The SENDcast

The SENDcast is a weekly podcast focusing on Special Educational Needs, it is an amazing way to keep up to date with all the different areas within SEN, best practices and to improve your knowledge around SEND.

Helping Children with PMLD Thrive with Yoga with Jyoti Jo Manuel 05/25/2023

Helping Children with PMLD Thrive with Yoga with Jyoti Jo Manuel How can you do yoga with children with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD)? For many years the potential for yoga to be helpful for children who have limited or no voluntary movement, or cannot sit unaided, or cannot speak has been questioned. Jyoti Jo Manuel, founder and director of Special Yoga, joins Dale this week to discuss ‘Helping children with PMLD thrive with yoga’. Yoga for children and young people with PMLD doesn’t look like the usual bending/stretching that are synonymous with yoga. Jyoti tells us what it looks like and the impact it can have on the children - which can be life changing! “I think we can never underestimate how impactful a millimetre of change is for a child like that.” “I go in with no expectation, just an intention to help this child. To help this child feel the best that they can feel in this moment.” Jyoti Jo Manuel Listen to hear why bringing yoga as a therapeutic intervention to children and young people with PMLD has such great value. Jyoti shares her real-life experiences, the benefits and how yoga can help improve the quality of their lives. About Jyoti Jo Manuel Jyoti has been practising yoga since 1974 and teaching since 1989. She is one of the leaders in the training and application of yoga as a therapeutic intervention for children with special and additional needs. She pioneered children’s yoga in the UK. She set up the global training school, Special Yoga in 2002 to provide sustainable and accessible training programmes and to support practitioners delivering the work . She works with local education authorities, NHS, academies and individual schools, parents/carers and paediatric professionals. She has travelled globally to extend Special Yoga in Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Australia, Mexico, Peru, Russia, and many countries in Europe. She is currently training 45 psychologists in the Ukraine to support their traumatised children. Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – /episode/index/show/thesendcast/id/26878938

Tourette's? (Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month - May 15th to June 15th) with Ione Georgakis 05/18/2023

Teaching Phonics to ALL Learners - What About SLD and PMLD Pupils? with Dr Sarah Moseley 05/11/2023

Teaching Phonics to ALL Learners - What About SLD and PMLD Pupils? with Dr Sarah Moseley The teaching of reading is something that is relevant to all our learners including those with severe and complex learning difficulties but the questions is… Where does phonics fit in? Why should we include this within our reading framework and what will it look like? How will learners with the most significant complex needs gain from an inclusive reading curriculum? These are all questions that Dr Sarah Moseley addresses in today’s podcast ‘Teaching Phonics to ALL learners - what about SLD and PMLD pupils?’. Sarah is an Educational Consultant and joins Dale to talk about the process of learning to read and the importance of including accessible, meaningful, and engaging phonics instruction in this. Recent publications by the DfE and Ofsted have placed a renewed focus on the teaching of reading for all learners, which includes the teaching of phonics. This has caused much discussion and some concern amongst special schools. There is a lack of support in terms of professional development and how to ensure that the teaching of phonics is relevant, accessible, and engaging for all learners. We discuss: how to ensure approaches are accessible to all the importance of barriers to learning how to make phonics relevant and meaningful for older learners why engagement is the key to understanding how understanding of the alphabetic principle is the key to learning to read Listen to strategies for working with learners with diverse learning needs, including pre/nonverbal learners and those with more complex Special Educational Needs. Ensure everyone has the opportunity to unlock the door and enter the incredible world of literacy. About Dr Sarah Moseley Dr. Moseley has over 30 years’ knowledge and experience within special and mainstream education from teaching assistant to Headteacher, as well as a solid research background rooted within the psychology of learning. Her Masters and PhD were in Special Education and focused specifically on the teaching of reading and self-esteem and she has presented nationally and internationally on raising outcomes for learners with SEND and am a published author of my research. Sarah has just finished writing a book on the teaching of reading to all learners for Routledge Publishers. Now an independent Educational Consultant at www.drsarahmoseley.com, Sarah provides face to face and online training, coaching, keynote presentations, information and support for professionals and families from all sectors, specialising in SEND focused school improvement and raising outcomes for all learners. She is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives, attitudes, and outcomes of those who may struggle to learn, based on a belief that every action can make a difference and aims to bridge the gap between theory and learning, to create a culture where high expectations thrive, improving outcomes for all pupils. Contact Dr Sarah Moseley Website - Email - Twitter - Facebook - Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - /episode/index/show/thesendcast/id/26785785

LEGO® Play - Social and Emotional Wellbeing with Dr Gina Gómez de la Cuesta 05/04/2023

The Labelling Lurgy with Abigail Hawkins 04/27/2023

The Labelling Lurgy with Abigail Hawkins Labels tell you a lot and yet nothing at the same time. They can lead to stereotyping, discrimination and negative attitudes but they also facilitate support and understanding of a child’s needs. Labels have their uses, but they also have a checklist tick box type mentality attached to them. “It is somewhere to start from as long as it doesn't get boiled down to a checklist of five items because we still need to recognise that everybody is an individual within that possibility of that label.” Abigail Hawkins In this week’s podcast Abigail Hawkins, join Dale to discuss ‘The Labelling Lurgy’ where we highlight the pros and cons of labels. During our discussion we cover the 3 levels of labels: Census 4 broad areas of need Diagnostic Labels can be useful tools in understanding and supporting neurodiverse children, but they shouldn’t be used to define or limit them – listen to find out more… About Abigail Hawkins Abigail runs SENDCOSolutions, an SEN consultancy and SENsible SENCO CIC, a not-for-profit networking support group.  She has been a SENCO for over 25 years and has taught a multitude of subjects across all phases from 2-year-olds to adults.  She works with software companies developing supportive software for SEN and Safeguarding purposes, has developed and delivers on a teaching assistant apprenticeship programme, authored several books on SEN and exclusions and runs a support network for over 9000 SENCOs.  Until recently, she was the Chair of Governors for 3 schools in the East Midlands and she still works as a SENCO for part of her week.  Abigail has a no-nonsense, practical approach to SEN issues faced by schools. Abigail was one of the three lead voices on a series of SEN webinars delivered over the lockdowns amassing an audience of over 12000 viewers and she uses modern approaches to share SEN-related information including a successful YouTube channel. Contact Abigail Website – Email – Twitter – Facebook Group: Facebook Page: B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - /episode/index/show/thesendcast/id/26610381

Myth Busting the Magic of Sensory Rooms with Joanna Grace 04/20/2023

Black and Autistic or Neurodivergent with Suzy Rowland, Keisha Swaby and Lauren Fernandez 04/13/2023

Black and Autistic or Neurodivergent with Suzy Rowland, Keisha Swaby and Lauren Fernandez Did you know that children from ethnic minority groups are excluded at a rate that’s 4 times greater than their white peers? Adding neurodivergence into the equation further increases the chance of being excluded. “When you know you're already different, and then you're different within different, that's something that I feel acutely aware of.” Suzy Rowland Today Suzy Rowland, Lauren Fernandez and Keisha Swaby join Dale for this podcast ‘Black and Autistic or Neurodivergent’. Listen to hear the first-hand experiences of 3 black women and how neurodiversity affects different ethnicities and cultures in unique ways. About Suzy Rowland Suzy Rowland is the author of and “I can’t go to school!” – a children’s workbook for school non-attenders, an ADHD & Autism Spectrum Condition Specialist, Mindful Cognitive Behaviour Therapist & Speaker. She founded the project to provide interactive, bespoke training and consultancy, rooted in lived experience. In this capacity, she works as an agent of change with families and young people, mental health professionals, educators, local authorities, charitable and corporate organisations, to build knowledge, connections and positive narratives about educating and employing neurodivergent thinkers. Suzy is also a presenter for UltravisionTV. About Keisha Swaby Keisha is a wife and mother to four beautiful children. She is an International Inspirational Speaker and a Presenter on Radio Diamond. Keisha gave up her job of 12 years in 2016 to continue her education and pursue her dreams.  Keisha completed a 3-year degree and achieved a First-Class BSc (Hons) Degree in Applied Sport and Exercise Science. During the last few weeks of her studies, she was diagnosed with severe Dyslexia and Dyspraxia at the age of 41. Keisha went on to achieve  Merit in her master’s degree in health psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University.  Keisha is passionate about helping others and creating more awareness of Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. Her eldest daughter was also diagnosed with Dyspraxia making her mission even closer to her heart. As part of her awareness work, she has given several people with Dyslexia and Dyspraxia the opportunity to share their own stories on her radio show.  Keisha is a Goodwill Ambassador for the Jamaica Dyslexia Association. Her lived experience of these conditions has given her several opportunities to share her story on various platforms and events. She is a regular speaker at events for international women's day and was a speaker at the recent Dyslexia Show 2022. Keisha has been chosen as one of the top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women in 2022.  Keisha launched Empowering Dyslexics to inspire and be an example to others that they too can achieve anything her motto is "If I CAN do it so CAN you”. About Lauren Fernandez Lauren is a Neurodivergent Consultant and Trainer with a focus on Autism amongst marginalised communities. Late diagnosed, she found a lack of services, support, and representation available. Lauren’s experience highlighted changes that desperately needed to be made, after spending brief time as an inpatient and struggling to navigate access to appropriate services, she founded Mask Off C.I.C. Through her organisation, she advocates as an ambassador for Neurodiversity, providing her own training and hosting discussions across several mainstream services and organisations. Lauren endeavours to be the representation that is often missed, and to provide experience informed solutions. Contact Suzy Website - Email - Twitter - Facebook - LinkedIn - Instagram - B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - /episode/index/show/thesendcast/id/26528394

How To Help Pupils Understand and Express How They Feel with Sue White 04/06/2023

