Parenting is one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys we can embark on. As a parent of a 10-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son, I’m navigating this rollercoaster and learning along the way. For neurodivergent parents, there’s often the added worry of balancing the past, present, and future. Appointments, meeting our child's needs, and information overwhelm can feel like a heavy weight to carry.

In our latest episode, Dale speaks with Kate Steer, a neurodivergent family coach and educational consultant. Kate shares her valuable insights on parenting neurodivergent children, emphasising:

• The importance of strong relationships
• Focusing on the present moment
• Flexible parenting and adapting approaches as children grow
• The significance of proactive planning
• Encouraging children to advocate for themselves

This uplifting discussion offers practical strategies for all parents, especially those navigating similar challenges.

“The greatest thing we can do is focus on our child that's standing in front of us today.”

Kate Steer

Whether you have already finished the school year, about to or only have a few days left, I wanted to say have a lovely well-deserved break this summer! I hope you can enjoy some downtime! New episodes will continue to go live over the summer with topics including oracy, safeguarding and literacy.

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• Studied child psychology and education at university  

• Taught for 15 years in London schools 

• Supported neurodivergent/SEND children for over 20 years both in and out of school 

• Parent to a ND child 

• Work as a neurodivergent family coach and education consultant – my goal is to help parents better understand and support their children. To empower them to be their child’s biggest advocate in school and at home, meet their child’s behaviour with curiosity and compassion, prioritise coregulation and connection through proactive parenting  

• I work with parents pre and post diagnosis, and do work with older children 1:1 as well 

• I support families with children in school, those looking to move their children or explore other settings, those considering or currently home educating, and everything in between! 

www.nurturedneurokids.com

https://www.instagram.com/@nurturedneurokids/

• 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

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

The world outside of education is filled with technology, and if we shield children from it, we risk disadvantaging them when they transition into adulthood. It’s essential that we prepare them for the realities of the modern world.

In our latest episode, Stephanie Smith, Head of School at the Cavendish School, joins Dale to explore ‘The role of technology and how to use it effectively within the classroom’. Stephanie shares insights into the innovative technologies implemented at her school, including VR/AR sandboxes, robots, and email systems that have been integrated with great success.

She also addresses the common fear around AI, highlighting how it can save time and offer new perspectives. The ongoing debate about mobile phone usage in schools is another critical topic they discuss.

When asked what advice she would give to other schools regarding technology, Stephanie responded: “I would say don't hide from it at the end of the day, it's already in your world. You just need to embrace it and think about how you can use it creatively, because if not, we're setting children up to not have the skills they need for the world that's coming.”

View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

Stephanie Smith has more than ten years of experience working in and alongside the autism community across mainstream and special schools. She is Head of School at The Cavendish School, Cambridgeshire’s first state-maintained special autism school. The school’s mission is ‘enabling-the-self” and it aims to ensure its pupils enjoy learning and develop the key skills they need to thrive as independent, emotionally and socially confident young adults who can achieve their aspirations. 

https://thecavendishschool.org.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/thecavendishschool/?locale=en_GB

https://www.instagram.com/tcs_cambs/

[email protected]

VR/AR Sandbox

VR Anne frank house

• 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

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

Neurotypical pupils are usually able to meet their sensory needs during play time, however SEND pupils may face difficulties in motor or social skills. This is where sensory circuits and sensory movement breaks are often needed in the classroom. But how do you effectively incorporate them into busy school days?

Ali Neal, an occupational therapist, joins Dale to discuss practical ways to incorporate sensory circuits, helping pupils with their regulation and focus. By harnessing the power of movement, we can improve the lives of many SEN and neurodiverse pupils.

Ali takes us through the three key components of a sensory circuit; alerting, organising and calming activities. She also shares simple tips to implement these strategies throughout the school day.

“The best place to start is if we're using our muscles and we are thinking about what we're doing. We probably can't go wrong with that.”

Ali Neal

Ali emphasises that sometimes, rules need to be broken, and that the sensory circuits need to be adapted for individual needs.

View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

Ali Neal is a specialist Occupational Therapist with advanced training in sensory processing. She runs School Sensory Solutions which provides regular and cost effective training for all educators supporting SEN and neurodivergent pupils in schools via an online learning platform. Ali prides herself in finding solutions to everyday problems experienced by children and young people at school that actually work and supporting teachers to incorporate these in their already busy days.  

