The SENDcast

From the moment we are born, none of us have fears or phobias, we don't have any beliefs about how the world works, they are shaped by our reality – the world in which we are brought up in by our parents/carers. As we grow, our unique life experiences and the emotions we attach to certain situations or behaviours begin to define us. "We need to recognise that whatever emotion is in control at any given time, will steer and direct how we view the world and how we react to it." Alison Knowles A regular guest on the SENDcast, Alison Knowles, brings her expertise as an Emotional Therapist to discuss 'Being Hijacked by your Emotions' today. Alison tells us how emotions can block our ability to reason, think positively and our life direction is dictated by which emotion has the steering wheel. Emotions are part of us all, and by listening to this episode, you will gain valuable insights into how to harness and navigate the power of your emotions. By learning to manage our emotions rather than allowing them to control us, we gain the ability to chart our own course and regain control over our lives. Liked what you heard in today's podcast? Take your knowledge one step further with this training session from Alison! For just £10 for your whole school you can access Alison's SENDcast Session 'How to connect and communicate with your emotions'. Alison explains how to help children make emotions manageable, empower them to overcome issues, and change classroom behaviour. 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 Ollie and his Super Powers Youtube ollie_and_his_super_powers Instagram · 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

Beverley joins Dale for this special episode highlighting what's on at this year's Tes SEND Show 13 - 14 October in London and why you should be there! "It's an absolutely fantastic place to network and there's so much to learn, so much to take advantage of and we've just packed so much into the programme." Beverley Walters Attending Tes SEND Show provides the opportunity for the entire school workforce to stay up to date with latest SEND issues, stay connected at a national level and find out the latest developments, policy updates such as the SENDAP Improvement Plan and how to implement them; to network with peers, exhibitors, speakers and to invest in their own CPD. Visitors can hear Michael Rosen read poems and present the winners of our poetry competition, as well as attend the Leadership Summit, Tes Editor's Chats, free Keynotes at the start of each day, the innovative and entertaining SEND TeachMeet and inspirational Parent, Carer and Teacher Forum… to name just a few things happening in a jam-packed two day show. About Beverley Exhibition Director & Head of Content, Tes SEND Show. Beverley has over 20 years' experience of organising and curating events for the education sector, focusing on special educational needs and disability (SEND). She is responsible for the Tes SEND Show's content strategy and structure across all 42 seminars, parent and carer forum presentations, exhibition management and exhibitor workshops. Beverley is passionate about raising awareness of SEN and has a wealth of knowledge and experience of the SEN sector. As safeguarding Governor of a special SEMH school in the West Midlands, Beverley stays up to date with the latest policy and issues impacting front line staff and brings this knowledge and experience to Tes SEND Show. Useful Links Tes SEND Show · 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

Getting to class on time, meeting homework deadlines, making sure the right equipment is brought into school are all essential, however, are we actively teaching and equipping students with these skills? Executive function - everyone has to have, everyone needs to learn about, but no one really knows about. One of the problems that we have around executive function skills is that often it's presumed that young people will implicitly develop these skills, and our system is really set up to celebrate those who have abnormally strong executive function skills. "The best teachers that I've seen deploying this executive function approach, and developing these skills, are constantly talking about their own executive function skills." Victoria Bagnall Victoria Bagnall from Connections in Mind joins Dale in this episode to discuss 'Executive Function Skills and Neurodiversity Traits'. Victoria tells us how an executive function approach can help humanise many of the challenges neurodivergent young people face. Building executive function literacy in a school can help all learners better understand their barriers to learning. Victoria highlights what age-appropriate executive function looks like and how it always comes down to modelling. Listen to find out how to help everyone develop their executive function skills, to access learning better and be more inclusive in the school environment. About Victoria Bagnall Victoria is a neurodiverse teacher and mother of 3 girls who has dedicated her life to raising awareness of essential brain functions: executive functions. She believes that knowledge of executive functioning helps people to be kinder to themselves and those around them and has the power to change the world. Contact Victoria https://twitter.com/VictoriaBagnal2 https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-bagnall-38204251/ www.connectionsinmind.co.uk schools@connectionsinmind.co.uk Useful Links https://connectionsinmind.com/schoolseducators/ https://cimlearning.com/toolkits/ https://cimlearning.com/professional-training-landing-page/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/connectionsinmind/ · 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

