The SENDcast

The exclusion of people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent conditions from research happens in a multitude of ways, whether it's the result of not being able to sign a consent form or researchers not wanting their results skewed. In today's episode, Joanna Grace joins Dale to focus on the presence of people with disabilities in research. We explore the exclusion they face and the importance of their active involvement. As a researcher working closely with individuals with profound disabilities, Jo knows first-hand the significance of their presence in research. For example, autistic individuals have been excluded from mental health studies, leaving us with limited knowledge on supporting their well-being. Listen to hear how inclusive research, born out of the disabled rights movement, has developed over the past 20 years. Inclusive research adds value and ensures research benefits EVERYONE, however, existing definitions of inclusivity unintentionally exclude those with profound intellectual disabilities. This inspired Jo's work, which explores meaningful research with individuals who have profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. Join our podcast to learn why presence in research matters, discover examples of inclusive research, and explore steps for fostering inclusivity in your own work. 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.twitter.com/Jo3Grace www.TheSensoryProjects.co.uk sensorystory@gmail.com Useful Links www.Facebook.com/JoannaGraceTSP www.TheSensoryProjects.com/books www.LinkedIn/In/JoannaGraceTheSensoryProjects · 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 – dale@bsquared.co.uk · 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.

For some children the wonderful world of books is completely closed off due to an illness or condition that impacts on their ability to read the printed word. This could be a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, a mental health condition like anxiety, a visual impairment, or a physical condition that makes it more difficult to hold a book, such as arthritis. But there is a way to open up this world for them and break down these barriers – audiobooks! Emily Pye from Listening Books joins Dale in today's episode 'Benefits of Audiobooks' to discuss: What is great about audiobooks. Why they benefit specific SEND children and in what ways. The impact seen from feedback from members and other research. How audiobooks can be used in schools. How audiobooks can be used at home. Where to find audiobooks. Listen to this episode to discover the diverse benefits of audiobooks. They not only entertain but also educate, while providing a calming oasis for busy minds. Audiobooks ensure that all children can access the curriculum and achieve literacy objectives, regardless of their circumstances. Every child deserves the opportunity to explore the enriching world of literature, and audiobooks serve as a powerful tool in achieving this goal. Audiobooks can empower children with special needs to engage with stories, develop their reading skills, and foster a love for learning. About Emily Pye Emily has been working on growing the membership at charity Listening Books for the past two years. One of the areas she has been concentrating on, is looking at the benefits and impact audiobooks can bring to young people's lives and how best to engage children both at home and at school. Contact Emily twitter.com/ListeningBooks www.listening-books.org.uk info@listening-books.org.uk Useful Links Further information about Listening Books' offer for schools - https://www.listening-books.org.uk/education Blog post full of book suggestions for young reluctant readers - https://www.listening-books.org.uk/books-for-young-people-who-dont-like-reading · 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 – dale@bsquared.co.uk · 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.

Pupils can be described as exceptionally gifted, talented or highflyers but often that 'gift' is hiding something else and there is no hint of SEN within that description. It is estimated that 5-10% of children identified as having high ability also have a special education need or disability. Have you heard of DME and 2E? Fintan O'Regan joins Dale to introduce the terms 'Dual and Multiple Exceptionality' (DME or 2E - Twice Exceptional in America) in today's podcast. DME refers to individuals who possess exceptional abilities or talents in combination with one or more learning or developmental disabilities. These individuals demonstrate both high cognitive potential as well as specific learning challenges or disabilities. During the episode, Fintan highlights the 4 types of DME and discusses how individuals' exceptional abilities can mask or overshadow their challenges, making it challenging to identify and provide appropriate support. Conversely, their disabilities can sometimes mask their strengths, leading to unfulfilled potential and missed opportunities. By recognising and addressing the needs of Dual and Multiple Exceptional individuals, we can create an environment that nurtures their strengths, supports their challenges, and enables them to reach their full potential across all areas of their lives. About Fintan O'Regan MA, PGCE BSc He was the Head teacher of the Centre Academy from 1996 -2002, which was the first specialist school in the UK for students between the ages of 7-19 specialising issues related to ADHD, ASD and ODD. He is an associate lecturer for Leicester University, the National Association of Special Needs, the Institute of Education, the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre and the former Vice Chairman of the UK ADHD Network and of the European ADHD Alliance. Fintan now works as trainer and consultant for schools and school support systems including, Social Services, Health, the Police and Foster carers with regards to providing behaviour management strategies for children and families struggling with SEND and behaviour issues. Contact Fintan O'Regan https://twitter.com/fintanoregan www.fintanoregan.com fjmoregan@aol.com Resources A to Z of SEND, Gemma Corby The SEND code of Practice The Inclusive classroom, Daniel Sobel and Sarah Alston Key issues in SEND and Inclusion , Alan Hodkinson Dual and Multiple Exceptionality, Adam Boddington The DSMV · 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 – dale@bsquared.co.uk · 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.

