The Team Teach Podcast

In this episode, Clare talks to Chris Lore, Head of Learning and Research at Spaghetti Bridge Schools Group, about responsible risk-taking. They discuss what responsible risk-taking means, and how this approach helps develop a sense of autonomy in children and young people. Chris explains the difference between a ‘culture of control’ and a ‘culture of relationships’, and how the latter can positiv...

In this episode, Senior Team Teach trainer and Director at JML Consultancy, Jessica Lacey, explains how rethinking our approach to teaching and learning can positively impact engagement and behaviour. Jessica highlights the importance of getting to know students well, so that we know when and how to create tasks that are tailored to meet individual need. She also talks about the power of parallel...

In this episode, Clare talks to leadership coach and behaviour consultant, Maureen Brettell, about how cultural norms shape student behaviour. They talk about some of the barriers to developing ‘cultural competence’ and the distress that can be caused to children and young people when trying to navigate their own and others’ cultures. They discuss how this can lead to masking behaviour that impact...

In this episode, Clare talks to experienced teacher, leader, educational coach, and Team Teach trainer, Anna Gregory, about supporting new teachers with behaviour. They talk about some of the challenges new teachers face around student behaviour, and the importance of fostering safe, supportive environments in which early career teachers can learn, grow, and thrive – as well as make mistakes. They...

In this episode, Clare talks to Leonie Maclay and Caroline McAteer, co-founders of community interest company, Zingera, about how to use blended learning effectively. They share their own experiences of Emotionally Based School Avoidance / Non-Attendance (EBSA / EBSNA) with their own children, and how blended learning, especially the effective use of technology, can be used to address not only an...

In this episode, Clare talks to Matt Campion, Director at Renad Academy and Acting Director at Warif Academy, Qatar, about involving students with SEND / additional needs in the wider community. They explore some of the barriers to community access, and different ways to prepare children, young people and their families to manage a range of scenarios, such as travelling or visiting a restaurant. T...

In this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, about staff retention in education. They explore some of the reasons behind the recruitment and retention crisis in schools, and discuss the importance of creating a culture of support for all, including students, leaders, teachers and support staff. Dave has worked in speci...

In this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, about supporting biting and hitting behaviour with early years children. They explore some of the underlying reasons for biting and hitting, and suggest different ways to support young children. Dave has worked in special schools for both the local authority and the National...

In this episode, Clare talks to Dr Judith Howard, Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology, Australia, about trauma-aware education. They discuss what is meant by trauma-aware education, and how trauma can impact nervous system development in children and young people. They explore the link between nervous system regulation and behaviour, and how this understanding can help us ap...

In this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training andConsultancy, about how to make the best use of individual support plans. They talk about what makes an effective support plan, considering the various elements that could be included. They also discuss the benefits of creating robust individual support plans, and how effective use of thes...

In this episode, Clare talks to Principal Team Teach trainer, Ali Manning, about developing consciously effective staff. They discuss the importance of being self-aware, and the benefits of trusting our intuition. They explore the characteristics of consciously effective staff, and how they can use their skillset to support individuals and develop other colleagues. Specialising in behaviour suppor...

In this episode, Clare talks to Advanced Team Teach trainer and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention trainer, Haydn Mansell, about trauma-informed approaches and maintaining boundaries. They talk about what is meant by trauma-informed approaches, and how trauma can affect children and young people. They also discuss challenges around balancing important boundaries and expectations with continuing to of...

Join Clare as she talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, about how to effectively use sensory circuits and sensory breaks in schools. They discuss the difference between the two terms, and talk about the benefits for different children and young people. They also explore some of the barriers to running a sensory circuit session, and su...

In this episode, Clare talks to occupational therapistand Team Teach trainer, Simone Golding, about using neurodiverse-affirming practices. They discuss what is meant by this term, and how involving individuals in goal-setting can help set them up for success. They also talk about recognising different types of regulating behaviours, and how families can use this knowledge to support their child’s...

In this episode, Clare talks to Saffron Hill, founder and director of Children of a Revolution, about creative ways to support individuals with adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs. They talk about creativity in its broadest sense, as a therapeutic outlet for trauma, and how people can express their feelings through the creative process. They also reflect on ways to incorporate opportunities for...

In this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training andConsultancy, about the impact that wearing school uniform can have on behaviour. They discuss the pros and cons of uniform policies, and how a prescribed dress code might influence a student’s attitude and behaviour in school. Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authori...

In this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training andConsultancy, about the impact of ‘low-level’ behaviour in the classroom and how we can reduce disruption to learning. They discuss the difficulty with using terms such as ‘low-level disruptive behaviour’ and explore what the function of this type of behaviour might be. They also examine s...

In this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, about consistency and behaviour support. They discuss the importance of collaboration and teamwork, to ensure a coherent, joined-up approach. They also highlight the need for flexibility and a values-driven culture of shared accountability, where everyone understands their u...

Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, about anxiety and early years transitions. They discuss the impact on parents and carers during this phase, and external factors that can influence the success, or otherwise, of transitions. They also explore what anxiety may look like in young children, and how staff can communicate effecti...

In this episode, Clare talks to Jack Cook about supporting staff who work in residential care. He explains his ongoing commitment to staff development and training, and the strategies that are in place to support their mental and physical well-being. He also outlines the ways in which he cultivates a culture of interdependence and trust within staff teams. Jack is CEO at First Thought Care Service...

In this episode, Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, talks to Clare about reducing school exclusions. They discuss the reasons behind exclusions, the short- and long-term ramifications for children and young people, and strategies to reduce school exclusions in our settings. Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority an...

Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, talks to Clare about the relationship between autism and masking behaviours. They discuss different interpretations of body language and facial expressions, and how these can influence our interactions. They also explore the reasons behind masking, and the impact on individuals’ wellbeing and behaviour. Da...

In this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy. They talk about supporting children and young people to cope with the pressure surrounding exams, and explore different strategies to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society,...

In Part 2 of ‘How To Create Calming Spaces in Schools’, Kat Booker from Meet The Need Ltd shares some practical tips for setting up a calming space, and discusses the importance of looking at it ‘through the eyes of a child’.  Kat is an SEN consultant and Senior Team Teach trainer based in Sussex. She is a psychology graduate with experience in both residential care and SEMH specialist settings, w...

In Part 1 of two episodes, Clare and Dave talk to Kat Booker from Meet The Need Ltd, all about creating calming spaces in schools. They discuss how emotional regulation is a pre-requisite for academic progress and personal development, and look at how predictable, ‘low arousal’ environments can help to foster feelings of trust, belonging, and safety.  Kat is an SEN consultant and Senior Team Teach...