The SENDcast

Do you love Excel or avoid it? If conditional formatting, VLOOKUP, freezing panes, formulas and filtering send you into a spin. Look no further! In this week's show, we're discussing Excel. Ginny Bootman, a SENCO across 4 schools, joins Dale for 'We need to talk about Excel'. You may have listened to Ginny's other podcast (Paperless SENCO) and know that she is currently on a technology journey. Excel saves SENCOs time by automating data management, analysis, and reporting processes, allowing them to focus on making informed decisions and providing effective support for students with special educational needs. Listen to hear how and why Ginny started using Excel, and the top tips and tricks you need to make your life easier. If you have avoided Excel thus far, after listening to this episode you will be inspired to give it a go and see how it will save you time! Dale's Excel Tips and Tricks Dale has put together this guide to help you feel more confident using Excel and covers all the features he discussed in the podcast. Download the guide below: https://www.thesendcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Excel-Tips-and-Tricks.pdf Live online training session Ginny is joining us again on Tuesday 25th April to host 'Making meetings work for children, parents, SENCOs and schools'. SENCOs spend a lot of time in meetings. But how can you ensure this is time well spent? Ginny shares simple, tried and tested ways to make your meetings more collaborative and more effective. Register now for just £10 for your whole school! About Ginny Bootman Ginny has been a teacher longer than she hasn't, as a Headteacher, Senior Manager and Class Teacher and now as a SENCO of 4 Primary schools in Northamptonshire. Her passion lies within all things concerned with empathy and the role which empathy plays in ensuring that all of those in school settings feel valued and listened to. Ginny is an Associate of Undiscovered Country a team who help individuals manage change. Contact Ginny Website – www.ginnybootman.com Email – ginnybootman10@gmail.com Twitter - @sencogirl Instagram – @ginnybootman 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 heard of compassionate co-regulation? It means that when we calm and regulate ourselves as the adults, we create an energetic circle of safety that supports the children around us to regulate themselves. It's hard to be truly compassionate and kind when we are stressed out. In this week's episode, Jyoti Jo Manuel, the founder and director of Special Yoga, joins Dale to discuss 'The what and why of compassionate co-regulation'. We talk about how we underestimate the impact that we have as the adults around children and that children learn best from how we are and how we model behaviour. "The energy field that we create inside and outside creates a compassionate, caring space for another." Jyoti Jo Manuel Listen to hear the importance of looking after ourselves first. Balancing our autonomic nervous system (the part that controls involuntary actions, such as the beating of your heart) changes our thoughts, reduces our worries and anxieties, and helps us to become more heartfelt and kinder. Jyoti tells us that if teachers and parents/carers are balanced and calm then children can thrive. About Jyoti Jo Manuel Jyoti has been practising yoga since 1974 and teaching since 1989. She is one of the leaders in the training and application of yoga as a therapeutic intervention for children with special and additional needs. She pioneered children's yoga in the UK. She set up the global training school, Special Yoga in 2002 to provide sustainable and accessible training programmes and to support practitioners delivering the work . She works with local education authorities, NHS, academies and individual schools, parents/carers and paediatric professionals. She has travelled globally to extend Special Yoga in Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Australia, Mexico, Peru, Russia, and many countries in Europe. She is currently training 45 psychologists in the Ukraine to support their traumatised children. Contact Jyoti Website – www.specialyoga.co.uk Email – info@specialyoga.co.uk Instagram – @Specialyogaglobal Facebook – Special Yoga | Facebook 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 nature vs nurture debate in mental health and behaviour refers to the extent to which genetics (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) influence the development of mental health conditions and behaviours. Both genetics and environment play a role in shaping mental health and behaviour, but the exact extent of each factor is still not fully understood. A DfE report on mental health and behaviour cited 4 sets of risk factors that are believed to be associated within: The child themselves The family The community Schools themselves Fintan O'Regan, Behaviour and SEN Consultant, joins Dale in this week's podcast to discuss 'Mental Health and Behaviour: Nature or Nurture? Risk and Resilience'. In this episode we consider the complex nature vs nurture debate, and risk and resilience factors to offset and support children and families. Find out from Fintan how both genetics and environment play important roles in shaping mental health outcomes. About Fintan O'Regan MA, PGCE BSc He was the Head teacher of the Centre Academy from 1996 -2002, which was the first specialist school in the UK for students between the ages of 7-19 specialising issues