The SENDcast

This Dyslexia Awareness Week (7-13 October), we are excited to share our latest podcast episode featuring dyslexia specialist Louise Selby! We tackle some of the most common myths surrounding dyslexia, shedding light on the misunderstandings that persist in education and beyond.

There's a significant debate about whether dyslexia even exists, and it's concerning that many educators and parents still lack a clear understanding of this condition. A shared understanding could lead to better support for students, ultimately focusing on providing high-quality teaching.

In this episode, we debunk 10 Myths about Dyslexia, including:

1. Dyslexics see letters move on the page and reverse letters
2. Dyslexia friendly teaching means using coloured paper and overlays
3. Dyslexia is linked to intelligence
4. Good readers can't have dyslexia
5. If you just knuckle down and work a bit harder it'll go away
6. Anyone who has the money to pay for a private assessment can get the label
7. Dyslexia means you get extra time in exams
8. Reading and spelling intervention for dyslexics is different and requires specialist training
9. All dyslexics are creative and visual thinkers
10. All dyslexics are good at seeing the bigger picture and thinking outside the box

Listen to this enlightening conversation that demystifies dyslexia and empowers educators and parents alike. Together, we can create a more supportive environment for all learners!

Louise worked as a specialist advisory teacher in Hertfordshire Local Authority for 11 years, where she gained extensive experience in training teaching assistants and SENCOs in meeting the needs of learners with specific learning difficulties. Before this, Louise worked as a class teacher and SENCO in the primary sector and also as a teacher of learners with English as an Additional Language. She now works freelance in advising, training and supporting schools as well as assessing for specific learning difficulties (dyslexia). Louise's interest is in enabling and equipping staff in schools at grass roots level to meet learners' needs. , and she is currently writing her next two books for the same publisher, called All About Dyslexia.

https://x.com/louiseselby21

http://www.louiseselbydyslexia.com

louise@louiseselbydyslexia

Access Arrangements blog

Visual skills checklist, Dyslexia definitions & fact sheet

• 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're excited to announce that in this week's episode of the SENDcast, we welcome Joe Fautley to share his invaluable insights in "Autism: My Personal Experiences and Advice for Professionals."

In this open and honest discussion, Joe offers a unique perspective as a young adult growing up and living on the Autism Spectrum. He shares his personal journey, highlighting the needs, strengths, achievements, challenges, and aspirations of children and young people with SEND.

Joe's experience as an Autism advocate shapes his approach to making education more accessible and comfortable for students with autism. He currently works at the National Children's Bureau (NCB) and plays a vital role as co-chair of the NCB Staff Disability and Neurodiversity Network, empowering colleagues with disabilities and neurodiversity.

Joe highlights four important discussion points:

• Don't underestimate anxiety: triggers and the powerful impact of anxiety on daily life.
• Allow time to process information: interpreting language, information overload and filtering everything that's being said.
• Autistic Fatigue and Burnout: pressures of everyday life, and processing it, can lead to exhaustion.
• Avoid making assumptions: encourages professionals to avoid making assumptions about autistic students' needs and experiences.

Joe shares practical tips across four key areas of difference: language use, flexible thinking, social interaction, and sensory processing—tools essential for supporting autistic students throughout their education.

Join us for this enlightening conversation that aims to enhance understanding and support for autistic individuals in educational settings.

I'm an Autistic person who also has Dyspraxia and anxiety. Over many years, I have been involved in various projects which enable Autistic people to have a voice in decision making and make a positive impact on society. I'm passionate about raising awareness and understanding of Autism and wider neurodiversity. I'm passionate about using my voice and lived experiences to be a positive role model and help inspire and support others. For example, I use my platform on Twitter @JoeFautley to share my personal experiences and help spread awareness, acceptance and understanding of Autism across the wider SEND and education community. I have many years' experiences of various advocacy and media work including featuring in videos, co-delivering national SEND training to hundreds of professionals across England and speaking at conferences.

https://x.com/JoeFautley

[email protected]

Article for SEN Magazine (2024)

Article for NASEN Connect Magazine (2023)

Interview with SENDIASS North Yorkshire (2022)

Joe's solo video published by the NHS (2021)

Group video Joe is featured in published by the NHS (2021)

Presentation from NASEN Live Conference (2021)

• 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.

