Episodes

  • Life's Ups and Downs of Having or Not Having a Special Needs Assessment with Dr Susie Nyman

    Life's Ups and Downs of Having or Not Having a Special Needs Assessment with Dr Susie Nyman
    Feb 6 2025
    In recent years, we have seen increasing requests for diagnoses related to autism, dyslexia, and other neurodiverse conditions. Often parents may feel that having a diagnosis is a golden ticket to access support, but this is merely a step in a long journey of understanding and support. Dr Susie Nyman joins Dale in the studio to discuss ‘Life's ups and downs of having or not having a special educational needs assessment’, bringing her wealth of experience as a teacher and curriculum manager for Health and Social Care at Farnborough Sixth Form College. She highlights the emotional complexities parents face when deciding whether to pursue an assessment, including concerns about stigma and the impact of labels. Susie elaborates on neurodiversity, explaining that it recognises neurological differences as valid human variations. She notes that specific learning difficulties (SpLD) affect how information is processed and can present across various abilities. The conversation touches on the potential strengths of neurodiverse individuals, such as unique problem-solving abilities and creativity. Susie stresses the importance of creating supportive environments for neurodiverse students, emphasising that challenges often arise from mismatches between individuals and their surroundings rather than the individuals themselves. Susie advocates for understanding each student's unique needs and finding strategies that work for them. 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 drnymanconsultancy.co.uk https://x.com/DrSusieNyman drsusienyman@drnymanconsultancy.co.uk Useful Links Listen to Susie's other podcasts 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.
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • nasen awards - Eugene Dwaah, Highly commended changemaker of the year

    nasen awards - Eugene Dwaah, Highly commended changemaker of the year
    Feb 4 2025

    The podcast features Eugene Dwaah, who was highly commended for his work in the ‘Change Maker of the Year’ category. He discusses his innovative approach to education, focusing on holistic development through sports and addressing social inequality and youth violence.

    Eugene emphasises the importance of engagement and belonging for young people, particularly those facing adversity. His initiatives at Dagenham's future youth scene have significantly improved school attendance, demonstrating the positive impact of his methods.

    He shares his personal journey, including overcoming trauma after losing his mother at 15, and how influential teachers and mentors guided him. Eugene transitioned from a career in football to education, aiming to create an inclusive environment for students who struggle in traditional schools.

    He highlights the unique facilities and low staff-to-student ratios in his program, which foster a supportive atmosphere. Eugene believes in the power of relatable educators who share their own experiences to connect with students and motivate them to pursue their potential.

    About Eugene

    Eugene, the driving force behind Evolution Sports Group, has a diverse background that uniquely positions him to understand the challenges faced by disadvantaged youth. His career has spanned various sectors, including education, community development, and professional sports. As a head of behaviour and engagement in an inner-city school, he gained valuable insights into the systemic issues that can limit young people's potential. Subsequently, he served as a community development manager for Genesis housing association, further deepening his understanding of the social and economic barriers faced by marginalised communities. Eugene's passion for sports led him to join Fulham Football Club as Head of Recruitment. Drawing on his extensive experience, he founded Evolution Sports Group to provide a platform for young people in alternative provision settings to develop their skills, build confidence, and pursue their dreams through sports.

    About the nasen awards

    The nasen awards celebrate outstanding contributions to the education and support of children and young people with SEND. These annual awards recognise individuals, schools, and organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusive education and the advancement of SEND practices.

    nasen is a charitable organisation that supports children and young people with SEND. nasen's goals include Influencing government policy, providing information, training and resources to support practitioners and contributing to the debate and effecting change to improve outcomes for children and young people.

    Contact Eugene

    https://evolution-education.com/

    Useful Links

    nasen website

    nasen events and CPD

    nasen live conference

    nasen Awards 2025

    • 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.
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    35 mins
  • The Power of Language with our SEND Kids with Ali Fanshawe

    The Power of Language with our SEND Kids with Ali Fanshawe
    Jan 30 2025
    “CALM DOWN!” “I’ve already asked you THREE times to put your shoes on!” “How dare you talk to me like that!” Do you ever find yourself standing at the bottom of the stairs, hollering at your child? Or perhaps you’re dealing with a child who is sobbing hysterically while you're racing against the clock for work. We all carry 'core scripts' learned during our childhood, which influence our daily interactions with our children. It often feels natural to use familiar phrases and tones from our own upbringing. But do these phrases really work? Being a parent or educator is hard. But being a SEN parent or educator is relentless. A few years ago, this was the experience of Ali Fanshawe. Ali couldn’t understand why she was struggling to deal with her children’s ‘fizzy moments’ in a more compassionate way. In today’s episode Ali joins Dale to discuss ‘The power of language with our SEND kids’. Ali tells us that it is critical to accept that our SEN kids need a different form of communication and interaction in order to support them. Adopting a new parenting language can radically transform family dynamics and help calm the chaos at home or in a classroom. It’s about re-learning the way we talk to and interact with our kids so that we’re being the parents and teachers they need us to be, not the ones we were taught to be. Listen to discover tools and strategies to use that can ease the pressure at home and school. About Ali Fanshawe Ali founded FizzyKids in 2018, having left the corporate world to become a full time Parent Carer to her two adopted kids with special needs. Frustrated by the lack of practical resources on parenting her children, she set out to re-learn her parenting approaches and in doing so created a new parenting language which she is now sharing with other parents in the hope that it helps transform family and classroom dynamics. Contact Ali www.fizzykids.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/@thefizzykids https://www.instagram.com/thefizzykids/ Useful Links https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stop-Telling-Your-Kids-CALM/dp/1036900746 Ali has recently released a new book 'How to stop telling your kids to calm down (and why it doesn't work anyway)'. Ali Fanshawe has been on a journey to better understand and parent her two adopted kids with additional needs. Her work has led to a realisation that you have ‘core scripts’ learnt during your childhood, that are embedded in the day-to-day language you use when you parent your kids. 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.
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • nasen awards - Adam Millichip, Innovative Technology in the Field of Inclusion