How To Help Pupils Understand and Express How They Feel with Sue White Children are needing more support than ever with their language skills. The Education Endowment Foundation reported a staggering 76% of primary schools said pupils starting school in September 2020 needed more support with communication than in previous years. Coupled with an increase in pupil anxiety, 95% of schools have seen an increase in pupil anxiety since the start of the school year. Anyone supporting young people will want to find ways to help them express their feelings. In this week’s episode ‘How to help pupils understand and express how they feel’, Sue White, Senior Educational Specialist, joins Dale to discuss: Why children have challenges expressing their emotions: vocabulary gaps, Covid impact, feeling overwhelmed. Recognising and expressing anxiety: Encouraging pupils to share how they feel when they are overwhelmed can be difficult. Instead, they could hold up an emotion fan or point to a visual to show how anxious they are without having to speak out loud. Coping strategies: Allowing students who feel anxious to show a card explaining what they need can be helpful, whether that is going to a safe quiet place or getting out their calm box with reassuring items like photos from home or a fidget toy. Listen to hear how you can use symbols to support your pupils to understand and express how they feel. About Sue White A qualified primary teacher, Sue’s passion for building children’s vocabulary came after teaching a child with specific learning difficulties. Sue could see that the child’s behaviour in class was borne from a frustration of not being able to fully participate in lessons. Determined to help, Sue started a long journey of learning how to help children who process learning differently. She first became a SENCo and later specialised in a range of developmental disorders where lack of vocabulary development impacted on attainment. Sue discovered that symbols – visual representations of words – can help all children comprehend spoken and written text, communicate better, as well as build confidence, independence and vocabulary. She has been with Widgit since 2018 where she has advised hundreds of schools on how to use symbols to improve learning and support delayed language development. Contact Sue Website – Email – Twitter - Instagram – Facebook - Useful Links Sue recently co-authored a report: . 30 day free trial of Widgit Symbols software to helps schools improve children’s language and literacy skills    B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - /episode/index/show/thesendcast/id/26440488

We Need To Talk About Excel with Ginny Bootman 03/30/2023

We Need To Talk About Excel with Ginny Bootman Do you love Excel or avoid it? If conditional formatting, VLOOKUP, freezing panes, formulas and filtering send you into a spin. Look no further! In this week's show, we're discussing Excel. Ginny Bootman, a SENCO across 4 schools, joins Dale for ‘We need to talk about Excel’. You may have listened to Ginny’s other podcast (Paperless SENCO) and know that she is currently on a technology journey. Excel saves SENCOs time by automating data management, analysis, and reporting processes, allowing them to focus on making informed decisions and providing effective support for students with special educational needs. Listen to hear how and why Ginny started using Excel, and the top tips and tricks you need to make your life easier. If you have avoided Excel thus far, after listening to this episode you will be inspired to give it a go and see how it will save you time! Dale's Excel Tips and Tricks Dale has put together this guide to help you feel more confident using Excel and covers all the features he discussed in the podcast. Download the guide below: https://www.thesendcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Excel-Tips-and-Tricks.pdf Live online training session Ginny is joining us again on Tuesday 25th April to host ‘’. SENCOs spend a lot of time in meetings. But how can you ensure this is time well spent? Ginny shares simple, tried and tested ways to make your meetings more collaborative and more effective. for just £10 for your whole school! About Ginny Bootman Ginny has been a teacher longer than she hasn't, as a Headteacher, Senior Manager and Class Teacher and now as a SENCO of 4 Primary schools in Northamptonshire. Her passion lies within all things concerned with empathy and the role which empathy plays in ensuring that all of those in school settings feel valued and listened to. Ginny is an Associate of Undiscovered Country a team who help individuals manage change. Contact Ginny Website – Email – Twitter - Instagram – B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - /episode/index/show/thesendcast/id/26375997

The What and Why of Compassionate Co-Regulation with Jyoti Jo Manuel 03/23/2023

The What and Why of Compassionate Co-Regulation with Jyoti Jo Manuel Have you heard of compassionate co-regulation? It means that when we calm and regulate ourselves as the adults, we create an energetic circle of safety that supports the children around us to regulate themselves. It’s hard to be truly compassionate and kind when we are stressed out. In this week’s episode, Jyoti Jo Manuel, the founder and director of Special Yoga, joins Dale to discuss ‘The what and why of compassionate co-regulation’. We talk about how we underestimate the impact that we have as the adults around children and that children learn best from how we are and how we model behaviour. “The energy field that we create inside and outside creates a compassionate, caring space for another.” Jyoti Jo Manuel Listen to hear the importance of looking after ourselves first. Balancing our autonomic nervous system (the part that controls involuntary actions, such as the beating of your heart) changes our thoughts, reduces our worries and anxieties, and helps us to become more heartfelt and kinder. Jyoti tells us that if teachers and parents/carers are balanced and calm then children can thrive. About Jyoti Jo Manuel Jyoti has been practising yoga since 1974 and teaching since 1989. She is one of the leaders in the training and application of yoga as a therapeutic intervention for children with special and additional needs. She pioneered children’s yoga in the UK. She set up the global training school, Special Yoga in 2002 to provide sustainable and accessible training programmes and to support practitioners delivering the work . She works with local education authorities, NHS, academies and individual schools, parents/carers and paediatric professionals. She has travelled globally to extend Special Yoga in Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Australia, Mexico, Peru, Russia, and many countries in Europe. She is currently training 45 psychologists in the Ukraine to support their traumatised children. Contact Jyoti Website – Email – Instagram – Facebook – B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - /episode/index/show/thesendcast/id/26208837

Mental Health and Behaviour: Nature or Nurture? Risk and Resilience with Fintan O'Regan 03/16/2023

