The SENDcast

In our latest episode, we dive into the challenges faced by children struggling with reading and writing. It's crucial for us as educators to recognise the signs that indicate a child's brain may not be processing text in a way that allows for easy reading and spelling.

Dale is joined in our new studio by Lou Barnes, a trainer and founder of Unlock Learning. Lou discusses the role of mental images and how 're-wiring' the brain can lead to breakthroughs for individuals with dyslexia. She introduces Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), which focuses on understanding and changing subconscious patterns that affect behaviour and learning.

Lou shares her experience working with dyslexic children and emphasises that many struggles stem from fear and frustration when traditional teaching methods fail. Her fascinating theory on how NLP can help create clearer mental images offers a new perspective on improving reading and comprehension.

I really enjoyed the analogies they used in this conversation to describe how our brains work – definitely worth a listen!

View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

About Lou Barnes

I was a primary school teacher for 20 years. I loved teaching and but was aware of bright, creative children struggling with literacy every year.

Eventually I found it too painful and frustrating to see them struggle. The way we were 'helping them' was not working. Despite school intervention, extra phonics groups etc, they were not improving. I hated seeing many of them lose confidence or get labelled as naughty or lazy.

I decided that there had to be a better way. Then I came across Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). I was instantly fascinated. I felt it could hold real answers so I left full-time teaching to study NLP in depth.

I learned was that our subconscious brains are incredibly powerful, and that by working with it, I could rapidly make reading (and spelling) easier to understand for people who previously just couldn't make sense of letters and words. I found out WHY my students struggled and HOW to change that. I believe it's the missing piece for helping dyslexic students.

Over the next years, I developed a process and started working with children and adults one-to-one. The results of blending NLP with my teaching knowledge and experience were extraordinary. In the end, I took the plunge to be totally self-employed and set up Unlock Learning.

For the past 15 years I've been working, as Unlock Learning, with dyslexic children, and some adults using my 2-part process. First the NLP 'magic' to get the brain ready to see, store and be comfortable with letters and words. Then I pop on my teacher hat and teach reading and spelling because what was once so hard is now easy for that child.

It's my passion and purpose. I love doing what I do and the way I do it. I' Now I'm on a mission to share what I know so more children can be spared the agony of struggling to read and write, and the mental health issues that can accompany it.

I live in a beautiful part of Sussex, with my husband in a very quiet spot where I really enjoy my garden, especially growing as much as possible in my veg patch and sitting with friends around a fire in the evenings.

I love walking with Tilly, my dog; sunrise at the beach is a favourite way to start the day.

Although I'm mostly content to be at home, I also love adventures, travel and the chance to try new things which in the past has included living in Thailand, riding motorbikes and being in a band.

Contact Lou

https://www.unlock-learning.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/unlocklearning

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lou-barnesunlocklearning/

Useful Links

SEN Magazine Article detailing my 'imaginary creature' process

• 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

The SENDcast is powered by B Squared

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 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

The SENDcast is powered by B Squared

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 the team behind Autism Congress on the SENDcast.

In this special episode of the SENDcast, Dale Pickles discusses the upcoming Autism Europe International Congress 11-13th September in Dublin. The event team join Dale including Adam Harris, Peter Vermeulen and Zsuzsanna Szilvasy. They highlight that the Congress aims to create an inclusive space for autistic advocates, family members, and professionals to address common barriers faced by the autistic community.

Now its 14th event, the theme this year is "quality of life" with discussions on topics ranging from mental health to advocacy - guided by a scientific committee featuring some of Europe's leading autism experts. The event emphasises co-creation, involving both autistic and non-autistic perspectives, and aims to provide practical takeaways for attendees. The Congress will utilise new translation technology to ensure accessibility for an international audience.

The SENDcast is a proud media partner for the event and we will be exhibiting as B Squared - make sure you pop by to say hi!

Why attend?

"The Congress aims to create a collaborative space for autistic advocates, family members, and professionals to address common barriers faced by the autistic community across Europe and beyond." - Adam Harris

Register before 16th May to take advantage of the discounted early registration fee!

https://autismcongress2025.org/registration/

About Adam Harris

Adam Harris is the Founder and CEO of AsIAm, Ireland's Autism Charity. Adam founded AsIAm based on his own experiences growing up as an Autistic person in Ireland. In addition to his leadership at AsIAm, Adam was appointed to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission in July 2020 and serves as a Executive Council Member for Autism Europe. He is a Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awardee and has sat on and advised many government consultative and policy committees on disability rights and inclusion, which have helped shape national policies for a more inclusive society. A passionate public speaker and advocate, Adam regularly contributes to media and conferences in Ireland and overseas, engaging with government and the public to promote greater understanding and acceptance of Autistic individuals. His work has positioned AsIAm as a cornerstone of autism advocacy in Ireland, driven by his belief that Ireland must become a country in which every Autistic person is accepted "as they are" - equal, valued and respected.

Contact Adam Harris

https://www.facebook.com/AsIAmIreland

https://www.instagram.com/asiamireland?igsh=MTNhbDhsbWYzNWNuZA==

https://x.com/AsIAmIreland

[email protected]

https://www.asiam.ie

About Zsuzsanna Szilvasy

Ms. Szilvasy has been involved in autism organisations, both on national (in Hungary) and at the international level, for the past fifteen years. She is the former president of the Autism Europe, led the association for 8 years. In these years she was working with WHO as an autism expert and promoted the right of autistic people all over the world, including in the UN.

Zsuzsanna is also the former president of the Hungarian Autistic Society, she got this position for four years and has played a key role in advocating for the rights of people with autism in Hungary. During her presidency the state implemented a National Autism Strategy.

Ms. Szilvasy is the founder & CEO of Mars Autism Foundation in Hungary. The Foundation is supporting families with autistic family member in many ways (trainings, advocacy, awareness raising materials and programmes).

Contact Zsuzsanna Szilvasy

https://www.facebook.com/autismeurope.AE/

https://www.instagram.com/autismeurope/

[email protected]

https://www.autismeurope.org/

About Peter Vermeulen

Dr. Peter Vermeulen, PhD in Psychology and Clinical Educational Sciences, has more than 35 years of experience in the field of autism. Founder of "Autism in Context", where autism is understood in context. Peter is an internationally respected lecturer/trainer and he presents all over the world. Peter spoke at every Autism Europe Congress since 1992 (this year it will his 11th time speaking for AE). Peter wrote more than 20 books and several articles on autism, translated into more than 10 languages In 2019, Peter received the Passwerk Life Time Achievement Award for his more than 30 years contribution to the autism community in Belgium.

Contact Peter Vermeulen

https://www.facebook.com/autismincontext

https://www.instagram.com/autismincontext?igsh=MXJqa21idXV0MDIxdg==

[email protected]

https://petervermeulen.be/

• 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

The SENDcast is powered by B Squared

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'm excited to share our latest podcast episode featuring our youngest guest, 16-year-old Archie Clapcott. Archie travelled to our studio to discuss his journey from mainstream education to a specialist setting. As an autistic individual with ADHD and Tourette's Syndrome, he offers a unique perspective that we can all learn from.

I was really taken aback hearing how much Archie's physical well-being improved as a result of lockdown. This highlights the significant impact that educational environments have on both the physical and mental health of students. It's a powerful reminder of the need for educators to foster inclusive spaces where every child feels safe and valued.

"How I behaved was notably different to everyone else and it was fairly harmful to my mental health because I felt like I was always being stared at and judged."

Archie Clapcott

Listen to hear Archie's valuable advice for teachers, parents and neurodiverse children.

View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

About Archie & Rebecca Clapcott

Awesome Archie is a neuro affirming non profit founded by a Mum and Son team. Since March of 2020 Awesome Archie NP have written 5 books that are donated to local schools and currently being used by the University Hospitals Dorset charity to both advocate and educate. With 16 years of lived Autism experience as a parent, years of 1:1 experience, then a late awakening into her own neurotype, Rebecca is proud to share what she's learnt . Archie being Autistic, having ADHD and Tourette syndrome gives the non profit a real life insight into the challenges faced by so many.

Contact Rebecca & Archie

https://www.awesomearchie.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/3650909864922453/

https://www.instagram.com/awesome_archie_official?igsh=cHl2a2R6azVpZHY0

https://x.com/ClipJane

[email protected]

Useful Links

Awesome Archie 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

The SENDcast is powered by B Squared

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.

Jane Fearnley and Faye Ebbs from the LEAF Centre, discuss their work and recent recognition as winners of the nasen Alternative Provision of the Year award. The Leaf Centre, located within Willow Tree Academy, focuses on providing therapeutic intervention support to improve student attendance, reduce exclusions, and foster early intervention, leading to academic progress. Over the past two years, their initiative has resulted in a 7% increase in attendance rates, despite the initial low attainment of students.

They highlight the importance of collaboration among the staff, parents, and local authorities to create an environment that meets the needs of children with social, emotional, and mental health challenges. Jane and Faye outline their approach, which involves stepping students out of traditional schooling for intensive support before reintegrating them. They believe in the value of early intervention and a support network to prevent students from requiring Educational Health Care Plans (EHCPs).

The discussion highlights the role of teachers observing students in the LEAF Centre, gaining insights that change their perceptions and ability to support these children effectively. They also aim to provide Continual Professional Development (CPD) to schools to equip staff in handling challenging behaviours.

The episode showcases the pivotal role of the LEAF Centre in transforming educational experiences for students facing difficulties, validating their potential, and promoting a supportive community atmosphere among families and educational institutions.

About Jane Fearnley

Jane Fearnley is CEO of the Willow Tree Academy, a four school multi-academy trust in Rotherham. 90% of

pupils in the academy live in some of the most deprived areas in England and in Europe. Jane's career in education has spanned 37 years, twenty of these as Head Teacher of Herringthorpe Junior School and in the last ten years as Executive Head and CEO of Willow Tree Academy. As a National Leader of Education, Jane has supported many schools in challenging circumstances to improve, offering her commitment as a system leader to the wider education sector.

Jane's area of expertise and passion is working with disadvantaged children and those with SEND, and in developing behaviours for learning and systems which ensure children have the profound primary learning experience they deserve.

She was honoured to receive an OBE for her services to education in the Queen's Jubilee Honours 2022.

Jane is committed to creativity in teaching and coaching staff to have high expectations of what all children can achieve. The curriculum across the academy is vibrant, exciting and cross - curricular; a child - centred approach based on learning through first - hand experience and the Arts. Awe and wonder are key drivers for the Academy's provision, alongside developing pupil's social, moral, spiritual and cultural capital.

Jane's response to the escalating need for SEMH provision was to embark on a challenging journey that eventually saw the opening of the LEAF Centre - a specialist step-out SEMH provision.

Jane sees the recognition within the nasen award as validating and supporting the drive to ensure children who have endured specific trauma, adverse childhood experiences, bereavement, emotionally based school non-attendance or other diagnosed or undiagnosed difficulties are supported and nurtured to succeed. The philosophy always being that LEAF children return to their mainstream school to enjoy their learning with their peers within their community.

About Faye Ebbs

I have been a qualified teacher for over 10 years and a SENCO / Inclusion leader for 6 of these. My role has taken more of a strategic direction over the last 2-3 years as I supported the inception of our therapeutic step out provision, the LEAF centre, and continue to support staff within our academy and beyond in supporting pupils with SEND needs.

My main passion is to give pupils the skills and strategies to enable them to be successful, now and in their future, regardless of their starting point or perceived 'disadvantages.

SEMH in particular is a point of interest and from this drives much of the work and support we offer at the LEAF centre, which is premised on using therapeutic support and emotional regulation strategies alongside a teacher led curriculum offer, to unpick barriers and devote time into changing the trajectory for individuals in our care.

The LEAF Centre is considered a specialist SEMH step out provision due to the nature of the programme running for 12 weeks for individuals with specific SEMH needs. These may be attributed to a specific trauma, adverse childhood experiences, bereavement, school based non attendance or other diagnosed or undiagnosed difficulties.

Within the local authority, the LEAF centre is the only provision offering this step out support, enabling children to engage in a different environment before reintegrating back into school, with planned outreach support.

Contact Jane & Faye

https://www.willowtreeacademy.org/

https://x.com/theLEAFcentre

[email protected]

About the nasen awards

The nasen awards celebrate outstanding contributions to the education and support of children and young people with SEND. These annual awards recognise individuals, schools, and organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusive education and the advancement of SEND practices.

nasen is a charitable organisation that supports children and young people with SEND. nasen's goals include Influencing government policy, providing information, training and resources to support practitioners and contributing to the debate and effecting change to improve outcomes for children and young people.

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

The SENDcast is powered by B Squared

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 am delighted to share the latest episode of our podcast, where Beth Elkins and Ian Thorsteinsson from Gretton School join Dale to explore the relationship dynamics with children who have Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).

Beth is a parent to a young man with PDA and brings a unique perspective that combines both personal and professional insights. Her candid reflections on the highs and lows of parenting a child with PDA provide emotional support and encouragement, showing other parents that it can get easier with a shift in thinking and communication.

Beth and Ian explore various aspects of parenting children with PDA, sharing personal experiences, professional insights, and practical advice that can make a significant difference for parents, teachers and children.

They discuss:

• Understanding PDA as an anxiety disorder - "When you start to reduce their anxiety, you unlock their ability." Beth Elkins
• The importance of individual parenting approaches.
• Building effective communication and relationships with children with PDA.
• Strategies for navigating challenges and celebrating successes.

View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

About Beth Elkins

Beth Elkins has worked in SEN for more than 25 years with a breadth of experience of working with learners with unique learning profiles and a need for education to be different. A parent of a young man with PDA, Beth's passion for specialist education runs through both her personal and professional life, with the aim of making a positive difference in the lives of as many young people as possible.

About Ian Thorsteinsson

Ian Thorsteinsson joined the Cavendish Group in August 2018. He has a long senior management history in specialist education, particularly in autism schools and services. He has even opened a school for autism in Saudi Arabia. He is passionate about delivering a strong, effective and well resourced provision, which is planned individually, to ensure the best short- through to long-term outcomes.

Contact Beth & Ian

https://www.facebook.com/grettonschool

https://www.instagram.com/grettonschool/

[email protected]

Useful Links

PACE

What's it like to be an autistic headteacher of autistic children?

Article about Gretton school

• 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

The SENDcast is powered by B Squared

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 this special episode, Catherine McCluskey, Paul Schofield, and Roo Stenning from St Andrews International School in Bangkok discuss their recognition as the International Provision of the Year at the nasen Awards. They highlight the school's commitment to inclusivity, emphasising that every child's potential is valued and supported.

Catherine notes that the award recognises the hard work of the school community over the past 20 years, with a focus on ensuring all students, including those with special educational needs, are integrated and thrive. Paul elaborates on the importance of community and social interaction, asserting that inclusion benefits all students by fostering empathy and collaboration.

Roo adds that the school aims to continuously improve its practices to meet the diverse needs of its students. The team emphasises the significance of a positive school culture where happiness is a core value, promoting an environment where students are supported not only academically but also socially and emotionally.

They encourage other schools to embrace inclusive practices, demonstrating that it is possible to create a supportive and thriving educational environment for all students. The conversation reflects a strong belief in the impact of inclusivity on both individual students and the broader school community.

About Catherine

A passionate, highly skilled and outstanding senior leader within the international inclusive education sector. My teaching, and special educational needs experience, is vast and varied, having worked in Grammar, rural high schools, alternative provision and resource bases, specialist provision, and mainstream inner-city comprehensives. Having been a SENCo since 2007, I moved from London in August 2022 to take up position as Director of Whole School Learning Support, at St. Andrews International School, Bangkok. Since joining, and within my first two years in post, I have led on achieving the Inclusion Quality Mark Award - Centre of Excellence Accreditation, as well as the school being awarded the NASEN International Provision of the Year Award 2024 for exceptional special educational needs and disabilities provision.

As an experienced and highly respected and skilled practitioner, I am hugely passionate about supporting adults and young people through the minefield that is identifying accurate, appropriate, and suitable SEND provision, support, and resources, as well as advising on policy changes and inclusive pedagogy.

After receiving my first accreditation as an SSAT Lead Practitioner in SEND in June 2017, I went on to gain my National Award in Special Educational Needs Co-Ordination, and successfully re-accredited to SSAT for a further 3 years in 2020. An outstanding special educational needs teacher and Senior Leader, I am also a Level 3 Designated Safeguarding Lead and Team Teach Level 1 and 2 accredited trainer.

I have delivered CPD workshops, designed conferences for teachers, ran bespoke workshops for young people with external providers and companies, supported teachers in other countries (most recently Thailand, Tanzania, Jakarta and Vietnam for Nord Anglia Education, and Rwanda and Kenya through the Inspiring Teachers Charity) designed and ran parent workshops, supported independent companies to become more inclusive and welcoming, performed audits and policy reviews, and much much more. As an NAE EDIB Champion for my current school, I am supporting and working alongside other schools in our global community to share understanding, policy review, audits, and training on neuroinclusive pedagogy.

Finally, as a dual neurodivergent adult, I have the added insight of personal experience of how life can be as a child, and adult, with undiagnosed SEND needs, and the challenges this can present at all stages of life.

In my downtime I love my 'heinz57' Thai street dog, my retired rescued ex-thoroughbred racehorse, and scuba diving.

About Paul

Head of School at St Andrews International School for over 20 years. Our school has always worked to be fully inclusive taking children with a huge range of learning challenges. We started with 110 students, with 11 in High School. Currently we have 2,400 students, with 1,400 in High School. Our school has a wonderful school community which hugely support all aspects of our school's life.

About Roo

Roo has been teaching different combinations of Geography, History, Maths and Theory of Knowledge in London, Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok for over 30 years, as well as having a number of other positions of responsibility - PSHE Coordinator, Head of Year, Deputy Head (Pastoral), Deputy Head (Curriculum) and now Head of High School (11-18).

Outside of school he spends far too much time still thinking about Education, either on Twitter (@MrRooBKK) or reading books or articles. He also loves to read books about topics related to Geography or TOK, which between them cover most of the world, to watch films and to watch Arsenal win.

Contact Catherine

https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-mccluskey-445100183/

Contact Paul

https://www.facebook.com/standrewsbangkok

[email protected]

Contact Roo

https://www.facebook.com/standrewsbangkok

About the nasen awards

The nasen awards celebrate outstanding contributions to the education and support of children and young people with SEND. These annual awards recognise individuals, schools, and organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusive education and the advancement of SEND practices.

nasen is a charitable organisation that supports children and young people with SEND. nasen's goals include Influencing government policy, providing information, training and resources to support practitioners and contributing to the debate and effecting change to improve outcomes for children and young people.

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

The SENDcast is powered by B Squared

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.

Inclusion continues to be a hot topic in education, and while schools have made tremendous strides in fostering inclusivity, several barriers remain, particularly league tables and Ofsted defining school intent.

In our latest episode of the SENDcast, Dale speaks with Maria Dawes, CEO of the Schools Alliance for Excellence. Maria shares valuable insights on how schools can leverage self-evaluation to drive continuous improvement in inclusion, especially for underserved learners.

What resonated with me was Maria's approach to shifting the focus from proving effectiveness to genuinely improving practices and being experts in your own setting. She emphasises that by fostering a culture of robust self-evaluation, school leaders can take ownership of their actions and create an environment where all students feel included and supported, regardless of their backgrounds or needs.

Maria developed the Surrey Inclusion Framework to facilitate meaningful discussions and thorough self-assessments around inclusion. As she aptly states, "There are things that you can do that don't make you fundamentally more inclusive; inclusivity is a culture."

View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

About Maria Dawes

Maria is the CEO of Schools Alliance for Excellence and STSN, a school-led company that provides school improvement, curriculum and leadership development for schools in Surrey and other local regions. She has a strong track record of working collaboratively and in partnership with a range of agencies to support schools to improve rapidly and sustain improvement.

Maria is passionate about a school-led system, believing bringing all schools, providers and partners together creates an educational landscape that is more than the sum of its parts. She also believes strongly in equity of opportunity and inclusion. She has an unwavering desire to ensure that all young people get the education they deserve including those with additional needs, and those that are vulnerable and underserved.

Her previous roles included a number of senior leadership posts in schools, Senior HMI and Deputy & Regional Schools Commissioner.

Contact Maria

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/company/schools-alliance-for-excellence/

Useful Links

VLOG - a new way for school accountability

Blog - inclusion self evaluation

• 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

The SENDcast is powered by B Squared

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.

Alison Eason discusses her recognition as the Changemaker of the Year at the nasen Awards for her innovative work in using technology to support students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). She emphasises how her computing strategies help students with dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, and ADHD, promoting independence and reducing reliance on teaching assistants.

Alison shares her journey of upskilling in technology during the pandemic, becoming a Google trainer, and implementing tools like Google Classroom to enhance learning. She highlights various accessibility features available on Chromebooks, such as text-to-speech and widget, which empower students to express themselves and engage more effectively in their education.

The conversation covers the importance of fostering independence in students and using technology to create inclusive learning environments. Alison advocates for embracing tech in schools to prepare children for a future where technology plays a central role. She encourages educators to challenge themselves and leverage tech to personalise student experiences, ultimately enhancing their learning outcomes.

About Alison

Alison Eason has been a Primary School Teacher since 2005, working in London and Essex in a range of schools from good to outstanding. After completing a Master's in Education, Inclusion and Diversity in 2015, she became an Associate Member of British Dyslexia Association and went on to become a specialist Dyslexia Teacher in 2017. Over the course of her career, Alison developed a passion for working with SEN (Special Educational Needs) students and has dedicated the last 9 years to working with SEN children. She often felt that their voices went unheard and was concerned about the lack of creativity and quality of education SEN children received in some classrooms, due to staff not having access to learning the right skills necessary to create inclusive classrooms. She has been the head of ARP of an Additional Resourced Provision in North London, leading a team of specialist teachers and teaching assistants in delivering an outstanding and very personalised education for children who have autism. In addition, she is working with other local schools on a consultancy basis. She is proud of her ARP and describes it as a fun, engaging environment where children receive structure, predictability and an education that will prepare them for life as an independent person. She provides ongoing support and training to her team and also teachers the students for part of the week. She is a qualified SENCO and continues to work with other educators, families and children in understanding the complexities of SEN and how best to engage and support these learners. Alison is also an advocate in using adapted technologies and IT in the classroom, preparing her students for life where technologies are playing an ever-increasing role in everyday life; to engage and accelerate the learning and independence of her students.

Contact Alison

x.com/AlisonEason2

https://www.chalgroveprimary.org.uk/

About the nasen awards

The nasen awards celebrate outstanding contributions to the education and support of children and young people with SEND. These annual awards recognise individuals, schools, and organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusive education and the advancement of SEND practices.

nasen is a charitable organisation that supports children and young people with SEND. nasen's goals include Influencing government policy, providing information, training and resources to support practitioners and contributing to the debate and effecting change to improve outcomes for children and young people.

Useful Links

nasen website

nasen events and CPD

nasen live conference

nasen Awards

• Teach Primary November 2024 Article on 'Partnering Up' (How schools can develop a good home-school relationship and make a difference to a child with SEN) page 33
• Sensory audit – How to optimise your school for autistic children 2024
• BERA blog November 2023
• Widgit 40th anniversary Video (01:23)
• Behind the Mask: How to help autistic pupils be themselves at school (page 8)
• RISE Supporting autistic primary pupils March 2024
• 'Digital Inclusion: Leveraging EdTech to Enhance SEND Provision' May 2024
• IGPP Institute of Government &Public Policy speaker 2023: Integrating Technology for Enhanced Support of SEND Students in Teaching Practice
• Google for education (11:49) - Accessibility & Inclusion The Anywhere School 2022

• 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

The SENDcast is powered by B Squared

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 typically discuss how to support neurodivergent children, but what about teachers?

Today, Dale and Catrina Lowri, founder of Neuroteachers, discuss the need for increased support for neurodivergent teachers and support staff. Catrina shares her personal journey as a neurodivergent educator with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, dyslexia and ADHD. She sheds light on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the education system, including stigma, lack of understanding, and inadequate support.

Catrina highlights the importance of recognising the strengths and needs of neurodivergent teachers, advocating for a more inclusive and understanding environment in schools. She talks about the significance of representation and the positive impact of having neurodivergent role models for students. Pointing out that "if you have neurodivergent teachers and support staff in your school, then you are representing that 20% of children who have neurodivergent needs. They gravitate towards you and they like having an adult role model who's been relatively successful but also has similar needs and strengths and as them."

Catrina shares her experiences of masking her neurodivergence in the classroom and the burnout that can result from it. She encourages educators and institutions to adopt a more holistic approach to support, focusing not only on one aspect of neurodivergence but addressing the individual needs of each teacher.

Listen to practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent staff, such as flexible working arrangements, access to resources, and creating a culture of openness.

View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

About Catrina Lowri

Catrina is a neurodivergent former SENCO and Advisory Teacher with a dual diagnosis of bipolar and dyslexia. She created her company; Neuroteachers to support schools and businesses with simple solutions to improve Neuro-inclusion.

Contact Catrina

https://x.com/neuroteachers

[email protected]

Useful Links

Neuroteachers

Dear fellow neurodivergent teacher

Inclusive work environments in schools

Teachers masking

• 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

The SENDcast is powered by B Squared

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.