    nasen awards - Adam Millichip, Innovative Technology in the Field of Inclusion
    Jan 28 2025

    In this podcast, Adam Millichip discusses Tettenhall Wood School’s achievement of winning the Innovative Technology in the Field of Inclusion award. The school's podcasting initiative aims to teach communication, social skills, and computing while promoting acceptance and awareness among autistic students.

    Since its launch in May 2021, the podcast has produced over 100 episodes featuring notable guests, including sports figures and celebrities, and has garnered significant attention, even appearing on BBC News. Adam emphasises the growth of the podcast beyond initial expectations, highlighting its impact on both the students involved and the wider community.

    He notes that the podcast has become a rite of passage for older students, with younger students eager to participate as they progress through the school. The podcast serves as a platform for skill development, teaching students essential techniques for effective communication. Overall, the initiative has fostered confidence and engagement among the students while raising awareness in the community.

    Contact Adam

    amillichip@aatrust.co.uk

    www.twssportspodcast.co.uk

    x.com/TWSSportsPod

    www.facebook.com/groups/168443441902250

    Useful Links

    nasen website

    nasen events and CPD

    nasen live conference

    nasen Awards 2025

    • 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.
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    32 mins
  • Sleep Neurodiversity and Learning Disability with Dr Jill McGarry

    Sleep Neurodiversity and Learning Disability with Dr Jill McGarry
    Jan 23 2025
    Getting to sleep can be challenging for some, often leading to hours spent trying to unwind before finally drifting off. Improving sleep is crucial – not just for children and young people, but also for their parents, families, friends, classmates, teachers, and communities as a whole. Dr Jill McGarry, consultant clinical psychologist and sleep expert, joins me in today’s episode to discuss ‘Sleep, Neurodiversity and Learning Disability’. With over 28 years’ experience around sleep, Jill discusses: Sleep Challenges: How neurodiverse individuals and those with learning disabilities often experience significant sleep difficulties.Understanding Differences: How sleep experiences can vary widely among individuals and the need for personalised sleep strategies, as generic advice may not be effective.Research: Recent advancements in sleep research, focusing on how understanding brain function and sleep mechanisms can help tailor solutions for different individuals.Sleep Hygiene: How light, heat, routine, nutrients and sound impact sleep, with practical advice to create a conducive sleep environment. Tune in to gain a better understanding of sleep, including the science behind it and some eye-opening (or should that be shutting?) insights! About Dr Jill McGarry Jill is a Clinical Psychologist with 28 years of NHS experience in psychological support for people with mental health issues. Throughout this work Jill has supported many people how have had sleep problems. This led Jill to complete both the sleep masterclass at Oxford University’s SCNI and the 3-day training course with Sleep Unlimited as well as weekly taking part in the BSM international sleep seminars chaired by Arizona University .She is a member of the British Sleep Society and has supported the Sleep Charity develop a programme. From this she has built up a wealth of knowledge and experience at improving sleep for several client groups, including setting up a reasonable adjustment sleep apnoea clinic for Greater Manchester. Currently Jill runs a private practice for improving sleep. Over the past two years Jill has carried out numerous sleep awareness courses for wellbeing teams in NHS trusts and ICBs; schools/ college forums;  counselling organisations; care and respite home managers; More specifically she has provided two bespoke training sessions for UCLH NHS Trust on learning disability and neurodiversity, co-facilitated a national conference on sleep & SEND and presented a webinar nationally for Autism Hears. Recently Jill has advised Baywater and NHS England on a project to develop materials for people with sleep apnea and reasonable adjustments. Contact Jill www.sleepbetterdoctor.co.uk info@sleepbetterdoctor.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jill-mcgarry 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.
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    59 mins
  • SENsible25 conference preview with Abigail Hawkins

