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...
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Neurodiversity – Building Connections and Building Confidence with Marlon Huggins
The SENDcast
Gaming often gets a bad reputation, but it offers numerous benefits, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Many neurodiverse young people spend their lives in survival mode, navigating challenging environments - not just physically, but socially. The pressure to fit in, the fear of making mistakes, and the constant effort to mask can be exhausting. It's crucial for them to find spaces where they can relax and be themselves. In our latest episode, Marlon Huggins shares his inspiring story and the founding of SHYNNE. Last year, Marlon launched gaming events for neurodiverse children and...
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How Can Schools Support Parents of SEN Children More Effectively with Sarah Billingham
The SENDcast
SENCOs, school leaders & class teachers are currently spending large amounts of time supporting or responding to the concerns of parents of SEN children. However, much of this support is reactive and can feel like constant firefighting. A strategic approach to parental support is needed. Sarah Billingham, a specialist teacher with over 18 years of experience, returns to the studio to discuss ‘How can schools support parents of SEN children more effectively’. Sarah highlights the importance of effective communication between schools and parents. Here are some key takeaways from their...
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The Stories We Tell About Autism with Joanna Grace
The SENDcast
I expect you’ve come across controversial headlines such as ‘cause for autism discovered’, which suggest that autism is a disease. You may have also heard narratives claiming that autism results from bad parenting or is merely a form of behaviour. Some of these stories have been repeated for so long that they continue to shape our understanding without us even realising it. We are delighted to welcome back the newly appointed Dr. Joanna Grace, a sensory and inclusion specialist, to discuss ‘The stories we tell about autism’ in our 250th episode. “I've repeated that story to...
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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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We are delighted to welcome Michael Surr, Head of Education at nasen to the SENDcast.
We are excited to be exhibiting at nasen live 2025 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 year’s theme is ‘Preparation for life’. Hear from esteemed speakers including Ginny Bootman and Joe Fautley, alongside students sharing their lived experiences.
This event offers invaluable networking opportunities with educators, school leaders, and SEND professionals, as well as a showcase of innovative products and resources from various exhibitors. Be among the first to learn about nasen’s exciting new Continuous Professional Development (CPD) initiative. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and share best practices within a community dedicated to improving outcomes for children with SEND. We look forward to seeing you there!
About Michael Surr
Michael has worked for nasen since 2016 and is currently Head of Education. His background is in primary education both in the UK and abroad. He has worked as a class teacher, SENCo and Deputy Head. Since beginning his career in education, he has had a keen interest in SEND, equalities issues, and mental health.
Before joining nasen, Michael worked for a Local Authority as part of the leadership team of a SEND advisory service which gave him the opportunity to broaden his experience into early years, secondary and further education. This role involved working with schools and settings to help them develop their provision for children and young people with SEND.
Useful Links
Book your tickets to nasen live now - https://nasen.org.uk/nasenlive/
- 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
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.