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.
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Supporting Neurodiverse Students: Insights from Awesome Archie with Rebecca Clapcott
05/08/2025
Supporting Neurodiverse Students: Insights from Awesome Archie with Rebecca Clapcott
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, and I particularly enjoyed her passionate insights about unnecessary rules. Rebecca discusses the importance of flexible thinking in education, urging schools to create environments where all children can thrive. She stresses that understanding and empathy are essential for effective education, stating, “In my opinion, the best teachers and TAs are those who are empathetic.” View available or visit our ! About Rebecca Clapcott Awesome Archie is a neuro affirming non profit founded by a Mum (Rebecca) and Son (Archie) team. Since early 2020, Awesome Archie have written 5 books that are donated to local schools and currently being used by the University Hospitals Dorset charity to both advocate and educate. Rebecca has 16 years of lived Autism experience as a parent, years of 1:1 experience, and a late awakening into her own neurotype Contact Rebecca Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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Why does the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle matter? with Sara Alston
05/01/2025
Why does the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle matter? with Sara Alston
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 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. View available or visit our ! 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 Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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Informal SEND Provision in Mainstream Primary: The Positives and The Pitfalls with Kate Browning
04/24/2025
Informal SEND Provision in Mainstream Primary: The Positives and The Pitfalls with Kate Browning
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 Positive Impact of Informal Provision Importance of High Expectations Collaborative Support Normalisation of Differences “Share, develop, widen, broaden and resource appropriately so that we can really evolve what that mainstream education offer can look like.” Kate Browning Overall, the episode highlights the importance of thoughtful implementation of informal provisions and the need for ongoing support and collaboration to ensure all children can succeed in inclusive educational settings. About Kate Browning For over 25 years, I have been passionately committed to supporting schools to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Over this time, I have worked as a SENCo, a SEN Advisory teacher, a Local Authority School Improvement Officer for SEND and interim Education Development Officer for NASEN. I now work as an independent consultant specialising in school improvement for SEND. I have supported NASEN in writing guidance and delivering national training on the SEND Code of Practice for SENCOs. I have a successful track record of working with individual schools Trusts and Universities to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND thorough consultancy, training and producing written guidance. I also support Local Authorities in reviewing and developing their strategy for identifying, making provision and improving outcome for CYP with SEND. I taught the National Award for SEN Coordination and now teach on the NPQ SENCO. I facilitate SENCo Networks for schools across Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Coventry. I am an experienced Chair of Governors and SEND Governor of a large Junior school. My approach is wholly collaborative, positive and focused on empowering those I work with to make a sustainable difference to improving outcomes for children with SEND. Contact Kate Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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Universal Approaches to Support in Education with Clare Ward & James Galpin
04/17/2025
Universal Approaches to Support in Education with Clare Ward & James Galpin
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 the "normal" spectrum of human diversity? After all, neurodiversity reflects the inherent variability of being human. Jamie and Claire emphasise the need to move beyond isolated interventions and toward comprehensive systems that ensure every child feels a sense of belonging. With a universal approach to support, everyone benefits! By making resources available to all students, we can create flexible learning environments that cater to diverse needs. View available or visit our ! B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - About Clare Clare Ward has been working in the world of SEN for the last 30 years as a teaching assistant, Speech and Language Therapist, specialist social worker, researcher, NHS manager, education advisor and CBT Practitioner. She specialises in working with young people with social communication difficulties, some of whom have a diagnosis of autism. About Jamie Jamie is a chartered developmental psychologist with over 20 years of experience in inclusion, psychology, innovation, and learning. He builds frameworks around which practice can sit, bringing coherence and connecting disparate or fractured notions and concepts. as a founding member of special networks, Jamie challenges traditional hierarchies of evidence and co-creates solutions for social inequalities as well as addressing universal needs. Clare and Jamie met when they both started working for the same inner London multidisciplinary outreach team – supporting teachers and young people with a diagnosis of autism. Contact Clare and Jamie Useful Links 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.
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How Dealing with Mental Images and ‘re-wiring’ the Brain Can Create Breakthroughs for Dyslexia with Lou Barnes
04/10/2025
How Dealing with Mental Images and ‘re-wiring’ the Brain Can Create Breakthroughs for Dyslexia with Lou Barnes
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 and emphasises that many struggles stem from fear and frustration when traditional teaching methods fail. Her fascinating theory on how NLP can help create clearer mental images offers a new perspective on improving reading and comprehension. I really enjoyed the analogies they used in this conversation to describe how our brains work – definitely worth a listen! View available or visit our ! About Lou Barnes I was a primary school teacher for 20 years. I loved teaching and but was aware of bright, creative children struggling with literacy every year. Eventually I found it too painful and frustrating to see them struggle. The way we were ‘helping them’ was not working. Despite school intervention, extra phonics groups etc, they were not improving. I hated seeing many of them lose confidence or get labelled as naughty or lazy. I decided that there had to be a better way. Then I came across Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). I was instantly fascinated. I felt it could hold real answers so I left full-time teaching to study NLP in depth. I learned was that our subconscious brains are incredibly powerful, and that by working with it, I could rapidly make reading (and spelling) easier to understand for people who previously just couldn’t make sense of letters and words. I found out WHY my students struggled and HOW to change that. I believe it’s the missing piece for helping dyslexic students. Over the next years, I developed a process and started working with children and adults one-to-one. The results of blending NLP with my teaching knowledge and experience were extraordinary. In the end, I took the plunge to be totally self-employed and set up Unlock Learning. For the past 15 years I’ve been working, as Unlock Learning, with dyslexic children, and some adults using my 2-part process. First the NLP ‘magic’ to get the brain ready to see, store and be comfortable with letters and words. Then I pop on my teacher hat and teach reading and spelling because what was once so hard is now easy for that child. It’s my passion and purpose. I love doing what I do and the way I do it. I' Now I’m on a mission to share what I know so more children can be spared the agony of struggling to read and write, and the mental health issues that can accompany it. I live in a beautiful part of Sussex, with my husband in a very quiet spot where I really enjoy my garden, especially growing as much as possible in my veg patch and sitting with friends around a fire in the evenings. I love walking with Tilly, my dog; sunrise at the beach is a favourite way to start the day. Although I’m mostly content to be at home, I also love adventures, travel and the chance to try new things which in the past has included living in Thailand, riding motorbikes and being in a band. Contact Lou Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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nasen awards - Clare Brun Teacher of the Year