Wait times for autism and ADHD assessments can be incredibly challenging and lengthy, often leaving parents feeling isolated, helpless, and scared. Many families describe this waiting period as a state of limbo, which can be emotionally and mentally draining. Jodie Warren, SEND coach & consultant for parents, joins Dale today to discuss 'how to 'wait well' when your child is on the diagnostic pathway for autism or ADHD'. Discover valuable insights on: The importance of 'waiting well' and how it can positively impact the diagnostic journey. Strategies for 'waiting well' including preparation, learning, record-keeping, and being ready to advocate effectively. Understanding that waiting for a diagnosis does not prevent parents from meeting their child's needs and accessing support. Recognising the four valuable resources parents have: time, money, energy, and headspace, and how to allocate them efficiently during the waiting period. The realisation that a diagnosis, from a support standpoint, may not bring significant changes. Join us as we delve into practical tips and valuable perspectives to help parents navigate the waiting game with resilience, knowledge, and effective advocacy. About Jodie Warren With 20 years of experience as a specialist teacher working for schools & local authorities, Jodie now supports parents of children with additional needs to understand those needs & advocate for their child calmly, confidently & effectively without burning out. As well as offering training to schools in how to enable effective advocacy she also supports parents to strengthen the three core pillars of advocacy so they can work with professionals collaboratively & assertively to achieve the best outcomes for their child. Contact Jodie https://www.facebook.com/groups/494084106196561/ hello@jodiewarren.com Useful Links LinkedIn Profile https://medium.com/@hello _34819/how-to-prepare-for-meetings-in-order-to-advocate-effectively-a-three-part-approach-2f5c6fb3ffa2 · 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 – dale@bsquared.co.uk · 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.

It is evident that SENCOs are struggling and many qualified SENCOs are not staying in their role. Additionally, LAs are getting away with unlawful practices and children with SEND are still being excluded at an alarming rate. It is crucial for teachers to receive support from the whole school team around SEND. But who leads SEND in schools? To delve into this topic, Dale is joined by Abigail Gray, SEND Consultant, to discuss 'Who leads on SEND in a school? The SENCO or headteacher?' in this episode. Abigail highlights the fact that SENCOs often feel undervalued and lack the necessary agency to fulfil their roles effectively. For successful SEND provision, it is essential that SENCOs receive adequate training and support. They should be granted the time and authority to collaborate effectively with all staff. Moreover, decisions regarding admissions, funding, recruitment, and other aspects are not isolated concerns; they are whole school issues that directly impact children with SEND. Therefore, alignment across the entire school is imperative for an effective SEND approach. Abigail sheds light on why SENCOs need agency within their organisation, highlights the three key elements necessary for maintaining a balance, and emphasises the significance of a whole school approach in which SEND is embedded in its leadership. About Abigail Gray Abigail began her 30-year career in Special Educational Needs as a teaching assistant. This led to a life in teaching and school leadership. She now runs a successful SEND consultancy and is the author of two books; 'Effective Differentiation' (Routledge 2018) and 'The Effective Teaching Assistant' co-authored by Melanie Wright. (Routledge 2020). Abigail writes and speaks about her work on inclusive teaching and differentiation on a national and international stage. She also is a regular contributor to Best Practice Network's NASENCO Award programme as a subject specialist. Contact Abigail http://twitter.com/Abigailsenworks www.senworks.co.uk abigail@senworks.co.uk Useful Links 'Effective Differentiation' (Routledge 2018) 'The Effective Teaching Assistant' (Routledge 2020) co-authored by Melanie Wright. The Effective Teaching Assistant Online Course at My CPD Group https://mycpdgroup.com/courses/the-effective-teaching-assistant-online/ Instagram: @senworksltd · 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 – dale@bsquared.co.uk · 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.

