The SENDcast

Why do we dread starting a new job? Why do we not like going to the in-laws for Christmas? Why do we not look forward to Monday morning? As humans, we tend to approach new events or situations with caution or even negativity. This is because our brains have a natural tendency to protect us from uncertainty and potential harm. Alison Knowles, Emotional Therapist, joins Dale in this episode to discuss 'How our brains project our past'. Alison explains that if there is a gap in our knowledge or experience, our brain fills that gap by either deleting, distorting, or generalising information to create a sense of control and reduce anxiety. "You're more likely to remember when something went wrong, because when it's going well, that wasn't a threat or a danger to you." Alison Knowles Knowledge is power. Understanding how your brain works can empower you to approach new situations with a more open and optimistic mindset. So, the next time you find yourself hesitating or feeling anxious about a new opportunity, remember that your brain's protective mechanism is at play, and you have the power to choose how you respond. About Alison Knowles Ali is a practising emotional therapist, author of the Ollie and his Super Powers series of books, public speaker, NLP trainer and creator of the Ollie Model. Ali's strength is the unique way she views the world and her instinctive ability to empower you or your child to find the solutions from within. Contact Alison Knowles Website – www.ollieandhisuperpowers.com Email – Ali@subconquest.co.uk or info@ollieandhissuperpowers.com Twitter – @bemoreollie Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/OllieandhisSuperPowers Useful Links Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWDj-PRjboIg2cu-KZsEMVA 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

Behaviour is communication, it doesn't just come out of nowhere and is only the tip of the iceberg. With more than 40 pupils being excluded daily for behaviour-related problems, it is evident that the system is not effectively addressing the issue. We have another new guest speaker this week, Adele Bates a Behaviour and Education Specialist! Adele joins Dale to discuss 'Engaging Pupils with SEMH and other behaviour needs'. It requires a tailored approach that takes into account the individual needs and strengths of each pupil. Adele takes us through some strategies that can be effective in engaging pupils with SEMH and other behaviour needs, such as: Building relationships Understanding neurological development Rules/non-negotiables Regulation Listen to hear how engaging pupils with SEMH and other behaviour needs requires a compassionate and flexible approach, that takes into account the individual needs and strengths of each pupil. About Adele Bates Behaviour and Education Specialist, International Keynote Speaker & Author "I've had juice poured on my head, been whacked by a skateboard – and have taught a year 7 pupil who has experienced severe trauma, how to read their first ever word…" Adele Bates empowers school leaders and teachers to support pupils with behavioural needs and SEMH to thrive with their education. She's an award winning International Keynote Speaker, a featured expert on teenagers and behaviour for BBC Radio 4, the author of "Miss, I don't Give A Sh*t," Engaging with Challenging Behaviour in Schools, from Sage & Corwin Press, and is a fully funded International Researcher in Finland, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica on Behaviour & Inclusion, as well as teaching for nearly 20 years… For her tips and resources check out adelebateseducation.co.uk. Contact Adele Website – adelebateseducation.co.uk Email – adele@adelebateseducation.co.uk Twitter – @adelebatesZ Useful Links Pick My Brain: https://bit.ly/PickmyBehbrain Behaviour Lead Mastermind: https://bit.ly/BehLeadMastermind 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

We are seeing a significant rise in the number of diagnoses and SEN registers growing, but these values don't always correlate. This has left schools and teachers feeling concerned about the increased workload and inadequate support from their local authorities and the government. The increased prevalence of named conditions and acronyms in SEN has left many teachers feeling uncertain about their ability to work with these students. Teacher workload is a major contributor to stress and is exacerbating the recruitment and retention crisis. Zoe Mather, Education Officer at nasen, joins Dale today to discuss 'Reducing teacher workload by supporting pupils with SEND from the get-go'. What if there was a way for teachers to plan lessons that included all young people in their class? Zoe tells us how incorporating good pedagogy and inclusive design can empower teachers to create more inclusive and supportive environments, while also reducing their workload and supporting more children to achieve. Listen to hear how teachers can reduce workload and support all students by planning for the margins from the get-go. It will become a normal way of working, thus reducing workload – a win-win! About Zoe Mather Zoe has worked in education for 20 years in both secondary mainstream and special education settings. She is passionate about SEND and the provision of resources and support to ensure fair access to all to improve outcomes for learners with SEND. Being part of the nasen team, Zoe is excited about the opportunity that this gives for developing projects to support SEND across the UK and internationally. Her big ambition is to continue to promote awareness of neuro-divergence and SEND and highlight the positives that this brings for developing a truly inclusive society. Contact Zoe Website - www.nasen.org.uk Email - education@nasen.org.uk Twitter - @nasen_org Facebook - nasen.org Useful Links Do you need to be an expert in every area of SEND? (thesendcast.com) 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

