How exercise is different for children with SEND and why it matters with Miriam Saffer
Release Date: 03/07/2024
Supporting the Transition from Primary to Secondary School for SEN Children with Kirsty Greenwood
The SENDcast
As the new Year 7 cohort settles into secondary school life and the Year 6 students prepare for their upcoming transition, I wanted to highlight this timely topic for our discussion this week. My daughter is about to embark on this journey, and I must admit, the prospect of secondary school feels quite daunting! A recent report revealed that 1 in 4 children disengage during the transition to secondary school, with their enjoyment, sense of safety, and trust significantly declining in the first year. This understandably impacts their attendance. In today’s episode, Dale is joined by Kirsty...
info_outline
Emotional Based School Avoidance: How Can Schools Help Autistic Pupils? with Sue Sheppard
The SENDcast
In this week’s podcast, Dr Sue Sheppard, an educational psychologist with over 30 years of experience in autism joins Dale. In this enlightening episode, we delve into the important topic of Emotion-Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and how schools can better support autistic pupils. Dr Sheppard discusses the alarming statistics surrounding school attendance for autistic students, with more than a quarter being persistently absent. She highlights the crucial need for understanding and empathy from educators to create a supportive environment where all students feel they belong. Some key points...
info_outline
Supporting ND Learners in Secondary School Settings and Further Education with Susana Gonzalez
The SENDcast
In today’s episode, Dale is joined by Susana Gonzalez, the director and founder of ND Bright Brains, who brings over 20 years of experience in education. They discuss supporting neurodivergent learners in secondary schools and further education. Neurodivergent students often face unique challenges in environments that aren't designed to meet their needs. As awareness of neurodiversity grows, it's crucial for educational settings to shift from compliance-based models to a more student-centred approach that embraces inclusion. Susana emphasises the importance of neurodiversity training,...
info_outline
Cracking the Code – Early Print Concepts and Literacy Readiness with Dr Sarah Moseley & Ginny Bootman
The SENDcast
The third in a four-part series on literacy success, Dr Sarah Moseley and Ginny Bootman join Dale to discuss ‘Cracking the Code – Early Print Concepts and Literacy Readiness’. This discussion focuses on looking at books, texts or symbols in print and taking meaning from them. During the podcast they discuss: The use of symbols and why you need to keep it simple. The significance of early print concepts and how they lay the foundation for literacy. Practical tips for integrating print into everyday learning. Building confidence with print. “If we don't put into the early years a joy...
info_outline
Where Safeguarding and SEND Meet with Sara Alston
The SENDcast
Neglect, abuse and exploitation are challenging subjects, however safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. When it comes to individuals with SEND, things can get complicated. From communication barriers and misunderstood behaviours to gaps in training and confidence, schools can struggle to get it right. In this episode, Dale discusses the complexities of safeguarding in relation to children with SEND with Sara Alston, SEND and Safeguarding consultant and trainer. As Sara says, “It's about knowing the child and being willing to think the unthinkable.” Their discussion covers: ...
info_outline
Autism: The Quiet Ones with Joanna Grace
The SENDcast
We often think of the disruptive autistic child - the one whose behaviour draws attention and prompts others to suggest stricter discipline. This representation, sometimes referred to as the "boys' presentation of autism", overshadows the many individuals who do not visibly express their struggles. Dr Joanna Grace, sensory engagement and inclusion specialist, joins Dale to discuss ‘Autism: The Quiet Ones’. Jo shares insights on the often-overlooked experiences of autistic individuals who may not display disruptive behaviours. Many autistic people experience challenges without revealing...
info_outline
How Learning Can Come To Life Through Horses with Fay Atkins, Suzi Barnett & students
The SENDcast
I'm excited to share today’s podcast, which holds a special place in my heart. Back in primary school, I had the incredible opportunity to ride and learn about horses at the Fortune Centre in the New Forest, igniting a lifelong passion! Nearly 50 years ago, Fortune College was established, and since then, horses have played a vital role in teaching SEND students essential skills - from mathematics and English to independence and life skills. The college specialises in residential education programs for young people aged 16 to 25, integrating horses into their unique learning approach. I was...
info_outline
Better Oracy Through Building Speech and Language Skills in Schools with Yin Collighan & Louise Emerson
The SENDcast
Oracy is increasingly taking centre stage in national discussions, and in today’s episode, Dale is joined by Yin Collighan and Louise Emerson, both experienced Speech and Language Therapists. Together, they delve into the significance of oracy in schools and how enhancing speech and language skills can foster a more effective learning environment. As conversations about a talking curriculum gain momentum, this discussion is essential for teachers, offering insights on how to support all students, including those with Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN) and neurodiverse learners....
info_outline
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging with Dr Susie Nyman
The SENDcast
We are delighted to welcome back Dr Susie Nyman to the SENDcast following her recent visit to Buckingham Palace! In this episode, Susie joins Dale in the studio along with some other special guests……Percy Pig and an array of puppets! In this lively discussion on ‘Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging’ (EDIB), Susie highlights that all students require the teachers to apply EDIB in every lesson. She believes this approach fosters a learning environment where all students feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Susie bases her discussion on her...
info_outline
Parenting a Neurodivergent Child with Kate Steer
The SENDcast
Parenting is one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys we can embark on. As a parent of a 10-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son, I’m navigating this rollercoaster and learning along the way. For neurodivergent parents, there’s often the added worry of balancing the past, present, and future. Appointments, meeting our child's needs, and information overwhelm can feel like a heavy weight to carry. In our latest episode, Dale speaks with Kate Steer, a neurodivergent family coach and educational consultant. Kate shares her valuable insights on parenting neurodivergent children,...
info_outlineThere 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 be extremely limited.
In light of this, Miriam Saffer a Consultant in Inclusion, Neurodiversity and Special Educational Needs, joins Dale in this episode to discuss ‘How exercise is different for children with SEND and why it matters’.
Miriam highlights the barriers to engaging in sport and exercise for children and young people with SEND. These challenges range from difficulties in understanding game rules during PE lessons, to issues encountered in noisy gym environments. Exercise-based interventions for children with SEND have a wide range of benefits. By raising awareness of the need for such interventions and understanding their positive impact, we can make a significant difference in the long-term outcomes for many children and young people.
Listen to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of exercise and the benefits of sport-based interventions on physical health, emotional well-being, and long-term outcomes across all areas of SEND.
About Miriam Saffer
Miriam is the founder of Illuminate Inclusion, an organisation that provides a range of services for families, professionals and community organisations.
Miriam is a specialist in neurodiversity who works with a range of needs, including ADHD, autism and dyslexia. Her background is in special educational needs. She has worked extensively across primary, secondary and further education settings both as a teacher and SENCO/ALNCO.
Contact Miriam
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083107280012
http://instagram.com/illuminateinclusion
https://www.linkedin.com/in/miriam-saffer/
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.