Many of us take everyday tasks for granted, like standing up from a chair. However, for individuals with physical disabilities and complex needs, this simple act can be a significant challenge that not everyone can accomplish independently…yet.

This week, we delve into the crucial role of functional movement in the lives of children with physical disabilities and complex needs. Our guest, Chloe Plummer from MOVE Europe, discusses 'Why movement matters- the importance of providing functional Movement Opportunities Via Education'. She tells us how their innovative programme empowers children by developing essential skills such as sitting, standing, and walking. Chloe shares her personal experiences and insights on how tailored movement education can ensure individuals with physical disabilities are able to live fulfilling and independent lives.

"With those motivations and the right attitude and approach, they can achieve some amazing things".

Chloe Plummer

During our discussion Chloe covers:

• The significance of setting meaningful goals that resonate with each child's interests.
• Real-life success stories that illustrate the impact of functional movement.
• Insights into overcoming barriers and misconceptions about what children can achieve.
• The importance of integrating movement opportunities throughout the educational day.

Listen to gain valuable perspectives on promoting independence through movement.

MOVE Europe are a small charity working with over 160 special schools in the UK, enabling children with physical disabilities and complex needs to gain independent movement skills through the MOVE Programme. Our vision is for every disabled young person to have choice and opportunities by learning independent movement. We work towards this by training education and therapy professionals in the MOVE Programme and providing ongoing support so that they can achieve the best outcomes possible for the disabled young people they support. Chloe Plummer is the Events and Programme Coordinator (South) at MOVE Europe and is responsible for supporting both new and existing schools in the South of the country on their MOVE journey. Chloe has a background working with various disability organisations both locally and nationally over the last 8 years. As a result of her own lived experience of physical disability

Chloe has a real passion for improving outcomes for all disabled people and also has first hand experience of the importance of providing movement opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities ensuring they are able to live fulfilled and independent lives. Chloe combines her experience and passion in her role at MOVE and is excited to be speaking on the SEND Cast!

https://x.com/MOVEprogramme

moveeurope.org.uk

[email protected]

MOVE Conference 2024

Vote for B Squared at the Education Today Awards:

https://educationtodayawards.co.uk/vote/

• 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.

All students benefit from personalised learning. By empowering them in a person-centred manner, they can engage openly with educators, making essential connections between subject content and their own experiences. This approach enhances their ability to remember and recall key information for future examinations.

We're thrilled to welcome back Dr. Susie Nyman in this week's episode for another engaging discussion on personalisation and the person-centred approach for SEND students. Her insights are rooted in her work at The Sixth Form College, Farnborough, including her involvement with the Thursday Dyslexia Club.

In her conversation with Dale (and Percy Pig), Susie covers the following key topics:

1. Empowerment and power
2. Empathy and compassion
3. Respect and dignity
4. Providing choice and autonomy
5. Respecting the individual's values and preferences
6. Participation
7. Independence
8. Control

Additionally, Susie shares strategies and solutions tailored to various students and subjects, drawn from her classroom experiences. The discussion focuses on aligning personal needs, goals, and aspirations with real-world contexts, ensuring that learning is both meaningful and accessible.

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.

https://x.com/DrSusieNyman

drnymanconsultancy.co.uk

[email protected]

Slide handout

Teaching students from the inside out - podcast

Inclusive Learner Cocktails - podcast

Student Icebergs - podcast

Vote for B Squared at the Education Today Awards:

https://educationtodayawards.co.uk/vote/

• 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.

How often do you ask children what they think about something instead of simply telling them your opinion based on your own experiences? Often adults give answers based on their model of the world and views which aren't necessarily right.

In today's podcast, Alison Knowles, Emotional Therapist, joins Dale to discuss 'Ask don't tell'. Alison tells us that by asking WHAT? and HOW?, you can transform your conversations with children. These simple questions not only build their confidence but also show them that you genuinely care about their thoughts. Encouraging them to problem-solve fosters independence and resilience.

Alison emphasises that children often hold the keys to understanding life's complexities. Sometimes, it's far more impactful to invite their opinions rather than overwhelm them with adult explanations.

Join us as we explore real-life examples of how empowering children to voice their thoughts can lead to positive outcomes.

"Just by asking rather than telling, you're actually encouraging that conversation so that you can move through situations in a more positive, empowering way."

Alison Knowles

Listen now to discover how to enhance your communication with the children in your life.

Ali is a practising emotional therapist, author of the Ollie and his Super Powers series of books, public speaker and creator of the Ollie Model. Ali's strength is the unique way she views the world and her instinctive ability to empower you or your child to find the solutions from within.

We recognise the uniqueness and individuality of every client we see. We know they don't fit in boxes and that labels can be very generic.

We don't take months and months to help you move on, Ollie Coaches encourage you to take charge by empowering you with our skill sets so that you can make the changes that will make all the difference to make the difference at a pace that is right for you.

We believe you have everything you need inside you. We show you how to access your immense knowledge and skills so that you can be in control of your emotions rather than being controlled by them.

You can contact me if:

• you, a member of your family, a staff member or a child in your school needs 1-2-1 emotional resilience support to overcome a limiting belief, fear or phobia, a habit you would rather not have or an emotion that is making decisions for you.

• you are interested in having us run an introductory Ollie workshop for your group, team or staff.

• you need help with conflict resolution, change management, communication breakdowns.

• if you would like more information about having an Ollie Coach in your school or having staff trained in the Ollie Model

• you would like to find out more about becoming an Ollie Coach and joining Ollie's Army.

Ollie is currently active in the corporate world, schools, universities alternative provision, foster and adoption.

https://twitter.com/bemoreollie

www.ollieandhisuperpowers.com

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/ollie_and_his_super_powers

https://www.facebook.com/OllieandhisSuperPowers

YouTube Channel

Vote for B Squared at the Education Today Awards:

https://educationtodayawards.co.uk/vote/

• 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.

Ahead of Jane's FREE SEND Briefing on 24 September, she joins Dale for this special episode to give an insight into what she will be presenting in her session 'What will the new Government mean for SEND?'.

"I think what we're going to see from this government is a real push down that early intervention route."

Jane Friswell

Listen to hear Jane's thoughts on the government changes, focus on inclusion, early intervention, resource allocation and more……

Vote for B Squared at the Education Today Awards:

https://educationtodayawards.co.uk/vote/

• 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.

Often, when children are labelled with a 'problem,' they are perceived as different or failing, which can create a cycle of negativity. This can lead to challenges such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression, as the brain tends to hold onto these negative perceptions.

In the last 10-15 years, the field of positive psychology has emerged as a valuable counterpoint to the traditional focus on fixing mental health issues. Dr Rob Long, a Chartered Psychologist, joins us to discuss how positive psychology can offer a transformative approach to supporting children and young adults, particularly those facing social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) difficulties.

During our discussion we cover:

• The history of Positive Psychology.
• Maslow's influence.
• Seligman's contribution: by actively promoting well-being and resilience, which he termed the "PERMA" model (Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment).
• The importance of context and individual differences.
• The bidirectional relationship between well-being and mental health.

Listen to hear how positive psychology provides a valuable framework for supporting children and young adults, especially those facing SEMH challenges. By focusing on enhancing well-being, resilience, and fulfilment, rather than solely addressing problems, positive psychology can empower young people to reach their full potential.

DR Rob Long is a Chartered Psychologist who provides independent training to teachers and other professionals concerned with children and young adults. Rob's main area of interest is supporting children who face social, emotional and mental health difficulties. He is committed to developing, through training, project work and publications an understanding of these children and providing solutions and practical help to school staff and families.

He is a tutor on a distance learning course in Social, Emotional and Mental Health issues run by Oxford/ Brookes University and SEBDA. He is also an active member of SEBDA.

https://x.com/@SebdaOrg

www.sebda.org

[email protected]

Supporting Parental Well-Being

Building Wellbeing and Resilience

Vote for B Squared at the Education Today Awards:

https://educationtodayawards.co.uk/vote/

• 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.

Schools invest in tools to identify and support students with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). But are these investments paying off? Many schools struggle with poor implementation, wasting valuable time and resources.

We're excited to welcome back Angharad Welch, Speech and Language Therapist, to the SENDcast! Four years after her debut, Angharad returns to discuss 'Identifying language needs in Primary through Screening'.

