SEND Parent Partnerships with Danise B. Grant
The SENDcast
Parents of SEND children face numerous challenges, including feeling unheard, overwhelmed, and stressed when trying to get their child’s needs met. They often find themselves at loggerheads with institutions, grappling with systemic failures such as inconsistencies across local authorities, the postcode lottery, and the inadequacies of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). As Danise Grant aptly states, “It shouldn't be such an uphill battle for people to get what they need.” In this episode, ‘SEND Parent Partnerships’, Danise joins Dale to share her unique perspective as a former...
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Dyslexia Myth Busting with Louise Selby
The SENDcast
This Dyslexia Awareness Week (7-13 October), we are excited to share our latest podcast episode featuring dyslexia specialist Louise Selby! We tackle some of the most common myths surrounding dyslexia, shedding light on the misunderstandings that persist in education and beyond. There’s a significant debate about whether dyslexia even exists, and it’s concerning that many educators and parents still lack a clear understanding of this condition. A shared understanding could lead to better support for students, ultimately focusing on providing high-quality teaching. In this episode, we...
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Autism: My Personal Experiences and Advice for Professionals with Joe Fautley
The SENDcast
We're excited to announce that in this week’s episode of the SENDcast, we welcome Joe Fautley to share his invaluable insights in “Autism: My Personal Experiences and Advice for Professionals.” In this open and honest discussion, Joe offers a unique perspective as a young adult growing up and living on the Autism Spectrum. He shares his personal journey, highlighting the needs, strengths, achievements, challenges, and aspirations of children and young people with SEND. Joe's experience as an Autism advocate shapes his approach to making education more accessible and comfortable for...
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Why Movement Matters with Chloe Plummer
The SENDcast
Many of us take everyday tasks for granted, like standing up from a chair. However, for individuals with physical disabilities and complex needs, this simple act can be a significant challenge that not everyone can accomplish independently…yet. This week, we delve into the crucial role of functional movement in the lives of children with physical disabilities and complex needs. Our guest, Chloe Plummer from MOVE Europe, discusses ‘Why movement matters- the importance of providing functional Movement Opportunities Via Education’. She tells us how their innovative programme empowers...
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Reconstructing the Students' Brain using The Person-Centred Approach to Learning with Dr Susie Nyman
The SENDcast
All students benefit from personalised learning. By empowering them in a person-centred manner, they can engage openly with educators, making essential connections between subject content and their own experiences. This approach enhances their ability to remember and recall key information for future examinations. We're thrilled to welcome back Dr. Susie Nyman in this week’s episode for another engaging discussion on personalisation and the person-centred approach for SEND students. Her insights are rooted in her work at The Sixth Form College, Farnborough, including her involvement with the...
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Ask Don't Tell with Alison Knowles
The SENDcast
How often do you ask children what they think about something instead of simply telling them your opinion based on your own experiences? Often adults give answers based on their model of the world and views which aren’t necessarily right. In today’s podcast, Alison Knowles, Emotional Therapist, joins Dale to discuss ‘Ask don’t tell’. Alison tells us that by asking WHAT? and HOW?, you can transform your conversations with children. These simple questions not only build their confidence but also show them that you genuinely care about their thoughts. Encouraging...
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SEND Briefing Preview: What will the new Government mean for SEND? with Jane Friswell
The SENDcast
Ahead of Jane’s FREE SEND Briefing on 24 September, she joins Dale for this special episode to give an insight into what she will be presenting in her session ‘What will the new Government mean for SEND?’. “I think what we’re going to see from this government is a real push down that early intervention route.” Jane Friswell Listen to hear Jane’s thoughts on the government changes, focus on inclusion, early intervention, resource allocation and more…… Useful Links Vote for B Squared at the Education Today Awards: B Squared Website – ...
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Positive Psychology (PP) Wellbeing & SEMH with Dr Rob Long
The SENDcast
Often, when children are labelled with a 'problem,' they are perceived as different or failing, which can create a cycle of negativity. This can lead to challenges such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression, as the brain tends to hold onto these negative perceptions. In the last 10-15 years, the field of positive psychology has emerged as a valuable counterpoint to the traditional focus on fixing mental health issues. Dr Rob Long, a Chartered Psychologist, joins us to discuss how positive psychology can offer a transformative approach to supporting children and young adults, particularly...
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Identifying Language Needs in Primary Through Screening
The SENDcast
Schools 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...
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Awesomely Autistic with Tigger Pritchard
The SENDcast
Having had several chance encounters at the Autism Shows, we're delighted to finally have Tigger Pritchard as a guest on the podcast! ‘Awesomely Autistic’ is a profound and insightful exploration of Tigger's personal journey as a neuroaffirming advocate, consultant, and trainer. Tigger shares a heartfelt and deeply honest insight into his experiences growing up as an autistic individual. He describes the challenges he faced, particularly during his school years, when he felt alienated and misunderstood in a world that didn't seem to embrace his unique way of thinking and engaging with the...
info_outlineParents of SEND children face numerous challenges, including feeling unheard, overwhelmed, and stressed when trying to get their child’s needs met. They often find themselves at loggerheads with institutions, grappling with systemic failures such as inconsistencies across local authorities, the postcode lottery, and the inadequacies of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). As Danise Grant aptly states, “It shouldn't be such an uphill battle for people to get what they need.”
In this episode, ‘SEND Parent Partnerships’, Danise joins Dale to share her unique perspective as a former teacher, local authority SEND panel member and SEND parent. This multifaceted experience allows her to understand the complexities of the SEND system and to assist parents in developing advocacy skills to achieve the best outcomes for their children.
We also discuss the challenging tripartite relationship between local authorities, parents, and schools, exploring how issues of race and disability intersect in this context. Danise highlights the stigma often faced by families, as well as the critical need for genuine inclusion and thoughtful consideration in educational settings.
Danise is dedicated to empowering parents, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the system confidently and effectively.
About Danise B. Grant
Danise B. Grant, an former secondary teacher, turned SEND Advocate and educator. She is the founder of Panda's Tree, the UK's pioneering organisation dedicated to advocating for, educating about, and supporting the Black Down syndrome community; and one of the partnering members of the Black Child: Down syndrome Project. She has over 2 decades in various educational settings including adult literacy, TESOL, and secondary education both private and public. However, it was her experience as a mother of a child with special needs and disability; that reignited her passion for advocacy and social justice. Her current mission, SEND Parent Partnerships, revolves around championing inclusion and diversity within educational institutions where she works collaboratively with parents and institutions to get the best outcomes for their children with SEND who require special educational support. Additionally, she serves as a judicial official and a key member of a local authority SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) panel. More recently she started a podcast The SEND Sisterhood with another SEND mum; where they seek to expose some hard truths as well as the joys of SEND parenting.
Contact Danise
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.