I'm excited to share today’s podcast, which holds a special place in my heart. Back in primary school, I had the incredible opportunity to ride and learn about horses at the Fortune Centre in the New Forest, igniting a lifelong passion!

Nearly 50 years ago, Fortune College was established, and since then, horses have played a vital role in teaching SEND students essential skills - from mathematics and English to independence and life skills. The college specialises in residential education programs for young people aged 16 to 25, integrating horses into their unique learning approach.

I was delighted to invite Fay Atkins, Suzi Barnett, and students Mia and Megan to join us in the studio to tell us all about how learning can come to life through horses.

In this episode, you'll discover why horses are an integral part of their educational provision, how the community fosters confidence in students, and their aspirations for the future.

This engaging discussion emphasises the transformative power of combining education with animal therapy, illustrating how horses can facilitate learning and personal growth in young people.

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I have a background in Marketing and have volunteered for Fortune College for 8 years on the PR committee. When a permanent PR position came up, I jumped at the opportunity to get more involved because I really believe in the College and what it achieves. I have now been in role for a year.

My career began as a self-employed horse trainer and riding instructor, running the family business in Devon with a focus on dressage and starting young horses. After relocating to Spain with my family, I taught both English and Spanish before returning to the UK in 2010. Since then, I have worked at Fortune College (FCRT), initially as a Functional Skills Teacher and, from 2012 to 2021, as Final Year Co-ordinator. In that role, I led the planning and delivery of the FCRT curriculum for final year students, working closely with families and external agencies to support successful transitions into post-college provision. Appointed Deputy Principal in 2021, I continue to play a key role in the leadership and development of the college, promoting a holistic and student-centred approach to education for learners with SEN.

Fortune College, part of the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy, is a specialist independent college based in the New Forest. We provide a three-year residential Further Education programme for young people aged 16 to 25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Our unique curriculum uses the therapeutic care of horses as a powerful tool for teaching transferable life skills, as well as functional English and maths. Students learn through meaningful, practical experiences that promote independence, confidence, and personal growth.

Funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), and local authorities our core programme is supported by charitable fundraising to enrich student life and maintain our exceptional standards of care and education.

www.fortune.ac.uk

www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fortune-Centre-of-Riding-Therapy

https://www.instagram.com/fortunecentreriding/?hl=en

[email protected]

• B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk 
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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.

Oracy is increasingly taking centre stage in national discussions, and in today’s episode, Dale is joined by Yin Collighan and Louise Emerson, both experienced Speech and Language Therapists. Together, they delve into the significance of oracy in schools and how enhancing speech and language skills can foster a more effective learning environment.

As conversations about a talking curriculum gain momentum, this discussion is essential for teachers, offering insights on how to support all students, including those with Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN) and neurodiverse learners.

Yin and Louise bring their extensive experience and offer valuable perspectives. Key highlights from their episode include:

• A definition of oracy and its significance in education
• Practical strategies for improving communication skills among students
• Insights on how to support neurodiverse learners in developing their oracy skills

View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

Yin is a specialist speech and language therapist who has been working at Speech & Language Link since 2022.  She supports product development and provides advice to staff via training courses and incoming queries to helpdesk.  She worked within NHS and council services for 10 years prior to starting at Speech & Language Link. 

Lou is a specialist speech and language therapist who has been working at Speech & Language Link for just under a year. She also supports product development, supports research projects, and provides advice to school staff. She worked in the NHS for the decade previously. 

www.speechandlanguage.link

https://www.facebook.com/SpeechLinkandLanguageLink

https://www.instagram.com/speechandlanguagelink/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/speechandlanguagelink/

[email protected]

Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) (2021), accessed 2 October 2024

National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) (2016) accessed 3 October 2024

Voice 21 and Oracy Cambridge (2019) The Oracy Skills Framework, accessed 3 October 2024

Oracy Education Commission (2024) We need to talk., accessed 15 October 2024

• 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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• 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 delighted to welcome back Dr Susie Nyman to the SENDcast following her recent visit to Buckingham Palace! In this episode, Susie joins Dale in the studio along with some other special guests……Percy Pig and an array of puppets!

In this lively discussion on ‘Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging’ (EDIB), Susie highlights that all students require the teachers to apply EDIB in every lesson. She believes this approach fosters a learning environment where all students feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Susie bases her discussion on her experience in class at the Sixth Form College, Farnborough and shares practical strategies for implementing EDIB in the classroom. Her engaging case studies and success stories are filled with innovative ideas and solutions, making this podcast both informative and memorable.

“Celebrate being different! Celebrate your talents, your skills, be yourself.”

Dr Susie Nyman

View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

Dr Susie Nyman is passionate about discovering how children learn and supporting them in ways which enable them to succeed. She was appointed as a Biology teacher at The Sixth Form College Farnborough in 1995, and subsequently as Curriculum Manager for Health and Social Care where she has worked ever since. 

Susie strives to raise students’ achievements and support them in ways which enables them to succeed.  She works with her students deploying a range of innovative and Multi-sensory teaching techniques to assist their learning including her ‘Equality and Diversity Tree’ and famous puppets! 

Additionally, she has provided training to PGCE students at Kingston University, and in a number of local schools and colleges on teaching strategies. Since February 2017, Susie has presented seminars on ‘Multi-sensory Techniques’ at The Learning Differences Conventions in Australia, Richmond College, The Helen Arkell Centre, Bell House, The Oratory School, The National Education Show and The Tes SEN Shows in London and Manchester.   

Recently, she was filmed ‘in action’ for The British Dyslexia Association as well as Oaka Books, and the footage is available on YouTube. Subsequently, she has written a chapter about ‘Multi-sensory Teaching’ in the BDA Dyslexia Friendly Schools Good Practice Guide and ‘The Multi-sensory Teaching Toolkit’ by Oaka Books. 

In recognition of over 21 years continued service at The Sixth Form College Farnborough, Susie has been nominated three times by the College for the ‘Tes FE Teacher of the Year Award’. This is an honour of which she is immensely proud. 

drnymanconsultancy.co.uk

https://x.com/DrSusieNyman

[email protected]

Podcast - 'Teaching students from the inside out’ with Dr Susie Nyman

Podcast - ‘Inclusive Learner Cocktails' with Dr Susie Nyman

Podcast - ‘Student Icebergs' with Dr Susie Nyman

S. (2024). Oaka Digital. ‘Dr Susie Nyman Multi-sensory Techniques.’

• 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.

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.

View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

• 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.