04/08/2025
nasen awards - Clare Brun Teacher of the Year
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 own journey, from working in primary education to leading the enhanced learning provision, where she focuses on individualised support and integration with mainstream classes. The conversation highlights the challenges and strategies of creating an inclusive educational environment, such as maintaining consistent routines and effective communication with staff and parents. Clare discusses how establishing trust and understanding among teachers and students can lead to better learning outcomes, allowing students to thrive academically and socially. About Clare I was a primary school for 22 years. I started at Holyrood Academy in 2022 when they advertised for a primary teacher to lead their new provision for Year 7 students with cognition and learning needs. This is an initiative led by Somerset County Council. Alongside the SENDco, Educational Psychologist and the headteacher, I set up the Enhanced Learning Provision which now supports students in Year 7, 8 and 9. An ELP sits within a mainstream secondary school and delivers tailored and high-quality teaching to pupils with SEND who are working at very low curriculum levels or who may have other identified needs which makes them more vulnerable than their peers at transition. Details of this provision can be found on the Somerset County Website. I then won the Nasen Teacher of Year in Nov 2024. Contact Clare Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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*Special Episode* Autism Europe International Congress 2025
04/07/2025
*Special Episode* Autism Europe International Congress 2025
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 featuring some of Europe's leading autism experts. The event emphasises co-creation, involving both autistic and non-autistic perspectives, and aims to provide practical takeaways for attendees. The Congress will utilise new translation technology to ensure accessibility for an international audience. The SENDcast is a proud media partner for the event and we will be exhibiting as B Squared - make sure you pop by to say hi! Why attend? “The Congress aims to create a collaborative space for autistic advocates, family members, and professionals to address common barriers faced by the autistic community across Europe and beyond." - Adam Harris Register before 16th May to take advantage of the discounted early registration fee! About Adam Harris Adam Harris is the Founder and CEO of AsIAm, Ireland's Autism Charity. Adam founded AsIAm based on his own experiences growing up as an Autistic person in Ireland. In addition to his leadership at AsIAm, Adam was appointed to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission in July 2020 and serves as a Executive Council Member for Autism Europe. He is a Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awardee and has sat on and advised many government consultative and policy committees on disability rights and inclusion, which have helped shape national policies for a more inclusive society. A passionate public speaker and advocate, Adam regularly contributes to media and conferences in Ireland and overseas, engaging with government and the public to promote greater understanding and acceptance of Autistic individuals. His work has positioned AsIAm as a cornerstone of autism advocacy in Ireland, driven by his belief that Ireland must become a country in which every Autistic person is accepted "as they are" - equal, valued and respected. Contact Adam Harris About Zsuzsanna Szilvasy Ms. Szilvasy has been involved in autism organisations, both on national (in Hungary) and at the international level, for the past fifteen years. She is the former president of the Autism Europe, led the association for 8 years. In these years she was working with WHO as an autism expert and promoted the right of autistic people all over the world, including in the UN. Zsuzsanna is also the former president of the Hungarian Autistic Society, she got this position for four years and has played a key role in advocating for the rights of people with autism in Hungary. During her presidency the state implemented a National Autism Strategy. Ms. Szilvasy is the founder & CEO of Mars Autism Foundation in Hungary. The Foundation is supporting families with autistic family member in many ways (trainings, advocacy, awareness raising materials and programmes). Contact Zsuzsanna Szilvasy About Peter Vermeulen Dr. Peter Vermeulen, PhD in Psychology and Clinical Educational Sciences, has more than 35 years of experience in the field of autism. Founder of “Autism in Context”, where autism is understood in context. Peter is an internationally respected lecturer/trainer and he presents all over the world. Peter spoke at every Autism Europe Congress since 1992 (this year it will his 11th time speaking for AE). Peter wrote more than 20 books and several articles on autism, translated into more than 10 languages In 2019, Peter received the Passwerk Life Time Achievement Award for his more than 30 years contribution to the autism community in Belgium. Contact Peter Vermeulen B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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Awesome Archie's Journey from Mainstream to Specialist Education with Archie Clapcott
04/03/2025
Awesome Archie's Journey from Mainstream to Specialist Education with Archie Clapcott
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 need for educators to foster inclusive spaces where every child feels safe and valued. “How I behaved was notably different to everyone else and it was fairly harmful to my mental health because I felt like I was always being stared at and judged.” Archie Clapcott Listen to hear Archie’s valuable advice for teachers, parents and neurodiverse children. View available or visit our ! About Archie & Rebecca Clapcott Awesome Archie is a neuro affirming non profit founded by a Mum and Son team. Since March of 2020 Awesome Archie NP have written 5 books that are donated to local schools and currently being used by the University Hospitals Dorset charity to both advocate and educate. With 16 years of lived Autism experience as a parent, years of 1:1 experience, then a late awakening into her own neurotype, Rebecca is proud to share what she’s learnt . Archie being Autistic, having ADHD and Tourette syndrome gives the non profit a real life insight into the challenges faced by so many. Contact Rebecca & Archie Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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nasen awards - Jane Fearnley & Faye Ebbs, Alternative Provision of the Year
04/01/2025
nasen awards - Jane Fearnley & Faye Ebbs, Alternative Provision of the Year
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 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 B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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Relationship Dynamics with Children with PDA with Beth Elkins & Ian Thorsteinsson
03/27/2025
Relationship Dynamics with Children with PDA with Beth Elkins & Ian Thorsteinsson
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 of parenting children with PDA, sharing personal experiences, professional insights, and practical advice that can make a significant difference for parents, teachers and children. They discuss: Understanding PDA as an anxiety disorder - “When you start to reduce their anxiety, you unlock their ability.” Beth Elkins The importance of individual parenting approaches. Building effective communication and relationships with children with PDA. Strategies for navigating challenges and celebrating successes. View available or visit our ! About Beth Elkins Beth Elkins has worked in SEN for more than 25 years with a breadth of experience of working with learners with unique learning profiles and a need for education to be different. A parent of a young man with PDA, Beth’s passion for specialist education runs through both her personal and professional life, with the aim of making a positive difference in the lives of as many young people as possible. About Ian Thorsteinsson Ian Thorsteinsson joined the Cavendish Group in August 2018. He has a long senior management history in specialist education, particularly in autism schools and services. He has even opened a school for autism in Saudi Arabia. He is passionate about delivering a strong, effective and well resourced provision, which is planned individually, to ensure the best short- through to long-term outcomes. Contact Beth & Ian Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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nasen awards - St Andrews International School, International Provision of the Year