Ali  presents regularly at national level on the topic of Occupational Therapy and sensory processing for a number of organisations across the country including at both The Autism Show and The OT Show. She has written a book on Sensory Movement Breaks and has written an award winning program for developing motor skills for children with special educational needs.  

www.schoolsensorysolutions.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/SchoolSensorySolutions/

https://www.instagram.com/sensorysolutions_/

ali@schoolsensorysolutions

School Sensory Solutions training membership

Sensory movement breaks

101 sensory circuit activities

• 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

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

Gaming often gets a bad reputation, but it offers numerous benefits, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Many neurodiverse young people spend their lives in survival mode, navigating challenging environments - not just physically, but socially. The pressure to fit in, the fear of making mistakes, and the constant effort to mask can be exhausting. It's crucial for them to find spaces where they can relax and be themselves.

In our latest episode, Marlon Huggins shares his inspiring story and the founding of SHYNNE. Last year, Marlon launched gaming events for neurodiverse children and young adults in Barnet, and thanks to a National Lottery grant, these community events can continue to thrive. Marlon’s experience caring for his neurodiverse sisters motivated him to create this vital support network outside of school. These gatherings help build connections, confidence, social skills, and overall well-being, all in a pressure-free environment where everyone shares a common interest.

View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

I’m 40, live in Barnet, London and am the founder of SHYNNE. An organisation who works in the Neurodiversity community to bring programs such as community gaming and speed dating events. 

www.shynne.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561148863424

https://www.instagram.com/shynnecic

[email protected]

News article

• 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 
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We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

SENCOs, school leaders & class teachers are currently spending large amounts of time supporting or responding to the concerns of parents of SEN children. However, much of this support is reactive and can feel like constant firefighting.

A strategic approach to parental support is needed. Sarah Billingham, a specialist teacher with over 18 years of experience, returns to the studio to discuss ‘How can schools support parents of SEN children more effectively’.

Sarah highlights the importance of effective communication between schools and parents. Here are some key takeaways from their conversation:

1. Clear and timely communication: Helps prevent misunderstandings. Schools should proactively inform parents about the support being provided, rather than waiting for issues to arise.
2. Understanding parent perspectives: Both parents and school staff often bring their own frustrations and expectations into interactions. Recognising this can help foster a more collaborative environment.
3. Building Community: Establishing support networks for parents can alleviate feelings of isolation and empower them to engage positively with the school.
4. The importance of positive feedback: Frequent negative communication can create an adversarial atmosphere. Schools should strive to balance this by sharing positive achievements and experiences.
5. Proactive strategies: Implementing standard operating procedures for communication can streamline processes and reduce workload for staff while keeping parents informed.

I hope you find these insights valuable in improving the support provided to families of children with SEN.

View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

Sarah Billingham is a specialist teacher, she runs Confident Kids,  

a unique Early Years service. She equips parents, carers and practitioners with expert knowledge and the practical tools they need to offer their little people the very best communication support they can.  

Sarah has been working with children with speech and language needs for over 16 years in mainstream and specialist settings.

www.confidentkids.co

https://www.facebook.com/confidentkids.co

[email protected]

• 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

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

I expect you’ve come across controversial headlines such as ‘cause for autism discovered’, which suggest that autism is a disease. You may have also heard narratives claiming that autism results from bad parenting or is merely a form of behaviour. Some of these stories have been repeated for so long that they continue to shape our understanding without us even realising it.

We are delighted to welcome back the newly appointed Dr. Joanna Grace, a sensory and inclusion specialist, to discuss ‘The stories we tell about autism’ in our 250th episode.

“I've repeated that story to parents, there's been somebody in the room who has been approached by a stranger, usually in supermarkets, sometimes on trains, and told that if you just hit your child more, they wouldn't be autistic.”

Dr Joanna Grace

The stories we embrace shape our actions. If we frame autism as a sickness, we seek a cure; if we see it as a behavioural issue, we look for consequences. By recognising the stories we tell and the narratives surrounding us, we can question their foundations and, when necessary, shift to a more supportive perspective.

