The SENDcast

Many schools face challenges in demonstrating progress for pupils with SEND, and I know assessment can often feel a bit mundane. However, it's a crucial aspect of our educational practice, especially as it will remain a key element of Ofsted requirements for the foreseeable. In our latest episode, I'm joined by Jordan, an experienced special needs teacher who works in a specialist provision attach...

Happy New Year! As we prepare for a new term, I wanted to share the first episode of 2025 with you. In this episode 'Sensory Uncertainty', my guests Clare Ward and Dr. Jamie Galpin, Speech and Language Therapist and Developmental Psychologist respectively, provide invaluable insights. They discuss their new book, My Senses Are Like Cups , which uses a compelling metaphor to help listeners understa...

Before announcing the final episode of 2024, I just wanted to say a big heartfelt thank you to you, our wonderful listeners! It has been another remarkable year with 51 episodes recorded, 19 new guest speakers, 100,000 downloads and a nasen award to celebrate our achievements. Thank you for being part of this journey! This week, we dive into the concept of relational practice - a powerful approach...

Tigger Pritchard, a neuroaffirming advocate, consultant, and trainer joins Dale in today's episode to discuss 'Why do so many professionals believe they are right?'. The discussion delves into why many professionals hold rigid beliefs about autism and the implications this has on neurodivergent individuals and their families. Tigger emphasises that while many professionals are well-intentioned, a...

Two days ago, we celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Dale recently had the pleasure of recording a podcast with Chloe Plummer, she shared her insights on living with cerebral palsy and the 'Assumptions around physical disabilities'. In our conversation, Chloe explains what cerebral palsy is and shares her personal experiences navigating daily life. She addresses common m...

The results of a recent study on the widely used Zones of Regulation have come as quite a shock to many in education. Despite its widespread use, the evidence does not seem to support the use of Zones of Regulation, especially with students with SEND. In today's episode we dive into the implications of this new research with Kerry Thalia discussing 'Emotional Regulation Resources for SEND.' Emotio...

SENCOs have a notoriously busy role spinning many plates. Ginny Bootman, a SENCO working across four schools, joins Dale in this episode 'Time saving tips for SENCOs' to provide insights on how to work smarter, not harder. " We want to actually be with the children, so by saving time in other ways, we get to spend more time with them, which is what it's all about." Ginny Bootman Here are some high...

**Please note this podcast covers sensitive topics, including suicide, and carries a trigger warning .** Psychosis, hallucinating, depression, mania…..did you know these are all symptoms of bipolar disorder? Living with this condition can be terrifying, not just for those who experience it, but also for their family and friends. Catrina Lowri joins Dale today for a candid discussion on her journey...

The current Ofsted inspection frameworks acknowledge the vital responsibility educational leaders have for the wellbeing of their staff. However, anecdotal evidence from SENCOs in schools and settings suggests they are at particular risk of poor mental health, and that increasing workload over the pandemic has exacerbated this. Angela Scott, Regional Lead for SEND, joins Dale again to discuss 'Ref...

Alison Knowles, Emotional Therapist, joins me today to discuss 'it's not the what, it's the why'. Alison tells us that assumptions often arise when we focus solely on behaviour, leading to a lack of understanding. "Actually getting to the root of what's going on rather than focusing on the bit that isn't going to change." Alison Knowles Alison emphasises that all behaviour serves a purpose, but me...

Alternative Provision (AP) can often look 'fluffy' from the outside, leading to misconceptions about its true purpose. To clarify and raise awareness, Veena Virahsammy joins me to give her insight on 'Alternative Provision'. After her son faced exclusion from school, Veena established her own AP to support him and others in similar circumstances. In our conversation, she shares her experiences lau...

Parents of SEND children face numerous challenges, including feeling unheard, overwhelmed, and stressed when trying to get their child's needs met. They often find themselves at loggerheads with institutions, grappling with systemic failures such as inconsistencies across local authorities, the postcode lottery, and the inadequacies of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). As Danise Grant aptl...