03/25/2025
nasen awards - St Andrews International School, International Provision of the Year
In this special episode, Catherine McCluskey, Paul Schofield, and Roo Stenning from St Andrews International School in Bangkok discuss their recognition as the International Provision of the Year at the nasen Awards. They highlight the school's commitment to inclusivity, emphasising that every child's potential is valued and supported. Catherine notes that the award recognises the hard work of the school community over the past 20 years, with a focus on ensuring all students, including those with special educational needs, are integrated and thrive. Paul elaborates on the importance of community and social interaction, asserting that inclusion benefits all students by fostering empathy and collaboration. Roo adds that the school aims to continuously improve its practices to meet the diverse needs of its students. The team emphasises the significance of a positive school culture where happiness is a core value, promoting an environment where students are supported not only academically but also socially and emotionally. They encourage other schools to embrace inclusive practices, demonstrating that it is possible to create a supportive and thriving educational environment for all students. The conversation reflects a strong belief in the impact of inclusivity on both individual students and the broader school community. About Catherine A passionate, highly skilled and outstanding senior leader within the international inclusive education sector. My teaching, and special educational needs experience, is vast and varied, having worked in Grammar, rural high schools, alternative provision and resource bases, specialist provision, and mainstream inner-city comprehensives. Having been a SENCo since 2007, I moved from London in August 2022 to take up position as Director of Whole School Learning Support, at St. Andrews International School, Bangkok. Since joining, and within my first two years in post, I have led on achieving the Inclusion Quality Mark Award - Centre of Excellence Accreditation, as well as the school being awarded the NASEN International Provision of the Year Award 2024 for exceptional special educational needs and disabilities provision. As an experienced and highly respected and skilled practitioner, I am hugely passionate about supporting adults and young people through the minefield that is identifying accurate, appropriate, and suitable SEND provision, support, and resources, as well as advising on policy changes and inclusive pedagogy. After receiving my first accreditation as an SSAT Lead Practitioner in SEND in June 2017, I went on to gain my National Award in Special Educational Needs Co-Ordination, and successfully re-accredited to SSAT for a further 3 years in 2020. An outstanding special educational needs teacher and Senior Leader, I am also a Level 3 Designated Safeguarding Lead and Team Teach Level 1 and 2 accredited trainer. I have delivered CPD workshops, designed conferences for teachers, ran bespoke workshops for young people with external providers and companies, supported teachers in other countries (most recently Thailand, Tanzania, Jakarta and Vietnam for Nord Anglia Education, and Rwanda and Kenya through the Inspiring Teachers Charity) designed and ran parent workshops, supported independent companies to become more inclusive and welcoming, performed audits and policy reviews, and much much more. As an NAE EDIB Champion for my current school, I am supporting and working alongside other schools in our global community to share understanding, policy review, audits, and training on neuroinclusive pedagogy. Finally, as a dual neurodivergent adult, I have the added insight of personal experience of how life can be as a child, and adult, with undiagnosed SEND needs, and the challenges this can present at all stages of life. In my downtime I love my ‘heinz57’ Thai street dog, my retired rescued ex-thoroughbred racehorse, and scuba diving. About Paul Head of School at St Andrews International School for over 20 years. Our school has always worked to be fully inclusive taking children with a huge range of learning challenges. We started with 110 students, with 11 in High School. Currently we have 2,400 students, with 1,400 in High School. Our school has a wonderful school community which hugely support all aspects of our school’s life. About Roo Roo has been teaching different combinations of Geography, History, Maths and Theory of Knowledge in London, Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok for over 30 years, as well as having a number of other positions of responsibility - PSHE Coordinator, Head of Year, Deputy Head (Pastoral), Deputy Head (Curriculum) and now Head of High School (11-18). Outside of school he spends far too much time still thinking about Education, either on Twitter (@MrRooBKK) or reading books or articles. He also loves to read books about topics related to Geography or TOK, which between them cover most of the world, to watch films and to watch Arsenal win. Contact Catherine Contact Paul Contact Roo 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 B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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‘Improve not Prove’: Self-Evaluation for Continuous Improvement in Inclusion
03/20/2025
‘Improve not Prove’: Self-Evaluation for Continuous Improvement in Inclusion
Inclusion continues to be a hot topic in education, and while schools have made tremendous strides in fostering inclusivity, several barriers remain, particularly league tables and Ofsted defining school intent. In our latest episode of the SENDcast, Dale speaks with Maria Dawes, CEO of the Schools Alliance for Excellence. Maria shares valuable insights on how schools can leverage self-evaluation to drive continuous improvement in inclusion, especially for underserved learners. What resonated with me was Maria's approach to shifting the focus from proving effectiveness to genuinely improving practices and being experts in your own setting. She emphasises that by fostering a culture of robust self-evaluation, school leaders can take ownership of their actions and create an environment where all students feel included and supported, regardless of their backgrounds or needs. Maria developed the Surrey Inclusion Framework to facilitate meaningful discussions and thorough self-assessments around inclusion. As she aptly states, “There are things that you can do that don't make you fundamentally more inclusive; inclusivity is a culture.” View available or visit our ! About Maria Dawes Maria is the CEO of Schools Alliance for Excellence and STSN, a school-led company that provides school improvement, curriculum and leadership development for schools in Surrey and other local regions. She has a strong track record of working collaboratively and in partnership with a range of agencies to support schools to improve rapidly and sustain improvement. Maria is passionate about a school-led system, believing bringing all schools, providers and partners together creates an educational landscape that is more than the sum of its parts. She also believes strongly in equity of opportunity and inclusion. She has an unwavering desire to ensure that all young people get the education they deserve including those with additional needs, and those that are vulnerable and underserved. Her previous roles included a number of senior leadership posts in schools, Senior HMI and Deputy & Regional Schools Commissioner. Contact Maria Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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nasen awards - Alison Eason, Changemaker of the Year
03/18/2025
nasen awards - Alison Eason, Changemaker of the Year
