The SENDcast

There are various opinions on ways to use the SEN Register and differs from one school to another and across local authorities. SENCOs can end up with multiple registers; SEN Register, additional needs, medical and disability. As soon as a register is created it needs maintaining and updating, therefore increases workload. There is no written rule so everyone has their own interpretation which is part of the problem – so let's get back to basics. Abigail Hawkins joins Dale for the first time on the podcast to discuss the 'SEN Register: "I think sometimes it's just, it's not necessarily having a register, it's being aware of your students, aware of who you've got and who can advocate for themselves." Abigail Hawkins, SEN Consultant Listen to this episode to find out who goes on the SEN register and how to reduce your workload by: understanding the SEN register looking at policy and practice, legal guidance and the code of practice reducing the number of registers understanding who to include on the register - diagnosis, medical and 'need' knowing what being on the register means discussing why the SEND Green paper proposals are welcomed About Abigail Hawkins Abigail runs SENDCOSolutions, an SEN consultancy and SENsible SENCO CIC, a not-for-profit networking support group. She has been a SENCO for over 25 years and has taught a multitude of subjects across all phases from 2-year-olds to adults. She works with software companies developing supportive software for SEN and Safeguarding purposes, has developed and delivers on a teaching assistant apprenticeship programme, authored several books on SEN and exclusions and runs a support network for over 9000 SENCOs. Until recently, she was the Chair of Governors for 3 schools in the East Midlands and she still works as a SENCO for part of her week. Abigail has a no-nonsense, practical approach to SEN issues faced by schools. Abigail was one of the three lead voices on a series of SEN webinars delivered over the lockdowns amassing an audience of over 12000 viewers and she uses modern approaches to share SEN-related information including a successful YouTube channel. Contact Abigail Hawkins Website – www.sendcosolutions.co.uk Email – enquiries@sendcosolutions.co.uk Twitter – @sendcosolutions Useful Links Books: Approach It, Map It, Manage It - https://amzn.to/3ab59Do The SENDCO - https://amzn.to/3yFCYGt School Exclusion - https://amzn.to/3by6ULj Weekly SEN Network/CPD meetings for the SENsible SENCO community. Details available on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/sensible-senco-33587615959

Yawning, daydreaming, complaining, fidgeting, distracting others – we've all been there at some point, so let's talk about boredom. Boredom is real to those that feel it and you can't just tell someone to be less bored. In the classroom it's often taken personally, and teachers can respond defensively. Fintan O'Regan joins Dale on this week's podcast 'Why boredom is truly interesting and absolutely vital'. Fintan highlights that without a doubt boredom has been a factor in the development of some of the greatest discoveries and inventions in history. There could be any number of reasons why someone in a school environment could be bored, but teachers need to understand that it is more of an alert system than a challenge to authority. Boredom is an emotion that is simply confirming that they aren't meaningfully engaged in what is being taught. Listen to understand and gain a new perspective on boredom so that you can make your classroom a more stimulating and engaging environment. You will never feel the same about boredom again! About Fintan O'Regan Fintan 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 Website – www.fintanoregan.com Email – fjmoregan@aol.com Twitter – @fintanoregan Useful Links Development and Validation of the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale https://static1.squarespace.com/static/53a79084e4b01786c921de45/t/5d00591944edf80001c0ea65/1560303898542/Development+and+Validation+of+the+Multidimensional+State+Boredom+Scale.pdf The quiet alarm: The virtues of boredom https://www.readersdigest.in/quotable-quotes/story-beware-of-boredom-125864 Why Boredom Is Interesting, First Published November 8 2019 https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721419884309

Autism support is given to half the people who need it, and nearly all of it involves teaching people to appear not-autistic i.e. teaching them the skills required to mask autism. Research has shown that masking is damaging to physical and mental health, so we should aim to support everyone and do it in ways that respect their neurotype. Joanna Grace joins Dale for today's episode 'As an Autistic adult what would you change in schools?'. "We obviously can't go back in time and change things, but hopefully we can use our experiences to improve the experience for pupils currently in school". Joanna Grace Joanna was diagnosed at 36 and we discuss what she would want teachers to know if she was at school now. Listen to find out the importance of early diagnosis, the things she would want to and not to happen at school and how you can support your pupils. 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 Grace Website - www.TheSensoryProjects.co.uk Email - sensorystory@gmail.com Twitter - @Jo3Grace Facebook - www.Facebook.com/JoannaGraceTSP Useful Links Aside from the obvious, my son's book My Mummy is Autistic, I have a FREE training series on YouTube aimed at mainstream SENCOs (but it has been accessed far more widely than that) that explores issues that crop up in schools around autistic students https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi1RQR58BHnW5LtJfD0Ph-RIH7EhnrP3t My facebook is also a resource for insight into neurodivergence, with the photo albums acting as resource banks: www.facebook.com/JoannaGraceTSP people are welcome to connect with me, and my LinkedIn profile has many free to access articles that I have written on the topic of neurodiversity www.LinkedIn.com/In/JoannaGraceTheSensoryProjects

