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_outlineA few months ago, we had an insightful episode where Clare Truman introduced and explained PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance). Today, Clare has returned to share valuable advice on how to support PDA learners. The PDA Society estimates that 70% of PDA children and young people are not currently attending school due to their needs not being adequately met. It is crucial to address this issue and provide the necessary support. Clare's expertise in this area is invaluable, and her insights can make a significant difference in the lives of PDA learners.
Clare emphasises the importance of groundwork and adapting learning methods to suit PDA learners while ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Shifting our mindset and adopting a collaborative approach is key. It is essential to reduce anxiety for individuals with a PDA profile, so providing clear instructions without overwhelming demands is vital.
During the episode, Clare shares practical tips that can greatly benefit PDA learners. Some of these include:
- Implementing a visual timetable with a pre-set list of alternatives.
- Using instruction sheets that allow space for better ideas.
- Regulating breaks to promote self-regulation.
- Teaching the learner the distinction between learning objectives and activities.
- Prioritising demands by using post-it notes.
Listen to learn more about these strategies and how by offering choices and minimising demands, we can create a supportive and inclusive environment for PDA learners.
About Clare Truman
Clare Truman is an education consultant, special education teacher and big sister to an autistic young man. From 2017 to 2019, she was director of Spectrum Space Community Interest Company; a social enterprise and alternative education provision based in Surrey which specialised in supporting autistic children who display Pathological Demand Avoidance. She now provides distance learning packages for students with PDA who find it difficult to access school. Clare is currently completing a PhD at UCL London exploring the educational experiences of PDA learners. She is author of The Teacher’s Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance: Essential Strategies for the Classroom published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Contact Clare
https://twitter.com/SpectrumSpaceUK
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.