Why does the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle matter? with Sara Alston
Release Date: 05/01/2025
Bridging the Gap with Parent Carers with Rachel Wright
The SENDcast
I wanted to share our latest episode featuring Rachel Wright, founder of Born at the Right Time and a parent of neurodiverse children discussing ‘Bridging the Gap with Parent Carers’. While schools, social care, and health services may believe they are partnering effectively with parents, the reality can be quite different. Rachel shares her personal journey navigating the healthcare system for her eldest son, who has complex needs. Her story highlights the frustration many parents feel when they are directed by professionals while lacking agency in decisions affecting their children. This...
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*Special Episode* nasen live 2025
The SENDcast
nasen live 2025 preview We are delighted to welcome Michael Surr, Head of Education at nasen to the SENDcast. We are excited to be exhibiting at on Friday 4th July at the VOX in Birmingham! It is nasen’s flagship conference dedicated to supporting education for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). In this special episode, Michael Surr, Head of Education at nasen, joins Dale to tell us what’s on at this year’s event and why you should be there! The one day conference is filled with engaging sessions covering vital topics and this...
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Digital Dilemmas with Helen Bray
The SENDcast
As children spend more time engaging with screens - whether through social media, gaming, or streaming - there are growing concerns about the impact on their ability to focus, self-regulate, and form meaningful real-world connections. This is a topic that resonates with us all, especially as I prepare to navigate technology with my daughter. In today’s episode, we welcome Helen Bray, Director of SEND, onto the podcast to discuss ‘Digital Dilemmas’. Helen explores how the digital world is reshaping child development, particularly in relation to executive function, emotional regulation,...
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How Does Dyslexia Impact in the Classroom? with Jane Craig & Samantha Buttle
The SENDcast
In our fast-paced world, it's essential to rethink how we approach learning and education. Unfortunately, many dyslexic learners are being left behind in the rush to cover extensive curriculum content. However, small adjustments in classroom practices can lead to significant improvements, enabling these students to thrive and reach their full potential. In this latest episode, Jane Craig and Samantha Buttle from Dyslexia Sparks, join Dale to discuss ‘How does dyslexia impact in the classroom?’. Here are some key takeaways from their conversation: Dyslexia affects not only reading but also...
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Hearing the Patterns – Phonological Awareness in Literacy Development with Dr Sarah Moseley & Ginny Bootman
The SENDcast
The second in a four-part series, Dr. Sarah Moseley and Ginny Bootman join Dale to discuss phonological awareness and its importance in literacy development. They explore how phonological awareness, detecting and manipulating sounds in spoken language, forms a foundation for reading skills. Sarah emphasises that understanding sounds is crucial for children’s literacy success, while Ginny highlights the role of rhythm and rhyme in engaging learners. They discuss how shared experiences, like singing and storytelling, can spark a love of language and improve literacy outcomes. Sarah and Ginny...
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*Special Episode* The Autism & ADHD Shows 2025
The SENDcast
We are delighted to welcome Geoff and Nargis Soppet, Event Directors and Founders, on The SENDcast. Geoff and Nargis join Dale in the studio for this special episode to discuss their reasons for creating the event 15 years ago, the autism friendly adaptions made, and the value attendees will get from the variety of sessions available. About the Autism and ADHD Shows Formerly known as The Autism Show, it's the national event dedicated to autism and ADHD. Attend to access a huge amount of trusted information and advice to help support an autistic or ADHD person in a home, education or...
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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...
info_outlineSince 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 adapt to the needs of each child, ultimately aiming to improve their educational experience.
I thoroughly enjoyed this episode, especially Sara's engaging analogies, including her comparison of Monopoly rules to planned interventions! Make sure you listen to learn the key elements of an effective APDR cycle and how to implement it successfully.
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About Sara Alston
Sara Alston has over 38 years teaching experience as a classroom teacher, school leader, SENCO and DSL and is now an independent SEND and Safeguarding Consultant and Trainer. She provides support and training to schools for special needs and safeguarding.
She is the co-author of The Inclusive Classroom: A New Approach to Differentiation (Bloomsbury, 2021) and author of Working Effectively with Your TA (Bloomsbury, 2023). She writes regular articles for SecEd and Headteacher Update.
Contact Sara
https://www.facebook.com/seainclusion.co.uk
Useful Links
Working Effectively with your TA book
- 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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