The Importance of Literacy Education for ALL learners with Chantal Bryan & Sarah Giles
Release Date: 03/06/2025
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,...
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The Role of Technology and How To Use It Effectively Within The Classroom with Stephanie Smith
The SENDcast
The world outside of education is filled with technology, and if we shield children from it, we risk disadvantaging them when they transition into adulthood. It’s essential that we prepare them for the realities of the modern world. In our latest episode, Stephanie Smith, Head of School at the Cavendish School, joins Dale to explore ‘The role of technology and how to use it effectively within the classroom’. Stephanie shares insights into the innovative technologies implemented at her school, including VR/AR sandboxes, robots, and email systems that have been integrated with great...
info_outlineIn today’s episode, ‘The Importance of Literacy Education for ALL Learners’, Chantal Bryan and Sarah Giles from the charity Teach Us Too join Dale for an engaging discussion.
The conversation centres around Chantal’s son, Jonathan, who faces significant challenges due to his complex physical disabilities. I was inspired by his incredible journey towards being able to communicate with his family and his progress in learning to read and write!
Chantelle shares her experience of taking Jonathan out of special school to provide him with a literacy-focused education, emphasising the importance of not making assumptions about a child's capabilities based on their labels. With the support of educators like Sarah, Jonathan has made remarkable progress, including starting university courses in creative writing.
As Chantal puts it, “Literacy is the key to unlocking their voice.”
This inspiring episode highlights the importance of a literacy-rich environment, the need for inclusive educational practices, and the belief that all children should have the opportunity to learn to read and write. Chantal and Sarah discuss strategies for making literacy engaging and accessible, including the use of low-tech tools like E-Tran frames, which can aid communication for non-verbal learners.
Listen to hear why literacy is vital for all students and how it opens doors to communication, personal expression and transforms lives.
About Chantal Bryan OBE
No-one’s story should ever involve a parent needing to remove a child from school in order to teach them to read and write. If we had to do this for all our children, there would be national uproar.
Through my experience as a mother who took her son out of special school to teach him to read and write I have seen first hand the need for a greater understanding of the potential to learn in students with complex needs. I have also experienced the immeasurable difference that being able to read and write makes both for a child or young person who is non-speaking, and also their family and friends around them. This has driven and motivated my determination to make a difference for those children.
About Sarah Giles
I trained as a primary school teacher and later became a SENCo within a mainstream primary school. After a few years away from the classroom while I had my own family I was introduced to Jonathan & his family who were looking for the help of a primary school teacher for his home education. I then worked with Chantal to teach Jonathan at home for several years. When Jonathan established Teach Us Too, he asked me to take a lead on his behalf and I have been working with the charity ever since.
Contact Chantal & Sarah
https://www.facebook.com/TeachUsToo
Useful Links
Jonathan’s book – ‘Eye Can Write’
Emma Maskell the class that roared
Transformational Tales
Out of my Mind
- 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
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