In this episode, Angharad emphasises the importance of effective screening practices and the challenges schools face in implementing them. Here are some of the takeaways:

• Screening is crucial
• Implementation is key
• Invest time in understanding
• Don't be afraid to adapt
• Invest in expertise
• Focus on effectiveness

"Your tool is only as good as your implementation and follow through."

Angharad Welch

Listen to hear Angharad's expertise on how to ensure an effective screening process and her view on the top screening tools available.

Angharad is an experienced Speech and Language Therapist working with children from birth to adulthood, and their adults. She runs her own business, Find the Key Speech and Language Therapy, which offers direct therapy services to families and settings in Herefordshire, as well as products and trainings to support SENCOs and other Educators.

Angharad believes that Therapists and settings need to work together to ensure effective identification and support for young people that reflects the complex realities of the current education system, not just generic advice and strategies.

[email protected]

facebook.com/findthekeyslt

https://twitter.com/FindthekeySLT

findthekeyslt.co.uk

WellComm toolkit

Speech and Language Link

Language Screen

• 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.

Having had several chance encounters at the Autism Shows, we're delighted to finally have Tigger Pritchard as a guest on the podcast! 'Awesomely Autistic' is a profound and insightful exploration of Tigger's personal journey as a neuroaffirming advocate, consultant, and trainer.

Tigger shares a heartfelt and deeply honest insight into his experiences growing up as an autistic individual. He describes the challenges he faced, particularly during his school years, when he felt alienated and misunderstood in a world that didn't seem to embrace his unique way of thinking and engaging with the world. Tigger recounts his attempts to fit in, the social isolation, and the trauma he experienced.

Tigger shares how he eventually found his footing by discovering his passions and interests, which provided a sense of safety and belonging. He highlights what helped him along the way on his journey and how sensory experiences shaped his memories.

"To anybody that discovers they're neurodivergent. I say find your well informed neurokin as soon as you can".

Tigger Pritchard

Listen to Tigger's inspiring journey of self-discovery, reinvention, and ultimately, finding success and fulfilment in his chosen path as an autistic individual.

My name is Tigger Pritchard, awesomely Neurodivergent and passionate about reducing anxiety for all. To help all Neurotypes understand each other, to bridge the Neurodivide.

Self-Identifying Neurospicy, working with individuals, families, education, cooperate organisations across the UK! Face to face and by Zoom.

[email protected]

www.tiggerpritchard.com

facebook.com/Neuroaffirming

• 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.

Schools often invest in professional development to make classrooms dyslexia, autism or speech language and communication 'friendly'. However, this can overwhelm teachers with too much information, making them feel they can no longer effectively support all of their students' different needs.

Angela Scott joins Dale for this week's podcast to discuss 'The magic of 'high value' strategies for pupils with SEND in the classroom'. Angela highlights that you can make the lives of teachers manageable by introducing them to relevant 'high value' teaching strategies, which if implemented will make a positive difference to children and young people with a mix of SEND profiles. Angela reflects on the high incidence of co-occurring SEND profiles experienced by many children and young people. An alternative approach is to stop thinking in silos and to embrace a small but powerful range of strategies, which can make learning possible for pupils with SEND across all four broad areas of need.

Listen to find out what strategies work for children with a range of SEND profiles, identify similarities and give SENCOs the tools to unleash these strategies in a way that has meaningful impact.

"What are the high value strategies? Not imposing some of those more abstract things that work for us, presuming that the way we see a learning plan or a way to organise ourselves, is the way that every child in our class sees it."

Angela Scott

Angela Scott is the Regional Lead for SEND for the Eastern Partnership UK (SEND) and is programme lead for the National Award for SEN Coordination, Advanced SENCO and SENCOs as Leaders Awards.

She is steering the development of the SLCN and SEMH level 4 qualifications and is author of the transformative audit and planning tool known as aptGO; designed to help schools work within Ofsted judgements Good and Outstanding.

She is a member of a number of national working groups for SEND and has created and delivered the professional development programme for the introduction of SENCOs into Hong Kong primary and secondary schools.

[email protected]

www.easternpartnership.co.uk & www.regionalsendforum.co.uk

• 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.