related to ADHD, ASD and ODD. He is an associate lecturer for Leicester University, the National Association of Special Needs, the Institute of Education, the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre and the former Vice Chairman of the UK ADHD Network and of the European ADHD Alliance. Fintan now works as trainer and consultant for schools and school support systems including, Social Services, Health, the Police and Foster carers with regards to providing behaviour management strategies for children and families struggling with SEND and behaviour issues. Contact Fintan O'Regan Website - www.fintanoregan.com Email - fjmoregan@aol.com Twitter - @fintanoregan Useful Links Behaviour and Mental Health: a new approach. www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk O'Regan F (2005) Surviving and Succeeding in SEN Continuum International O'Regan F (2006) Challenging Behaviours Teachers Pocketbooks O'Regan F (2006) Troubleshooting Challenging Behaviours Continuum International O'Regan F (2018) Successfully Managing Children ADHD Second edition :Routledge Falmer Press O'Regan F (2020) Supporting behaviour in the classroom: Sage publications limited MH and Behaviour in schools 2018. Available at : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mental-health-and-behaviour-in-schools- 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 live in a digital age, so where do we see or use joined up writing nowadays? Everything has moved on since putting pen to paper and writing letters! Most adults tend to type a lot more than they write, however handwriting is still a big focus in schools. "Handwriting is so much more complicated than a lot of people necessarily give it credit for." Kim Griffin, Occupational Therapist The DfE released new guidance in the Research Review Series which looks at handwriting as a separate skill. Kim Griffin joins Dale in today's podcast to discuss 'Dyspraxia and Handwriting', listen to find out what this new guidance says and what is best practise for teaching. Kim talks about the various skills and elements involved in handwriting: Motor skills – physically holding the pen Visual perception – getting letters in the right order Composition – spoken language, vocabulary If a student has dyspraxia, the planning element of how to actually form letters is really tricky. Listen to top tips on making handwriting easier and how you can support students in your setting. 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 Griffin Website - www.GriffinOT.com Email - Training@GriffinOT.com Twitter - @Griffin_OT Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GriffinSensoryOT/ Useful Links https://twitter.com/profamandakirby/status/1362306501130485764?lang=ar https://www.griffinot.com/how-to-help-children-with-dyspraxia/ 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

Last summer we were all asked for our input as part of the SEND Review Green Paper consultation. Having reviewed thousands of responses, last week the government published their 101-page 'SEND and AP Improvement Plan'. Today Dale is delighted to be joined by Claire Coutinho, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Education, for a special episode 'Discussing the SEND and AP Improvement Plan'. Dale had this great opportunity to ask Claire questions and share her responses with you. In their discussion they cover: The EHCP process Getting the right support early on Accountability Workload SENCO role National standards LA change Reasonable adjustments "If you look at the entirety of the plan, we're really talking about systemic change to try and make sure that everyone's got what they need to deliver for children and young people with SEND." Claire Coutinho, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State We hope you find this special episode useful, if you'd like to find out more about the SEND and AP Improvement Plan, Lorraine Petersen OBE will be joining us for a SEND briefing on 22nd March. Lorraine will be giving her response and breaking down what it really means for young people, SENCOs and schools – sign up for FREE. About Claire Coutinho Claire Coutinho was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Education on 26 October 2022. She was previously Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions from 21 September to 27 October 2022. Clare was elected Conservative MP for East Surrey on 12 December 2019. Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing) The minister's responsibilities include: special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including high needs funding alternative provision children's social care children in care, children in need and child protection adoption and care leavers early years and childcare family hubs and early childhood support disadvantaged and vulnerable children children and young people's mental health policy to protect against serious violence freedom of speech in education online safety and preventing bullying in schools Useful Links B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast Assessing Progress for Pupils Working out of Year Group - https://www.bsquared.co.uk/2022/09/27/assessing-progress-for-pupils-working-out-of-year-group/ Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk What is in the SEND and AP Improvement plan briefing – 22nd March - https://www.trainingforeducation.com/product/whats-in-the-send-and-alternative-provision-improvement-plan/ What is in the SEND and AP Improvement plan briefing – 22nd March - SEND and AP Improvement Plan - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1139561/SEND_and_alternative_provision_improvement_plan.pdf SEND and AP Improvement Plan (easy read) - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1139607/SEND_and_alternative_provision_improvement_plan_easy_read.pdf Independent Analysis of the consultation responses - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1139719/Independent_analysis_of_the_consultation_responses_to_the_SEND_review_right_support__right_place__right_time.pdf 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

