How Does Dyslexia Impact in the Classroom? with Jane Craig & Samantha Buttle
Release Date: 05/22/2025
Breaking the Cycle: How Informed Parents Can Change the SEND System with Samantha Ryan
The SENDcast
Navigating the SEND system can be overwhelming, and many parents find themselves without essential information until it’s too late. Unfortunately, there’s no handbook to guide us. Often, parents only begin to understand SEN processes, the graduated approach, and even SEN law when their child is already struggling. This week, we welcome Samantha Ryan, a neurodivergent mother, SEND advocate, and author. In this insightful episode, Samantha shares her journey as a parent navigating the complex SEND system, advocating for her autistic son who has been out of school since March 2024. With her...
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Introducing ITV’s Play Time - the groundbreaking new TV show championing SEND children with Céin McGillicuddy and Andy Kinnear
The SENDcast
Have you heard of the TV show The Assembly? I’m thrilled to announce that the series director, Céin McGillicuddy and his creative partner Andy Kinnear, have joined Dale on the podcast to discuss their brand-new pilot show on ITV – Play Time! Play Time features six neurodivergent comedians visiting a primary school and are challenged, in the course of one school day, to create and perform an original stage play that’s based entirely on the ideas of a group of 6 to 8 year old school children, many of them from the school’s SEND department. Céin and Andy share their behind-the-scenes...
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Exploring Neuro-Dramatic-Play with Dr Sue Jennings
The SENDcast
In this week’s episode, Dr Sue Jennings, a leading expert in neuro-dramatic play and drama therapy, joins Dale to explore Neuro-Dramatic-Play (NDP). Sue explains that NDP is an attachment-based approach designed to help children, particularly those with negative early experiences, build connections through play. She emphasises the critical role of early attachment, noting that it begins even before birth and is essential for healthy emotional development. Sue shares her incredible stories having worked across over 30 countries, including her time living with a tribal community in Malaysia....
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Specialist Online Provision for Neurodivergent Learners with Cathy Wassell
The SENDcast
The mainstream school environment can be overwhelming for many neurodivergent students, with sensory overload and social challenges often creating significant barriers to learning. Today, we explore an alternative educational pathway that removes these obstacles – a ‘Specialist Online Provision for Neurodivergent Learners’. In this episode, Dale speaks to Cathy Wassall, founder and CEO of the Autistic Girls Network and the Haven Online School. Cathy, a neurodivergent advocate and mother to neurodivergent young adults, shares her journey and insights into how online education can create a...
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The Experiences of Girls in School with Diagnosed/Undiagnosed ADHD with Louise Belshaw
The SENDcast
With ADHD awareness month upon us, we wanted to discuss the important topic of ‘the experiences of girls in school with diagnosed/undiagnosed ADHD’. In this episode, Louise Belshaw, who has ADHD and is a mother to two adult children with the condition, shares her extensive experience as a secondary teacher and her specialisation in ADHD in females. She highlights that: “I've seen too many girls not get the diagnosis, or not go forward with the diagnosis, because they're not being supported by school and the teachers don't know what ADHD in girls looks...
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The Reality of OCD: Creating safe spaces for SEND students with Shaun Flores
The SENDcast
This OCD Awareness Week, I invite you to listen to our latest episode of the SENDcast, featuring Shaun Flores, a mental health advocate and consultant. In this honest and enlightening discussion ‘The Reality of OCD: Creating Safe Spaces for SEND Students’, Shaun sheds light on the often-misunderstood condition of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Trigger Warning: This podcast discusses difficult subjects, including sexual assault. “We understand autism, we understand ADHD, we understand anxiety, we understand depression, we understand dyslexia and dyspraxia and dyscalculia, but we...
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Navigating SEN Parenting: Tools for Thriving with Sharona Smith
The SENDcast
When a doctor or professional asks for details about when, why and where your child’s meltdown occurred, unless you have the most incredible memory, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to remember the finer details. Triggers, timings, environments are all helpful in understanding a child’s behaviour, but how can you keep track of them? “If I had to go speak to my GP or anyone and they said to me, you know what's been going on in the last six months, I'd say, I have no idea.” Sharona Smith Dale had a heartfelt conversation with Sharona Smith, the founder and CEO of Thrive Creations. As a...