In schools, there is a growing blur between the realms of education and care. It has become increasingly evident that school staff are shouldering a tremendous responsibility in addressing mental health concerns, often due to long waiting lists and inconsistent quality of external support services. To shed light on this issue, we are delighted to have Zara Wright Director of SEND at the Weydon Multi Academy Trust, join Dale to discuss 'The boundaries between education and care'. Zara brings valuable insights and expertise and will delve into the complexities and implications of the intertwined roles of education and care in schools. Listen to find out: The real picture of what schools are having to manage as a result of the SEND and mental health crises. Changing roles of school staff due to the increase of mental health difficulties. Reasonable adjustments and how they work in reality. Solutions/Considerations for schools to get the balance right between education and care. About Zara Wright Zara is Director of SEND at Weydon Multi Academy Trust and Deputy Headteacher at a MLD school. She has worked in specialist and mainstream educational settings for over 15 years. She is a qualified SENDCo and holds an MEd in Inclusion. She has also worked as Mental Health Lead, DSL and Designated Teacher for Looked After Children. Zara works with a number of local charities and organisations to help promote support for young people and their parents. She has presented at Westminster Education Forum and The Virtual SEND Conference. She is currently studying for an MSc in Psychology. Contact Zara https://twitter.com/ZaraWright5 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

Many children with additional needs face challenges when it comes to getting their hair cut. It can be an incredibly stressful experience for everyone involved, despite the fact that haircuts are a necessity for everyone. Getting a haircut can overwhelm the senses, with numerous challenges such as, the apron/cloth, noise from clippers, music, lighting, smells etc. Children are taught not to interact with strangers, yet they find themselves in a situation where a stranger is standing in their personal space, holding scissors, and expecting them to tolerate everything happening around them. Craig Henderson runs a neurodiverse and gender-neutral barbershop in Bolton and joins Dale today to discuss 'Additional Needs Haircut Services'. He brings a wealth of experience working with and supporting children and young people, both within his barbershop and by visiting schools. Craig's mission is to educate all parties involved, dispel fear, and facilitate safe and comfortable haircuts. Haircuts don't have to be a stressful and anxiety triggering experience. Listen to find out: The step-by-step process involved in achieving what may seem like an impossible task of getting a haircut. Valuable tips for barbers and hairdressers on how they can better support clients with neurodiverse needs. Guidance for parents on how to prepare and assist their child before a visit to the barbershop. Understanding that a haircut is about more than just hair; it encompasses a comprehensive experience. About Craig Henderson Craig Henderson runs a neuro diverse and gender-neutral barbershop in Bolton with his fiancée Sarah, and they have 4 children and 2 of them are on the spectrum. He has been hairdressing and barbering for over 10 years and was trained in traditional methods, which has been a blessing when working with these fantastic humans with additional needs. He is a brand ambassador for industry brand, Gamma Plus. Contact Craig Website - https://www.craigsbarbershop.co.uk Email – Hello@craigsbarbershop.co.uk Twitter – @Craigsbarbershopbl2 Instagram - @Craigsbarbershopbolton / @craighenderson_srsb Facebook - Craigsbarbershopbl2 Useful Links Pick My Brain: https://bit.ly/PickmyBehbrain Behaviour Lead Mastermind: https://bit.ly/BehLeadMastermind 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

Why do we dread starting a new job? Why do we not like going to the in-laws for Christmas? Why do we not look forward to Monday morning? As humans, we tend to approach new events or situations with caution or even negativity. This is because our brains have a natural tendency to protect us from uncertainty and potential harm. Alison Knowles, Emotional Therapist, joins Dale in this episode to discuss 'How our brains project our past'. Alison explains that if there is a gap in our knowledge or experience, our brain fills that gap by either deleting, distorting, or generalising information to create a sense of control and reduce anxiety. "You're more likely to remember when something went wrong, because when it's going well, that wasn't a threat or a danger to you." Alison Knowles Knowledge is power. Understanding how your brain works can empower you to approach new situations with a more open and optimistic mindset. So, the next time you find yourself hesitating or feeling anxious about a new opportunity, remember that your brain's protective mechanism is at play, and you have the power to choose how you respond. About Alison Knowles 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 Knowles Website – www.ollieandhisuperpowers.com Email – Ali@subconquest.co.uk or info@ollieandhissuperpowers.com Twitter – @bemoreollie Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/OllieandhisSuperPowers Useful Links Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWDj-PRjboIg2cu-KZsEMVA 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