There is a common narrative which reflects far too many parents' experiences that, in order to get the support their child needs, parents need to be prepared to fight. However, this not only increases stress levels but also decreases the likelihood of achieving the best outcomes for their child. While it may seem impossible to work collaboratively in some situations, in many cases, parents can advocate calmly and confidently while working effectively with the team supporting their child. Jodie Warren, SEND coach & consultant for parents, joins Dale today in this episode to tell us how - 'Effective Advocacy & Why Fighting Doesn't Work'. To achieve this, it is crucial to reframe the narrative around advocacy, recognise the limitations of fighting, and instead, focus on the 4 pillars of effective advocacy. Listen to learn how to advocate effectively without burning out: Understand why advocacy can be exhausting Distinguish between advocacy and fighting Recognise the negative impact of fighting on vital skills, relationships with your child's team, and parental well-being Strengthen the four pillars of effective advocacy - treating advocacy as a process rather than a single event About Jodie Warren With 20 years of experience as a specialist teacher working for schools & local authorities, Jodie now supports parents of children with additional needs to understand those needs & advocate for their child calmly, confidently & effectively without burning out. As well as offering training to schools in how to enable effective advocacy she also supports parents to strengthen the three core pillars of advocacy so they can work with professionals collaboratively & assertively to achieve the best outcomes for their child. Contact Jodie Email – hello@jodiewarren.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-warren-58354715/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/494084106196561/ Useful Links https://medium.com/@hello_34819/how-to-prepare-for-meetings-in-order-to-advocate-effectively-a-three-part-approach-2f5c6fb3ffa2 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

Local Authorities are seeing unprecedented demand for Education Health & Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) and as a result are struggling to keep up. The situation is further complicated by many parents requesting EHCPs, but not receiving them due to refusals from authorities, leaving schools caught in the crossfire. As a result, there is widespread confusion among schools and parents about this area. Amanda Sokell, Advocate and Neurodiversity Trainer, joins Dale for her first episode to discuss the 'EHCNA'. In many cases an EHCNA is triggered as a placement has broken down. However, with the right support and accommodations, many of these children and young people could have had successful placements without the need for an EHCNA. Amanda emphasises the importance of ensuring that only the appropriate children are referred for an EHCNA and considering alternative solutions when it may not be necessary. By improving our understanding of this area, we can work together to achieve better outcomes for all children. Listen to hear about: What an EHCNA is and when it is appropriate The legalities Busting some of the myths that are encountered Reasons why schools might not want to support an application Reasons why many parents make an application – and how a school might respond to this The overwhelm involved for parents About Amanda Sokell Amanda works with caregivers of neurodiverse children and the schools that support them as they navigate the complex world of school support. Amanda know's first-hand how isolating it can be to discover that your child isn't like everybody else's. When her son started refusing to go to school, she found myself struggling to get his needs understood and supported. Despite holding his own academically, her son was struggling with high levels of anxiety, which were having a dramatic impact on his attitude to school and behaviour at home. It can be really challenging to navigate the available support. Amanda used online resources to equip herself with a knowledge of the law, and successfully secured the provision he needed. During this process, she felt the entire range of emotions eventually moving from despondent to empowered. Despite there being a wealth of online information and support, sometimes what you really need is a conversation. Amanda helps parents and educators by sharing information on how best to support neurodiverse children, and, particularly for parents, how to secure the right support and provision for their children. Amanda works individually, with groups and through an online learning platform. She look at life through the lens of process and finds it instinctive to cut through the chaos and find step by step methodologies that are easy to follow, and which help those involved to surmount challenges and achieve. A former software developer, and school governor for 9 years, she is blessed with two spirited neurodiverse boys and an equally process-orientated and neurodiverse husband. Amanda's interests include companies that make stuff, education, special educational needs, change and constant learning. Contact Amanda Website – www.navigatingneurodiversity.life Email – hello@amandasokell.com Twitter – @amandasokell @navigatingND @SENlightended_ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/navigatingneurodiversity.life Useful Links An introduction to SEND online course: https://members.navigatingneurodiversity.life/An_Introduction_To_SEN_Intro IPSEA https://www.ipsea.org.uk/ 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