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From Anxiety to Attendance: Rethinking SEMH Support with Helen Bray
The SENDcast
Attendance is a national priority, yet many interventions focus on behaviour management rather than addressing underlying SEMH needs. Helen Bray, the Director of SEND for the East Midlands Education Trust, joins Dale today to discuss the impact of SEMH challenges, post-pandemic trauma, and the rise of emotionally based school avoidance on attendance rates. With over 20 years of experience across early years, primary, and secondary education, Helen is incredibly passionate about supporting all pupils to succeed. “It's so isolating and so hard for these children and parents where they just...
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Developing Distributive Leadership in Secondary Schools to Improve Inclusion with Eleanor Sams
The SENDcast
As SEND registers continue to grow and expectations rise across the profession, many SENDCOs are leaving due to overwhelming workloads and lack of support. It’s crucial that we rethink how to empower teachers to meet their students' needs. In today’s episode, Dale was joined by Eleanor Sams, an Assistant Headteacher and SENDCO at the Marvel College in Hull. Eleanor tells us about ‘developing distributive leadership in secondary schools to improve inclusion’ sharing her school’s successful implementation. Their discussion includes: Key challenges for new SENDCOs: The pressure to be...
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Supporting the Transition from Primary to Secondary School for SEN Children with Kirsty Greenwood
The SENDcast
As the new Year 7 cohort settles into secondary school life and the Year 6 students prepare for their upcoming transition, I wanted to highlight this timely topic for our discussion this week. My daughter is about to embark on this journey, and I must admit, the prospect of secondary school feels quite daunting! A recent report revealed that 1 in 4 children disengage during the transition to secondary school, with their enjoyment, sense of safety, and trust significantly declining in the first year. This understandably impacts their attendance. In today’s episode, Dale is joined by Kirsty...
info_outlineIn 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 memory and processing information.
- Common classroom tasks, like copying from the board, can be particularly challenging for dyslexic students.
- The importance of assistive technology, such as audio books and reading pens, in promoting independence and enhancing learning experiences for dyslexic students.
- Encouraging a growth mindset for students to embrace their challenges and recognise their strengths. Allowing students to be comfortable making mistakes and exploring their interests.
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About Samantha Buttle
I trained as a dyslexia specialist within my teaching degree. After spending several years in mainstream education, I felt my expertise in dyslexia support wasn’t being used. I eventually left teaching but later found a national dyslexia charity, where I worked for several years.
I then went on to work with Dyslexia Sparks when it launched in 2016. Our charity has grown and diversified into a range of areas beyond teaching and assessments, and I feel we are able to offer a complete wraparound service.
I found out whilst working at the charity, I myself am dyslexic and have spent a long time, providing myself with supportive strategies to get through my day and working life.
I have a real passion for the people we work with and enabling them to reach their potential. It is amazing to see them grow in confidence and improve their self-esteem, enabling them to go on and achieve things they previously thought impossible!
Last year I completed my master’s degree where I had a particular focus on the self esteem and mental wellbeing of those diagnosed with dyslexia. This was a real moment of achievement within my professional life.
About Jane Craig
Holding a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Occupational Psychology, I have always held a keen interest in people, and in particular in helping people to develop. I began my career as a researcher at Hull University and progressed to a role as Lecturer in the Hull University Business School. After 10 years in higher education, I ventured away from academia and chose to specialise as a dyslexia tutor and assessor. At this point I discovered my real passion in life – helping neurodiverse individuals to find their inner spark and thrive in their environment. In 2016 I co-founded our charity (my 3rd baby!), Dyslexia Sparks, on a mission to help dyslexic individuals overcome barriers to success, and a vision for a world where dyslexic individuals are celebrated for what they have to offer.
Contact Samantha and Jane
https://www.dyslexiasparks.org.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/dyslexiasparks
https://www.instagram.com/dyslexia.sparks/
samantha.buttle@dyslexia-sparks.org.uk
jane.craig@dyslexia-sparks.org.uk
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