The SENDcast

Dale Pickles
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The SENDcast

The SENDcast is a weekly podcast focusing on Special Educational Needs, it is an amazing way to keep up to date with all the different areas within SEN, best practices and to improve your knowledge around SEND.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Reflections On How To Promote Positive Mental Health For SENCOs with Angela Scott

    The current Ofsted inspection frameworks acknowledge the vital responsibility educational leaders have for the wellbeing of their staff. However, anecdotal evidence from SENCOs in schools and settings suggests they are at particular risk of poor mental health, and that increasing workload over the pandemic has exacerbated this. Angela Scott, Regional Lead for SEND, joins Dale again to discuss ‘Reflections on how to promote positive mental health for SENCOs’. Angela tells us that gaining an awareness of the risks and protective factors linked to the role of SENCO is necessary to ensure stability and job-satisfaction within this important workforce. Angela discusses: What is mental health? International and national research. Mental health in times of crisis; for example, during a pandemic: current research. Mental health risks and protective factors for SENCOs Strategies for promoting positive mental health for SENCOs. Listen in for a deeper understanding of mental health and to discover practical strategies that can empower SENCOs to fulfil their leadership roles in SEND while protecting their own mental well-being.   About Angela Scott Angela Scott is the Regional Lead for SEND for the Eastern Partnership UK (SEND) and is programme lead for the National Award for SEN Coordination, Advanced SENCO and SENCOs as Leaders Awards. She is steering the development of the SLCN and SEMH level 4 qualifications and is author of the transformative audit and planning tool known as aptGO; designed to help schools work within Ofsted judgements Good and Outstanding. She is a member of a number of national working groups for SEND and has created and delivered the professional development programme for the introduction of SENCOs into Hong Kong primary and secondary schools.     Contact Angela www.easternpartnership.co.uk www.regionalsendforum.co.uk Easternp.send@hertsforlearning.co.uk    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.

    1h 16m

  2. 31 OCT

    It's Not The What It's The Why! with Alison Knowles

    Alison Knowles, Emotional Therapist, joins me today to discuss ‘it’s not the what, it’s the why’. Alison tells us that assumptions often arise when we focus solely on behaviour, leading to a lack of understanding. “Actually getting to the root of what's going on rather than focusing on the bit that isn't going to change.” Alison Knowles Alison emphasises that all behaviour serves a purpose, but merely focusing on the behaviour itself won't lead to real change. Instead, it’s essential to understand why individuals engage in certain behaviours. This approach shifts our focus from symptoms to the underlying emotions and motivations that drive those actions. She pointed out that children often resort to negative behaviours to gain attention, especially if they feel overlooked when they are behaving well. It's crucial for parents and caregivers to recognise this pattern and provide attention and validation in positive ways. Listen to this discussion to find out the importance of understanding emotional motivations behind behaviours and the necessity for effective communication and supportive parenting.   About Alison Knowles Ali is a practising emotional therapist, author of the Ollie and his Super Powers series of books, public speaker 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.    We recognise the uniqueness and individuality of every client we see.  We know they don’t fit in boxes and that labels can be very generic.    We don’t take months and months to help you move on, Ollie Coaches encourage you to take charge by empowering you with our skill sets so that you can make the changes that will make all the difference to make the difference at a pace that is right for you.    We believe you have everything you need inside you.  We show you how to access your immense knowledge and skills so that you can be in control of your emotions rather than being controlled by them.    You can contact me if:  you, a member of your family, a staff member or a child in your school needs 1-2-1 emotional resilience support to overcome a limiting belief, fear or phobia, a habit you would rather not have or an emotion that is making decisions for you.    you are interested in having us run an introductory Ollie workshop for your group, team or staff.    you need help with conflict resolution, change management, communication breakdowns.    if you would like more information about having an Ollie Coach in your school or having staff trained in the Ollie Model  you would like to find out more about becoming an Ollie Coach and joining Ollie’s Army.    Ollie is currently active in the corporate world, schools, universities alternative provision, foster and adoption.    Contact Alison https://x.com/bemoreollie www.ollieandhisuperpowers.com Ali@subconquest.co.uk info@ollieandhissuperpowers.com https://www.facebook.com/OllieandhisSuperPowers https://www.instagram.com/ollie_and_his_super_powers   Useful Links YouTube channel    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.

