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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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: ...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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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...
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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_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.