Autism has been described in various ways over the years, and many of the old ways of talking about autism survive in our current day conversations. These can be misleading. When we look to better support autistic people, we need to be sure of the foundations we build from.

View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

Joanna Grace is a sensory engagement and inclusion specialist, doctoral researcher, author, trainer, TEDx speaker and Founder of The Sensory Projects.  

Joanna has worked with people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent conditions aged from 0-100 (well 1 day old – 87 years old to be precise) in a range of settings and context. 

Through all she does Joanna is seeking to contribute to a future where people are understood in spite of their differences. 

www.TheSensoryProjects.co.uk

www.Facebook.com/JoannaGraceTSP

https://x.com/Jo3Grace

[email protected]

Autism: behaviour or neurotype? session with Jo Grace 

Books 

• 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

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

I wanted to share our latest episode featuring Rachel Wright, founder of Born at the Right Time and a parent of neurodiverse children discussing ‘Bridging the Gap with Parent Carers’.

While schools, social care, and health services may believe they are partnering effectively with parents, the reality can be quite different. Rachel shares her personal journey navigating the healthcare system for her eldest son, who has complex needs. Her story highlights the frustration many parents feel when they are directed by professionals while lacking agency in decisions affecting their children.

This episode emphasises the importance of making every interaction as beneficial as possible and build positive relationships with parent carers. It is understandable that relationships between professionals and parents/carers is more fraught than ever, the experience of trauma coupled with implementation gaps can cause the heat to quickly rise in conversations. Often the little things really do make a difference.

Listen to Rachel’s incredible story and the vital need for genuine communication and partnership between parents and professionals to ensure that the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities are met effectively.

“The single most important you can do to improve my life on a day-to-day basis is talk to me with respect. And work with me and collaborate with me. So that connection and that communication is where the power and the empathy lies.” Rachel Wright

Rachel is the Founder/Director of Born at the Right Time, a qualified nurse and the parent of neurodiverse and profoundly disabled sons. She’s the author of The Skies I’m Under, an award-winning blogger and the host of the popular The Skies We’re Under Podcast. Holding the lived experience of families at its heart, Born at the Right Time supports families, delivers CPD certified training to practitioners and influences policy makers and providers. 

•             Parent Carer trauma https://respond.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Parent-Career-Trauma-May-2024.pdf

•                 Luke Clements work on systems generated trauma https://www.lukeclements.co.uk/systems-generated-trauma/

•                 The Skies We’re Under podcast https://www.bornattherighttime.com/the-skies-we-are-under-podcast/

•                 The negative impact professionals can have on parents - https://www.instagram.com/p/DHbijz9O69d/

•                 Skies I’m under book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Skies-Im-Under-Rachel-Wright-ebook/dp/B075ZHHYRR

• 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

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

We are excited to be exhibiting at nasen live 2025 on Friday 4th July at the VOX in Birmingham! It is nasen’s flagship conference dedicated to supporting education for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

In this special episode, Michael Surr, Head of Education at nasen, joins Dale to tell us what’s on at this year’s event and why you should be there! The one day conference is filled with engaging sessions covering vital topics and this year’s theme is ‘Preparation for life’. Hear from esteemed speakers including Ginny Bootman and Joe Fautley, alongside students sharing their lived experiences.

This event offers invaluable networking opportunities with educators, school leaders, and SEND professionals, as well as a showcase of innovative products and resources from various exhibitors. Be among the first to learn about nasen’s exciting new Continuous Professional Development (CPD) initiative. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and share best practices within a community dedicated to improving outcomes for children with SEND. We look forward to seeing you there!

Michael has worked for nasen since 2016 and is currently Head of Education. His background is in primary education both in the UK and abroad.  He has worked as a class teacher, SENCo and Deputy Head. Since beginning his career in education, he has had a keen interest in SEND, equalities issues, and mental health.

Before joining nasen, Michael worked for a Local Authority as part of the leadership team of a SEND advisory service which gave him the opportunity to broaden his experience into early years, secondary and further education. This role involved working with schools and settings to help them develop their provision for children and young people with SEND.

Book your tickets to nasen live now - https://nasen.org.uk/nasenlive/

• 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

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

As children spend more time engaging with screens - whether through social media, gaming, or streaming - there are growing concerns about the impact on their ability to focus, self-regulate, and form meaningful real-world connections. This is a topic that resonates with us all, especially as I prepare to navigate technology with my daughter.

In today’s episode, we welcome Helen Bray, Director of SEND, onto the podcast to discuss ‘Digital Dilemmas’. Helen explores how the digital world is reshaping child development, particularly in relation to executive function, emotional regulation, social skills, and attention.

During their conversation, Dale and Helen delve into the complexities of the digital world, addressing issues such as the “monkey-see, monkey-do” phenomenon, smartphone usage, communication skills, and the importance of setting boundaries. Helen emphasises the challenges and opportunities that arise in the digital age and suggests ways schools, parents, and professionals can support young people in developing healthier relationships with technology.

“It's about having those difficult conversations and not avoiding them.” Helen Bray

View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

Director of SEND for the East Midlands Education Trust, with 20 years of experience in teaching and leadership across early years, primary, and secondary education. A passionate advocate for adaptive practice, I work with schools to embed it as the golden thread through all teaching and learning. 

I champion relational practice, ensuring high-quality SEMH support is a core part of every school’s universal offer. Committed to breaking down the silos, I believe in a holistic approach to supporting children and young people. I also collaborate closely with local authorities to improve inclusion services for children and families. 

https://www.emet.uk.com/

www.linkedin.com/in/helen-bray-b8130826a

Positive Social : Helping young people survive + thrive on social media

Responsible Innovation in Technology for Children | Innocenti Global Office of Research and Foresight

Keep Children Safe Online: Information, advice, support - Internet Matters

CEOP Safety Centre

• 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

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

In our fast-paced world, it's essential to rethink how we approach learning and education. Unfortunately, many dyslexic learners are being left behind in the rush to cover extensive curriculum content. However, small adjustments in classroom practices can lead to significant improvements, enabling these students to thrive and reach their full potential.

In this latest episode, Jane Craig and Samantha Buttle from Dyslexia Sparks, join Dale to discuss ‘How does dyslexia impact in the classroom?’. Here are some key takeaways from their conversation:

• Dyslexia affects not only reading but also memory and processing information.
• Common classroom tasks, like copying from the board, can be particularly challenging for dyslexic students.
• The importance of assistive technology, such as audio books and reading pens, in promoting independence and enhancing learning experiences for dyslexic students.
• Encouraging a growth mindset for students to embrace their challenges and recognise their strengths. Allowing students to be comfortable making mistakes and exploring their interests.

View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

I trained as a dyslexia specialist within my teaching degree.  After spending several years in mainstream education, I felt my expertise in dyslexia support wasn’t being used. I eventually left teaching but later found a national dyslexia charity, where I worked for several years. 

I then went on to work with Dyslexia Sparks when it launched in 2016. Our charity has grown and diversified into a range of areas beyond teaching and assessments, and I feel we are able to offer a complete wraparound service. 

I found out whilst working at the charity, I myself am dyslexic and have spent a long time, providing myself with supportive strategies to get through my day and working life. 

I have a real passion for the people we work with and enabling them to reach their potential. It is amazing to see them grow in confidence and improve their self-esteem, enabling them to go on and achieve things they previously thought impossible! 

Last year I completed my master’s degree where I had a particular focus on the self esteem and mental wellbeing of those diagnosed with dyslexia. This was a real moment of achievement within my professional life. 

Holding a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Occupational Psychology, I have always held a keen interest in people, and in particular in helping people to develop. I began my career as a researcher at Hull University and progressed to a role as Lecturer in the Hull University Business School. After 10 years in higher education, I ventured away from academia and chose to specialise as a dyslexia tutor and assessor. At this point I discovered my real passion in life – helping neurodiverse individuals to find their inner spark and thrive in their environment. In 2016 I co-founded our charity (my 3rd baby!), Dyslexia Sparks, on a mission to help dyslexic individuals overcome barriers to success, and a vision for a world where dyslexic individuals are celebrated for what they have to offer. 

https://www.dyslexiasparks.org.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/dyslexiasparks

https://www.instagram.com/dyslexia.sparks/

https://x.com/DyslexiaSparks

[email protected]

[email protected]

Support for schools

• 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

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.