    SENsible25 conference preview with Abigail Hawkins
    Jan 22 2025
    The SENsible SENCO, Abigail Hawkins joins Dale for a podcast special episode highlighting what’s on at the SENsible25 SENCO conference on 14th February in Nottingham - and why you should be there! Abigail shares details on her second annual conference dedicated to helping SENCOs including; a conference overview, networking opportunities, speaker line up and interactive sessions. “SENsible25 has a theme of ‘all in the room’, so we're all going to be in the room again together. But we also have a sub theme this year. It's about assessment and identification because that's where SEN starts.” Abigail Hawkins, The SENsible SENCO This event brings together exhibitors, speakers, and SENCOs around the same tables. Join us for a day filled with engaging sessions, laughs and a few moments of realisation, led by experts in Special Educational Needs (SEN), where knowledge is shared and connections are made. From sensory needs to identifying speech and language needs in EAL students, we invite you to be part of this fun filled community day where everyone learns from each other. About Abigail Hawkins Abigail Hawkins is a passionate and seasoned SENCO with over 25 years of experience. She is the dynamic force behind SENDCOSolutions and SENsible SENCO CIC. Through her SEN consultancy and not-for-profit networking support group, she champions inclusive education and offers invaluable support to educators and schools across the spectrum. Having taught a diverse range of subjects to students of all ages, from toddlers to adults, Abigail has a versatile and practical approach to SEN issues. In addition to her consultancy work, she collaborates with software and product companies to create innovative tools for SEN and Safeguarding purposes, develops and delivers teaching assistant apprenticeship and master’s degree programs, and has authored several books and resources on SEN and exclusions. With her no-nonsense, hands-on approach, Abigail continues to make a significant difference in the lives of countless students, educators, and schools. She remains unwavering in her commitment to promote inclusive education. Contact Abigail Website – www.sendcosolutions.co.uk www.sensiblesenco.org.uk Email – enquiries@sendcosolutions.co.uk Twitter – @sendcosolutions Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sensiblesenco Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SENsibleSENCO 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.
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    22 mins
  • nasen awards - Paul Willis, Secondary Provision of the Year

    nasen awards - Paul Willis, Secondary Provision of the Year
    Jan 21 2025

    In this special episode, Paul Willis discusses All Saints Catholic School in Essex, which recently won the Secondary Provision of the Year award at the nasen awards. The school is recognised for its commitment to inclusive education and its "No Child Left Behind" philosophy, ensuring all students, including those with special educational needs, have access to learning.

    Paul outlines a staff action research project aimed at raising awareness of students facing barriers to learning, with over 50 staff members participating. The school employs various strategies to celebrate student achievements and has introduced new initiatives for sixth form students.

    Paul emphasises the importance of prioritising student support, highlighting the collaborative culture among staff, including teaching, support, and kitchen staff, all dedicated to student well-being. He discusses the school's inclusive practices, such as tailored interventions for social skills and academic support.

    The conversation also touches on the role of communication with parents, the significance of building rapport, and the need for a whole-school approach to inclusion. Paul advocates for continuous improvement and learning from other schools, ensuring that inclusive practices are embedded in the school's ethos and curriculum.

    Contact Paul

    pwillis@allsaintsschool.co.uk

    www.allsaintsschool.co.uk

    x.com/allsaintscsch

    www.facebook.com/allsaintscsch/

    Useful Links

    nasen website

    nasen events and CPD

    nasen live conference

    nasen Awards 2025

    • 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.
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    26 mins
  • Creating an SEMH Inclusive School with Clare Williams

    Creating an SEMH Inclusive School with Clare Williams
    Jan 16 2025
    The social and emotional development, mental health, and wellbeing of children have become critical issues, with a crisis now widely recognised. NHS Digital reports that 1 in 5 children face mental health challenges, and we continue to see alarming rates of exclusions and suspensions, even in primary schools. It’s clear that a strategic approach to prioritising children's social and emotional literacy, health, and wellbeing is essential for school improvement and positive outcomes. In this episode, Clare Williams, author and creator from Hamish & Milo Wellbeing Resources discusses ‘Creating an SEMH inclusive school’, highlighting the pressing need for schools to adopt practices that foster social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) support for ALL students, not just those with SEND. Hamish & Milo advocate for inclusive, relational practices while ensuring that staff have access to evidence-based resources, qualitative CPD training, impact measurement tools, and opportunities for collaboration with parents. Clare focuses on the 8 Public Health England Principles to promote a whole school approach: Leadership and managementEthos and environmentCurriculum and teaching and learningEnabling student voiceStaff developmentIdentifying need and monitoring impactTargeted supportWorking with parents and carers About Clare Williams Clare is a primary teacher, educational psychotherapist, author, speaker and advocate for children’s mental health and wellbeing. Clare has worked in primary schools, mental health and education provision and within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). She has led on national initiatives for local authorities as the Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) Consultant, leading on training, curriculum implementation and development as well as the local coordination of the National PSHE CPD programme. Clare was co-author and co-creator of Jigsaw PSHE, a Senior Trainer and Supervisor for Trauma Informed Schools (TISUK) and is an Adviser for the Optimus Education Wellbeing Award. She is the author of Hamish & Milo Wellbeing Resources. Contact Clare https://hamishandmilo.org/ clare@hamishandmilo.org https://x.com/hamishandmilo http://www.facebook.com/hamishandmilo/ Useful Links Research report on the impact of Hamish and Milo Families Together – ten week programme Navigator Digital Dashboard and software Level 3 Accredited CPD -Voyager: Wellbeing in Education Award 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.
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    56 mins