Having a goal can often feel like you're standing at the foot of the mountain looking up to the peak, wondering how on earth you're going to get there. It can feel daunting, impossible and a struggle to get there, with many people not getting past the first step. This week Alison Knowles, Emotional Therapist, joins Dale to discuss 'Goal setting – how to make dreams a reality'. Alison tells us that goals are merely dreams until you take that first step to achieving them. Alison breaks down goal setting and highlights the importance of doing it for the right reasons – internal, emotionally driven reasons that are more likely to make you happy. External goals, such as wanting to work in London in a big office, you're not actually doing it for you – as often it's to make a point or prove people wrong. "If you set a goal that isn't really internal, those steps are much harder, because your heart's not really in it. You're not really doing it for the reasons that really matter. You don't need a big office to run a very successful company, you need a big office for everybody to see you're successful." Alison Knowles Listen to hear how you can make your dreams a reality and help children achieve theirs. About Alison Knowles Ali is a practising emotional therapist, author of the Ollie and his Super Powers series of books, public speaker, NLP trainer and creator of the Ollie Model. Ali's strength is the unique way she views the world and her instinctive ability to empower you or your child to find the solutions from within. Contact Alison Knowles Website – www.ollieandhisuperpowers.com Email – Ali@subconquest.co.uk or info@ollieandhissuperpowers.com Twitter – @bemoreollie Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/OllieandhisSuperPowers Useful Links Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWDj-PRjboIg2cu-KZsEMVA 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

We all know the benefits of exercise. But as we look at the world around us, the opportunities for people with disabilities to exercise is extremely limited. Playgrounds, swimming pools, climbing walls, trampoline parks etc are all great facilities for children to exercise, build confidence, improve balance and coordination. Many now provide sessions for children with additional needs. However, some parents have tried these activities only to find out that they are not entirely inclusive. Stephanie Wheen, CEO and Founder of Gympanzees, joins Dale today to discuss 'Exercise, Play and Sensory Integration for Disabled Children'. We talk about: How play and exercise help develop physical skills What is our sensory system and how does play and exercise effect it? What are the problems caused by a lack of exercise for children with physical and sensory disabilities? How can exercise and play improve development, independence and quality of life for children with physical and non-physical disabilities? There are small changes that can be applied which will make a massive difference to the lives of children with disabilities. Listen to hear top tips on how they can be applied at home, at school or in the community. About Stephanie Wheen Stephanie is a highly specialised paediatric physiotherapist who has been in the industry for 20 years. She set up Physio for Children Ltd in Bristol. She is also the founder and CEO of the multi-award-winning charity, Gympanzees, providing services for disabled children and young people. The charity has now launched a multi-million-pound appeal to build the UK's first, fully inclusive play and exercise centre in Bristol. Contact Stephanie Website – https://www.gympanzees.org/ Twitter - @GympanzeesUK Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GympanzeesUK https://www.facebook.com/groups/Gympanzees Useful Links Gympanzees website - https://www.gympanzees.org/ Online Resources Hub - https://www.gympanzees.org/our-services/online-resource-hub Webinars Proprioception - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIgJYhPhZ10 Sensory Integration - https://www.gympanzees.org/our-services/therapy-webinars/understanding-sensory-processing-and-strategies-to-try-at-home High-Tone - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rI0SlD3N9o 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