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

Are you a SENCO struggling to be strategic? Facing burnout? You are not alone! SENCOs have too many hats to wear and can often feel like they aren't making a difference. Spending a lot of time firefighting, feeling guilty for not being strategic enough yet having to roll their sleeves up and muck in. "You can want to be strategic, but there is so much that gets thrown at you throughout the day. You feel a bit like a firefighter most of the time and have to react to things constantly." Abigail Hawkins Abigail Hawkins joins Dale in today's episode 'Cuddly cardigans, strategic suits and why SENCOs don't fit into either!'. Abigail has been a SENCO for over 25 years and knows first-hand the challenges and demands they're facing. When the SEND Code of Practice changed in 2015, SENCOs were told to be strategic……anyone in the role knows that you cannot be entirely strategic. Whether it's a cuddly cardigan or a strategic suit, you can't wear either of them and need to be somewhere in between. Abigail discusses SENCO vs SENDO, that SENCOs are supposed to be coordinators, not doers but struggle to delegate. Listen to find out why SEN is everyone's responsibility and how to find a better balance by coordinating, facilitating and enabling others to support the role. About Abigail Hawkins Abigail runs SENDCOSolutions, an SEN consultancy and SENsible SENCO CIC, a not-for-profit networking support group. She has been a SENCO for over 25 years and has taught a multitude of subjects across all phases from 2-year-olds to adults. She works with software companies developing supportive software for SEN and Safeguarding purposes, has developed and delivers on a teaching assistant apprenticeship programme, authored several books on SEN and exclusions and runs a support network for over 9000 SENCOs. Until recently, she was the Chair of Governors for 3 schools in the East Midlands and she still works as a SENCO for part of her week. Abigail has a no-nonsense, practical approach to SEN issues faced by schools. Abigail was one of the three lead voices on a series of SEN webinars delivered over the lockdowns amassing an audience of over 12000 viewers and she uses modern approaches to share SEN-related information including a successful YouTube channel. Contact Abigail Hawkins Website – www.sendcosolutions.co.uk www.sensiblesenco.org.uk Email – enquiries@sendcosolutions.co.uk Twitter – @sendcosolutions Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sensiblesenco Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SENsibleSENCO Useful Links Weekly SEN Network/CPD meetings for the SENsible SENCO community. Details available on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/sensible-senco-33587615959 Books: Approach It, Map It, Manage It - https://amzn.to/3ab59Do The SENDCO - https://amzn.to/3yFCYGt School Exclusion - https://amzn.to/3by6ULj 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 considered use of language is often mocked as political correctness gone mad. When you look at it up close it is more like a kind of powerful magic at your fingertips, with the power to do good or ill. In today's podcast, Joanna Grace joins Dale to discuss 'Identity First Language and Belonging'. The autistic community reject person first language (person with autism) in favour of identity first language (autistic person). As a doctoral researcher studying identity and belonging Joanna is fascinated by the power of identity for people. Understanding the link between identity and belonging can inspire us to embrace reflective use of language and to advocate for change. Very often teachers and other professionals are the people who gift terminology to others, gatekeepers to what can seem like a world of jargon. Listen to understand that the choices we make with our language can shape the lives of those we teach in extraordinary ways. 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 Grace Website – www.TheSensoryProjects.co.uk Email – sensorystory@gmail.com Twitter – @Jo3Grace Facebook – www.Facebook.com/JoannaGraceTSP Useful Links Books - My Mummy is Autistic and The Subtle Spectrum Joanna also runs a course called Exploring the Impact of the Senses on Behaviour both online and as an in person event. www.thesensoryprojects.co.uk has more details. 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

Are you familiar with Rosenshine's 10 principles of instruction? Rosenshine's principles are based on evidence-informed teaching and enhance teacher performance in the classroom. They are to be implemented into everyday teaching for simplicity and clarity and underpin any effective approach to instruction in lessons: Daily review Presenting new material in small steps (consequently reducing cognitive overload) Asking questions Presenting models Guided student practice (by practising retrieval, questioning and appropriate help) Checking for student understanding Achieving an elevated success rate of 80% Providing scaffolding (facilitating incremental mastery of a skill or concept) Independent practice Weekly and monthly review Dr Susie Nyman joins Dale for today's podcast 'Using Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction with SEND Students'. Susie gives an insight into how the 10 principles can be implemented in the classroom with SEND students. Listen to hear innovative strategies and solutions she has used first-hand whilst working in the classroom at The Sixth Form College, Farnborough and at The Oratory School. About Dr Susie Nyman Dr Susie Nyman is passionate about discovering how children learn and supporting them in ways which enable them to succeed. She was appointed as a Biology teacher at The Sixth Form College Farnborough in 1995, and subsequently as Curriculum Manager for Health and Social Care where she has worked ever since. Susie strives to raise students' achievements and support them in ways which enables them to succeed. She works with her students deploying a range of innovative and Multi-sensory teaching techniques to assist their learning including her 'Equality and Diversity Tree' and famous puppets! Additionally, she has provided training to PGCE students at Kingston University, and in a number of local schools and colleges on teaching strategies. Since February 2017, Susie has presented seminars on 'Multi-sensory Techniques' at The Learning Differences Conventions in Australia, Richmond College, The Helen Arkell Centre, Bell House, The Oratory School, The National Education Show and The Tes SEN Shows in London and Manchester. Recently, she was filmed 'in action' for The British Dyslexia Association as well as Oaka Books, and the footage is available on YouTube. Subsequently, she has written a chapter about 'Multi-sensory Teaching' in the BDA Dyslexia Friendly Schools Good Practice Guide and 'The Multi-sensory Teaching Toolkit' by Oaka Books. In recognition of over 21 years continued service at The Sixth Form College Farnborough, Susie has been nominated three times by the College for the 'Tes FE Teacher of the Year Award'. This is an honour of which she is immensely proud. Contact Dr Susie Nyman: Website – drnymanconsultancy.co.uk Email – drsusienyman@drnymanconsultancy.co.uk Twitter – @DrSusieNyman Useful Links Eastap, L. and Gregory, J. (Ed's) (2018) Dyslexia Friendly Schools Good Practice Guide 2nd Edition, British Dyslexia Association. Nyman, S. (2020). How to become a Grade Riser. Chichester: Oaka Books: https://www.oakabooks.co.uk/collections/revision-extras/products/how-to-be-a-grade-riser-by-dr-susie-nyman-teacher-must-have Nyman. S. (2019) The Exam Question Task Board. Chichester: Oaka Books: https://www.oakabooks.co.uk/products/task-board-by-dr-susie-nyman?_pos=1&_sid=cf1663598&_ss=r Nyman, S (2019). Sensory Support for Dyslexia. Retrieved from The SEN Magazine issue 103: https://issuu.com/senmagazine/docs/sen103 Nyman, S (2020). How to get an A* in English. Retrieved from The Studying with Dyslexia Blog: https://studyingwithdyslexiablog.co.uk/blog/oakabooks-bambi-gardiner-how-to-get-an-a-in-english-dr-susie-nyman-confirmed-for-the-bda-good-practice-in-dyslexia-and-literacy-conference Nyman, S (2022) 'Student Icebergs with Dr Susie Nyman'. SENDcast Special Needs Podcast: https://www.thesendcast.com/student-icebergs/ Nyman, S (2021). Scanning Pens: 'Live Literacy Strategies with Julia and Susie': 'https://youtu.be/vlgw2O2-SPg Nyman, S (2022). OCR: Preparing students for exams tips for teachers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch3JuRQsyVo 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

Puberty is a topic that is rarely discussed and when taught at school the feelings and emotions are often not explained in detail. It can be seen as an embarrassing subject for both parents/carers and young people, therefore conversations can be avoided and when young people start puberty they can feel unprepared. Puberty brings a lot of physical changes, especially for girls, including body growth and menstruation. Victoria Ellen joins Dale today for 'Girls on the Spectrum: Autistic experiences of Puberty' which is an open discussion on the experience of puberty for girls with autism, covering: Sensory issues Overwhelming choice of products Conforming Giving young people space at home Victoria highlights not only the physical aspects of puberty, but also navigating emotional and social development. Listen to understand an autistic girl's experience of puberty and the impact it has on all aspects of everyday life, especially at school. About Victoria Ellen Victoria Ellen is a late diagnosed Autistic adult. She is an online content creator who shares her experiences of Autism via cute aesthetically pleasant graphics and striking captions. She is an Autistic researcher and public speaker, who uses her knowledge of research and her own personal experiences to educate and inform others, as well as providing resources and advice. Contact Victoria Ellen Website - Actuallyaspling.wordpress.com Twitter - @actuallyaspling Instagram - @actuallyaspling Facebook - Facebook.com/actuallyaspling Useful Links https://personal-eyes-education.com/swrnir https://www.robynsteward.com/the-autism-friendly-guide-to-periods https://wuka.co.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