Mental Health and Behaviour: Nature or Nurture? Risk and Resilience with Fintan O'Regan The nature vs nurture debate in mental health and behaviour refers to the extent to which genetics (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) influence the development of mental health conditions and behaviours. Both genetics and environment play a role in shaping mental health and behaviour, but the exact extent of each factor is still not fully understood. A DfE report on mental health and behaviour cited 4 sets of risk factors that are believed to be associated within: The child themselves The family The community Schools themselves Fintan O’Regan, Behaviour and SEN Consultant, joins Dale in this week’s podcast to discuss ‘Mental Health and Behaviour: Nature or Nurture? Risk and Resilience’. In this episode we consider the complex nature vs nurture debate, and risk and resilience factors to offset and support children and families. Find out from Fintan how both genetics and environment play important roles in shaping mental health outcomes. About Fintan O’Regan MA, PGCE BSc He was the Head teacher of the Centre Academy from 1996 -2002, which was the first specialist school in the UK for students between the ages of 7-19 specialising issues related to ADHD, ASD and ODD. He is an associate lecturer for Leicester University, the National Association of Special Needs, the Institute of Education, the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre and the former Vice Chairman of the UK ADHD Network and of the European ADHD Alliance. Fintan now works as trainer and consultant for schools and school support systems including, Social Services, Health, the Police and Foster carers with regards to providing behaviour management strategies for children and families struggling with SEND and behaviour issues. Contact Fintan O'Regan Website - Email - Twitter - Useful Links Behaviour and Mental Health: a new approach. www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk O’Regan F (2005) Surviving and Succeeding in SEN Continuum International O’Regan F (2006) Challenging Behaviours Teachers Pocketbooks O’Regan F (2006) Troubleshooting Challenging Behaviours Continuum International O’Regan F (2018) Successfully Managing Children ADHD Second edition :Routledge Falmer Press O’Regan F (2020) Supporting behaviour in the classroom: Sage publications limited MH and Behaviour in schools 2018. Available at : B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - /episode/index/show/thesendcast/id/26236926

Dyspraxia and Handwriting with Kim Griffin 03/09/2023

*Special episode* Discussing the SEND and AP Improvement Plan with Claire Coutinho 03/08/2023

*Special episode* Discussing the SEND and AP Improvement Plan with Claire Coutinho Last summer we were all asked for our input as part of the SEND Review Green Paper consultation. Having reviewed thousands of responses, last week the government published their 101-page ‘SEND and AP Improvement Plan’. Today Dale is delighted to be joined by Claire Coutinho, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Education, for a special episode ‘’. Dale had this great opportunity to ask Claire questions and share her responses with you. In their discussion they cover: The EHCP process Getting the right support early on Accountability Workload SENCO role National standards LA change Reasonable adjustments "If you look at the entirety of the plan, we're really talking about systemic change to try and make sure that everyone's got what they need to deliver for children and young people with SEND." Claire Coutinho, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State We hope you find this special episode useful, if you’d like to find out more about the SEND and AP Improvement Plan, Lorraine Petersen OBE will be joining us for a SEND briefing on 22nd March. Lorraine will be giving her response and breaking down what it really means for young people, SENCOs and schools – . About Claire Coutinho Claire Coutinho was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Education on 26 October 2022. She was previously Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions from 21 September to 27 October 2022. Clare was elected Conservative MP for East Surrey on 12 December 2019. Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing) The minister’s responsibilities include: special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including high needs funding alternative provision children’s social care children in care, children in need and child protection adoption and care leavers early years and childcare family hubs and early childhood support disadvantaged and vulnerable children children and young people’s mental health policy to protect against serious violence freedom of speech in education online safety and preventing bullying in schools Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Assessing Progress for Pupils Working out of Year Group - Email Dale – What is in the SEND and AP Improvement plan briefing – 22nd March - What is in the SEND and AP Improvement plan briefing – 22nd March - SEND and AP Improvement Plan - SEND and AP Improvement Plan (easy read) - Independent Analysis of the consultation responses - B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - /episode/index/show/thesendcast/id/26153163

Becoming a SENCO - Where to Start? with Lynn How 03/02/2023

Becoming a SENCO - Where to Start? with Lynn How Becoming a SENCO can be extremely daunting, some people don’t know what they’re letting themselves in for when they take on the role. It also doesn’t help that the qualification to become a SENCO doesn't prepare you for the entirety of the role. In this week’s episode Lynn How joins Dale for the first time to discuss ‘Becoming a SENCO - Where to Start?’. If you’re a new or aspiring SENCO, this episode will give you an insight into what you need to know when setting out in the role, including: Where do you start? What support do you need? SENCOs coming from class teaching vs previous leadership experience. Understanding the top 5 things that you have to do as a SENCO which take a lot of time that you might not have known beforehand. Questions you need to be asking. How to manage your workload. Building relationships with both staff and parents/carers. Listen to hear top tips from someone that has been in the shoes of a new SENCO. Lynn gives some great advice for starting out, how to make the role easier and create the biggest impact in your setting. About Lynn How Lynn How is an educational consultant, editor of Teacher Toolkit website and blogger. With 20 years of primary teaching and SLT experience, she has been an Assistant Head, Lead Mentor for ITT and SENCO. She loves to write and also has her own SEMH and staff mental health blog: www.positiveyoungmind.com. Lynn holds an MA in Education, is a fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT), NASENCO and NPQH. Her particular areas of interest are wellbeing (staff and pupil), SEND, children's mental health, leadership, mentoring and coaching. Recently she has started an Educational Consultancy business for SEND (SEND support) and Teacher Wellbeing (The Wellbeing Lady). Contact Lynn How Website - Email - Twitter - Instagram - Facebook - Useful Links SEND station SENCO training (and other SEND training) B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - /episode/index/show/thesendcast/id/26090628

Cuddly Cardigans, Strategic Suits and Why SENCOs Don’t Fit Into Either! with Abigail Hawkins 02/23/2023

Cuddly Cardigans, Strategic Suits and Why SENCOs Don’t Fit Into Either! with Abigail Hawkins Are you a SENCO struggling to be strategic? Facing burnout? You are not alone! SENCOs have too many hats to wear and can often feel like they aren't making a difference. Spending a lot of time firefighting, feeling guilty for not being strategic enough yet having to roll their sleeves up and muck in. “You can want to be strategic, but there is so much that gets thrown at you throughout the day. You feel a bit like a firefighter most of the time and have to react to things constantly.” Abigail Hawkins Abigail Hawkins joins Dale in today’s episode ‘Cuddly cardigans, strategic suits and why SENCOs don’t fit into either!’. Abigail has been a SENCO for over 25 years and knows first-hand the challenges and demands they’re facing. When the SEND Code of Practice changed in 2015, SENCOs were told to be strategic……anyone in the role knows that you cannot be entirely strategic. Whether it’s a cuddly cardigan or a strategic suit, you can't wear either of them and need to be somewhere in between. Abigail discusses SENCO vs SENDO, that SENCOs are supposed to be coordinators, not doers but struggle to delegate. Listen to find out why SEN is everyone’s responsibility and how to find a better balance by coordinating, facilitating and enabling others to support the role. About Abigail Hawkins Abigail runs SENDCOSolutions, an SEN consultancy and SENsible SENCO CIC, a not-for-profit networking support group.  She has been a SENCO for over 25 years and has taught a multitude of subjects across all phases from 2-year-olds to adults.  She works with software companies developing supportive software for SEN and Safeguarding purposes, has developed and delivers on a teaching assistant apprenticeship programme, authored several books on SEN and exclusions and runs a support network for over 9000 SENCOs.  Until recently, she was the Chair of Governors for 3 schools in the East Midlands and she still works as a SENCO for part of her week.  Abigail has a no-nonsense, practical approach to SEN issues faced by schools. Abigail was one of the three lead voices on a series of SEN webinars delivered over the lockdowns amassing an audience of over 12000 viewers and she uses modern approaches to share SEN-related information including a successful YouTube channel. Contact Abigail Hawkins Website – Email – Twitter – Facebook Group: Facebook Page: Useful Links Weekly SEN Network/CPD meetings for the SENsible SENCO community. Details available on Eventbrite: Books: Approach It, Map It, Manage It - The SENDCO - School Exclusion - B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - /episode/index/show/thesendcast/id/26008488

Identity First Language and Belonging With Joanna Grace 02/16/2023

Using Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction with SEND pupils with Dr Susie Nyman 02/09/2023

Using Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction with SEND pupils with Dr Susie Nyman Are you familiar with Rosenshine’s 10 principles of instruction? Rosenshine’s principles are based on evidence-informed teaching and enhance teacher performance in the classroom. They are to be implemented into everyday teaching for simplicity and clarity and underpin any effective approach to instruction in lessons: Daily review Presenting new material in small steps (consequently reducing cognitive overload) Asking questions Presenting models Guided student practice (by practising retrieval, questioning and appropriate help) Checking for student understanding Achieving an elevated success rate of 80% Providing scaffolding (facilitating incremental mastery of a skill or concept) Independent practice Weekly and monthly review Dr Susie Nyman joins Dale for today’s podcast ‘’. Susie gives an insight into how the 10 principles can be implemented in the classroom with SEND students. Listen to hear innovative strategies and solutions she has used first-hand whilst working in the classroom at The Sixth Form College, Farnborough and at The Oratory School. About Dr Susie Nyman Dr Susie Nyman is passionate about discovering how children learn and supporting them in ways which enable them to succeed. She was appointed as a Biology teacher at The Sixth Form College Farnborough in 1995, and subsequently as Curriculum Manager for Health and Social Care where she has worked ever since. Susie strives to raise students’ achievements and support them in ways which enables them to succeed. She works with her students deploying a range of innovative and Multi-sensory teaching techniques to assist their learning including her ‘Equality and Diversity Tree’ and famous puppets! Additionally, she has provided training to PGCE students at Kingston University, and in a number of local schools and colleges on teaching strategies. Since February 2017, Susie has presented seminars on ‘Multi-sensory Techniques’ at The Learning Differences Conventions in Australia, Richmond College, The Helen Arkell Centre, Bell House, The Oratory School, The National Education Show and The Tes SEN Shows in London and Manchester. Recently, she was filmed ‘in action’ for The British Dyslexia Association as well as Oaka Books, and the footage is available on YouTube. Subsequently, she has written a chapter about ‘Multi-sensory Teaching’ in the BDA Dyslexia Friendly Schools Good Practice Guide and ‘The Multi-sensory Teaching Toolkit’ by Oaka Books. In recognition of over 21 years continued service at The Sixth Form College Farnborough, Susie has been nominated three times by the College for the ‘Tes FE Teacher of the Year Award’. This is an honour of which she is immensely proud. Contact Dr Susie Nyman: Website – Email – Twitter – Useful Links Eastap, L. and Gregory, J. (Ed’s) (2018) Dyslexia Friendly Schools Good Practice Guide 2nd Edition, British Dyslexia Association. Nyman, S. (2020). How to become a Grade Riser. Chichester: Oaka Books:  Nyman. S. (2019) The Exam Question Task Board.  Chichester: Oaka Books:    Nyman, S (2019).  Sensory Support for Dyslexia. Retrieved from The SEN Magazine issue 103:    Nyman, S (2020). How to get an A* in English.  Retrieved from The Studying with Dyslexia Blog:  Nyman, S (2022) ‘Student Icebergs with Dr Susie Nyman’. SENDcast Special Needs Podcast: Nyman, S (2021). Scanning Pens: ‘Live Literacy Strategies with Julia and Susie’: Nyman, S (2022). OCR: Preparing students for exams tips for teachers: B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - /episode/index/show/thesendcast/id/25867365

