‘Improve not Prove’: Self-Evaluation for Continuous Improvement in Inclusion
Release Date: 03/20/2025
Supporting Neurodiverse Students: Insights from Awesome Archie with Rebecca Clapcott
The SENDcast
Last month, Archie Clapcott joined Dale in the studio to share his transition from mainstream to special education. Today, his Mum, Rebecca Clapcott, draws on her extensive experience as the founder of the Awesome Archie nonprofit to discuss how to support neurodiverse students and why schools must embrace change. Rebecca emphasises that many teachers lack the understanding and training needed for effective neurodiversity support, advocating for a compassionate approach that values individuality and fosters understanding among educators. She addresses relatable topics, such as school uniforms,...
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Why does the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle matter? with Sara Alston
The SENDcast
Since the 2015 SEN Code of Practice SEN support has been based on a graduate response that includes an Assess, Plan, Do, Review (APDR) cycle. Unfortunately, this cycle is becoming fragmented, with each component operating in isolation. Assessments are not being linked to children’s needs or plans to support them. Plans are made but not implemented and reviews are just a recap of what a child can or cannot do. Sara Alson, SEND and Safeguarding Consultant and Trainer, joins Dale in the studio to discuss why the APDR cycle matters. Sara stresses that it is an ongoing process that should...
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Informal SEND Provision in Mainstream Primary: The Positives and The Pitfalls with Kate Browning
The SENDcast
In this episode of the SENDcast, Dale discusses informal SEND provision in mainstream primary schools with Kate Browning, an experienced SEND consultant. They explore the increasing demand for inclusive education amid a rise in children with complex needs and the challenges schools face in effectively supporting these students. Kate highlights what good practice looks like when thinking about establishing an informal SEND provision and what the potential dangers and unintended consequences are. Key points include: Growing Inclusion Needs Parental Choice vs. School Capability ...
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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...
info_outlineInclusion 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 practices and being experts in your own setting. She emphasises that by fostering a culture of robust self-evaluation, school leaders can take ownership of their actions and create an environment where all students feel included and supported, regardless of their backgrounds or needs.
Maria developed the Surrey Inclusion Framework to facilitate meaningful discussions and thorough self-assessments around inclusion. As she aptly states, “There are things that you can do that don't make you fundamentally more inclusive; inclusivity is a culture.”
View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!
About Maria Dawes
Maria is the CEO of Schools Alliance for Excellence and STSN, a school-led company that provides school improvement, curriculum and leadership development for schools in Surrey and other local regions. She has a strong track record of working collaboratively and in partnership with a range of agencies to support schools to improve rapidly and sustain improvement.
Maria is passionate about a school-led system, believing bringing all schools, providers and partners together creates an educational landscape that is more than the sum of its parts. She also believes strongly in equity of opportunity and inclusion. She has an unwavering desire to ensure that all young people get the education they deserve including those with additional needs, and those that are vulnerable and underserved.
Her previous roles included a number of senior leadership posts in schools, Senior HMI and Deputy & Regional Schools Commissioner.
Contact Maria
https://www.linkedin.com/company/schools-alliance-for-excellence/
Useful Links
VLOG - a new way for school accountability
Blog - inclusion self evaluation
- 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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