Have you ever heard the game 'Operation' played live on a podcast? Well, this week you're in for a treat! Adams Apple, a broken heart, wrenched ankle, butterflies in the stomach are all extracted live. Dr Susie Nyman joins Dale to use the game as a tool to dissect underlying causes for students' behaviour and understand the multitude of emotions that are going on inside. 'Teaching students from the inside out' is a lively discussion of different types of neurodiverse learners and how it is important to find the student agency to give them "voice and choice". Enabling students to understand what makes them tick and to become more active stakeholders in their own education journey. Listen to hear fascinating stories of neurodiverse case studies and strategies and solutions Susie has discovered whilst working in the classroom. About Dr Susie Nyman Dr Susie Nyman is passionate about discovering how children learn and supporting them in ways which enable them to succeed. She was appointed as a Biology teacher at The Sixth Form College Farnborough in 1995, and subsequently as Curriculum Manager for Health and Social Care where she has worked ever since. Susie strives to raise students' achievements and support them in ways which enables them to succeed. She works with her students deploying a range of innovative and Multi-sensory teaching techniques to assist their learning including her 'Equality and Diversity Tree' and famous puppets! Additionally, she has provided training to PGCE students at Kingston University, and in a number of local schools and colleges on teaching strategies. Since February 2017, Susie has presented seminars on 'Multi-sensory Techniques' at The Learning Differences Conventions in Australia, Richmond College, The Helen Arkell Centre, Bell House, The Oratory School, The National Education Show and The Tes SEN Shows in London and Manchester. Recently, she was filmed 'in action' for The British Dyslexia Association as well as Oaka Books, and the footage is available on YouTube. Subsequently, she has written a chapter about 'Multi-sensory Teaching' in the BDA Dyslexia Friendly Schools Good Practice Guide and 'The Multi-sensory Teaching Toolkit' by Oaka Books. In recognition of over 21 years continued service at The Sixth Form College Farnborough, Susie has been nominated three times by the College for the 'Tes FE Teacher of the Year Award'. This is an honour of which she is immensely proud. Contact Dr Susie Nyman: Website – drnymanconsultancy.co.uk Email – drsusienyman@drnymanconsultancy.co.uk Twitter – @DrSusieNyman

Gary Aubin, a SEND content specialist and director for a multi-academy trust, shares insights on enhancing teaching for students with SEND. He emphasizes the critical role of SENDCOs in improving classroom practices over administrative tasks. Gary discusses five evidence-based teaching strategies, the importance of explicit instruction, and the effective use of technology. He also highlights the need for adaptive teaching and metacognitive strategies to foster independence in learners with SEND. Tune in for practical advice to elevate inclusive practices in schools!

School applications are fast approaching so here's a podcast to help parents and carers choose the right school for their child. Choosing schools can be an overwhelming and emotional time for parents/carers and they might not be sure what to look for or how to compare the pros and cons of different settings. Sometimes the general information shared at open mornings / on school tours does not feel personalised enough to help them to understand if the school might be able to support their child's additional needs. Sarah Billingham joins Dale for this week's episode 'Choosing a school' where we discuss things that need to be taken into consideration and questions to ask when visiting schools. Sarah provides some fantastic advice to help parents/carers make the right decision, at the right time for their children. About Sarah Billingham Sarah Billingham is a specialist teacher, she runs Confident Kids, a unique Early Years service. She equips parents, carers and practitioners with expert knowledge and the practical tools they need to offer their little people the very best communication support they can. Sarah has been working with children with speech and language needs for over 16 years in mainstream and specialist settings. Sarah has recently decided to focus on Confident Kids full time. She most recently ran a multi-disciplinary assessment centre for children with SLCN in the charity sector. In 2020 & 2021 she ran an online focus week for parents and practitioners sharing videos on supporting young children transitioning into school (or back into school following lockdown). Contact Sarah Billingham Website - www.TheSensoryProjects.co.uk Email - www.confidentkids.co Facebook - www.facebook.com/confidentkids.co Useful Links www.facebook.com/groups/ConfidentTransitions

