Episodes

  • Effectively Assessing Progress in the Classroom with Jordan

    Effectively Assessing Progress in the Classroom with Jordan
    Jan 9 2025

    Many schools face challenges in demonstrating progress for pupils with SEND, and I know assessment can often feel a bit mundane. However, it’s a crucial aspect of our educational practice, especially as it will remain a key element of Ofsted requirements for the foreseeable.

    In our latest episode, I’m joined by Jordan, an experienced special needs teacher who works in a specialist provision attached to a mainstream school. With 15 years of experience using our assessment software, Connecting Steps by B Squared, Jordan shares her insights on what effective assessment looks like in the classroom and its impact on staff, pupils, and parents alike.

    Jordan highlights the importance of showing the small steps of progress for pupils and the need to adapt assessments to fit individual learners, understanding each child's unique context and experiences.

    Listen to hear practical tips on how to effectively assess in your classroom:

    “Assessment is literally embedded and interwoven into every single decision I make in my classroom.”

    Jordan

    About Jordan

    Jordan is an experienced Specialist Education Teacher in the UK. She shares daily ideas, support and resources to support supporting adults of non-speaking children with SEN.

    Contact Jordan

    https://sensoryclassroom.org/

    https://www.facebook.com/share/z4JM3rfbXWsuw2Kb/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

    https://www.instagram.com/sensoryclass

    https://www.tiktok.com/@sensoryclass

    Useful Links

    Sensory Curriculum

    • 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 3 mins
  • Sensory Uncertainty with Clare Ward and Dr Jamie Galpin

    Sensory Uncertainty with Clare Ward and Dr Jamie Galpin
    Jan 2 2025
    Happy New Year! As we prepare for a new term, I wanted to share the first episode of 2025 with you. In this episode ‘Sensory Uncertainty’, my guests Clare Ward and Dr. Jamie Galpin, Speech and Language Therapist and Developmental Psychologist respectively, provide invaluable insights. They discuss their new book, My Senses Are Like Cups, which uses a compelling metaphor to help listeners understand how sensory experiences impact emotions and behaviour. This engaging metaphor illustrates how our sensory experiences - everything we see, hear, feel, smell, touch, and taste - can be understood as water filling or emptying cups of various sizes. Clare and Jamie emphasise the importance of recognising our internal body sensations (interoceptive sense) and how this awareness can significantly ease school-based anxiety for young people. They also introduce their 3S framework, with sensory uncertainty at its core, highlighting how our senses shape our experiences in the world. Listen now to gain a deeper understanding of how we can support ourselves and those around us in recognising and managing sensory uncertainty. About Clare Ward Clare Ward has been working in the world of SEN for the last 30 years as a teaching assistant, Speech and Language Therapist, specialist social worker, researcher, NHS manager, education advisor and CBT Practitioner. She specialises in working with young people with social communication difficulties, some of whom have a diagnosis of autism. About Dr Jamie Galpin Jamie is a chartered developmental psychologist with over 20 years of experience in inclusion, psychology, innovation, and learning. He builds frameworks around which practice can sit, bringing coherence and connecting disparate or fractured notions and concepts. as a founding member of special networks, Jamie challenges traditional hierarchies of evidence and co-creates solutions for social inequalities as well as addressing universal needs. Clare and Jamie met when they both started working for the same inner London multidisciplinary outreach team – supporting teachers and young people with a diagnosis of autism. NEW BOOK PUBLISHED Clare and Jamie released a new book 'My senses are like cups: What to do when everything feels too much or not enough' in summer 2024. Think about our senses being like cups and everything we see, hear, feel, smell, touch, and taste as we move about is like water going into our cups. Some of our cups might be big and some might be small. Whether big or small, we like it best when our cup is filled enough so that it's just right for us! We are all different. We need just the right amount of information to feel good! Help your child aged 7+ think about, explore and develop ways to manage sensory overload and feeling under stimulated with quirky cartoons that visually illustrate the approach. Sections on each of the eight senses (including your internal 'body signals' like hunger) feature noticing and knowledge-building activities to help kids get their own, unique, senses cups feeling 'just right' for them. Get going on some sensory experiments! Contact Clare & Jamie www.specialnetworks.co.uk hello@specialnetworks.co.uk https://x.com/UniversalSuppo3 Useful Links My Senses Are Like Cups The Anxiety Workbook for Supporting Teens Who Learn Differently 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 5 mins
  • The Power of Relational Practice in an Autism Setting with Beth Elkins & Ian Thorsteinsson

    The Power of Relational Practice in an Autism Setting with Beth Elkins & Ian Thorsteinsson
    Dec 19 2024

    Before announcing the final episode of 2024, I just wanted to say a big heartfelt thank you to you, our wonderful listeners! It has been another remarkable year with 51 episodes recorded, 19 new guest speakers, 100,000 downloads and a nasen award to celebrate our achievements. Thank you for being part of this journey!