Alison Eason discusses her recognition as the Changemaker of the Year at the nasen Awards for her innovative work in using technology to support students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). She emphasises how her computing strategies help students with dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, and ADHD, promoting independence and reducing reliance on teaching assistants. Alison shares her journey of upskilling in technology during the pandemic, becoming a Google trainer, and implementing tools like Google Classroom to enhance learning. She highlights various accessibility features available on Chromebooks, such as text-to-speech and widget, which empower students to express themselves and engage more effectively in their education. The conversation covers the importance of fostering independence in students and using technology to create inclusive learning environments. Alison advocates for embracing tech in schools to prepare children for a future where technology plays a central role. She encourages educators to challenge themselves and leverage tech to personalise student experiences, ultimately enhancing their learning outcomes. About Alison Alison Eason has been a Primary School Teacher since 2005, working in London and Essex in a range of schools from good to outstanding. After completing a Master’s in Education, Inclusion and Diversity in 2015, she became an Associate Member of British Dyslexia Association and went on to become a specialist Dyslexia Teacher in 2017. Over the course of her career, Alison developed a passion for working with SEN (Special Educational Needs) students and has dedicated the last 9 years to working with SEN children. She often felt that their voices went unheard and was concerned about the lack of creativity and quality of education SEN children received in some classrooms, due to staff not having access to learning the right skills necessary to create inclusive classrooms. She has been the head of ARP of an Additional Resourced Provision in North London, leading a team of specialist teachers and teaching assistants in delivering an outstanding and very personalised education for children who have autism. In addition, she is working with other local schools on a consultancy basis. She is proud of her ARP and describes it as a fun, engaging environment where children receive structure, predictability and an education that will prepare them for life as an independent person. She provides ongoing support and training to her team and also teachers the students for part of the week. She is a qualified SENCO and continues to work with other educators, families and children in understanding the complexities of SEN and how best to engage and support these learners. Alison is also an advocate in using adapted technologies and IT in the classroom, preparing her students for life where technologies are playing an ever-increasing role in everyday life; to engage and accelerate the learning and independence of her students. Contact Alison 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 (How schools can develop a good home-school relationship and make a difference to a child with SEN) page 33 – How to optimise your school for autistic children 2024 (01:23) (page 8) : Integrating Technology for Enhanced Support of SEND Students in Teaching Practice Google for education (11:49) - Accessibility & Inclusion B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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Why We Need More Support For Neurodivergent Teachers with Catrina Lowri
03/13/2025
Why We Need More Support For Neurodivergent Teachers with Catrina Lowri
We typically discuss how to support neurodivergent children, but what about teachers? Today, Dale and Catrina Lowri, founder of Neuroteachers, discuss the need for increased support for neurodivergent teachers and support staff. Catrina shares her personal journey as a neurodivergent educator with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, dyslexia and ADHD. She sheds light on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the education system, including stigma, lack of understanding, and inadequate support. Catrina highlights the importance of recognising the strengths and needs of neurodivergent teachers, advocating for a more inclusive and understanding environment in schools. She talks about the significance of representation and the positive impact of having neurodivergent role models for students. Pointing out that “if you have neurodivergent teachers and support staff in your school, then you are representing that 20% of children who have neurodivergent needs. They gravitate towards you and they like having an adult role model who's been relatively successful but also has similar needs and strengths and as them.” Catrina shares her experiences of masking her neurodivergence in the classroom and the burnout that can result from it. She encourages educators and institutions to adopt a more holistic approach to support, focusing not only on one aspect of neurodivergence but addressing the individual needs of each teacher. Listen to practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent staff, such as flexible working arrangements, access to resources, and creating a culture of openness. View available or visit our ! About Catrina Lowri Catrina is a neurodivergent former SENCO and Advisory Teacher with a dual diagnosis of bipolar and dyslexia. She created her company; Neuroteachers to support schools and businesses with simple solutions to improve Neuro-inclusion. Contact Catrina Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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nasen awards - Michelle Madziak, Teacher of the Year
03/11/2025
nasen awards - Michelle Madziak, Teacher of the Year
In this special episode, Michelle Madziak discusses her recognition as a joint winner of the Teacher of the Year award at the nasen Awards. She emphasises her passion for empowering students and the transformative impact of her work in a special needs setting. Michelle highlights her innovative use of communication tools like tactile signing and iPads to enhance inclusion. She shares her experiences leading outdoor activities, such as camping and canoeing, for students with complex needs, stressing the importance of providing them with opportunities similar to their mainstream peers. Michelle also introduced "Deals on Wheels," a student-led shop that fosters independence and entrepreneurship. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the collaborative effort of her team and the support from school leadership in implementing her ideas. She encourages other educators to embrace challenges and focus on what students can do, advocating for inclusive practices that empower all learners. About Michelle I grew up and did my teacher training in Canada. When I graduated from education I decided to move to Australia to teach and travel. It was in Melbourne where I fell in love teaching in an SEN school. When I returned to Canada I started looking for SEN jobs and found one in Wolverhampton England! I came for a tour and fell in love! I have worked at Green Park school for just over 11 years now. I found my passion in sixth form. I am an advocate for young adult’s voice and choice and opportunities to transfer their skills into their community. I take pupils into the community swimming, spin class, shopping, work experience, markets stalls, library and more! I have lead residentials and have lead the Duke of Edinburgh for the last three years. For the last two years I have had 10 pupils achieve their bronze award and this year two pupils are doing their silver award, and 16 pupils are doing their bronze. With the support of Laches Wood all pupils experience an inclusive camping trip and a canoe expedition! Contact Michelle 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 B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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The Importance of Literacy Education for ALL learners with Chantal Bryan & Sarah Giles
03/06/2025
The Importance of Literacy Education for ALL learners with Chantal Bryan & Sarah Giles
In today’s episode, ‘The Importance of Literacy Education for ALL Learners’, Chantal Bryan and Sarah Giles from the charity Teach Us Too join Dale for an engaging discussion. The conversation centres around Chantal’s son, Jonathan, who faces significant challenges due to his complex physical disabilities. I was inspired by his incredible journey towards being able to communicate with his family and his progress in learning to read and write! Chantelle shares her experience of taking Jonathan out of special school to provide him with a literacy-focused education, emphasising the importance of not making assumptions about a child's capabilities based on their labels. With the support of educators like Sarah, Jonathan has made remarkable progress, including starting university courses in creative writing. As Chantal puts it, “Literacy is the key to unlocking their voice.” This inspiring episode highlights the importance of a literacy-rich environment, the need for inclusive educational practices, and the belief that all children should have the opportunity to learn to read and write. Chantal and Sarah discuss strategies for making literacy engaging and accessible, including the use of low-tech tools like E-Tran frames, which can aid communication for non-verbal learners. Listen to hear why literacy is vital for all students and how it opens doors to communication, personal expression and transforms lives. About Chantal Bryan OBE No-one’s story should ever involve a parent needing to remove a child from school in order to teach them to read and write. If we had to do this for all our children, there would be national uproar. Through my experience as a mother who took her son out of special school to teach him to read and write I have seen first hand the need for a greater understanding of the potential to learn in students with complex needs. I have also experienced the immeasurable difference that being able to read and write makes both for a child or young person who is non-speaking, and also their family and friends around them. This has driven and motivated my determination to make a difference for those children. About Sarah Giles I trained as a primary school teacher and later became a SENCo within a mainstream primary school. After a few years away from the classroom while I had my own family I was introduced to Jonathan & his family who were looking for the help of a primary school teacher for his home education. I then worked with Chantal to teach Jonathan at home for several years. When Jonathan established Teach Us Too, he asked me to take a lead on his behalf and I have been working with the charity ever since. Contact Chantal & Sarah Useful Links Emma Maskell the class that roared Transformational Tales Out of my Mind B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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nasen awards - Chapman Shum, Young Advocate of the Year
03/04/2025
nasen awards - Chapman Shum, Young Advocate of the Year
The podcast features Chapman Shum, the nasen Young Advocate of the Year 2024 winner, discussing his journey as a visually impaired musician. Chapman, who was born blind and has learning difficulties, shares how music has been a powerful tool for connection and expression. He emphasises that challenges can be overcome and aims to inspire others facing difficulties. His mentor, Professor Adam, highlights Chapman's exceptional musical abilities, including his talent for improvisation and participation in the National Open Youth Orchestra. The conversation highlights the importance of recognising the musical potential in children with disabilities, challenging stereotypes, and promoting inclusive music-making. They also discuss the Amber Trust, a charity supporting blind and partially sighted children in music, and the Sounds of Intent framework, which focuses on recognising the musical abilities of children with complex needs. About Chapman Chapman is a young pianist who has overcome significant challenges to achieve success in music. Born blind and with complex disabilities, including autism and hearing loss, he began learning piano at the age of 6. By 13, he had earned the ABRSM ARSM diploma in Piano Performance. A recipient of the Amber Trust Award, Chapman is also a proud member of both the National Open Youth Orchestra London “NOYO” and the London Youth Folk Ensemble “LYFE”, where he continues to explore his passion for music and collaboration. Through his performances, he strives to inspire others and promote inclusivity. In 2024, Chapman was named the nasen Advocate of the Year. About Adam Adam Ockelford is a Professor of Music at the University of Roehampton in London, celebrated for his transformative contributions to music education and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. He is the founder of The Amber Trust, a charity dedicated to supporting blind and partially sighted children on their musical journeys, ensuring that every child, regardless of their needs, can experience the joy and empowerment of music. As the creator of the "Sounds of Intent" framework, Adam has developed innovative ways to support musical development for individuals with diverse abilities. His pioneering work in music psychology and education has had a profound impact, particularly on children with autism, blindness, and other disabilities. In recognition of his dedication to inclusive music-making, Adam was recently awarded an Honorary Fellowship from Trinity College London. This prestigious honour acknowledges his efforts to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has their musical abilities recognized and celebrated. Beyond his research and advocacy, Adam is an accomplished musician and inspiring educator, empowering countless young musicians to achieve extraordinary milestones and demonstrating that music has the power to connect, inspire, and transform lives. 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. Contact Chapman Contact Adam Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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Structured Teaching, Pre-empting Barriers and Developing Curriculum Pathways with Tanya Lefort
02/27/2025
Structured Teaching, Pre-empting Barriers and Developing Curriculum Pathways with Tanya Lefort
As the number of children with SEND in mainstream schools continues to rise, coupled with limited spaces in specialist settings, the demand for effective and inclusive support is huge. More children are entering classrooms with complex needs, placing pressure on mainstream schools to meet those needs. But how can schools do this? This week, Tanya Lefort joined Dale to discuss ‘Structured Teaching, Pre-empting Barriers and Developing Curriculum Pathways’. With 18 years’ experience in SEN, Tanya highlights effective strategies for educators to meet the increasing demands of inclusive education. “Children are really, really good at teaching us how to be better teachers.” Tanya Lefort Key takeaways from their conversation: The importance of focusing on what students can do, rather than what they can't. Implementing visual systems to foster independence in neurodivergent learners. The necessity of tailored approaches that adapt to each child's unique needs. Strategies to empower children and reduce "learned helplessness" in the classroom. Tanya also emphasises the need for schools to create supportive environments that allow all students to thrive, regardless of their challenges. Make sure you listen to this episode to hear practical insights to enhance your teaching practice and support your students effectively! About Tanya Lefort Tanya began her career at the age of 18, working with adults who presented challenging behaviours and had autism spectrum disorders (ASD). While funding her university studies, she secured a teaching assistant position in a special educational needs (SEN) school, where she gained valuable experience in structured teaching, positive behaviour approaches, and sensory processing. After completing her studies, Tanya transitioned into a lecturing role at a college specialising in SEN, where she served as the head of autism and behaviour. She further enhanced her expertise by training as a Maybo trainer and supporting the National Autistic Society (NAS) accreditation process. Additionally, she completed a five-day TEACCH course, deepening her understanding of autism education methodologies. In 2014, Tanya was appointed as a Key Stage 1 (KS1) Area Resource Provision (ARP) teacher in a mainstream school. She excelled in this role and eventually became the ARP leader and a Key Stage 2 (KS2) ARP teacher, focusing on effective management of challenging behaviours. Tanya completed the NASENCO award and subsequently secured a position as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), later advancing to assistant head. She worked with the local authority as a lead SENCO, supporting other SENCOs in developing best practices for children with special educational needs in both mainstream and ARP settings. Currently, Tanya is part of a working group focused on developing funding descriptors for children with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) in mainstream and specialist provisions. She leads ARP/SRP network meetings for the local authority and facilitates the NPQ SENCO course for University College London through Teach West London, continuing her commitment to improving educational outcomes for all children with SEN. Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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nasen awards - Dale Pickles, Resource for SEND
