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nasen awards - Jane Fearnley & Faye Ebbs, Alternative Provision of the Year

The SENDcast

Release Date: 04/01/2025

Supporting Neurodiverse Students: Insights from Awesome Archie with Rebecca Clapcott show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art *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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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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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 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/

https://x.com/theLEAFcentre

[email protected]

 

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

nasen website

nasen events and CPD

nasen live conference 

nasen Awards

 

 

The SENDcast is powered by B Squared

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.