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This OCD Awareness Week, I invite you to listen to our latest episode of the SENDcast, featuring Shaun Flores, a mental health advocate and consultant. In this honest and enlightening discussion 'The Reality of OCD: Creating Safe Spaces for SEND Students', Shaun sheds light on the often-misunderstood condition of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Trigger Warning: This podcast discusses difficult subjects, including sexual assault.
"We understand autism, we understand ADHD, we understand anxiety, we understand depression, we understand dyslexia and dyspraxia and dyscalculia, but we still don't understand OCD."
Shaun Flores
When we think of OCD, we typically associate it with cleaning and being neat and tidy - a misconception heavily portrayed by the media. However, for those who live with OCD, it can be a devastating and crippling mental health condition rooted in fear.
Shaun highlights the significant delays in diagnosis that many face due to a lack of public understanding, stigma, and frequent misdiagnosis. He also discusses the strong links between OCD and other conditions such as autism, ADHD, and Tourette's syndrome.
In this episode, you'll hear Shaun share his personal experiences and insights, emphasising the importance of recognising key signs in students. He provides a deeper understanding of what OCD really is, its physical and mental impact, and treatment options available.
View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!
About Shaun Flores
Shaun Flores is a mental health advocate, speaker, and educator who uses his lived experience to spark honest conversations about neurodiversity and wellbeing. Diagnosed with OCD and ADHD as an adult, Shaun brings a rare blend of personal insight and professional expertise to the way he works with schools, universities, and communities.
He has delivered five TEDx talks, spoken across the NHS and higher education, and created original programmes such as Rejection Rehab™ and The Flores Effect™, designed to help young people build resilience, confidence, and critical thinking skills.
As a former model who has navigated grief, stigma, and the challenges of invisible disabilities, Shaun is passionate about showing that vulnerability is strength. His work challenges stereotypes, amplifies underrepresented voices, and gives practical tools for those living with SEND needs — and those supporting them. When Shaun speaks, he doesn't just inform; he creates safe spaces where people feel seen, valued.
Contact Shaun
https://shaun-flores.com/
https://www.instagram.com/theshaunflores/
Useful Links
TEDx Talk - The Urgency of Early Intervention: Transforming Lives with OCD
Article - OCD convinced me I was a rapist
TEDx Talk - OCD: The Brutality of a Misunderstood Illness
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.
When a doctor or professional asks for details about when, why and where your child's meltdown occurred, unless you have the most incredible memory, it's unlikely you'll be able to remember the finer details. Triggers, timings, environments are all helpful in understanding a child's behaviour, but how can you keep track of them?
"If I had to go speak to my GP or anyone and they said to me, you know what's been going on in the last six months, I'd say, I have no idea."
Sharona Smith
Dale had a heartfelt conversation with Sharona Smith, the founder and CEO of Thrive Creations. As a mother of twins, one with ADHD, Sharona tells us about her journey moving to the UK and the challenges she faced with her son. She opens up about her experiences, including the struggles she encountered and how a particularly intense meltdown inspired her to create tools that support both parents and SEND children.
Drawing on her background as a SEN teacher, Sharona sought a better way to document her son's behaviour to identify patterns that could enhance her support for him. This led to the development of the 'Don't Just Survive: Thrive Journal', which she explains can ease the journey for SEN families. By recognising patterns, parents can gain valuable insights into their child's behaviour - a true game changer.
View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!
About Sharona Smith
I'm Sharona, mum of twins (one of whom has ADHD). Moved to the UK from South Africa in 2022 (when the twins were 2 years old). Started Thrive Creations in October 2024 after breaking down due to my son's intense meltdown and needing something to support my journey.
Contact Sharona
www.thrivecreations.org
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568284555871
https://www.instagram.com/thrivecreationsuk/
Useful Links
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.
Attendance is a national priority, yet many interventions focus on behaviour management rather than addressing underlying SEMH needs.
Helen Bray, the Director of SEND for the East Midlands Education Trust, joins Dale today to discuss the impact of SEMH challenges, post-pandemic trauma, and the rise of emotionally based school avoidance on attendance rates. With over 20 years of experience across early years, primary, and secondary education, Helen is incredibly passionate about supporting all pupils to succeed.
"It's so isolating and so hard for these children and parents where they just physically cannot walk through those gates".
Helen Bray
Listen to hear the underlying reasons for low attendance and how they connect to students' emotional readiness. Helen highlights strategies schools can implement to create a supportive environment for students facing these challenges. She emphasises the importance of building strong relationships with students and their families to foster trust and engagement.
Helen also shares insights on how we can better understand our children's needs and the importance of being flexible in our approaches to support.
View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!
About Helen Bray
Director of SEND for the East Midlands Education Trust, with 20 years of experience in teaching and leadership across early years, primary, and secondary education. A passionate advocate for adaptive practice, I work with schools to embed it as the golden thread through all teaching and learning.
I champion relational practice, ensuring high-quality SEMH support is a core part of every school's universal offer. Committed to breaking down the silos, I believe in a holistic approach to supporting children and young people. I also collaborate closely with local authorities to improve inclusion services for children and families.
Contact Helen
https://www.emet.uk.com/
www.linkedin.com/in/helen-bray-b8130826a
Useful Links
Positive Social : Helping young people survive + thrive on social media
Mental health issues affecting a pupil's attendance: guidance for schools - GOV.UK
When the adults change, everything changes by Paul Dix
Square Pegs: Inclusivity, Compassion and Fitting In - A Guide for Schools - Fran Morgan & Ellie Costello
Survival Psychology – Tony Brooks
Want to hear more about supporting SEMH?
This October, Richard Daniel-Curtis is joining Dale live in our studio to present 2 CPD training sessions:
1. Supporting SEMH in the classroom 2. Understanding the early causes of mental health difficulties and how to support pupils
Register your place now for just £10 per session which can be shared with your whole school.
We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.
As SEND registers continue to grow and expectations rise across the profession, many SENDCOs are leaving due to overwhelming workloads and lack of support. It's crucial that we rethink how to empower teachers to meet their students' needs.
In today's episode, Dale was joined by Eleanor Sams, an Assistant Headteacher and SENDCO at the Marvel College in Hull. Eleanor tells us about 'developing distributive leadership in secondary schools to improve inclusion' sharing her school's successful implementation.
Their discussion includes:
Eleanor provides valuable insights on implementing a distributive leadership model, illustrating what this can look like in a large setting. When schools get it right, it empowers teachers to understand their learners better and meet their needs more effectively, all while relieving SENDCO workloads. She also explains how this approach can be implemented with minimal cost and has been proven to increase attendance, improve outcomes, and reduce behavioural incidents.
View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!
About Eleanor Sams
Ellie Sams is an Assistant Headteacher (SENDCO) at The Marvell College in Hull.
Ellie has supported children with SEND since 2011, across both specialist and mainstream settings. She joined the Marvell College in 2016 as a Teacher of History. She has worked as a Head of Year and was appointed as Assistant Headteacher and SENDCO in 2022.
Since 2022, Ellie has worked alongside the Senior Leadership Team to develop a culture of inclusion that runs throughout all areas of the school. Alongside her responsibilities at The Marvell College, Ellie supports across the trust as a SEND Hub leader, this includes supporting the development of provision for students with SEND across a number of primary schools. She is also a trustee at Humberston Park Special School, responsible for Transdisciplinarity and Learning.
Contact Ellie
https://www.themarvellcollege.com/
www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-sams-sendco
Useful Links
We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.
As the new Year 7 cohort settles into secondary school life and the Year 6 students prepare for their upcoming transition, I wanted to highlight this timely topic for our discussion this week. My daughter is about to embark on this journey, and I must admit, the prospect of secondary school feels quite daunting!
A recent report revealed that 1 in 4 children disengage during the transition to secondary school, with their enjoyment, sense of safety, and trust significantly declining in the first year. This understandably impacts their attendance.
In today's episode, Dale is joined by Kirsty Greenwood, a Transitions Support Specialist, to discuss 'Supporting the Transition from Primary to Secondary School for SEN Children'.
It's currently estimated that there are 1.2 million SEN pupils in England without an EHCP, reflecting a 4.7% rise in just one year. Kirsty shines a spotlight on the critical but often overlooked transition for primary-aged children on the SEN register who do not have an EHCP. These are the students who appear to be coping academically yet struggle significantly.
They discuss several crucial topics, including:
"We need to do more to prepare them, it's too much of a shock for lots and lots of children". Kirsty Greenwood
Kirsty's insights are invaluable for anyone involved in education, especially parents and teachers of SEN children. This conversation sheds light on the steps we can take to ensure a smoother transition and ultimately improve outcomes for these students.
View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!
About Kirsty Greenwood
Kirsty Greenwood is a dedicated advocate committed to improving the transition experience for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) as they move from primary to secondary education. Recognising that many children on the SEN register lack an EHCP—and therefore often miss out on tailored support. Kirsty focuses on bridging this gap to ensure these students receive the assistance they need during this critical period.
Through collaboration with families, educators, and local schools Kirsty promotes early intervention strategies, enhanced communication between schools, and the implementation of person-centered planning tools such as one-page profiles and individualised support plans. By championing inclusive practices and advocating for systemic changes, Kirsty aims to create a more equitable educational landscape where every child with SEN can thrive during their transition to secondary school.
Contact Kirsty
https://www.facebook.com/tfortransition
https://www.instagram.com/tfortransition/
Useful Links
High Needs Funding Operational Guide
EBSA Toolkit for Schools
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 week's podcast, Dr Sue Sheppard, an educational psychologist with over 30 years of experience in autism joins Dale. In this enlightening episode, we delve into the important topic of Emotion-Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and how schools can better support autistic pupils.
Dr Sheppard discusses the alarming statistics surrounding school attendance for autistic students, with more than a quarter being persistently absent. She highlights the crucial need for understanding and empathy from educators to create a supportive environment where all students feel they belong.
Some key points from the episode include:
"What hasn't worked is just as important as what has worked".
Dr Sue Sheppard
This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.
View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!
About Sue Sheppard
Dr Sue Sheppard is a senior educational psychologist with over 30 years of experience in autism. She has been a consultant to the Lorna Wing Centre for Autism (part of the National Autistic Society) since 1996 and was a close colleague of the late autism research pioneer, Dr Lorna Wing. She is embedded in the DISCO diagnostic training team which is nationally and internationally recognised.
Sue has worked as a specialist Educational Psychologist for numerous London boroughs and has been instrumental in setting up provision for children with ASD across early years, primary and secondary. She continues to work in schools and with families and undertakes specialist psychological assessments of autistic children and young people. A key focus of her current work is the well-being of autistic girls.
Sue is Real Group's specialist EP for autism and module leader for Real Training's postgraduate courses in autism. She has also been a specialist speaker in autism at University College London.
Sue is also chairing the Expert Reference Group for the Whole School SEND units on autism and will be the lead content writer for the project.
Contact Sue
www.realtraining.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/RealTrainingUK/
https://x.com/RealTrainingUK
Useful Links
Neurotribes
Blog on EBSA
EBSA Tookit from South Gloucestershire
EBSA Flowchart (Cambridgeshire County Council)
Real Psychology
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 today's episode, Dale is joined by Susana Gonzalez, the director and founder of ND Bright Brains, who brings over 20 years of experience in education. They discuss supporting neurodivergent learners in secondary schools and further education.
Neurodivergent students often face unique challenges in environments that aren't designed to meet their needs. As awareness of neurodiversity grows, it's crucial for educational settings to shift from compliance-based models to a more student-centred approach that embraces inclusion. Susana emphasises the importance of neurodiversity training, flexibility in school processes (including behaviour policies), and collaborative problem-solving to tailor support for each individual. This includes classroom adaptations, personalised learning plans, and facilitating smooth transitions.
Key takeaways:
Understanding neurodiversity can truly transform the educational experience for both teachers and students, fostering more effective support and empowering learners to advocate for themselves.
View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!
About Susana Gonzalez
Susana Gonzalez is the Director and Founder of ND Bright Brains, an educational consultancy dedicated to helping ND students succeed in mainstream schools. ND Bright Brains provides education to any adult involved in the education of ND young people so that they can also positively contribute to their academic, social, and emotional development.
Susana is a Biochemical Engineer and neurodiversity specialist who brings 20 years of experience as a teacher, mainly Chemistry, having specialised in Educational Neuroscience and supporting highly able individuals with Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, OCD and Dyspraxia since 2020.
To date, Susana has trained over 1,000 teachers, promoting the idea that all schools can implement inclusive and cost-effective strategies to support neurodivergent students.
Susana has also delivered neurodiversity corporate training and consulted for a training company on neuro-affirming content delivery practices.
Susana strongly believes in the vital roles of adults in the future success of neurodivergent learners. She advocates for setting high expectations coupled with appropriate support and the creation of a safe environment that fosters both academic and personal growth.
Contact Susana
www.ndbrightbrains.com
https://www.instagram.com/ndbrightbrains/
Useful Links
Neurodiversity in Education
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 third in a four-part series on literacy success, Dr Sarah Moseley and Ginny Bootman join Dale to discuss 'Cracking the Code – Early Print Concepts and Literacy Readiness'. This discussion focuses on looking at books, texts or symbols in print and taking meaning from them.
During the podcast they discuss:
"If we don't put into the early years a joy of sharing print-based activities with learners - making print joyful. Then it's not going to be supportive to anyone".
Dr Sarah Moseley
If you missed the first two podcasts you can listen to them here.
View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!
About Ginny Bootman
I have been a teacher longer than I haven't, as a Headteacher, Senior Manager and Class Teacher and now as a SENCO of 2 Primary schools in Northamptonshire. My passion lies within all things concerned with empathy and the role which empathy plays in ensuring that all of those in school settings feel valued and listened to. I am an Associate of Undiscovered Country a team who help individuals manage change.
About Dr Sarah Moseley
I have over 30 years' knowledge and experience within special and mainstream education from teaching assistant to Headteacher, as well as a solid research background rooted within the psychology of learning. My Masters and PhD were in Special Education and focused specifically on the teaching of reading and self-esteem. I have presented nationally and internationally on raising outcomes for learners with SEND and am a published author of my research. I have just finished writing a book on the teaching of reading to all learners for Routledge Publishers.
Now an independent Educational Consultant at www.drsarahmoseley.com, I provide face to face and online training, coaching, keynote presentations, information and support for professionals and families from all sectors, specialising in SEND focused school improvement and raising outcomes for all learners. I am passionate about making a positive difference to the lives, attitudes, and outcomes of those who may struggle to learn, based on a belief that every action can make a difference. I aim to bridge the gap between theory and learning, to create a culture where high expectations thrive, improving outcomes for all pupils.
Contact Ginny
www.ginnybootman.com
https://www.facebook.com/ginny.bootman.1/
https://x.com/sencogirl
Contact Sarah
www.drsarahmoseley.com
https://www.facebook.com/litforall/
https://www.instagram.com/drsarahmoseley/
https://x.com/drsarahmoseley
Useful Links
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.
Neglect, abuse and exploitation are challenging subjects, however safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. When it comes to individuals with SEND, things can get complicated. From communication barriers and misunderstood behaviours to gaps in training and confidence, schools can struggle to get it right.
In this episode, Dale discusses the complexities of safeguarding in relation to children with SEND with Sara Alston, SEND and Safeguarding consultant and trainer. As Sara says, "It's about knowing the child and being willing to think the unthinkable."
Their discussion covers:
Listen to learn how we can all contribute to better safeguarding practices!
*Please note that this episode contains some sensitive topics.*
View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!
About Sara Alston
Sara Alston has over 38 years teaching experience as a classroom teacher, school leader, SENCO and DSL and is now an independent SEND and Safeguarding Consultant and Trainer. She provides support and training to schools for special needs and safeguarding.
She is the co-author of The Inclusive Classroom: A New Approach to Differentiation (Bloomsbury, 2021) and author of Working Effectively with Your TA (Bloomsbury, 2023). She writes regular articles for SecEd and Headteacher Update.
Contact Sara
www.seainclusion.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/seainclusion.co.uk/
Useful Links
The Inclusive Classroom book
Working Effectively with your TA book
Keeping Children Safe in Education
Centre for expertise on child sexual abuse
Communicating with Children: A guided for those working with children who have or may have been sexually abused
The NSPCC Pants materials
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 often think of the disruptive autistic child - the one whose behaviour draws attention and prompts others to suggest stricter discipline. This representation, sometimes referred to as the "boys' presentation of autism", overshadows the many individuals who do not visibly express their struggles.
Dr Joanna Grace, sensory engagement and inclusion specialist, joins Dale to discuss 'Autism: The Quiet Ones'. Jo shares insights on the often-overlooked experiences of autistic individuals who may not display disruptive behaviours. Many autistic people experience challenges without revealing them, and those who care for them often worry deeply.
It's crucial to recognise that masking can put these individuals at risk. Autistic people who appear fine may be silently struggling, and misinterpreting their lack of visible need can lead to a failure to provide the necessary help. The quiet ones require just as much understanding and support as their louder counterparts.
Jo explores what is happening with these quieter individuals and how we can better support those who do not demand attention through their actions. Through personal anecdotes and expert advice, the discussion highlights the importance of understanding and supporting these quieter neurodivergent individuals. Listen to discover strategies for fostering inclusion and empathy in educational settings and beyond and support for all autistic learners!
View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!
About Joanna Grace
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.
Contact Joanna
www.TheSensoryProjects.co.uk
www.Facebook.com/JoannaGraceTSP
https://x.com/Jo3Grace
Useful Links Want to hear more from Joanna?
Joanna has joined Dale live in our studio to present 3 CPD training sessions:
Buy now for just £10 per session which can be shared with your whole school.
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.
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