Girls on the Spectrum - Autism and Puberty with Victoria Ellen 02/02/2023

Supporting Autism in Schools with Yoga with Jyoti Jo Manuel 01/26/2023

Supporting Autism in Schools with Yoga with Jyoti Jo Manuel Schools are notoriously difficult environments for children with autism to function in, let alone thrive in. We need to support them with understanding, and effective impactful tools to help them to navigate the challenges that they experience in life. Jyoti Jo Manuel joins Dale in today’s episode ‘Supporting Autism in Schools with Yoga’. Jyoti discusses the value and need for yoga as a therapeutic intervention for children and young people with autism. Having worked with children across the autism spectrum, she shares how and why practising yoga supports them. Breathing techniques are proven to calm the nervous system, which in turns helps to enhance the quality and quantity of sleep, improve digestion, and improve mental and emotional health and resilience. Jyoti highlights the importance of adults taking care of themselves in order to support children “I don't believe that you can help a child to regulate if you're not regulated”. Listen to find out how yoga can support your pupils with autism and help them to manage the sensory complexities of the classroom. About Jyoti Jo Manuel Jyoti has been practising yoga since 1974 and teaching since 1989. She is one of the leaders in the training and application of yoga as a therapeutic intervention for children with special and additional needs. She pioneered children’s yoga in the UK. She set up the global training school, Special Yoga in 2002 to provide sustainable and accessible training programmes and to support practitioners delivering the work . She works with local education authorities, NHS, academies and individual schools, arents/carers and paediatric professionals. She has travelled globally to extend Special Yoga in Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Australia, Mexico, Peru, Russia, and many countries in Europe. She is currently training 45 psychologists in the Ukraine to support their traumatised children. Contact Jyoti Jo Manuel Website - Email - Instagram - Facebook - Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - /episode/index/show/thesendcast/id/25709808

How Schools Can Build Positive Well-being Among Students with Sue White 01/19/2023

How Schools Can Build Positive Well-being Among Students with Sue White 95% of schools have seen an increase in pupil anxiety, which makes anxiety and mental health evermore important topics. We need to support student’s well-being so they can get the most out of their learning and fully engage in school life, but it doesn't always require big changes. Our new special guest, Sue White, joins Dale for the first time on the SENDcast to discuss ‘How schools can build positive well-being among students’. We process visuals much faster than we process language, so when anxious, a visual can enable more effective communication. Sue comes from a background of visuals and symbols so she highlights how we can give students the tools they need to be able to express their emotions. Listen to this episode to hear how you can use visuals and symbols to enable students to communicate their feelings and build positive well-being in your setting. “We're making everything inclusive, we're reducing the anxiety, we're giving everybody access and hopefully having a positive and happy classroom in the process.” About Sue White A qualified primary teacher, Sue’s passion for building children’s vocabulary came after teaching a child with specific learning difficulties. Sue could see that the child’s behaviour in class was borne from a frustration of not being able to fully participate in lessons. Determined to help, Sue started a long journey of learning how to help children who process learning differently. She first became a SENCo and later specialised in a range of developmental disorders where lack of vocabulary development impacted on attainment. Sue discovered that symbols – visual representations of words – can help all children comprehend spoken and written text, communicate better, as well as build confidence, independence and vocabulary. She has been with Widgit since 2018 where she has advised hundreds of schools on how to use symbols to improve learning and support delayed language development. Contact Sue White Website - Email - Twitter - Instagram - Facebook - Useful Links Sue recently co-authored a report: . 30 day free trial of Widgit Symbols software to helps schools improve children’s language and literacy skills B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - /episode/index/show/thesendcast/id/25647393

Should Everyone Learn To Sign? Moving Away From An Interpreter Model with Sarah Billingham 01/12/2023

I Can't Go To School with Suzy Rowland 01/05/2023

I Can't Go To School with Suzy Rowland We’re starting the year off with this first episode ‘I can’t go to school’ with Suzy Rowland. It is a long and winding road from late diagnosis and support, unsuccessful placement, social isolation and mental health to school non-attendance. School avoidance is a big issue that intersects education, mental health and disability. The impact is felt widely in the community and can impact young people’s life for a considerable time. In this episode we examine the journey of school avoidance and where we are currently: Parent/carer perspectives Teacher perspectives Young people’s POV Government positioning – currently Fines from some local authorities Complexity of individual families/family settings Listen to find out how school avoidance starts, the impact of stress levels and fears have, and the polarised views from school and family. How is this big issue resolved with minimum collateral damage? About Suzy Rowland Suzy Rowland is the author of and “I can’t go to school!” - a children’s workbook for school non-attenders, an ADHD & Autism Spectrum Condition Specialist, Mindful Cognitive Behaviour Therapist & Speaker. She founded the project to provide interactive, bespoke training and consultancy, rooted in lived experience. In this capacity, she works as an agent of change with families and young people, mental health professionals, educators, local authorities, charitable and corporate organisations, to build knowledge, connections and positive narratives about educating and employing neurodivergent thinkers. Suzy is also a presenter for UltravisionTV. Contact Suzy Rowland Website – Email – Twitter – LinkedIn – Facebook – Instagram – Useful Links I can’t go to school published by JKP in December 2022. S.E.N.D in the Clowns published by Hashtag Press. Anna Freud Centre B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - /episode/index/show/thesendcast/id/25507566

What Are Outcomes and Why Do They Matter? with Abigail Hawkins 12/29/2022

What Are Outcomes and Why Do They Matter? with Abigail Hawkins In this last episode of 2022, Abigail Hawkins joins Dale to discuss ‘What are outcomes and why do they matter?’. Abigail takes us through the 3 types of outcomes: Academic outcomes – exam results – the one mostly talked about, reported on and the ones everyone seems to care most about. Soft outcomes – attendance, behaviour – collected and often used as an excuse for academic data. The one often moaned about. Life outcomes – socialising, food, washing, travel – the most valuable to our most vulnerable. The underdog, hardly mentioned, often side-lined, not valued and not reported. We’re all expected to know about mental health, self-care, importance of sleep, mindfulness, personal finances, nutrition, time management and much more but we’re not teaching children these things at school. Listen to this impassioned discussion about outcomes. We will be bringing you more new content in 2023 with 52 episodes covering all the latest in SEND. Wishing you a Happy New Year! About Abigail Hawkins Abigail runs SENDCOSolutions, an SEN consultancy and SENsible SENCO CIC, a not-for-profit networking support group.  She has been a SENCO for over 25 years and has taught a multitude of subjects across all phases from 2-year-olds to adults.  She works with software companies developing supportive software for SEN and Safeguarding purposes, has developed and delivers on a teaching assistant apprenticeship programme, authored several books on SEN and exclusions and runs a support network for over 9000 SENCOs.  Until recently, she was the Chair of Governors for 3 schools in the East Midlands and she still works as a SENCO for part of her week.  Abigail has a no-nonsense, practical approach to SEN issues faced by schools. Abigail was one of the three lead voices on a series of SEN webinars delivered over the lockdowns amassing an audience of over 12000 viewers and she uses modern approaches to share SEN-related information including a successful YouTube channel. Contact Abigail Hawkins Website - Email - Twitter - Facebook - Group: Facebook - Page: Useful Links Weekly SEN Network/CPD meetings for the SENsible SENCO community. Details available on Eventbrite: Books: Approach It, Map It, Manage It - The SENDCO - School Exclusion - /episode/index/show/thesendcast/id/25449936

SEND Christmas Crackers with Dr Susie Nyman - Part 1 – Making Christmas enjoyable for everyone 12/22/2022

SEND Christmas Crackers with Dr Susie Nyman - Part 1 – Making Christmas enjoyable for everyone A discussion based on neurodiverse learners and strategies to help them cope with the run up to Christmas. Susie talks about strategies and solutions she has discovered whilst working in the classroom setting at The Sixth Form College, Farnborough as well as in Curriculum Support at The Oratory School. It is always useful to have a toolbox of strategies for teachers, parents/carers to use with SEND students in the run up to Christmas, to alleviate the worries and stresses of the festive season. Listen to help children with SEND to prepare for this weekend. About Dr Susie Nyman Dr Susie Nyman is passionate about discovering how children learn and supporting them in ways which enable them to succeed. She was appointed as a Biology teacher at The Sixth Form College Farnborough in 1995, and subsequently as Curriculum Manager for Health and Social Care where she has worked ever since. Susie strives to raise students’ achievements and support them in ways which enables them to succeed. She works with her students deploying a range of innovative and Multi-sensory teaching techniques to assist their learning including her ‘Equality and Diversity Tree’ and famous puppets! Additionally, she has provided training to PGCE students at Kingston University, and in a number of local schools and colleges on teaching strategies. Since February 2017, Susie has presented seminars on ‘Multi-sensory Techniques’ at The Learning Differences Conventions in Australia, Richmond College, The Helen Arkell Centre, Bell House, The Oratory School, The National Education Show and The Tes SEN Shows in London and Manchester. Recently, she was filmed ‘in action’ for The British Dyslexia Association as well as Oaka Books, and the footage is available on YouTube. Subsequently, she has written a chapter about ‘Multi-sensory Teaching’ in the BDA Dyslexia Friendly Schools Good Practice Guide and ‘The Multi-sensory Teaching Toolkit’ by Oaka Books. In recognition of over 21 years continued service at The Sixth Form College Farnborough, Susie has been nominated three times by the College for the ‘Tes FE Teacher of the Year Award’. This is an honour of which she is immensely proud. Contact Dr Susie Nyman: Website – Email – Twitter – Useful Links Eastap, L. and Gregory, J. (Ed’s) (2018) Dyslexia Friendly Schools Good Practice Guide 2nd Edition, British Dyslexia Association. Nyman, S. (2020). How to become a Grade Riser. Chichester: Oaka Books:  Nyman. S. (2019) The Exam Question Task Board.  Chichester: Oaka Books:    Nyman, S (2019).  Sensory Support for Dyslexia. Retrieved from The SEN Magazine issue 103:    Nyman, S (2020). How to get an A* in English.  Retrieved from The Studying with Dyslexia Blog:  Nyman, S (2022) ‘Student Icebergs with Dr Susie Nyman’. SENDcast Special Needs Podcast: Nyman, S (2021). Scanning Pens: ‘Live Literacy Strategies with Julia and Susie’: Nyman, S (2022). OCR: Preparing students for exams tips for teachers: /episode/index/show/thesendcast/id/25394643