Have you had your hair cut? Have you got a new coat? Is that a new rucksack? These seemingly simple questions can make a huge difference in building connections and relationships with the children around us. In this week's episode Ginny Bootman joins Dale to discuss 'Incidental Conversations'. She highlights that taking the time to interact with children around us can be incredibly rewarding. Ginny tells us how those incidental conversations can have a profound impact on the individual we are talking to, building rapport and making them feel noticed and remembered. The playground and corridor are some of the best places for these incidental conversations. So next time you see a child with a new haircut or a new coat, take a moment to ask them about it. You might be surprised at the boost it gives not only to the child but also to yourself. About Ginny Bootman Ginny has been a teacher longer than she hasn't, as a Headteacher, Senior Manager and Class Teacher and now as a SENCO of 4 Primary schools in Northamptonshire. Her passion lies within all things concerned with empathy and the role which empathy plays in ensuring that all of those in school settings feel valued and listened to. Ginny is an Associate of Undiscovered Country a team who help individuals manage change. Contact Ginny Website – www.ginnybootman.com Email – ginnybootman10@gmail.com Twitter - @sencogirl Instagram – @ginnybootman Useful Links Gavin Oates https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CG8hrvVep8U&t=22s 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

In the world of Special Educational Needs (SEN), it's common to focus on what children can't do instead of celebrating their abilities. We often compare them to their non-SEN peers and tend to overlook their accomplishments. Even when they achieve something, we tend to focus on what they can't do next. When we focus on what children can't do, we lose connection and miss opportunities to help them progress. Joanne Jones, Consultant Speech and Language therapist joins Dale for her first SENDcast 'Focus on what they can do, not what they can't'. Joanne has seen first-hand the progress that children make with this philosophy and wants to help parents and professionals use this perspective to support children's mental health, development and relationships. All children have strengths and want connection and communication, listen to find out how you can help them thrive. "Focusing on curiosity and the love of learning is one of the most important things we can do. Letting them do more of what they can already do will lead them to achieve in areas that they may be finding difficult." Joanne Jones About Joanne Jones Joanne Jones is a Consultant Speech and Language Therapist with more than 20 years' experience of working with Early Years children in the NHS and as the founder of her own preschool. Worldwide, she now helps thousands of parents online – giving them the knowledge and tools needed to support their child's speech, language and communication needs. Famous for her empowering speech therapy programme for late-talking children, 'Can-Do', Joanne also authored the Amazon best-seller 'Ditch the Dummy: The Gentle Way'. A member of The Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists, Joanne has appeared on BBC Radio and 'The One Show'. Contact Joanne Website - www.thehomeofcando.com (www.oursupporthub.co.uk) Facebook – www.facebook.com/candospeechtherapy/ Email - info@thehomeofcando.com Useful Links https://www.thehomeofcando.com/f/3-keys-for-late-talkers - The 3 Keys For Late Talkers 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

Being a SENCO comes with a long list of responsibilities that often overlap with other roles. Unfortunately, SENCOs are sometimes isolated and hidden away within schools, leading to a lack of understanding of their role. The workload SENCOs face is immense, and leadership may not fully understand the extent of the role. SENCOs need to protect themselves, but how? This week Lynn How, Educational Consultant, joins Dale to discuss 'SENCO Workload and Wellbeing'. Listen to this episode to find out: how to make the role more transparent and its importance ways to raise a SENCO's profile where to find support and networking opportunities why they should track and communicate their workload Burnout vs Exploitation – how flipping the narrative puts the onus back on the school rather than sounding like something that has been brought on themselves top 10 tips for mental health and wellbeing About Lynn How Lynn How is an educational consultant, editor of Teacher Toolkit website and blogger. With 20 years of primary teaching and SLT experience, she has been an Assistant Head, Lead Mentor for ITT and SENCO. She loves to write and also has her own SEMH and staff mental health blog: www.positiveyoungmind.com. Lynn holds an MA in Education, is a fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT), NASENCO and NPQH. Her particular areas of interest are wellbeing (staff and pupil), SEND, children's mental health, leadership, mentoring and coaching. Recently she has started an Educational Consultancy business for SEND (SEND support) and Teacher Wellbeing (The Wellbeing Lady). Contact Lynn Website - www.positiveyoungmind.com Email - Lynn@positiveyoungmind.com Twitter - @Positive_Y_Mind Instagram - positive_young_minds Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PositiveYoungMind https://www.facebook.com/groups/coachingforteacherwellbeing Useful Links https://positiveyoungmind.com/senco-overview-of-workload-editable/ https://positiveyoungmind.com/sencos-raising-the-profile-of-these-unsung-heros/ https://positiveyoungmind.com/senco-resources/ 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