are some key takeaways from their conversation: Dyslexia affects not only reading but also...
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Hearing the Patterns – Phonological Awareness in Literacy Development with Dr Sarah Moseley & Ginny Bootman
The SENDcast
The second in a four-part series, Dr. Sarah Moseley and Ginny Bootman join Dale to discuss phonological awareness and its importance in literacy development. They explore how phonological awareness, detecting and manipulating sounds in spoken language, forms a foundation for reading skills. Sarah emphasises that understanding sounds is crucial for children’s literacy success, while Ginny highlights the role of rhythm and rhyme in engaging learners. They discuss how shared experiences, like singing and storytelling, can spark a love of language and improve literacy outcomes. Sarah and Ginny...
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*Special Episode* The Autism & ADHD Shows 2025
The SENDcast
We are delighted to welcome Geoff and Nargis Soppet, Event Directors and Founders, on The SENDcast. Geoff and Nargis join Dale in the studio for this special episode to discuss their reasons for creating the event 15 years ago, the autism friendly adaptions made, and the value attendees will get from the variety of sessions available. About the Autism and ADHD Shows Formerly known as The Autism Show, it's the national event dedicated to autism and ADHD. Attend to access a huge amount of trusted information and advice to help support an autistic or ADHD person in a home, education or...
info_outlineDo you know what is involved in being a MAT (Multi-Academy Trust) SEND leader?
To shed light on this role, our special guest, Simon Tanner, joins Dale in today's episode to explore ‘MAT SEND Leadership’. Simon, the National Director of SEND for E-ACT, brings a wealth of experience, having spent a decade as an accomplished SENCO and six years as a MAT leader for SEND. His expertise lies in developing effective SEND practices across multiple MATs and leading SEND and MAT SEND reviews nationwide.
During our conversation, we delve into various aspects of effective MAT SEND leadership, including:
- Working for a Multi-Academy Trust
- The role of a SEND leader within the MAT
- The importance of data
- Scaling projects and interventions across multiple schools
- Assurance in SEND provision
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for both individual academies and the entire trust
- School improvement strategies
- Collaboration is key
Listen to hear how the MAT SEND leader offers support to the lone SENCO and provides a strategic overview of SEND provision.
About Simon Tanner
Simon is National Director of SEND for E-ACT. With 10 years as an experienced SENDCo and 6 as a MAT leader for SEND, Simon has developed effective SEND practice across multiple MATs and lead on SEND and MAT SEND reviews across the country.
Simon Co-chairs the MAT SEND Leaders group which he established with Dr Nicola Crossly (Liberty Trust). The group currently have over 100 MAT leaders of SEND and collaborate with Whole Education. Simon is a mentor on Whole Educations MAT SEND leaders programme which last year supported over 250 academies across England and is now moving into its second cohort.
Simon regularly presents at National conferences and was part of EDUKEYs Provision map series in 2020-2021 and TEXTHELPs festivals of education between 2021-2023.
Contact Simon
Useful Links
· B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk
· Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast
· Email Dale – [email protected]
· Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe
The SENDcast is powered by B Squared
We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.