In this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, about ways to reduce internal truancy.

They discuss what is meant by internal truancy and why some students might find it difficult to attend classes and accesseducation. Dave also explores the impact on children and young people, and suggests practical ways for staff to build strong relationships and help students re-engage with learning.

Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society and has extensiveexperience of supporting young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities.

When he worked as a staff development co-ordinator for the National Autistic Society, Dave developed and delivered training in autism, and equality, diversity, and rights.

You can find Dave on LinkedIn.

He also shares three tips during the episode:

• Communication and collaboration are key. If you have a strategy that you think is effective, share it with other practitioners.
• Try to spot patterns early and take preventative action to support individual students’ needs
• Consider the ‘why’ behind the behaviour and reflect on what some of the barriers to accessing learning might be.

The Team Teach podcast shares the latest thinking in behaviour, all in handy 15-minute (ish) bite-sized chunks. Eachepisode features a new guest chatting about a different aspect of behaviour and leaves you with three handy tips to use in your setting.

Find out how Team Teach can help your organisation.

The Team Teach podcast is created in the UK, adhering to UK law and guidance. Practitioners should exercise their professional judgment to determine the appropriateness of any Team Teach material for their specific sector and geographic region, and be aware of the applicable laws and guidelines governing their organisation.