02/25/2025
nasen awards - Dale Pickles, Resource for SEND
In this podcast episode, Dale Pickles takes a step back from hosting duties where his colleague Jon asks the questions. They discuss the success of the SENDcast podcast, which won the Resource for SEND at the nasen awards 2024. Dale reflects on the podcast’s journey over four years, highlighting its reach of over 350,000 listens and contributions from 83 experts in the field. Dale emphasises that the recognition from nasen is not just personal but aims to expand the podcast's audience, helping more people discover its valuable resources. He discusses the challenges, why he produces the podcast, memorable moments and heartfelt feedback received from listeners. Dale expresses his desire to continue exploring diverse topics within the SEND community and encourages people to be ‘curious, not judgmental’. About Dale Dale is the Managing Director of B Squared. He works with schools all over the UK to help deliver best practice, reduce teacher workload and help schools move forward with assessment. Dale is the host of the SENDcast, the #1 podcast for Special Needs and CPD online training, providing affordable SEND education for all. Dale has spoken at conferences such as the Autism Show and Tes SEND Show. 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. Contact Dale Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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Foundations of Early Literacy – What Are the Building Blocks? with Dr Sarah Moseley & Ginny Bootman
02/20/2025
Foundations of Early Literacy – What Are the Building Blocks? with Dr Sarah Moseley & Ginny Bootman
This week Dale is joined by Dr Sarah Moseley, Educational Consultant, and SENCO of four schools, Ginny Bootman to discuss ‘Foundations of early literacy – what are the building blocks?’ This is the first episode in a series exploring the foundational components of early literacy, which aims to bridge the gap between theory and classroom practice. They discuss the importance of oral language, vocabulary development, and how these foundational skills set the stage for reading success. Key topics include: The role of listening and speaking in literacy development Strategies for engaging children and fostering curiosity The significance of print awareness and phonological skills Real-world examples of how to incorporate literacy into everyday activities This episode is packed with insights and practical tips for educators, parents, and anyone interested in supporting children’s literacy journeys. 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. Sarah’s 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 is a published author of her research. In her book , Sarah has developed a framework for professionals, families and learners around her concept of an ‘Inclusive Reading Curriculum’. Sarah provides training, information and support focused on how to teach reading to all learners, building on current provision and practice to support confidence and deepen understanding. Now an independent Educational Consultant at , Sarah delivers 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. About Ginny Bootman I have been a teacher longer than I haven’t, as a Headteacher, Senior Manager and Class Teacher and now as a SENCO of 2 Primary schools in Northamptonshire. My 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. I am an Associate of Undiscovered Country a team who help individuals manage change. Contact Sarah Contact Ginny Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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nasen awards - Karen McGuigan, Highly commended Resource for SEND
02/18/2025
nasen awards - Karen McGuigan, Highly commended Resource for SEND
In this special podcast episode, Karen McGuigan discusses her work with the ‘Maths for Life’ program, which was highly commended in the resource for SEND category by nasen. Karen explains that ‘Maths for Life’ is designed to help students build foundational mathematical skills, particularly for those who struggle with the national curriculum. Karen emphasises the program's focus on practical applications of maths, making it relevant to everyday life, rather than abstract concepts. She contrasts ‘Maths for Life’ with mainstream programs like White Rose Maths, noting that it is tailored for students who face challenges in traditional education settings. The program aims to fill gaps in foundational knowledge and empower students to become confident in their maths skills. Throughout the conversation, Karen shares personal anecdotes about her son with learning difficulties and discusses the importance of financial literacy and real-world applications of maths. She advocates for a more inclusive and relevant math curriculum that meets the diverse needs of all students. The episode highlights the positive impact of ‘Maths for Life’ on students' attitudes toward maths, with many expressing newfound enthusiasm for the subject. Karen concludes by expressing her commitment to changing educational practices to ensure every child can succeed in maths. About Karen Karen McGuigan is an education consultant with a goal to improve the image and attainment levels in maths for everyone. She studied maths at a degree level as part of her Masters in Chemical Engineering at Imperial College and brings a wealth of real life experience to her work. Inspired by her middle son Lance, who has Down syndrome, she has developed the Maths For Life programme. It is a differentiated approach to teaching maths that is designed for students with additional learning needs, for whom the standard maths national curriculum structure and timescale is unattainable. It is currently being used both in schools and homes across the globe with students ranging from aged 2 to 60. 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. Contact Karen Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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Supporting Colour Blindness with Marie Difolco
02/13/2025
Supporting Colour Blindness with Marie Difolco
Did you know that 300 million people worldwide live with colour blindness, including 3 million in the UK and around 450,000 of those are children? Unfortunately, many of these children are being let down by the education system, as colour blindness often goes unrecognised - meaning there’s likely one child in every classroom facing this challenge. In our latest podcast episode, Dale is joined by Marie Difolco, a passionate advocate and mother to a severely colour blind child. Together, they discuss ‘Supporting Colour Blindness’ and the need for accessible use of colour in education. When colour is not presented accessibly, it can create barriers to learning, understanding, safety, and overall achievement. Marie emphasises the importance of supporting colour blind individuals in both educational and professional environments, highlighting that these children often miss out on fully accessing their education. “The one thing I'd like people to take away from this podcast - never ever use colour alone to convey information. Always use a secondary label, a number, a symbol.” Marie Difolco Listen to understand colour blindness, learn the truth behind common misconceptions, the impact it has and practical strategies to support colour blind individuals. About Marie Difolco Marie Difolco works as an Operations Manager for an Engineering consultancy and voluntarily for the Colour Blind Awareness organisation. She is a driver behind the #1InEveryClassroom campaign. Marie is mother to a severely colour blind boy whose condition went undetected for longer than necessary. She delivers workshops and speaks publicly to raise awareness. Moderator on 3 Facebook Groups about Colour Blindness: Colour Blind Chat Group (U.K.) Supporting the Colour Blind Child (U.K.) Blindness / Color Vision Deficiency Awareness (U.S.A.) Marie provides training and workshops for both the education and businesses sectors on Supporting Colour Blindness and The importance of Accessible Colour. Please contact her for further details via LinkedIn or her Author Facebook page. NEW BOOK PUBLISHED Marie has just released a new book 'Supporting Colour Blindness, in Education and Beyond'. This essential guide explores Colour Blindness, an often-unrecognised special educational need and disability (SEND). It gives you the tools and confidence to ensure children with Colour Blindness can reach their full potential. It helps you to understand what the condition is so you can easily make your teaching accessible and inclusive to all Colour Blind children, undiagnosed or not. Contact Marie Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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nasen awards - Maxine O'Neill, Specialist provision of the year
02/11/2025
nasen awards - Maxine O'Neill, Specialist provision of the year
Maxine O'Neill discusses Hope School, which won the Specialist Provision of the Year award. She highlights the school's commitment to a trauma-informed approach, serving 68 students and working with 32 schools across Liverpool through their HEARTS program. This program emphasises holistic thinking, empowerment, trust, and safety within the school community. Maxine explains the importance of recognising trauma in all forms, not just extreme cases, and how this understanding has transformed their approach to education. She emphasises the school's philosophy of inclusivity, stating they do not believe in exclusion and strive to maintain connections with students and families. The conversation also touches on the role of the SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and the necessity for schools to adopt trauma-informed practices. Maxine shares her experiences and insights on building trust with parents, managing staff well-being, and the importance of empathy in leadership. About Maxine Maxine is the Headteacher of Hope School, a specialist SEMH school, and the author of The Secret Life of SENCO. With extensive expertise in attachment and trauma, Maxine is dedicated to supporting students with complex social, emotional, and mental health needs. As the HEARTS Network Lead, Maxine champions a trauma-informed approach to schooling, ensuring that every child receives the care and education they need to thrive. ARC award winner for collaboration HEARTS project Contact Maxine Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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Life's Ups and Downs of Having or Not Having a Special Needs Assessment with Dr Susie Nyman
02/06/2025
Life's Ups and Downs of Having or Not Having a Special Needs Assessment with Dr Susie Nyman
In recent years, we have seen increasing requests for diagnoses related to autism, dyslexia, and other neurodiverse conditions. Often parents may feel that having a diagnosis is a golden ticket to access support, but this is merely a step in a long journey of understanding and support. Dr Susie Nyman joins Dale in the studio to discuss ‘Life's ups and downs of having or not having a special educational needs assessment’, bringing her wealth of experience as a teacher and curriculum manager for Health and Social Care at Farnborough Sixth Form College. She highlights the emotional complexities parents face when deciding whether to pursue an assessment, including concerns about stigma and the impact of labels. Susie elaborates on neurodiversity, explaining that it recognises neurological differences as valid human variations. She notes that specific learning difficulties (SpLD) affect how information is processed and can present across various abilities. The conversation touches on the potential strengths of neurodiverse individuals, such as unique problem-solving abilities and creativity. Susie stresses the importance of creating supportive environments for neurodiverse students, emphasising that challenges often arise from mismatches between individuals and their surroundings rather than the individuals themselves. Susie advocates for understanding each student's unique needs and finding strategies that work for them. 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 Susie Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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nasen awards - Eugene Dwaah, Highly commended changemaker of the year
02/04/2025
nasen awards - Eugene Dwaah, Highly commended changemaker of the year
The podcast features Eugene Dwaah, who was highly commended for his work in the ‘Change Maker of the Year’ category. He discusses his innovative approach to education, focusing on holistic development through sports and addressing social inequality and youth violence. Eugene emphasises the importance of engagement and belonging for young people, particularly those facing adversity. His initiatives at Dagenham's future youth scene have significantly improved school attendance, demonstrating the positive impact of his methods. He shares his personal journey, including overcoming trauma after losing his mother at 15, and how influential teachers and mentors guided him. Eugene transitioned from a career in football to education, aiming to create an inclusive environment for students who struggle in traditional schools. He highlights the unique facilities and low staff-to-student ratios in his program, which foster a supportive atmosphere. Eugene believes in the power of relatable educators who share their own experiences to connect with students and motivate them to pursue their potential. About Eugene Eugene, the driving force behind Evolution Sports Group, has a diverse background that uniquely positions him to understand the challenges faced by disadvantaged youth. His career has spanned various sectors, including education, community development, and professional sports. As a head of behaviour and engagement in an inner-city school, he gained valuable insights into the systemic issues that can limit young people's potential. Subsequently, he served as a community development manager for Genesis housing association, further deepening his understanding of the social and economic barriers faced by marginalised communities. Eugene's passion for sports led him to join Fulham Football Club as Head of Recruitment. Drawing on his extensive experience, he founded Evolution Sports Group to provide a platform for young people in alternative provision settings to develop their skills, build confidence, and pursue their dreams through sports. 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. Contact Eugene Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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The Power of Language with our SEND Kids with Ali Fanshawe
01/30/2025
The Power of Language with our SEND Kids with Ali Fanshawe
“CALM DOWN!” “I’ve already asked you THREE times to put your shoes on!” “How dare you talk to me like that!” Do you ever find yourself standing at the bottom of the stairs, hollering at your child? Or perhaps you’re dealing with a child who is sobbing hysterically while you're racing against the clock for work. We all carry 'core scripts' learned during our childhood, which influence our daily interactions with our children. It often feels natural to use familiar phrases and tones from our own upbringing. But do these phrases really work? Being a parent or educator is hard. But being a SEN parent or educator is relentless. A few years ago, this was the experience of Ali Fanshawe. Ali couldn’t understand why she was struggling to deal with her children’s ‘fizzy moments’ in a more compassionate way. In today’s episode Ali joins Dale to discuss ‘The power of language with our SEND kids’. Ali tells us that it is critical to accept that our SEN kids need a different form of communication and interaction in order to support them. Adopting a new parenting language can radically transform family dynamics and help calm the chaos at home or in a classroom. It’s about re-learning the way we talk to and interact with our kids so that we’re being the parents and teachers they need us to be, not the ones we were taught to be. Listen to discover tools and strategies to use that can ease the pressure at home and school. About Ali Fanshawe Ali founded FizzyKids in 2018, having left the corporate world to become a full time Parent Carer to her two adopted kids with special needs. Frustrated by the lack of practical resources on parenting her children, she set out to re-learn her parenting approaches and in doing so created a new parenting language which she is now sharing with other parents in the hope that it helps transform family and classroom dynamics. Contact Ali Useful Links Ali has recently released a new book 'How to stop telling your kids to calm down (and why it doesn't work anyway)'. Ali Fanshawe has been on a journey to better understand and parent her two adopted kids with additional needs. Her work has led to a realisation that you have ‘core scripts’ learnt during your childhood, that are embedded in the day-to-day language you use when you parent your kids. B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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nasen awards - Adam Millichip, Innovative Technology in the Field of Inclusion
01/28/2025
nasen awards - Adam Millichip, Innovative Technology in the Field of Inclusion
In this podcast, Adam Millichip discusses Tettenhall Wood School’s achievement of winning the Innovative Technology in the Field of Inclusion award. The school's podcasting initiative aims to teach communication, social skills, and computing while promoting acceptance and awareness among autistic students. Since its launch in May 2021, the podcast has produced over 100 episodes featuring notable guests, including sports figures and celebrities, and has garnered significant attention, even appearing on BBC News. Adam emphasises the growth of the podcast beyond initial expectations, highlighting its impact on both the students involved and the wider community. He notes that the podcast has become a rite of passage for older students, with younger students eager to participate as they progress through the school. The podcast serves as a platform for skill development, teaching students essential techniques for effective communication. Overall, the initiative has fostered confidence and engagement among the students while raising awareness in the community. Contact Adam Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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Sleep Neurodiversity and Learning Disability with Dr Jill McGarry
01/23/2025
Sleep Neurodiversity and Learning Disability with Dr Jill McGarry
Getting to sleep can be challenging for some, often leading to hours spent trying to unwind before finally drifting off. Improving sleep is crucial – not just for children and young people, but also for their parents, families, friends, classmates, teachers, and communities as a whole. Dr Jill McGarry, consultant clinical psychologist and sleep expert, joins me in today’s episode to discuss ‘Sleep, Neurodiversity and Learning Disability’. With over 28 years’ experience around sleep, Jill discusses: Sleep Challenges: How neurodiverse individuals and those with learning disabilities often experience significant sleep difficulties. Understanding Differences: How sleep experiences can vary widely among individuals and the need for personalised sleep strategies, as generic advice may not be effective. Research: Recent advancements in sleep research, focusing on how understanding brain function and sleep mechanisms can help tailor solutions for different individuals. Sleep Hygiene: How light, heat, routine, nutrients and sound impact sleep, with practical advice to create a conducive sleep environment. Tune in to gain a better understanding of sleep, including the science behind it and some eye-opening (or should that be shutting?) insights! About Dr Jill McGarry Jill is a Clinical Psychologist with 28 years of NHS experience in psychological support for people with mental health issues. Throughout this work Jill has supported many people how have had sleep problems. This led Jill to complete both the sleep masterclass at Oxford University’s SCNI and the 3-day training course with Sleep Unlimited as well as weekly taking part in the BSM international sleep seminars chaired by Arizona University .She is a member of the British Sleep Society and has supported the Sleep Charity develop a programme. From this she has built up a wealth of knowledge and experience at improving sleep for several client groups, including setting up a reasonable adjustment sleep apnoea clinic for Greater Manchester. Currently Jill runs a private practice for improving sleep. Over the past two years Jill has carried out numerous sleep awareness courses for wellbeing teams in NHS trusts and ICBs; schools/ college forums; counselling organisations; care and respite home managers; More specifically she has provided two bespoke training sessions for UCLH NHS Trust on learning disability and neurodiversity, co-facilitated a national conference on sleep & SEND and presented a webinar nationally for Autism Hears. Recently Jill has advised Baywater and NHS England on a project to develop materials for people with sleep apnea and reasonable adjustments. Contact Jill Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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SENsible25 conference preview with Abigail Hawkins
01/22/2025
SENsible25 conference preview with Abigail Hawkins
The SENsible SENCO, Abigail Hawkins joins Dale for a podcast special episode highlighting what’s on at the SENsible25 SENCO conference on 14th February in Nottingham - and why you should be there! Abigail shares details on her second annual conference dedicated to helping SENCOs including; a conference overview, networking opportunities, speaker line up and interactive sessions. “SENsible25 has a theme of ‘all in the room’, so we're all going to be in the room again together. But we also have a sub theme this year. It's about assessment and identification because that's where SEN starts.” Abigail Hawkins, The SENsible SENCO This event brings together exhibitors, speakers, and SENCOs around the same tables. Join us for a day filled with engaging sessions, laughs and a few moments of realisation, led by experts in Special Educational Needs (SEN), where knowledge is shared and connections are made. From sensory needs to identifying speech and language needs in EAL students, we invite you to be part of this fun filled community day where everyone learns from each other. About Abigail Hawkins Abigail Hawkins is a passionate and seasoned SENCO with over 25 years of experience. She is the dynamic force behind and . Through her SEN consultancy and not-for-profit networking support group, she champions inclusive education and offers invaluable support to educators and schools across the spectrum. Having taught a diverse range of subjects to students of all ages, from toddlers to adults, Abigail has a versatile and practical approach to SEN issues. In addition to her consultancy work, she collaborates with software and product companies to create innovative tools for SEN and Safeguarding purposes, develops and delivers teaching assistant apprenticeship and master’s degree programs, and has authored several books and resources on SEN and exclusions. With her no-nonsense, hands-on approach, Abigail continues to make a significant difference in the lives of countless students, educators, and schools. She remains unwavering in her commitment to promote inclusive education. 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 - 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.
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nasen awards - Paul Willis, Secondary Provision of the Year
01/21/2025
nasen awards - Paul Willis, Secondary Provision of the Year
In this special episode, Paul Willis discusses All Saints Catholic School in Essex, which recently won the Secondary Provision of the Year award at the nasen awards. The school is recognised for its commitment to inclusive education and its "No Child Left Behind" philosophy, ensuring all students, including those with special educational needs, have access to learning. Paul outlines a staff action research project aimed at raising awareness of students facing barriers to learning, with over 50 staff members participating. The school employs various strategies to celebrate student achievements and has introduced new initiatives for sixth form students. Paul emphasises the importance of prioritising student support, highlighting the collaborative culture among staff, including teaching, support, and kitchen staff, all dedicated to student well-being. He discusses the school's inclusive practices, such as tailored interventions for social skills and academic support. The conversation also touches on the role of communication with parents, the significance of building rapport, and the need for a whole-school approach to inclusion. Paul advocates for continuous improvement and learning from other schools, ensuring that inclusive practices are embedded in the school's ethos and curriculum. Contact Paul Useful Links B Squared Website – Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - Email Dale – Subscribe to the SENDcast - 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.
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