    1h 4m

  3. 24 OCT

    Alternative Provision with Veena Virahsammy

    Alternative Provision (AP) can often look ‘fluffy’ from the outside, leading to misconceptions about its true purpose. To clarify and raise awareness, Veena Virahsammy joins me to give her insight on ‘Alternative Provision’. After her son faced exclusion from school, Veena established her own AP to support him and others in similar circumstances. In our conversation, she shares her experiences launching this initiative and emphasises the vital role that AP plays in education. “All I was fighting for was for my son to have a full-time education”. Veena Virahsammy Over the past two years Veena’s Alternative Provision has grown and she now works with 30 children in 28 schools. Listen to this podcast to understand: The definition of Alternative Provision How it’s more than daycare The challenges and realities Collaboration with schools The importance of purposeful learning Veena's insights shed light on the complexities surrounding alternative provision and the need for a collaborative approach to better support students. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding each child's unique circumstances and addressing unmet needs.   About Veena Virahsammy ✨ Meet Veena: a former award-winning radio presenter and YouTube marketing consultant who pivoted her career to become a qualified clinical hypnotherapist. In 2022, after her son was unlawfully suspended from his mainstream secondary school, she founded Oxford Creators – an alternative education provision dedicated to empowering children aged 8-18 at risk of exclusion or not attending school due to anxiety, mental health challenges, or special educational needs. Veena passionately shares her journey and highlights the hidden struggles within the education system on her social media @mumtomillionaire, the name of her podcast. Join her mission to redefine the narrative for misunderstood children.   Contact Veena @mumtomillionaire www.oxfordcreators.co.uk hello@oxfordcreators.co.uk @mumtomillionaire     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.

    1 hr

  4. 17 OCT

    SEND Parent Partnerships with Danise B. Grant

    Parents of SEND children face numerous challenges, including feeling unheard, overwhelmed, and stressed when trying to get their child’s needs met. They often find themselves at loggerheads with institutions, grappling with systemic failures such as inconsistencies across local authorities, the postcode lottery, and the inadequacies of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). As Danise Grant aptly states, “It shouldn't be such an uphill battle for people to get what they need.” In this episode, ‘SEND Parent Partnerships’, Danise joins Dale to share her unique perspective as a former teacher, local authority SEND panel member and SEND parent. This multifaceted experience allows her to understand the complexities of the SEND system and to assist parents in developing advocacy skills to achieve the best outcomes for their children. We also discuss the challenging tripartite relationship between local authorities, parents, and schools, exploring how issues of race and disability intersect in this context. Danise highlights the stigma often faced by families, as well as the critical need for genuine inclusion and thoughtful consideration in educational settings. Danise is dedicated to empowering parents, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the system confidently and effectively.   About Danise B. Grant Danise B. Grant, an former secondary teacher, turned SEND Advocate and educator. She is the founder of Panda's Tree, the UK's pioneering organisation dedicated to advocating for, educating about, and supporting the Black Down syndrome community; and one of the partnering members of the Black Child: Down syndrome Project. She has over 2 decades in various educational settings including adult literacy, TESOL, and secondary education both private and public. However, it was her experience as a mother of a child with special needs and disability; that reignited her passion for advocacy and social justice. Her current mission, SEND Parent Partnerships, revolves around championing inclusion and diversity within educational institutions where she works collaboratively with parents and institutions to get the best outcomes for their children with SEND who require special educational support. Additionally, she serves as a judicial official and a key member of a local authority SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) panel. More recently she started a podcast The SEND Sisterhood with another SEND mum; where they seek to expose some hard truths as well as the joys of SEND parenting.   Contact Danise danisebgrant@gmail.com   Useful Links The SEND Sisterhood podcast    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.

