In this final special episode of our nasen award winner series, Clare Brun shares her experiences and insights as the Teacher of the Year, highlighting her work at Holyrood Academy and the transformative impact of their enhanced learning provision. Throughout the discussion, Clare emphasises the importance of support, collaboration, and strong relationships within the school community.

She explains how her dedication to inspiring both students and colleagues has led to a successful learning environment for all, particularly for students with special educational needs. Clare recounts her own journey, from working in primary education to leading the enhanced learning provision, where she focuses on individualised support and integration with mainstream classes.

The conversation highlights the challenges and strategies of creating an inclusive educational environment, such as maintaining consistent routines and effective communication with staff and parents. Clare discusses how establishing trust and understanding among teachers and students can lead to better learning outcomes, allowing students to thrive academically and socially.

About Clare

I was a primary school for 22 years. I started at Holyrood Academy in 2022 when they advertised for a primary teacher to lead their new provision for Year 7 students with cognition and learning needs. This is an initiative led by Somerset County Council. Alongside the SENDco, Educational Psychologist and the headteacher, I set up the Enhanced Learning Provision which now supports students in Year 7, 8 and 9. An ELP sits within a mainstream secondary school and delivers tailored and high-quality teaching to pupils with SEND who are working at very low curriculum levels or who may have other identified needs which makes them more vulnerable than their peers at transition. Details of this provision can be found on the Somerset County Website. I then won the Nasen Teacher of Year in Nov 2024.

Contact Clare

https://www.facebook.com/holyroodacademyfb

https://x.com/HolyroodAcademy

[email protected]

https://holyrood.bep.ac/

Useful Links

nasen website

nasen events and CPD

nasen live conference

nasen Awards

• 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 – [email protected]
• Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

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