The impact a traumatic event has on a person can be significant and lifelong. The experience is different for each and every person. Alison Knowles joins Dale for today's emotive podcast 'Trauma', which discusses traumatic life events, such as loss, so may be a trigger. We can't change what happened but we can change how we feel about it now. Reliving an event will only take you back to that event time and time again. If we can reframe the emotion that we attach to that event we can stop it hurting us again and again. Alison takes us through how to give a safe space for someone to voice what's going on without judgement. Some great tips we can all takeaway and implement to not only support children through traumatic experiences, but also our friends and family. Listen to find out how to help change the emotions and beliefs following trauma and help them to move on. 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 https://www.facebook.com/OllieandhisSuperPowers https://twitter.com/bemoreollie https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWDj-PRjboIg2cu-KZsEMVA https://www.instagram.com/ollie_and_his_super_powers https://www.ollieandhissuperpowers.com/

Welcome back, hope you had a great Summer and now ready for everything this term brings. The first podcast for this school year starts with 'Let's use technology with students' with Arran Smith. How much tech do you use? It is everywhere in the world, but not in schools. "We still have a 21st century intake of students to a 19th century education system and we haven't really moved on enough." Arran joins Dale to discuss using technology to remove barriers to progress and to help prepare students for their future. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world and when we look at education we need to make sure children use it early on. Listen to find out what free resources you can use in your classroom and how technology can support and empower your students, especially those with SEND. About Arran Smith When Arran was aged 9 he was diagnosed with dyslexia. He uses the metaphor that dyslexia is like going to the dentist, well that's how it was for him all the way until he was 14. This was the age when he realised that dyslexia is a difference, not a disadvantage. During Arran's working life he has worked in many industries. He has worked in youth work, retail business and the not-for-profit sector. Arran has worked within the dyslexia sector for over 15 years. He is chairman of the Leicestershire Dyslexia Association and previously worked and volunteered for the British Dyslexia Association in varied roles. Despite Arran being severely dyslexic Arran uses technology to support his needs and without technology, he would not be doing what he is doing today. Useful Links Virtual SEND Conference - www.virtualsendconference.com The Dyslexia Show (was the 20th and 21st of March 2020, but has been postponed) - www.dyslexiashow.co.uk Contacting Arran Website: www.sendgroup.co.uk Email: arran.smith@sendgroup.co.uk Twitter: @arrandyslexia

We are ending the school year with Joanna Grace who joins Dale to discuss Eating the Senses. Eating is such an emotive subject and the difficulties people with sensory differences have around eating cause enormous stress and upset at home and at school. Listen to understand the sensory components of eating and find out how to support children to ensure the sensory experience isn't so overwhelming. 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 Grace Website - www.TheSensoryProjects.co.uk Email - sensorystory@gmail.com Twitter - @Jo3Grace Facebook - www.Facebook.com/JoannaGraceTSP Useful Links Aside from the obvious, my son's book My Mummy is Autistic, I have a FREE training series on YouTube aimed at mainstream SENCOs (but it has been accessed far more widely than that) that explores issues that crop up in schools around autistic students https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi1RQR58BHnW5LtJfD0Ph-RIH7EhnrP3t My facebook is also a resource for insight into neurodivergence, with the photo albums acting as resource banks: www.facebook.com/JoannaGraceTSP people are welcome to connect with me, and my LinkedIn profile has many free to access articles that I have written on the topic of neurodiversity www.LinkedIn.com/In/JoannaGraceTheSensoryProjects

Anxiety levels have increased and learning practical solutions for decreasing anxiety results in happier, healthier children. Mindfulness is a great tool to use in classrooms to do this by pausing, recognising surroundings and bringing everyone into the present moment. In this week's episode Katie White, Embodied Wellness Practitioner, joins Dale to discuss making mindfulness fun. It doesn't have to be complicated and Katie takes us through: - the benefits of mindfulness - how mindfulness doesn't always need to be about sitting still and focusing on the breath, how it can - be incorporated in play, games and creativity - moving beyond words and into embodiment - cultivating your own playful nature, so you feel confident when playfully supporting children Listen to find out how you can integrate fun mindfulness activities in your classroom. About Katie White Katie is an Embodied Wellness Practitioner and founder of The Best Medicine. She specialises in laughter and playfulness; teaching interactive games, practical strategies and mindfulness based tools that help to reduce stress and anxiety. Contact Katie White Website - https://thebestmedicine.co.uk/ Twitter - @bestmedicine1 Facebook - @bestmedicinecornwall Useful Links Superpower Bootcamp - https://the-best-medicine.teachable.com/p/superpower-bootcamp-intermediate Parenta Blogs - https://www.parenta.com/2021/05/01/a-playful-approach-to-difficult-emotions/