nasen awards - Jane Fearnley & Faye Ebbs, Alternative Provision of the Year
Release Date: 04/01/2025
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...
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Sensory Circuits and Sensory Movement Breaks with Ali Neal
The SENDcast
Neurotypical pupils are usually able to meet their sensory needs during play time, however SEND pupils may face difficulties in motor or social skills. This is where sensory circuits and sensory movement breaks are often needed in the classroom. But how do you effectively incorporate them into busy school days? Ali Neal, an occupational therapist, joins Dale to discuss practical ways to incorporate sensory circuits, helping pupils with their regulation and focus. By harnessing the power of movement, we can improve the lives of many SEN and neurodiverse pupils. Ali takes us through the three...
info_outlineJane 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 local authorities to create an environment that meets the needs of children with social, emotional, and mental health challenges. Jane and Faye outline their approach, which involves stepping students out of traditional schooling for intensive support before reintegrating them. They believe in the value of early intervention and a support network to prevent students from requiring Educational Health Care Plans (EHCPs).
The discussion highlights the role of teachers observing students in the LEAF Centre, gaining insights that change their perceptions and ability to support these children effectively. They also aim to provide Continual Professional Development (CPD) to schools to equip staff in handling challenging behaviours.
The episode showcases the pivotal role of the LEAF Centre in transforming educational experiences for students facing difficulties, validating their potential, and promoting a supportive community atmosphere among families and educational institutions.
About Jane Fearnley
Jane Fearnley is CEO of the Willow Tree Academy, a four school multi-academy trust in Rotherham. 90% of
pupils in the academy live in some of the most deprived areas in England and in Europe. Jane’s career in education has spanned 37 years, twenty of these as Head Teacher of Herringthorpe Junior School and in the last ten years as Executive Head and CEO of Willow Tree Academy. As a National Leader of Education, Jane has supported many schools in challenging circumstances to improve, offering her commitment as a system leader to the wider education sector.
Jane's area of expertise and passion is working with disadvantaged children and those with SEND, and in developing behaviours for learning and systems which ensure children have the profound primary learning experience they deserve.
She was honoured to receive an OBE for her services to education in the Queen’s Jubilee Honours 2022.
Jane is committed to creativity in teaching and coaching staff to have high expectations of what all children can achieve. The curriculum across the academy is vibrant, exciting and cross - curricular; a child - centred approach based on learning through first - hand experience and the Arts. Awe and wonder are key drivers for the Academy’s provision, alongside developing pupil's social, moral, spiritual and cultural capital.
Jane’s response to the escalating need for SEMH provision was to embark on a challenging journey that eventually saw the opening of the LEAF Centre - a specialist step-out SEMH provision.
Jane sees the recognition within the nasen award as validating and supporting the drive to ensure children who have endured specific trauma, adverse childhood experiences, bereavement, emotionally based school non-attendance or other diagnosed or undiagnosed difficulties are supported and nurtured to succeed. The philosophy always being that LEAF children return to their mainstream school to enjoy their learning with their peers within their community.
About Faye Ebbs
I have been a qualified teacher for over 10 years and a SENCO / Inclusion leader for 6 of these. My role has taken more of a strategic direction over the last 2-3 years as I supported the inception of our therapeutic step out provision, the LEAF centre, and continue to support staff within our academy and beyond in supporting pupils with SEND needs.
My main passion is to give pupils the skills and strategies to enable them to be successful, now and in their future, regardless of their starting point or perceived ‘disadvantages.
SEMH in particular is a point of interest and from this drives much of the work and support we offer at the LEAF centre, which is premised on using therapeutic support and emotional regulation strategies alongside a teacher led curriculum offer, to unpick barriers and devote time into changing the trajectory for individuals in our care.
The LEAF Centre is considered a specialist SEMH step out provision due to the nature of the programme running for 12 weeks for individuals with specific SEMH needs. These may be attributed to a specific trauma, adverse childhood experiences, bereavement, school based non attendance or other diagnosed or undiagnosed difficulties.
Within the local authority, the LEAF centre is the only provision offering this step out support, enabling children to engage in a different environment before reintegrating back into school, with planned outreach support.
Contact Jane & Faye
https://www.willowtreeacademy.org/
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
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- Email Dale – [email protected]
- Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe
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