    This week, we dive into the concept of relational practice - a powerful approach that emphasises treating others as we wish to be treated, fostering equality, and mutual respect. I'm thrilled to welcome two new guests to the podcast: Beth Elkins, Headteacher, and Ian Thorsteinsson, Executive Principal of Gretton School.

    In this episode, ‘The power of relational practice in an autism setting’, Beth and Ian discuss how changing the culture of a school can support the reduction of behaviours of concern and create a thriving learning environment. They share insights on the essence of relational practice and discuss the implementation.

    Key takeaways include:

    • The significance of shifting away from traditional hierarchical models in education.
    • Strategies for creating a supportive environment that encourages intrinsic motivation.
    • Insights on managing behaviour through understanding rather than punishment.

    Accommodations for autism are not always clear for professionals, listen to this episode to hear how relational practice allows connection, communication and change in the most powerful of ways.

    Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a well-deserved break! I look forward to returning in the New Year with an exciting lineup of guest speakers and more great content.

    About Beth Elkins

    Beth Elkins has worked in SEN for more than 25 years with a breadth of experience of working with learners with unique learning profiles and a need for education to be different. A parent of a young man with PDA, Beth’s passion for specialist education runs through both her personal and professional life,
    with the aim of making a positive difference in the lives of as many young people as possible.

    About Ian Thorsteinsson

    Ian Thorsteinsson joined the Cavendish Group in August 2018. He has a long senior management history in specialist education, particularly in autism schools and services. He has even opened a school for autism in Saudi Arabia. He is passionate about delivering a strong, effective and well resourced provision, which is planned individually, to ensure the best short- through to long-term outcomes.

    Contact Beth

    grettonschool.com

    info@grettonschool.com

    http://Facebook.com/@grettonschool

    http://instagram.com/@grettonschool

    Contact Ian

    • 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 6 mins
  • Why Do So Many Professionals Believe They Are Right? with Tigger Pritchard

    Why Do So Many Professionals Believe They Are Right? with Tigger Pritchard
    Dec 12 2024

    Tigger Pritchard, a neuroaffirming advocate, consultant, and trainer joins Dale in today’s episode to discuss ‘Why do so many professionals believe they are right?’. The discussion delves into why many professionals hold rigid beliefs about autism and the implications this has on neurodivergent individuals and their families.

    Tigger emphasises that while many professionals are well-intentioned, a significant number are stuck using outdated training from decades ago. This can lead to harmful assumptions and practices that negatively impact the lives of autistic individuals.

    In their discussion, Tigger highlights how families often feel dismissed or invalidated by professionals who are unwilling to consider new perspectives and the emotional toll this can take on both parents and children.

    Listen to Tigger’s advice on why we need to listen and learn from each other, with professionals engaging with the autistic community to gain authentic insights and improve practices.

    About Tigger Pritchard

    My name is Tigger Pritchard, awesomely Neurodivergent and passionate about reducing anxiety for all. To help all Neurotypes understand each other, to bridge the Neurodivide.

    Self-Identifying Neurospicy, working with individuals, families, education, cooperate organisations across the UK! Face to face and by Zoom.

    Contact Tigger

    www.tiggerpritchard.com

    tiggertraining@gmail.com

    facebook.com/Neuroaffirming

    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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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Assumptions Around Physical Disabilities with Chloe Plummer

    Assumptions Around Physical Disabilities with Chloe Plummer
    Dec 5 2024
    Two days ago, we celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Dale recently had the pleasure of recording a podcast with Chloe Plummer, she shared her insights on living with cerebral palsy and the ‘Assumptions around physical disabilities’. In our conversation, Chloe explains what cerebral palsy is and shares her personal experiences navigating daily life. She addresses common misconceptions about physical disabilities and emphasises the importance of open dialogue and self-advocacy. Chloe uses a walking frame, she discusses how this impacts her social interactions and encourages listeners to engage with individuals with disabilities without preconceived perceptions. “You should always assume someone can until they disclose otherwise, or ask for help” Chloe Plummer Listen to gain an insight into living with a physical disability and adopting a more inclusive mindset. About Chloe Plummer 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! 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. Contact Chloe www.moveeurope.org.uk contact@moveeurope.org.uk http://x.com/@MOVEprogramme https://x.com/Chloe_Plummer_ http://facebook.com/@MOVEprogramme https://www.instagram.com/chloe_plummer_95/ https://uk.linkedin.com/in/chloeplummer Useful Links Chloe's blog 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
  • Emotional Regulation Resources for SEND with Kerry Thalia

    Emotional Regulation Resources for SEND with Kerry Thalia
    Nov 28 2024

    The results of a recent study on the widely used Zones of Regulation have come as quite a shock to many in education. Despite its widespread use, the evidence does not seem to support the use of Zones of Regulation, especially with students with SEND.