Have you ever experienced fears or phobias? Common ones like spiders, birds, flying, and snakes can trigger fear and panic. Interestingly, these fears are not innate; they are often derived from personal experiences or learned from others, typically during childhood. A regular voice on the podcast, Alison Knowles, returns to discuss 'How to Stop Your Limiting Belief Limiting You'. Alison tells us how our inner child hijacks us and makes decisions for us as an adult. Many individuals find themselves not pursuing the path they truly desire due to the influence of their inner child. Just as we wouldn't trust our 7-year-old selves with our bank accounts, why should we allow the feelings and opinions we had as a child to dictate our choices as adults? "Has your inner child limited who you could be or more importantly, who you wish or want to be?" Alison Knowles In this episode, Alison guides us in breaking down our limiting beliefs and understanding the thought processes behind them. By doing so, we can prevent these beliefs from constraining us. Alison believes that this realisation can liberate individuals, allowing them to actively engage in life instead of passively watching it pass them by. About Alison Ali is a practising emotional therapist, author of the Ollie and his Super Powers series of books, public speaker, NLP trainer 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. Contact Alison https://twitter.com/bemoreollie https://www.facebook.com/OllieandhisSuperPowers www.ollieandhisuperpowers.com info@ollieandhissuperpowers.com Ali@subconquest.co.uk Useful Links Ollie and his Super Powers Book- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ollie-His-Superpowers-Alison-Knowles/dp/1785920499 Ollie and his Super Powers Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWDj-PRjboIg2cu-KZsEMVA ollie_and_his_super_powers Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ollie_and_his_super_powers · 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 – dale@bsquared.co.uk · 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.

Behaviour in schools and colleges is a complex issue, with various opinions and strict approaches, particularly in the UK. It can be challenging to establish consistency because of everything that's thrown at schools and colleges to deal with. Adele Bates, joins Dale today for a great discussion on 'Leading behaviour in schools and colleges'. As a Behaviour and Education Specialist, Adele brings a wealth of experience to the podcast and draws on research experiences from around the world. It's not appropriate to bounce a ball in an English lesson, but if you bounce the same ball in a basketball lesson it's a good thing – it's all about context! Adele explains why behaviour is so complex because of its dependence on context. Rules, routines and boundaries are integral to school communities but the context of behaviour changes and therefore so do the rules, punishments etc. Listen to find out how to support young people with tools so they can learn how to manage their own behaviour to be appropriate in different contexts. Adele emphasises the importance of ensuring that staff have access to support and training to effectively address behaviour issues in a consistent manner. About Adele Bates Behaviour and Education Specialist, International Keynote Speaker & Author "I've had juice poured on my head, been whacked by a skateboard – and have taught a year 7 pupil who has experienced severe trauma, how to read their first ever word…" Adele Bates empowers school leaders and teachers to support pupils with behavioural needs and SEMH to thrive with their education. She's an award winning International Keynote Speaker, a featured expert on teenagers and behaviour for BBC Radio 4, the author of "Miss, I don't Give A Sh*t," Engaging with Challenging Behaviour in Schools, from Sage & Corwin Press, and is a fully funded International Researcher in Finland, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica on Behaviour & Inclusion, as well as teaching for nearly 20 years… For her tips and resources check out adelebateseducation.co.uk. Contact Adele http://twitter.com/adelebatesZ adelebateseducation.co.uk adele@adelebateseducation.co.uk Useful Links Pick My Brain Behaviour Lead Mastermind · 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 – dale@bsquared.co.uk · 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, the table has turned for Dale as he takes a step back from hosting duties today on the SENDcast. Having been a guest on the SENDcast several times over the years, a friend of Dale's and an ADHD and neurodiversity consultant, Dale invited Fintan O'Regan to interview him. Join us as we discuss 'ASC and ADHD in adults' with Dale making his debut as a guest speaker on his own podcast! Many adults who displayed mild to moderate symptoms of ASC and ADHD during childhood often went unnoticed, as the focus was primarily on those with more severe symptoms. These individuals may still carry lingering questions about why they felt different from their peers and seek an explanation for the challenges they faced throughout their lives. Recently Dale has been on a personal journey, receiving a diagnosis of ASC and ADHD. Listen to this special episode to hear Dale's reasons and motivation of why he felt the need to do this at this time in his life and what the diagnosis means to him. Dale gives an honest and open view on the process he has been through, reflects on his childhood and family, the reactions he has received from others since diagnosis and the impact it has had. "So for me, getting the diagnosis was just a really big 'it's not your fault' moment." Dale Pickles For anyone else embarking on their journey, we wish you all the best and hope this episode helps you on your way. About Dale Dale is the Managing Director of B Squared. He has worked with schools all over the UK to help deliver best practice, reduce teacher workload and help schools move forward with assessment. He is also the host of the SENDcast, the #1 podcast for Special Needs and has spoken at conferences such as the Autism Show and the TES SEND Show. Useful Links · 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 – dale@bsquared.co.uk · 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.

