Ruth Lue-Quee is joined by Anna Speke for a final episode, to focus on how to overcome challenges when collaborating with others. The episode highlights common challenges faced when collaborating in the early years and how to navigate differences in professional opinions.  Anna and Ruth round of the episode - and this series – by highlighting the role of leadership in collaboration and managing disagreements among team members. Practitioners will learn tips that can help them communicate and collaborate better with others in early years SEN settings.  📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.     Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.   (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)   Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

In this episode, host Ruth Lue-Quee is joined by Anna Speke to discuss understanding and working with external agencies for SEN support. Ruth and Anna discuss the services available and what SEN children may require help with.  The discussion can help practitioners navigate the referral process and establish best practice with external agencies, to foster collaboration. Anna also explains how nasen, the charity she works for, can support educators and children.  📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.     Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.   (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)   Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.

Ruth Lue-Quee is joined again by Anna Speke, to discuss building relationships with parents and carers to support SEN pupils. Anna introduces early years and inclusion, before explaining how to involve parents and carers, rather than just inform them.  Anna and Ruth then discuss strategies for effective communication, including forging good relationships at the point of meeting of meeting a parent or carer – an example is simply calling them by their preferred name in front of their child. Practitioners may also learn how to understand the parent or carers’ own personal circumstances, to understand their home dynamic better.  📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.     Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.   (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)   Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.

Ruth Lue-Quee is joined by Anna Speke, Early Years Education Officer at nasen, to discuss how to collaborate with different groups of people in order to support SEN pupils. In this first episode, Anna explains that everybody plays a role in supporting SEN children and she explains how to collaborate effectively for positive outcomes.  Anna shares valuable insights for practitioners working with children with SEN, discussing effective communication and boundaries in teams. This episode ultimately encourages practitioners to identify their own responsibilities in supporting SEN children and working with others to facilitate good outcomes in educational settings.   📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.     Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.   (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)   Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

Ruth Lue-Quee is joined by Shardi Vaziri for a final episode, to focus on a clutter-free and visually calming environment. The episode highlights the importance a tidy environment can have on children’s behaviour, helping them not to become distracted by a messy workspace, or being overwhelmed by not knowing where equipment is.   Shardi shares insights into how to look at a classroom with fresh eyes and offering practitioners tips to making the small changes that could make a big difference to children who may struggle with overstimulation. By focussing on the look and feel of your classroom, you can ensure children know where to focus their attention and feel included when coming into class to learn.  📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.     Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.   (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)   Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

In this episode, host Ruth Lue-Quee is joined by Shardi Vaziri to discuss building strategies to create an inclusive outdoor environment. Shardi discusses the difference between indoor and outdoor learning, citing the need to consider the skills that need to be developed in each setting.  Ruth and Shardi discuss the development of gross motor skills within an outdoor setting, as well as considering the area like a classroom with defined areas and equipment. The conversation touches on the change in environment, which will affect a child’s learning, and the need for children to get outside and learn new skills. This episode offers practical strategies and insights for early years practitioners who are looking to learn more about outdoor environments, with a view of making small tweaks to benefit their young learners.   📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.     Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.   (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)   Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

Ruth Lue-Quee is joined again by Shardi Vaziri, to discuss building strategies to create an inclusive indoor environment. Shardi highlights how designing an accessible classroom helps with children’s independence and supports their overall learning journey. The conversation highlights the need for practitioners to be mindful of how children approach and interact with as space, citing the need for clear labelling of classroom equipment, so the essentials are easy to find independent of an adult.  Shardi shares practical strategies for promoting an inclusive indoor environment in early years settings, such as the inclusion of steps to help children access equipment, or allowing space for children with additional needs, so they have opportunities to reach what they need to learn too. By stepping back and observing the classroom from a child’s perspective, changes can be easily made. This episode offers valuable takeaways for educators, encouraging them to be enablers of inclusive indoor environments, which are essential for children’s overall well-being and development.  📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.     Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.   (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)   Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

Ruth Lue-Quee is joined by Shardi Vaziri, an Early Years specialist, writer, and consultant, to discuss the importance of creating inclusive environments within the Early Years. Shardi explains the different types of Early Years settings and how to create inclusive spaces to support children in their learning and development, particularly those who may not yet be at age related expectations.  Shardi shares valuable insights for practitioners working with children with SEN, discussing how important a well-thought-out environment can be for young learners. By creating a holistic environment, practitioners can plan to support a range of needs both in and out the classroom. This episode ultimately encourages practitioners to deepen their understanding of learning spaces and put new ideas into their practice to help children thrive.  📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.     Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.   (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)   Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

Ruth Lue-Quee is joined by Helen Battelley for a final episode, to explore the concept of the "third teacher" and its impact on children's development. The episode highlights how the environment, often considered the "third teacher", plays an important role in fostering physical, emotional, and cognitive development in young children. Helen shares insights into how educators can create rich, inclusive, and play-based environments that allow children to develop confidence, physical skills, and creativity.  The conversation touches on various types of play, and stresses the importance of facilitating these experiences without adult over-intervention. Helen encourages early years practitioners to view their settings through a child’s eyes and make small adjustments to ensure all children, including those with SEN, can access and benefit from these environments. The episode is a reminder to educators to slow down, allow children to explore at their own pace, and create opportunities for play for lifelong learning and development.  📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.     Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.   (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)   Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

In this episode, host Ruth Lue-Quee is joined by Helen Battelley to discuss the eight senses. Expanding beyond the traditional five senses - Helen introduces the vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive systems, and their crucial roles in children's physical, social, and emotional development.   Practitioners are encouraged to incorporate a variety of movement activities into their settings to hone the three additional senses, helping children to develop body awareness, spatial navigation, and recognise internal bodily signals. This episode offers practical strategies and insights for early years practitioners dedicated to supporting the holistic development of children in their care. Be sure to tune in for valuable guidance and inspiration!  📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.     Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.   (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)   Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.