SEND Christmas Crackers with Dr Susie Nyman - Part 2 – Christmas Carols 12/22/2022

SEND Christmas Crackers with Dr Susie Nyman - Part 2 – Christmas Carols Away in a Manger, Holly & the Ivy, We three kings, Jingle Bells and Silent Night are all traditional Christmas Carols, but have you ever considered the connection they have with SEND? In Part 2 of ‘SEND Christmas Crackers’, Susie bases her discussion on a range of topics linked to a variety of Christmas carols, connecting fascinating stories to neurodiverse case studies. About Dr Susie Nyman Dr Susie Nyman is passionate about discovering how children learn and supporting them in ways which enable them to succeed. She was appointed as a Biology teacher at The Sixth Form College Farnborough in 1995, and subsequently as Curriculum Manager for Health and Social Care where she has worked ever since. Susie strives to raise students’ achievements and support them in ways which enables them to succeed. She works with her students deploying a range of innovative and Multi-sensory teaching techniques to assist their learning including her ‘Equality and Diversity Tree’ and famous puppets! Additionally, she has provided training to PGCE students at Kingston University, and in a number of local schools and colleges on teaching strategies. Since February 2017, Susie has presented seminars on ‘Multi-sensory Techniques’ at The Learning Differences Conventions in Australia, Richmond College, The Helen Arkell Centre, Bell House, The Oratory School, The National Education Show and The Tes SEN Shows in London and Manchester. Recently, she was filmed ‘in action’ for The British Dyslexia Association as well as Oaka Books, and the footage is available on YouTube. Subsequently, she has written a chapter about ‘Multi-sensory Teaching’ in the BDA Dyslexia Friendly Schools Good Practice Guide and ‘The Multi-sensory Teaching Toolkit’ by Oaka Books. In recognition of over 21 years continued service at The Sixth Form College Farnborough, Susie has been nominated three times by the College for the ‘Tes FE Teacher of the Year Award’. This is an honour of which she is immensely proud. Contact Dr Susie Nyman: Website – Email – Twitter – Useful Links Eastap, L. and Gregory, J. (Ed’s) (2018) Dyslexia Friendly Schools Good Practice Guide 2nd Edition, British Dyslexia Association. Nyman, S. (2020). How to become a Grade Riser. Chichester: Oaka Books:  Nyman. S. (2019) The Exam Question Task Board.  Chichester: Oaka Books:    Nyman, S (2019).  Sensory Support for Dyslexia. Retrieved from The SEN Magazine issue 103:    Nyman, S (2020). How to get an A* in English.  Retrieved from The Studying with Dyslexia Blog:  Nyman, S (2022) ‘Student Icebergs with Dr Susie Nyman’. SENDcast Special Needs Podcast: Nyman, S (2021). Scanning Pens: ‘Live Literacy Strategies with Julia and Susie’: Nyman, S (2022). OCR: Preparing students for exams tips for teachers: /episode/index/show/thesendcast/id/25401936

Medication for Supporting Children with ADHD: Chemical Cosh or Reset Button with Fintan O’Regan 12/15/2022

Sensory Communication with Joanna Grace 12/08/2022

Boost Reading and Writing Through Play with Georgina Durrant 12/01/2022

Creating An Inclusive Reading Curriculum For All Learners with Dr Sarah Moseley 11/24/2022

Creating An Inclusive Reading Curriculum For All Learners with Dr Sarah Moseley Reading is high on the educational agenda due to the impact that it can have upon the mental well-being and academic success of children and young people. Recent documents have placed a renewed focus on the teaching of reading for all learners, this includes those with the most complex needs. The issue for professionals is that there is a lack of clarity about what this means for these learners, in particular those learners attending special schools and specialist facilities. This has led to confusion for all involved. Dr Sarah Moseley, Educational Consultant, joins Dale for this week’s podcast ‘Creating an inclusive reading curriculum for all learners'. Sarah discusses the why, what and how of teaching reading to all learners and provides ideas and strategies to create an inclusive reading curriculum framework. Listen to find out how we learn to read and the foundation skills involved that support learners to develop an understanding of the world around us. Understanding the importance of literacy rich environments and experiences will enhance the learning opportunities for everyone. About Dr Sarah Moseley Dr. Moseley has over 30 years’ knowledge and experience within special and mainstream education from teaching assistant to Headteacher, as well as a solid research background rooted within the psychology of learning. Her Masters and PhD were in Special Education and focused specifically on the teaching of reading and self-esteem and she has presented nationally and internationally on raising outcomes for learners with SEND and am a published author of my research. Sarah has just finished writing a book on the teaching of reading to all learners for Routledge Publishers. Now an independent Educational Consultant at , Sarah provides face to face and online training, coaching, keynote presentations, information and support for professionals and families from all sectors, specialising in SEND focused school improvement and raising outcomes for all learners. She is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives, attitudes, and outcomes of those who may struggle to learn, based on a belief that every action can make a difference and aims to bridge the gap between theory and learning, to create a culture where high expectations thrive, improving outcomes for all pupils. Contact Dr Sarah Moseley Website - Email - Twitter - Facebook - /episode/index/show/thesendcast/id/25059507

Dyspraxia - More Than Just Clumsiness with Kim Griffin 11/17/2022

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