Differentiation is currently facing negativity due to confusion surrounding its definition and expectations. Teachers are often filled with dread when they hear the terms 'scaffolding up', 'adaptive teaching' or 'differentiation' are introduced and assume it's going to mean more work for them. It isn't implicitly clear to teachers how to go about differentiation and who it applies to in their classroom. Catrina Lowri joins Dale today to tell us how differentiation will make life easier for teachers and that good differentiation should be for everyone - 'Turning differentiation on its head'. Listen to hear simple principles that can be implemented in daily lessons without much extra effort. Teachers want inclusion but are time and resource poor, Catrina shows ways to get better results within the limits of a mainstream classroom. 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 Lowri http://twitter.com/@neuroteachers https://www.facebook.com/groups/762451187641854/ www.neuroteachers.com catrina@neuroteachers.com Useful Links www.neuroteachers.com/blog www.neuroteachers.com/shop Threads - @neuroteachersuk Instagram - @neuroteachersuk LinkedIn - Catrina Lowri · 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 – dale@bsquared.co.uk · Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

Empathy is the ability to put yourself in somebody else's shoes and to understand how they might be feeling in a situation. It's a personal connection that you need to have experienced to have empathy, which makes empathy flawed. In today's podcast, Amanda Sokell joins Dale to discuss 'Empathy? What we need is compassion'. Amanda created a model that for any child, and in particular a child with SEND, to be successful they need 3 key factors to be in place: Empathy – from others and for themselves Expertise – from those supporting them and about themselves (age appropriate) Environment – to learn in an environment that supports them However, she discovered that empathy is actually the wrong word, what we need is compassion. Compassion is something we can all do, you can show compassion without having to experience what they're experiencing. "You can train yourself to be more compassionate, you can't train yourself to be more empathetic." Amanda Sokell Anxiety is widespread in schools, frequently leading to school non-attendance. The root causes are varied and often stem from staff members lacking an understanding of students' underlying needs. Listen to hear that by equipping all staff with the ability to demonstrate compassion, instil a desire to listen, accept, and grow, it will result in greater expertise and establish more supportive environments – all children will be more successful as a result. About Amanda Sokell Amanda works with caregivers of neurodiverse children and the schools that support them as they navigate the complex world of school support. Amanda know's first-hand how isolating it can be to discover that your child isn't like everybody else's. When her son started refusing to go to school, she found myself struggling to get his needs understood and supported. Despite holding his own academically, her son was struggling with high levels of anxiety, which were having a dramatic impact on his attitude to school and behaviour at home. It can be really challenging to navigate the available support. Amanda used online resources to equip herself with a knowledge of the law, and successfully secured the provision he needed. During this process, she felt the entire range of emotions eventually moving from despondent to empowered. Despite there being a wealth of online information and support, sometimes what you really need is a conversation. Amanda helps parents and educators by sharing information on how best to support neurodiverse children, and, particularly for parents, how to secure the right support and provision for their children. Amanda works individually, with groups and through an online learning platform. She look at life through the lens of process and finds it instinctive to cut through the chaos and find step by step methodologies that are easy to follow, and which help those involved to surmount challenges and achieve. A former software developer, and school governor for 9 years, she is blessed with two spirited neurodiverse boys and an equally process-orientated and neurodiverse husband. Amanda's interests include companies that make stuff, education, special educational needs, change and constant learning. Contact Amanda Twitter - @amandasokell @navigatingND @SENlightended_ Facebook - navigatingneurodiversity.life Website - www.navigatingneurodiversity.life Email - hello@amandasokell.com · 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 – dale@bsquared.co.uk · Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe