The SENDcast

This episode was recorded at 11:30am on Monday the 16th of March. At this time there was minimal guidance for schools around COVID-19/Corona virus and even less guidance for pupils with SEND. In this BONUS episode we will be talking about the Corona virus and the implications for special schools, pupils with SEND and their families. Our guest is Lorraine Petersen OBE. Lorraine has over 25 years experience as a teacher and a headteacher. She was also the CEO of NASEN between 2004 and 2013. Lorraine now works as a consultant as well as a number of other roles. We are not going to be telling you what will happen or for how long as we don't know. We will discuss what this might mean, what you will need to think about and what you might need to start preparing for.

Sensory issues can have a big impact on school life, whether they are sensory-seeking or sensory avoidant and how schools can make reasonable adjustments. This week's guest is Sarah-Jane Critchley. Sarah-Jane is passionate about helping autistic people, their families, friends and supporters live happier lives of their own choosing. She is the internationally recognised author of 'A Different Joy: The Parents' Guide to Living Better with Autism, Dyslexia, ADHD and More...'. She spent 10 years as Programme Manager of the AET. Whilst there I commissioned the AET's School standards and competency frameworks. A key element of the Standards, Competencies and Progression Frameworks is the section on enabling environments which looks specifically at Sensory Adjustments. Sarah Jane is a mother to two autistic teenagers (a late-diagnosed girl and a boy) and an autistic husband and lives with two cats. Sensory issues are common to many people, including those who are not autistic as well as those who are. Most autistic people experience differences in how they experience the world through their senses. They can be sensory-seeking, or sensory avoidant and the degree of sensitivity can vary from one situation to another and from day to day. Useful Links AET Sensory Audit for Schools and Classrooms http://www.aettraininghubs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/37.1-Sensory-audit-tool-for-environments.pdf AET Sensory assessment Checklist http://www.aettraininghubs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/37.2-Sensory-assessment-checklist.pdf Adult 'Understanding and Managing Sensory Input Tool' from A Different Joy https://www.differentjoy.com/ADSM Equalities Act 2010 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents

Arran Smith classes himself as one of the 4% of the population as a severely dyslexic adult. When Arran was aged 9 he was diagnosed with dyslexia. He uses the metaphor that dyslexia is like going to the dentist, well that's how it was for him all the way until he was 14, this was the age when he realised that dyslexia is a difference not a disadvantage. During Arran's working life he has worked in many industries including youth work, retail business and the not-for-profit sector. Arran has worked within the dyslexia sector for over 15 years. He is chairman of the Leicestershire Dyslexia Association and previously worked and volunteered for the British Dyslexia Association in varied roles. Despite Arran being severely dyslexic Arran uses technology to support his needs and without technology he would not be doing what he is doing today. Virtual SEND Conferece - www.virtualsendconference.com The Dyslexia Show (20th and 21st of March 2020) - www.dyslexiashow.co.uk