nasen awards - St Andrews International School, International Provision of the Year
Release Date: 03/25/2025
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...
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nasen awards - St Andrews International School, International Provision of the Year
The SENDcast
In this special episode, Catherine McCluskey, Paul Schofield, and Roo Stenning from St Andrews International School in Bangkok discuss their recognition as the International Provision of the Year at the nasen Awards. They highlight the school's commitment to inclusivity, emphasising that every child's potential is valued and supported. Catherine notes that the award recognises the hard work of the school community over the past 20 years, with a focus on ensuring all students, including those with special educational needs, are integrated and thrive. Paul elaborates on the importance of...
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‘Improve not Prove’: Self-Evaluation for Continuous Improvement in Inclusion
The SENDcast
Inclusion 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...
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nasen awards - Alison Eason, Changemaker of the Year
The SENDcast
Alison Eason discusses her recognition as the Changemaker of the Year at the nasen Awards for her innovative work in using technology to support students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). She emphasises how her computing strategies help students with dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, and ADHD, promoting independence and reducing reliance on teaching assistants. Alison shares her journey of upskilling in technology during the pandemic, becoming a Google trainer, and implementing tools like Google Classroom to enhance learning. She highlights various accessibility features...
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Why We Need More Support For Neurodivergent Teachers with Catrina Lowri
The SENDcast
We typically discuss how to support neurodivergent children, but what about teachers? Today, Dale and Catrina Lowri, founder of Neuroteachers, discuss the need for increased support for neurodivergent teachers and support staff. Catrina shares her personal journey as a neurodivergent educator with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, dyslexia and ADHD. She sheds light on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the education system, including stigma, lack of understanding, and inadequate support. Catrina highlights the importance of recognising the strengths and needs of...
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nasen awards - Michelle Madziak, Teacher of the Year
The SENDcast
In this special episode, Michelle Madziak discusses her recognition as a joint winner of the Teacher of the Year award at the nasen Awards. She emphasises her passion for empowering students and the transformative impact of her work in a special needs setting. Michelle highlights her innovative use of communication tools like tactile signing and iPads to enhance inclusion. She shares her experiences leading outdoor activities, such as camping and canoeing, for students with complex needs, stressing the importance of providing them with opportunities similar to their mainstream peers. Michelle...
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The Importance of Literacy Education for ALL learners with Chantal Bryan & Sarah Giles
The SENDcast
In 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...
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nasen awards - Chapman Shum, Young Advocate of the Year
The SENDcast
The podcast features Chapman Shum, the nasen Young Advocate of the Year 2024 winner, discussing his journey as a visually impaired musician. Chapman, who was born blind and has learning difficulties, shares how music has been a powerful tool for connection and expression. He emphasises that challenges can be overcome and aims to inspire others facing difficulties. His mentor, Professor Adam, highlights Chapman's exceptional musical abilities, including his talent for improvisation and participation in the National Open Youth Orchestra. The conversation highlights the importance of recognising...
info_outlineIn this special episode, Catherine McCluskey, Paul Schofield, and Roo Stenning from St Andrews International School in Bangkok discuss their recognition as the International Provision of the Year at the nasen Awards. They highlight the school's commitment to inclusivity, emphasising that every child's potential is valued and supported.
Catherine notes that the award recognises the hard work of the school community over the past 20 years, with a focus on ensuring all students, including those with special educational needs, are integrated and thrive. Paul elaborates on the importance of community and social interaction, asserting that inclusion benefits all students by fostering empathy and collaboration.
Roo adds that the school aims to continuously improve its practices to meet the diverse needs of its students. The team emphasises the significance of a positive school culture where happiness is a core value, promoting an environment where students are supported not only academically but also socially and emotionally.
They encourage other schools to embrace inclusive practices, demonstrating that it is possible to create a supportive and thriving educational environment for all students. The conversation reflects a strong belief in the impact of inclusivity on both individual students and the broader school community.
About Catherine
A passionate, highly skilled and outstanding senior leader within the international inclusive education sector. My teaching, and special educational needs experience, is vast and varied, having worked in Grammar, rural high schools, alternative provision and resource bases, specialist provision, and mainstream inner-city comprehensives. Having been a SENCo since 2007, I moved from London in August 2022 to take up position as Director of Whole School Learning Support, at St. Andrews International School, Bangkok. Since joining, and within my first two years in post, I have led on achieving the Inclusion Quality Mark Award - Centre of Excellence Accreditation, as well as the school being awarded the NASEN International Provision of the Year Award 2024 for exceptional special educational needs and disabilities provision.
As an experienced and highly respected and skilled practitioner, I am hugely passionate about supporting adults and young people through the minefield that is identifying accurate, appropriate, and suitable SEND provision, support, and resources, as well as advising on policy changes and inclusive pedagogy.
After receiving my first accreditation as an SSAT Lead Practitioner in SEND in June 2017, I went on to gain my National Award in Special Educational Needs Co-Ordination, and successfully re-accredited to SSAT for a further 3 years in 2020. An outstanding special educational needs teacher and Senior Leader, I am also a Level 3 Designated Safeguarding Lead and Team Teach Level 1 and 2 accredited trainer.
I have delivered CPD workshops, designed conferences for teachers, ran bespoke workshops for young people with external providers and companies, supported teachers in other countries (most recently Thailand, Tanzania, Jakarta and Vietnam for Nord Anglia Education, and Rwanda and Kenya through the Inspiring Teachers Charity) designed and ran parent workshops, supported independent companies to become more inclusive and welcoming, performed audits and policy reviews, and much much more. As an NAE EDIB Champion for my current school, I am supporting and working alongside other schools in our global community to share understanding, policy review, audits, and training on neuroinclusive pedagogy.
Finally, as a dual neurodivergent adult, I have the added insight of personal experience of how life can be as a child, and adult, with undiagnosed SEND needs, and the challenges this can present at all stages of life.
In my downtime I love my ‘heinz57’ Thai street dog, my retired rescued ex-thoroughbred racehorse, and scuba diving.
About Paul
Head of School at St Andrews International School for over 20 years. Our school has always worked to be fully inclusive taking children with a huge range of learning challenges. We started with 110 students, with 11 in High School. Currently we have 2,400 students, with 1,400 in High School. Our school has a wonderful school community which hugely support all aspects of our school’s life.
About Roo
Roo has been teaching different combinations of Geography, History, Maths and Theory of Knowledge in London, Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok for over 30 years, as well as having a number of other positions of responsibility - PSHE Coordinator, Head of Year, Deputy Head (Pastoral), Deputy Head (Curriculum) and now Head of High School (11-18).
Outside of school he spends far too much time still thinking about Education, either on Twitter (@MrRooBKK) or reading books or articles. He also loves to read books about topics related to Geography or TOK, which between them cover most of the world, to watch films and to watch Arsenal win.
Contact Catherine
https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-mccluskey-445100183/
Contact Paul
https://www.facebook.com/standrewsbangkok
Contact Roo
https://www.facebook.com/standrewsbangkok
About the nasen awards
The nasen awards celebrate outstanding contributions to the education and support of children and young people with SEND. These annual awards recognise individuals, schools, and organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusive education and the advancement of SEND practices.
nasen is a charitable organisation that supports children and young people with SEND. nasen's goals include Influencing government policy, providing information, training and resources to support practitioners and contributing to the debate and effecting change to improve outcomes for children and young people.
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
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