Sensory Uncertainty with Clare Ward and Dr Jamie Galpin
The SENDcast
Happy New Year! As we prepare for a new term, I wanted to share the first episode of 2025 with you. In this episode ‘Sensory Uncertainty’, my guests Clare Ward and Dr. Jamie Galpin, Speech and Language Therapist and Developmental Psychologist respectively, provide invaluable insights. They discuss their new book, My Senses Are Like Cups, which uses a compelling metaphor to help listeners understand how sensory experiences impact emotions and behaviour. This engaging metaphor illustrates how our sensory experiences - everything we see, hear, feel, smell, touch, and taste - can be understood...
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The Power of Relational Practice in an Autism Setting with Beth Elkins & Ian Thorsteinsson
The SENDcast
Before announcing the final episode of 2024, I just wanted to say a big heartfelt thank you to you, our wonderful listeners! It has been another remarkable year with 51 episodes recorded, 19 new guest speakers, 100,000 downloads and a nasen award to celebrate our achievements. Thank you for being part of this journey! This week, we dive into the concept of relational practice - a powerful approach that emphasises treating others as we wish to be treated, fostering equality, and mutual respect. I'm thrilled to welcome two new guests to the podcast: Beth Elkins, Headteacher, and Ian...
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Why Do So Many Professionals Believe They Are Right? with Tigger Pritchard
The SENDcast
Tigger Pritchard, a neuroaffirming advocate, consultant, and trainer joins Dale in today’s episode to discuss ‘Why do so many professionals believe they are right?’. The discussion delves into why many professionals hold rigid beliefs about autism and the implications this has on neurodivergent individuals and their families. Tigger emphasises that while many professionals are well-intentioned, a significant number are stuck using outdated training from decades ago. This can lead to harmful assumptions and practices that negatively impact the lives of autistic individuals. In their...
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Assumptions Around Physical Disabilities with Chloe Plummer
The SENDcast
Two days ago, we celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Dale recently had the pleasure of recording a podcast with Chloe Plummer, she shared her insights on living with cerebral palsy and the ‘Assumptions around physical disabilities’. In our conversation, Chloe explains what cerebral palsy is and shares her personal experiences navigating daily life. She addresses common misconceptions about physical disabilities and emphasises the importance of open dialogue and self-advocacy. Chloe uses a walking frame, she discusses how this impacts her social interactions and...
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Emotional Regulation Resources for SEND with Kerry Thalia
The SENDcast
The results of a recent study on the widely used Zones of Regulation have come as quite a shock to many in education. Despite its widespread use, the evidence does not seem to support the use of Zones of Regulation, especially with students with SEND. In today’s episode we dive into the implications of this new research with Kerry Thalia discussing ‘Emotional Regulation Resources for SEND.’ Emotional regulation is a critical aspect of working with children and young people, significantly impacting their ability to access other areas of education. However, the literature review by Mason...
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Time Saving Tips for SENCOs with Ginny Bootman
The SENDcast
SENCOs have a notoriously busy role spinning many plates. Ginny Bootman, a SENCO working across four schools, joins Dale in this episode ‘Time saving tips for SENCOs’ to provide insights on how to work smarter, not harder. “We want to actually be with the children, so by saving time in other ways, we get to spend more time with them, which is what it's all about.” Ginny Bootman Here are some highlights from our conversation: Maximising efficiency: Ginny’s experience of going paperless, which allows her to access vital information anytime, anywhere - essential for managing multiple...
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I’m Bipolar, But Don’t Call Me Crazy with Catrina Lowri
The SENDcast
**Please note this podcast covers sensitive topics, including suicide, and carries a trigger warning.** Psychosis, hallucinating, depression, mania…..did you know these are all symptoms of bipolar disorder? Living with this condition can be terrifying, not just for those who experience it, but also for their family and friends. Catrina Lowri joins Dale today for a candid discussion on her journey with bipolar ‘I’m bipolar, but don’t call me crazy’. Catrina starts by explaining what bipolar is and the profound impact it has had throughout her life, from her studies and career to her...
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Reflections On How To Promote Positive Mental Health For SENCOs with Angela Scott
The SENDcast
The current Ofsted inspection frameworks acknowledge the vital responsibility educational leaders have for the wellbeing of their staff. However, anecdotal evidence from SENCOs in schools and settings suggests they are at particular risk of poor mental health, and that increasing workload over the pandemic has exacerbated this. Angela Scott, Regional Lead for SEND, joins Dale again to discuss ‘Reflections on how to promote positive mental health for SENCOs’. Angela tells us that gaining an awareness of the risks and protective factors linked to the role of SENCO is necessary to ensure...
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It's Not The What It's The Why! with Alison Knowles
The SENDcast
Alison Knowles, Emotional Therapist, joins me today to discuss ‘it’s not the what, it’s the why’. Alison tells us that assumptions often arise when we focus solely on behaviour, leading to a lack of understanding. “Actually getting to the root of what's going on rather than focusing on the bit that isn't going to change.” Alison Knowles Alison emphasises that all behaviour serves a purpose, but merely focusing on the behaviour itself won't lead to real change. Instead, it’s essential to understand why individuals engage in certain behaviours. This approach shifts our focus from...
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Alternative Provision with Veena Virahsammy
The SENDcast
Alternative Provision (AP) can often look ‘fluffy’ from the outside, leading to misconceptions about its true purpose. To clarify and raise awareness, Veena Virahsammy joins me to give her insight on ‘Alternative Provision’. After her son faced exclusion from school, Veena established her own AP to support him and others in similar circumstances. In our conversation, she shares her experiences launching this initiative and emphasises the vital role that AP plays in education. “All I was fighting for was for my son to have a full-time education”. Veena Virahsammy Over the past...
info_outlineSchools invest in tools to identify and support students with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). But are these investments paying off? Many schools struggle with poor implementation, wasting valuable time and resources.
We're excited to welcome back Angharad Welch, Speech and Language Therapist, to the SENDcast! Four years after her debut, Angharad returns to discuss ‘Identifying language needs in Primary through Screening’.
In this episode, Angharad emphasises the importance of effective screening practices and the challenges schools face in implementing them. Here are some of the takeaways:
- Screening is crucial
- Implementation is key
- Invest time in understanding
- Don't be afraid to adapt
- Invest in expertise
- Focus on effectiveness
“Your tool is only as good as your implementation and follow through.”
Angharad Welch
Listen to hear Angharad’s expertise on how to ensure an effective screening process and her view on the top screening tools available.
About Angharad Welch
Angharad is an experienced Speech and Language Therapist working with children from birth to adulthood, and their adults. She runs her own business, Find the Key Speech and Language Therapy, which offers direct therapy services to families and settings in Herefordshire, as well as products and trainings to support SENCOs and other Educators.
Angharad believes that Therapists and settings need to work together to ensure effective identification and support for young people that reflects the complex realities of the current education system, not just generic advice and strategies.
Contact Angharad
https://twitter.com/FindthekeySLT
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.