nasen awards - St Andrews International School, International Provision of the Year
Release Date: 03/25/2025
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_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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