    In today’s episode we dive into the implications of this new research with Kerry Thalia discussing ‘Emotional Regulation Resources for SEND.’ Emotional regulation is a critical aspect of working with children and young people, significantly impacting their ability to access other areas of education. However, the literature review by Mason et al. in 2023 raises important questions about the use of Zones of Regulation with SEND students.

    One of the key concerns is the use of colours to label and categorise emotions and states. In the SEND context, colours often have different meanings in various areas, which can be confusing for the child or young person.

    Additionally, the Zones of Regulation approach does not seem to provide adequate support for the adults working with these students. In contrast, research from CASEL (The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning), suggests that supporting the adults can have positive effects on the students as well.

    Understanding our own emotions and emotional states can be challenging as adults. Expecting children, especially those with SEND, to identify and regulate their emotions using a colour-coded system may not be the most effective approach. Join us for this thought-provoking discussion!

    About Kerry Thalia

    Kerry is an Autistic ADHD business owner who works to close the gap between
    research and practical teaching in classrooms by creating resources that
    support SEND children and young people access learning, communication and
    play. She has experience working in specialist and mainstream schools as well
    as directly with families.

    Contact Kerry

    discoverinclusion.co.uk/

    info@discoverinclusion.co.uk

    http://x.com/@DiscoverIncl

    Useful Links

    Bumper Book of Creative Learning

    Access to Academic Learning Conference (October 2024)

    Discover Inclusion Training

    Zones of Regulation

    Mason et al study

    CASEL guide on schoolwide SEL

    • 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.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Time Saving Tips for SENCOs with Ginny Bootman

    Time Saving Tips for SENCOs with Ginny Bootman
    Nov 21 2024
    SENCOs have a notoriously busy role spinning many plates. Ginny Bootman, a SENCO working across four schools, joins Dale in this episode ‘Time saving tips for SENCOs’ to provide insights on how to work smarter, not harder. “We want to actually be with the children, so by saving time in other ways, we get to spend more time with them, which is what it's all about.” Ginny Bootman Here are some highlights from our conversation: Maximising efficiency: Ginny’s experience of going paperless, which allows her to access vital information anytime, anywhere - essential for managing multiple schools.Tech tips: The benefits of using dual monitors for increased productivity, and how organising your digital files can save you time in the long run.Email management: Strategies for keeping your inbox organised with rules and folders, as well as the importance of using unread and flagged email search folders.Note-taking techniques: How live notetaking in meetings can enhance transparency and streamline your workflow. Whether you're a seasoned SENCO or just starting in the role, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you reclaim your time and enhance your effectiveness. About Ginny Bootman I have been a teacher longer than I haven't, as a Headteacher, Senior Manager and Class Teacher and now as a SENCO of 2 Primary schools in Northamptonshire. My passion lies within all things concerned with empathy and the role which empathy plays in ensuring that all of those in school settings feel valued and listened to. I am an Associate of Undiscovered Country a team who help individuals manage change. Contact Ginny www.ginnybootman.com ginnybootman10@gmail.com https://x.com/sencogirl Want to hear more from Ginny? Ginny joined Dale live in our studio to present 2 CPD training sessions: 1. Making meetings work: for children; parents; SENCOs and schools 2. How SENCOs working across more than 1 school can benefit: children; parents; schools and SENCOs Register your place now for just £10 per session which can be shared with your whole school. Useful Links Ginny's Book - Independent Thinking on Being a SENDCO: 113 tips for building relationships, saving time and changing lives https://amzn.eu/d/b373B4P 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
  • I’m Bipolar, But Don’t Call Me Crazy with Catrina Lowri

    I’m Bipolar, But Don’t Call Me Crazy with Catrina Lowri
    Nov 14 2024

    **Please note this podcast covers sensitive topics, including suicide, and carries a trigger warning.**

    Psychosis, hallucinating, depression, mania…..did you know these are all symptoms of bipolar disorder? Living with this condition can be terrifying, not just for those who experience it, but also for their family and friends.

    Catrina Lowri joins Dale today for a candid discussion on her journey with bipolar ‘I’m bipolar, but don’t call me crazy’. Catrina starts by explaining what bipolar is and the profound impact it has had throughout her life, from her studies and career to her experiences with fertility treatment. The conversation delves into the complexities of medication management. Catrina outlines her struggles with various medications, highlighting the importance of finding the right treatment plan while managing side effects and the impact on daily life.

    “I don't want to not be bipolar; I just don't want it to scare the living daylights out of me.”

    Catrina Lowri

    Don’t miss this insightful episode that sheds light on the realities of living with bipolar.

    About Catrina Lowri

    Catrina is a neurodivergent former SENCO and Advisory Teacher with a dual diagnosis of bipolar and dyslexia. She created her company; Neuroteachers to support schools and businesses with simple solutions to improve Neuro-inclusion.

    Contact Catrina

    www.neuroteachers.com

    catrina@neuroteachers.com

    @neuroteachers

    Useful Links

    Neurodivergent Teachers Network:

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001669034065988

    • 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 14 mins