This Dyslexia Awareness Week (7-13 October), we are excited to share our latest podcast episode featuring dyslexia specialist Louise Selby! We tackle some of the most common myths surrounding dyslexia, shedding light on the misunderstandings that persist in education and beyond. There's a significant debate about whether dyslexia even exists, and it's concerning that many educators and parents sti...

We're excited to announce that in this week's episode of the SENDcast, we welcome Joe Fautley to share his invaluable insights in "Autism: My Personal Experiences and Advice for Professionals." In this open and honest discussion, Joe offers a unique perspective as a young adult growing up and living on the Autism Spectrum. He shares his personal journey, highlighting the needs, strengths, achievem...

Many of us take everyday tasks for granted, like standing up from a chair. However, for individuals with physical disabilities and complex needs, this simple act can be a significant challenge that not everyone can accomplish independently…yet. This week, we delve into the crucial role of functional movement in the lives of children with physical disabilities and complex needs. Our guest, Chloe Pl...

All students benefit from personalised learning. By empowering them in a person-centred manner, they can engage openly with educators, making essential connections between subject content and their own experiences. This approach enhances their ability to remember and recall key information for future examinations. We're thrilled to welcome back Dr. Susie Nyman in this week's episode for another en...

How often do you ask children what they think about something instead of simply telling them your opinion based on your own experiences? Often adults give answers based on their model of the world and views which aren't necessarily right. In today's podcast, Alison Knowles, Emotional Therapist, joins Dale to discuss 'Ask don't tell'. Alison tells us that by asking  WHAT?  and  HOW? , you can trans...

Ahead of Jane's FREE SEND Briefing on 24 September, she joins Dale for this special episode to give an insight into what she will be presenting in her session 'What will the new Government mean for SEND?'.  "I think what we're going to see from this government is a real push down that early intervention route." Jane Friswell Listen to hear Jane's thoughts on the government changes, focus on inclus...

Often, when children are labelled with a 'problem,' they are perceived as different or failing, which can create a cycle of negativity . This can lead to challenges such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression, as the brain tends to hold onto these negative perceptions. In the last 10-15 years, the field of positive psychology has emerged as a valuable counterpoint to the traditional focus on...

Schools invest in tools to identify and support students with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). But are these investments paying off? Many schools struggle with poor implementation, wasting valuable time and resources. We're excited to welcome back Angharad Welch, Speech and Language Therapist, to the SENDcast! Four years after her debut, Angharad returns to discuss 'Identifying lan...

Having had several chance encounters at the Autism Shows, we're delighted to finally have Tigger Pritchard as a guest on the podcast! 'Awesomely Autistic' is a profound and insightful exploration of Tigger's personal journey as a neuroaffirming advocate, consultant, and trainer. Tigger shares a heartfelt and deeply honest insight into his experiences growing up as an autistic individual. He descri...

Schools often invest in professional development to make classrooms dyslexia, autism or speech language and communication 'friendly'. However, this can overwhelm teachers with too much information, making them feel they can no longer effectively support all of their students' different needs. Angela Scott joins Dale for this week's podcast to discuss 'The magic of 'high value' strategies for pupil...

In today's podcast we delve into the profound mental health effects of dyslexia and the crucial need to address them. Dyslexia not only presents self-esteem challenges but also carries significant implications for individuals' overall well-being. However, there are numerous ways to mitigate the detrimental effects of dyslexia, especially when it is openly discussed and destigmatised. Once again, w...

The SENCO role is unique and crucial, as SENCOs champion the needs of students who require additional support. However, other priorities in schools often mean that SENCOs themselves don't receive the support they need to be effective. To better champion these students, the SENCO's voice needs to be heard. But how do you, as a SENCO, ensure your voice is heard? In this week's podcast, Dale is joine...

At present, challenging behaviour in school is off the scale and largely this is due to unmet needs. You can't 'punish or reward the neurodivergent' out of children, so the traditional methods of classroom management and behaviour control won't work. Joining Dale today is Catrina Lowri, who shares her personal journey with behaviour management spanning over 25 years. Catrina provides a glimpse int...