    1h 7m

  5. 10 OCT

    Dyslexia Myth Busting with Louise Selby

    This Dyslexia Awareness Week (7-13 October), we are excited to share our latest podcast episode featuring dyslexia specialist Louise Selby! We tackle some of the most common myths surrounding dyslexia, shedding light on the misunderstandings that persist in education and beyond. There’s a significant debate about whether dyslexia even exists, and it’s concerning that many educators and parents still lack a clear understanding of this condition. A shared understanding could lead to better support for students, ultimately focusing on providing high-quality teaching. In this episode, we debunk 10 Myths about Dyslexia, including: Dyslexics see letters move on the page and reverse letters Dyslexia friendly teaching means using coloured paper and overlays Dyslexia is linked to intelligence Good readers can't have dyslexia If you just knuckle down and work a bit harder it’ll go away Anyone who has the money to pay for a private assessment can get the label Dyslexia means you get extra time in exams Reading and spelling intervention for dyslexics is different and requires specialist training All dyslexics are creative and visual thinkers All dyslexics are good at seeing the bigger picture and thinking outside the box Listen to this enlightening conversation that demystifies dyslexia and empowers educators and parents alike. Together, we can create a more supportive environment for all learners!   About Louise Selby Louise worked as a specialist advisory teacher in Hertfordshire Local Authority for 11 years, where she gained extensive experience in training teaching assistants and SENCOs in meeting the needs of learners with specific learning difficulties. Before this, Louise worked as a class teacher and SENCO in the primary sector and also as a teacher of learners with English as an Additional Language. She now works freelance in advising, training and supporting schools as well as assessing for specific learning difficulties (dyslexia). Louise’s interest is in enabling and equipping staff in schools at grass roots level to meet learners’ needs. , and she is currently writing her next two books for the same publisher, called All About Dyslexia.   Contact Louise https://x.com/louiseselby21 http://www.louiseselbydyslexia.com louise@louiseselbydyslexia   Useful Links Access Arrangements blog Visual skills checklist, Dyslexia definitions & fact sheet   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.

    56 min

  6. 3 OCT

    Autism: My Personal Experiences and Advice for Professionals with Joe Fautley

    We're excited to announce that in this week’s episode of the SENDcast, we welcome Joe Fautley to share his invaluable insights in “Autism: My Personal Experiences and Advice for Professionals.” In this open and honest discussion, Joe offers a unique perspective as a young adult growing up and living on the Autism Spectrum. He shares his personal journey, highlighting the needs, strengths, achievements, challenges, and aspirations of children and young people with SEND. Joe's experience as an Autism advocate shapes his approach to making education more accessible and comfortable for students with autism. He currently works at the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) and plays a vital role as co-chair of the NCB Staff Disability and Neurodiversity Network, empowering colleagues with disabilities and neurodiversity. Joe highlights four important discussion points: Don’t underestimate anxiety: triggers and the powerful impact of anxiety on daily life. Allow time to process information: interpreting language, information overload and filtering everything that’s being said. Autistic Fatigue and Burnout: pressures of everyday life, and processing it, can lead to exhaustion. Avoid making assumptions: encourages professionals to avoid making assumptions about autistic students’ needs and experiences. Joe shares practical tips across four key areas of difference: language use, flexible thinking, social interaction, and sensory processing—tools essential for supporting autistic students throughout their education. Join us for this enlightening conversation that aims to enhance understanding and support for autistic individuals in educational settings.   About Joe Fautley I’m an Autistic person who also has Dyspraxia and anxiety. Over many years, I have been involved in various projects which enable Autistic people to have a voice in decision making and make a positive impact on society. I’m passionate about raising awareness and understanding of Autism and wider neurodiversity. I’m passionate about using my voice and lived experiences to be a positive role model and help inspire and support others. For example, I use my platform on Twitter @JoeFautley to share my personal experiences and help spread awareness, acceptance and understanding of Autism across the wider SEND and education community. I have many years’ experiences of various advocacy and media work including featuring in videos, co-delivering national SEND training to hundreds of professionals across England and speaking at conferences.   Contact Joe https://x.com/JoeFautley joefautley@outlook.com   Useful Links Article for SEN Magazine (2024) Article for NASEN Connect Magazine (2023) Interview with SENDIASS North Yorkshire (2022) Joe's solo video published by the NHS (2021) Group video Joe is featured in published by the NHS (2021) Presentation from NASEN Live Conference (2021)   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.