Behaviour is communication, it doesn't just come out of nowhere and is only the tip of the iceberg. With more than 40 pupils being excluded daily for behaviour-related problems, it is evident that the system is not effectively addressing the issue. We have another new guest speaker this week, Adele Bates a Behaviour and Education Specialist! Adele joins Dale to discuss 'Engaging Pupils with SEMH and other behaviour needs'. It requires a tailored approach that takes into account the individual needs and strengths of each pupil. Adele takes us through some strategies that can be effective in engaging pupils with SEMH and other behaviour needs, such as: Building relationships Understanding neurological development Rules/non-negotiables Regulation Listen to hear how engaging pupils with SEMH and other behaviour needs requires a compassionate and flexible approach, that takes into account the individual needs and strengths of each pupil. 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 Website – adelebateseducation.co.uk Email – adele@adelebateseducation.co.uk Twitter – @adelebatesZ Useful Links Pick My Brain: https://bit.ly/PickmyBehbrain Behaviour Lead Mastermind: https://bit.ly/BehLeadMastermind 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

We are seeing a significant rise in the number of diagnoses and SEN registers growing, but these values don't always correlate. This has left schools and teachers feeling concerned about the increased workload and inadequate support from their local authorities and the government. The increased prevalence of named conditions and acronyms in SEN has left many teachers feeling uncertain about their ability to work with these students. Teacher workload is a major contributor to stress and is exacerbating the recruitment and retention crisis. Zoe Mather, Education Officer at nasen, joins Dale today to discuss 'Reducing teacher workload by supporting pupils with SEND from the get-go'. What if there was a way for teachers to plan lessons that included all young people in their class? Zoe tells us how incorporating good pedagogy and inclusive design can empower teachers to create more inclusive and supportive environments, while also reducing their workload and supporting more children to achieve. Listen to hear how teachers can reduce workload and support all students by planning for the margins from the get-go. It will become a normal way of working, thus reducing workload – a win-win! About Zoe Mather Zoe has worked in education for 20 years in both secondary mainstream and special education settings. She is passionate about SEND and the provision of resources and support to ensure fair access to all to improve outcomes for learners with SEND. Being part of the nasen team, Zoe is excited about the opportunity that this gives for developing projects to support SEND across the UK and internationally. Her big ambition is to continue to promote awareness of neuro-divergence and SEND and highlight the positives that this brings for developing a truly inclusive society. Contact Zoe Website - www.nasen.org.uk Email - education@nasen.org.uk Twitter - @nasen_org Facebook - nasen.org Useful Links Do you need to be an expert in every area of SEND? (thesendcast.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

There is a common narrative which reflects far too many parents' experiences that, in order to get the support their child needs, parents need to be prepared to fight. However, this not only increases stress levels but also decreases the likelihood of achieving the best outcomes for their child. While it may seem impossible to work collaboratively in some situations, in many cases, parents can advocate calmly and confidently while working effectively with the team supporting their child. Jodie Warren, SEND coach & consultant for parents, joins Dale today in this episode to tell us how - 'Effective Advocacy & Why Fighting Doesn't Work'. To achieve this, it is crucial to reframe the narrative around advocacy, recognise the limitations of fighting, and instead, focus on the 4 pillars of effective advocacy. Listen to learn how to advocate effectively without burning out: Understand why advocacy can be exhausting Distinguish between advocacy and fighting Recognise the negative impact of fighting on vital skills, relationships with your child's team, and parental well-being Strengthen the four pillars of effective advocacy - treating advocacy as a process rather than a single event 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 Email – hello@jodiewarren.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-warren-58354715/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/494084106196561/ Useful Links 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

Local Authorities are seeing unprecedented demand for Education Health & Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) and as a result are struggling to keep up. The situation is further complicated by many parents requesting EHCPs, but not receiving them due to refusals from authorities, leaving schools caught in the crossfire. As a result, there is widespread confusion among schools and parents about this area. Amanda Sokell, Advocate and Neurodiversity Trainer, joins Dale for her first episode to discuss the 'EHCNA'. In many cases an EHCNA is triggered as a placement has broken down. However, with the right support and accommodations, many of these children and young people could have had successful placements without the need for an EHCNA. Amanda emphasises the importance of ensuring that only the appropriate children are referred for an EHCNA and considering alternative solutions when it may not be necessary. By improving our understanding of this area, we can work together to achieve better outcomes for all children. Listen to hear about: What an EHCNA is and when it is appropriate The legalities Busting some of the myths that are encountered Reasons why schools might not want to support an application Reasons why many parents make an application – and how a school might respond to this The overwhelm involved for parents 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 Website – www.navigatingneurodiversity.life Email – hello@amandasokell.com Twitter – @amandasokell @navigatingND @SENlightended_ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/navigatingneurodiversity.life Useful Links An introduction to SEND online course: https://members.navigatingneurodiversity.life/An_Introduction_To_SEN_Intro IPSEA https://www.ipsea.org.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 – dale@bsquared.co.uk Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe