The SENDcast

Alison Knowles, an expert in parenting foster/adopted children, discusses the challenges faced by these families including transitions, attachment, establishing boundaries, and dealing with challenging behaviors. She emphasizes the need for support for parents and reframing perspectives to provide the best care for these children.

Recently a new term has emerged 'profound autism', which refers to autistic individuals who have intellectual disabilities and require round-the-clock support. While this term has been well received in some circles, it has sparked controversy in others. We delve into this topic with Joanna Grace and explore the new term and its implications within the autistic community in today's podcast 'A Profound Separation'. During our discussion, we touch upon the following: High or low functioning Intellectual disability The need for another new term Negative connotations Listening to the autistic community Neurokin Join us for this thought-provoking conversation as we shed light on profound autism and explore the controversial term. "Why do we need these terms when we've got the term intellectual disability?" Joanna Grace, Sensory Engagement and Inclusion Specialist About Joanna Grace Joanna Grace is a sensory engagement and inclusion specialist, doctoral researcher, author, trainer, TEDx speaker and Founder of The Sensory Projects. Joanna has worked with people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent conditions aged from 0-100 (well 1 day old – 87 years old to be precise) in a range of settings and context. Through all she does Joanna is seeking to contribute to a future where people are understood in spite of their differences. Contact Joanna https://twitter.com/Jo3Grace http://www.facebook.com/JoannaGraceTSP http://www.thesensoryprojects.co.uk/ Useful Links Email - sensorystory@gmail.com Autism:behaviour or neurotype? session with Jo Grace https://www.thesendcast.com/product/autism-neurotype-or-behaviour/ · B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk · Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast · Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk · Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe The SENDcast is powered by B Squared We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

Experienced MAT SEND Leader Simon Tanner discusses national SEND issues like workload, funding, and recruitment. Emphasizes collaboration, sharing initiatives, and learning from other schools. Highlights outstanding practices and the importance of unified efforts in enhancing SEND provision.

The impact of a teacher's style and approach can be profound, especially when it comes to students with special educational needs (SEN) and behaviour challenges. Some teachers effortlessly handle students perceived as "difficult", while others struggle and resort to excessive punishment. On this week's podcast, we're discussing teacher styles for supporting SEN and behaviour with our regular guest Fintan O'Regan. Fintan looks a 3 specific types of teacher style and considers the merits of each - are you a controller, a friend, or a benevolent dictator? Controller – These subject specialists adopt a "my way or the highway" mentality, often displaying rigid behaviour management techniques. Friend – Teachers with a friendly approach aim to be liked by their students. They create a classroom environment based on negotiation and democratic principles. Benevolent Dictator – These teachers strike a balance by setting clear rules and expectations while remaining realistic and making reasonable adjustments to accommodate students' needs. It is crucial that teachers themselves, recruiters, and those involved in teacher training consider what it takes for the vision of every teacher to be a teacher of every child. This includes those who appear ready and available to learn and those that have SEND. Listen to explore the considered merits of the 3 teacher styles, which Fintan perceives to be the most effective, and strategies and potential outcomes with each approach. "You have to find a way that suits your style within the institution you're in and be allowed to flourish." Fintan O'Regan, Behaviour and SEN Consultant About Fintan O'Regan MA, PGCE BSc He was the Head teacher of the Centre Academy from 1996 -2002, which was the first specialist school in the UK for students between the ages of 7-19 specialising issues related to ADHD, ASD and ODD. He is an associate lecturer for Leicester University, the National Association of Special Needs, the Institute of Education, the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre and the former Vice Chairman of the UK ADHD Network and of the European ADHD Alliance. Fintan now works as trainer and consultant for schools and school support systems including, Social Services, Health, the Police and Foster carers with regards to providing behaviour management strategies for children and families struggling with SEND and behaviour issues. Contact Fintan https://twitter.com/fintanoregan https://www.facebook.com/FintanORegansBehaviourManagementConsultancy/ fjmoregan@aol.com Useful Links The Teacher's Toolkit The Top Traits of an Effective SEN Teacher 10 Essential Skills Every Special Education Teacher Needs Successfully Teaching and Managing Children with ADHD · B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk · Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast · Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk · Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe The SENDcast is powered by B Squared We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

School can often be a traumatic experience for autistic children and young people. Unfortunately, many individuals, particularly girls, go undiagnosed and lack the necessary support they need. This has led to low school attendance rates and a concerning decline in mental health. As it's Autism Acceptance Week, I am excited to welcome Emily Katy to our studio to share her incredible story and insights on 'Autistic Masking, School, and Mental Health'. During Emily's inspirational podcast she covers the following: Her journey – undiagnosed autistic for nearly 17 years, challenges at school contributed to anxiety/OCD/depression leading to her being sectioned aged 16 on a children's mental health unit. Her experience of school as an undiagnosed autistic girl – masking, challenges in the environment. What helped her at school – good teacher relationships, reasonable adjustments. This discussion is a must-listen for anyone currently navigating a similar journey. Share this inspiring story far and wide, as it's a beacon of hope for those who may be facing similar challenges. "You were forced into the same environment every day, regardless of the effects that it has on you. I can't tell you how much better my life has been since I finished uni and have been in a stable job, the last year and a half has been the best year and a half of my life." Emily Katy About Emily Katy EMILY KATY, 22, lived as an undiagnosed autistic girl for nearly seventeen years. After completing her degree in 2022, she qualified as a mental health nurse. She has a large, highly engaged following on Twitter and Instagram (@ItsEmilyKaty) and a blog www.authenticallyemily.uk, where she talks about autism and mental health. Emily is a Trustee of the charity 'The Autistic Girls Network', a former Governor and member of the CAMHS young people's council for her local NHS trust, and in 2021 to celebrate the International Day of the Girl, she was selected by the Women of the World Foundation as one of their 2021 40 Young Leaders. She lives in Hertfordshire with her family and two dogs, and loves books, writing, scrapbooking and Greys Anatomy. GIRL UNMASKED is her first book. · B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk · Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast · Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk · Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe Contact Emily https://twitter.com/ItsEmilyKaty https://www.instagram.com/ItsEmilyKaty/ www.authenticallyemily.uk Useful Links GIRL UNMASKED: How Uncovering My Autism Saved My Life · B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk · Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast · Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk · Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe The SENDcast is powered by B Squared We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

Exams can be a daunting experience for students as they face the pressure to perform well and the associated stress. Many students may feel unprepared, lacking effective revision techniques and uncertainty about what to expect in the exam room. Today, I am delighted to welcome back Dr Susie Nyman, one of our regular guests, to discuss 'Standardised Approach to Exams'. With GCSE and A-Level exams fast approaching, Susie shares invaluable insights on how to succeed in exams, not just for students with SEND but for all, enabling them to achieve higher grades and secure admission to university. During our conversation, Susie highlights the following strategies: Observing and narrating Lesson delivery Multisensory techniques Teaching new terminology Effective notes and revision cards Exam technique Practice papers/questions Command verbs Levels of response questions Listen to gain valuable insights into Susie's tried and tested techniques, designed to prepare your students for success in exams and, ultimately, even help them enjoy the process. 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 @DrSusieNyman drnymanconsultancy.co.uk drsusienyman@drnymanconsultancy.co.uk Useful Links Published work Susie's books · B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk · Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast · Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk · Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe The SENDcast is powered by B Squared We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

SENCOs face lots of challenges in their role, one significant one being many headteachers' lack of understanding of the role. Traditionally, becoming a headteacher followed a career pathway, progressing from teacher to deputy head, and finally to headship. During this, detailed SEND training was often overlooked which has led to an awful lot of misconceptions and lack of awareness among headteachers on the vital SENCO role. This has led to SENCOs feeling frustrated from not being heard or understood. In today's episode, we hear from an experienced SENCO who has worked with 11 headteachers over 23 years – Lynn How. Lynn joins Dale to discuss 'Strengthening the SENCO-Headteacher Partnership'. In the discussion we explore: Barriers to headteacher engagement Types of headteacher (broadly speaking…) What SENCOs want their heads to know Ideas to get them onside Listen to hear practical ideas and strategies that SENCOs can implement straight away to support their relationship with their headteacher and align priorities. By bridging this knowledge gap between the roles, we can create stronger partnerships and ensure that the needs of students with SEND are met effectively. About Lynn How Lynn How is an educational consultant, editor of Teacher Toolkit website and blogger. With 20 years of primary teaching and SLT experience, she has been an Assistant Head, Lead Mentor for ITT and SENCO. She loves to write and also has her own SEMH and staff mental health blog: www.positiveyoungmind.com. Lynn holds an MA in Education, is a fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT), NASENCO and NPQH. Her particular areas of interest are wellbeing (staff and pupil), SEND, children's mental health, leadership, mentoring and coaching. Recently she has started an Educational Consultancy business for SEND (SEND support) and Teacher Wellbeing (The Wellbeing Lady). Lynn's first book, 'Starting Out As A Primary Senco', is being published by Bloomsbury in September 2024. Contact Lynn https://twitter.com/Positive_Y_Mind https://www.facebook.com/PositiveYoungMind www.positiveyoungmind.com Lynn@positiveyoungmind.com Useful Links My CPD training for school leaders and adaption training for SENCOs · B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk · Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast · Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk · Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe The SENDcast is powered by B Squared We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

From birth, we possess certain innate senses, such as touch, while others, like vision and balance, continue to develop throughout childhood and beyond. Understanding how these senses evolve and impact our daily experiences is crucial for creating an optimal learning environment. In this episode, Kim Griffin guides us through an insightful discussion on 'Sensory Strategies' covering various aspects, including: the types of senses perception of sensory support, strategies and tools arousal states and their influence on learning regulation how different senses can be distracting in school practical approaches to support pupils in the classroom "In terms of sensory strategies, we're thinking about anything that involves the senses that we can use to support a child to maintain their attention, focus and arousal in classrooms. So, we first want to know what senses they might be finding difficult to process." Kim Griffin, Occupational Therapist Listen to gain valuable tips on integrating sensory strategies into your classroom, ensuring they are accessible and successful for all pupils. About Kim Griffin Kim is an occupational therapist with 20 years' experience supporting children, young people, their families and teachers to participate successfully in their daily lives. Her interest areas are sensory processing and autism. Kim provides online training for those who want to learn more about sensory processing, motor skills and handwriting along with programmes that show you have to help children improve their skills. Contact Kim http://twitter.com/Griffin_OT/ https://www.facebook.com/GriffinSensoryOT/ http://www.griffinot.com/ Training@GriffinOT.com Useful Links Sensory training Success with Sensory Supports · B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk · Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast · Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk · Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe The SENDcast is powered by B Squared We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

There is a lot of talk about the need for reasonable adjustments and targeted support for those with SEND when it comes to school, but far less about the need for accessibility and inclusion in other aspects of life. Research shows that the rates of obesity, asthma, heart disease and many other long term negative health outcomes are significantly higher in communities and groups of the population who have a disability, whether that's a physical or a neurodivergent condition. Keeping physically active is vital to good health, but depending on a young person's needs, the options available can be extremely limited. In light of this, Miriam Saffer a Consultant in Inclusion, Neurodiversity and Special Educational Needs, joins Dale in this episode to discuss 'How exercise is different for children with SEND and why it matters'. Miriam highlights the barriers to engaging in sport and exercise for children and young people with SEND. These challenges range from difficulties in understanding game rules during PE lessons, to issues encountered in noisy gym environments. Exercise-based interventions for children with SEND have a wide range of benefits. By raising awareness of the need for such interventions and understanding their positive impact, we can make a significant difference in the long-term outcomes for many children and young people. Listen to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of exercise and the benefits of sport-based interventions on physical health, emotional well-being, and long-term outcomes across all areas of SEND. About Miriam Saffer Miriam is the founder of Illuminate Inclusion, an organisation that provides a range of services for families, professionals and community organisations. Miriam is a specialist in neurodiversity who works with a range of needs, including ADHD, autism and dyslexia. Her background is in special educational needs. She has worked extensively across primary, secondary and further education settings both as a teacher and SENCO/ALNCO. Contact Miriam www.illuminateinclusion.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083107280012 http://instagram.com/illuminateinclusion https://www.linkedin.com/in/miriam-saffer/ enquiries@illuminateinclusion.co.uk Useful Links Blog On-demand webinars · B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk · Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast · Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk · Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe The SENDcast is powered by B Squared We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

A few months ago, we had an insightful episode where Clare Truman introduced and explained PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance). Today, Clare has returned to share valuable advice on how to support PDA learners. The PDA Society estimates that 70% of PDA children and young people are not currently attending school due to their needs not being adequately met. It is crucial to address this issue and provide the necessary support. Clare's expertise in this area is invaluable, and her insights can make a significant difference in the lives of PDA learners. Clare emphasises the importance of groundwork and adapting learning methods to suit PDA learners while ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Shifting our mindset and adopting a collaborative approach is key. It is essential to reduce anxiety for individuals with a PDA profile, so providing clear instructions without overwhelming demands is vital. During the episode, Clare shares practical tips that can greatly benefit PDA learners. Some of these include: Implementing a visual timetable with a pre-set list of alternatives. Using instruction sheets that allow space for better ideas. Regulating breaks to promote self-regulation. Teaching the learner the distinction between learning objectives and activities. Prioritising demands by using post-it notes. Listen to learn more about these strategies and how by offering choices and minimising demands, we can create a supportive and inclusive environment for PDA learners. About Clare Truman Clare Truman is an education consultant, special education teacher and big sister to an autistic young man. From 2017 to 2019, she was director of Spectrum Space Community Interest Company; a social enterprise and alternative education provision based in Surrey which specialised in supporting autistic children who display Pathological Demand Avoidance. She now provides distance learning packages for students with PDA who find it difficult to access school. Clare is currently completing a PhD at UCL London exploring the educational experiences of PDA learners. She is author of The Teacher's Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance: Essential Strategies for the Classroom published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Contact Clare https://twitter.com/SpectrumSpaceUK www.spectrumspace.co.uk spectrumspace.info@gmail.com Useful Links · B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk · Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast · Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk · Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe The SENDcast is powered by B Squared We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.