    59 min

  7. 26 SEPT

    Why Movement Matters with Chloe Plummer

    Many of us take everyday tasks for granted, like standing up from a chair. However, for individuals with physical disabilities and complex needs, this simple act can be a significant challenge that not everyone can accomplish independently…yet. This week, we delve into the crucial role of functional movement in the lives of children with physical disabilities and complex needs. Our guest, Chloe Plummer from MOVE Europe, discusses ‘Why movement matters- the importance of providing functional Movement Opportunities Via Education’. She tells us how their innovative programme empowers children by developing essential skills such as sitting, standing, and walking. Chloe shares her personal experiences and insights on how tailored movement education can ensure individuals with physical disabilities are able to live fulfilling and independent lives. “With those motivations and the right attitude and approach, they can achieve some amazing things”. Chloe Plummer During our discussion Chloe covers: The significance of setting meaningful goals that resonate with each child's interests. Real-life success stories that illustrate the impact of functional movement. Insights into overcoming barriers and misconceptions about what children can achieve. The importance of integrating movement opportunities throughout the educational day. Listen to gain valuable perspectives on promoting independence through movement.   About Chloe Plummer MOVE Europe are a small charity working with over 160 special schools in the UK, enabling children with physical disabilities and complex needs to gain independent movement skills through the MOVE Programme. Our vision is for every disabled young person to have choice and opportunities by learning independent movement. We work towards this by training education and therapy professionals in the MOVE Programme and providing ongoing support so that they can achieve the best outcomes possible for the disabled young people they support. Chloe Plummer is the Events and Programme Coordinator (South) at MOVE Europe and is responsible for supporting both new and existing schools in the South of the country on their MOVE journey. Chloe has a background working with various disability organisations both locally and nationally over the last 8 years. As a result of her own lived experience of physical disability Chloe has a real passion for improving outcomes for all disabled people and also has first hand experience of the importance of providing movement opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities ensuring they are able to live fulfilled and independent lives. Chloe combines her experience and passion in her role at MOVE and is excited to be speaking on the SEND Cast!   Contact Chloe https://x.com/MOVEprogramme moveeurope.org.uk contact@moveeurope.org.uk   Useful Links MOVE Conference 2024   Vote for B Squared at the Education Today Awards: https://educationtodayawards.co.uk/vote/   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.

    48 min

  8. 19 SEPT

    Reconstructing the Students' Brain using The Person-Centred Approach to Learning with Dr Susie Nyman

    All students benefit from personalised learning. By empowering them in a person-centred manner, they can engage openly with educators, making essential connections between subject content and their own experiences. This approach enhances their ability to remember and recall key information for future examinations. We're thrilled to welcome back Dr. Susie Nyman in this week’s episode for another engaging discussion on personalisation and the person-centred approach for SEND students. Her insights are rooted in her work at The Sixth Form College, Farnborough, including her involvement with the Thursday Dyslexia Club. In her conversation with Dale (and Percy Pig), Susie covers the following key topics: Empowerment and power Empathy and compassion Respect and dignity Providing choice and autonomy Respecting the individual’s values and preferences Participation Independence Control Additionally, Susie shares strategies and solutions tailored to various students and subjects, drawn from her classroom experiences. The discussion focuses on aligning personal needs, goals, and aspirations with real-world contexts, ensuring that learning is both meaningful and accessible.   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 Susie https://x.com/DrSusieNyman drnymanconsultancy.co.uk drsusienyman@drnymanconsultancy.co.uk   Useful Links Slide handout Teaching students from the inside out - podcast  Inclusive Learner Cocktails - podcast   Student Icebergs - podcast    Vote for B Squared at the Education Today Awards: https://educationtodayawards.co.uk/vote/   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 you

    1h 36m
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About

The SENDcast is a weekly podcast focusing on Special Educational Needs, it is an amazing way to keep up to date with all the different areas within SEN, best practices and to improve your knowledge around SEND.

Information

  • Creator
    Dale Pickles
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    230
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © B Squared Ltd.
  • Show Website
    The SENDcast

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