Universal Approaches to Support in Education with Clare Ward & James Galpin
The SENDcast
I just finished listening to this thought-provoking podcast episode featuring Dr Jamie Galpin and Clare Ward! They join Dale to discuss ‘Universal Approaches to Support in Education’, at a time when we're seeing rising levels of emotion-based school avoidance, teachers struggling with mental health challenges or leaving the profession altogether, and increasingly scarce resources are being channelled into identifying difference. Their conversation raises important questions: Have we gone too far focusing on difference? Shouldn't autistic, dyslexic, and ADHD children be considered a part of...
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How Dealing with Mental Images and ‘re-wiring’ the Brain Can Create Breakthroughs for Dyslexia with Lou Barnes
The SENDcast
In our latest episode, we dive into the challenges faced by children struggling with reading and writing. It's crucial for us as educators to recognise the signs that indicate a child's brain may not be processing text in a way that allows for easy reading and spelling. Dale is joined in our new studio by Lou Barnes, a trainer and founder of Unlock Learning. Lou discusses the role of . She introduces Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), which focuses on understanding and changing subconscious patterns that affect behaviour and learning. Lou shares her experience working with dyslexic children...
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nasen awards - Clare Brun Teacher of the Year
The SENDcast
In this final special episode of our nasen award winner series, Clare Brun shares her experiences and insights as the Teacher of the Year, highlighting her work at Holyrood Academy and the transformative impact of their enhanced learning provision. Throughout the discussion, Clare emphasises the importance of support, collaboration, and strong relationships within the school community. She explains how her dedication to inspiring both students and colleagues has led to a successful learning environment for all, particularly for students with special educational needs. Clare recounts her...
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*Special Episode* Autism Europe International Congress 2025
The SENDcast
We are delighted to welcome the team behind Autism Congress on the SENDcast. In this special episode of the SENDcast, Dale Pickles discusses the upcoming . The event team join Dale including Adam Harris, Peter Vermeulen and Zsuzsanna Szilvasy. They highlight that the Congress aims to create an inclusive space for autistic advocates, family members, and professionals to address common barriers faced by the autistic community. Now its 14th event, the theme this year is “quality of life” with discussions on topics ranging from mental health to advocacy - guided by a scientific committee...
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Awesome Archie's Journey from Mainstream to Specialist Education with Archie Clapcott
The SENDcast
I'm excited to share our latest podcast episode featuring our youngest guest, 16-year-old Archie Clapcott. Archie travelled to our studio to discuss his journey from mainstream education to a specialist setting. As an autistic individual with ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome, he offers a unique perspective that we can all learn from. I was really taken aback hearing how much Archie’s physical well-being improved as a result of lockdown. This highlights the significant impact that educational environments have on both the physical and mental health of students. It's a powerful reminder of the...
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nasen awards - Jane Fearnley & Faye Ebbs, Alternative Provision of the Year
The SENDcast
Jane Fearnley and Faye Ebbs from the LEAF Centre, discuss their work and recent recognition as winners of the nasen Alternative Provision of the Year award. The Leaf Centre, located within Willow Tree Academy, focuses on providing therapeutic intervention support to improve student attendance, reduce exclusions, and foster early intervention, leading to academic progress. Over the past two years, their initiative has resulted in a 7% increase in attendance rates, despite the initial low attainment of students. They highlight the importance of collaboration among the staff, parents, and...
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Relationship Dynamics with Children with PDA with Beth Elkins & Ian Thorsteinsson
The SENDcast
I am delighted to share the latest episode of our podcast, where Beth Elkins and Ian Thorsteinsson from Gretton School join Dale to explore the relationship dynamics with children who have Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Beth is a parent to a young man with PDA and brings a unique perspective that combines both personal and professional insights. Her candid reflections on the highs and lows of parenting a child with PDA provide emotional support and encouragement, showing other parents that it can get easier with a shift in thinking and communication. Beth and Ian explore various aspects...
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nasen awards - St Andrews International School, International Provision of the Year
The SENDcast
In this special episode, Catherine McCluskey, Paul Schofield, and Roo Stenning from St Andrews International School in Bangkok discuss their recognition as the International Provision of the Year at the nasen Awards. They highlight the school's commitment to inclusivity, emphasising that every child's potential is valued and supported. Catherine notes that the award recognises the hard work of the school community over the past 20 years, with a focus on ensuring all students, including those with special educational needs, are integrated and thrive. Paul elaborates on the importance of...
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‘Improve not Prove’: Self-Evaluation for Continuous Improvement in Inclusion
The SENDcast
Inclusion continues to be a hot topic in education, and while schools have made tremendous strides in fostering inclusivity, several barriers remain, particularly league tables and Ofsted defining school intent. In our latest episode of the SENDcast, Dale speaks with Maria Dawes, CEO of the Schools Alliance for Excellence. Maria shares valuable insights on how schools can leverage self-evaluation to drive continuous improvement in inclusion, especially for underserved learners. What resonated with me was Maria's approach to shifting the focus from proving effectiveness to genuinely improving...
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nasen awards - Alison Eason, Changemaker of the Year
The SENDcast
Alison Eason discusses her recognition as the Changemaker of the Year at the nasen Awards for her innovative work in using technology to support students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). She emphasises how her computing strategies help students with dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, and ADHD, promoting independence and reducing reliance on teaching assistants. Alison shares her journey of upskilling in technology during the pandemic, becoming a Google trainer, and implementing tools like Google Classroom to enhance learning. She highlights various accessibility features...
info_outlineWe’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 the podcast, I ask Kim the below questions:
- What should a school use an OT for?
- What are the areas that OTs support in schools? Starting with the EHCP.
- How much work do you get to put in with the teachers?
- How can schools really maximise what they get from their OT?
- What do you need to ask for when buying in private OT time?
“If the lesson is too hard for them, no amount of movement break or sensory circuit or weighted blanket is going to help that child access the lesson.” Kim Griffin
Listen to get a deeper understanding of the OT role and how you can maximise their contributions within your school to support your students.
About Kim Griffin
Kim is an occupational therapist with 20 years’ experience supporting children, young people, their families and teachers to participate successfully in their daily lives. Her interest areas are sensory processing and autism. Kim provides online training for those who want to learn more about sensory processing, motor skills and handwriting along with programmes that show you have to help children improve their skills.
Contact Kim
https://twitter.com/Griffin_OT
https://www.facebook.com/GriffinSensoryOT/
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.