Parenting is one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys we can embark on. As a parent of a 10-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son, I’m navigating this rollercoaster and learning along the way. For neurodivergent parents, there’s often the added worry of balancing the past, present, and future. Appointments, meeting our child's needs, and information overwhelm can feel like a heavy weight to carry.

In our latest episode, Dale speaks with Kate Steer, a neurodivergent family coach and educational consultant. Kate shares her valuable insights on parenting neurodivergent children, emphasising:

• The importance of strong relationships
• Focusing on the present moment
• Flexible parenting and adapting approaches as children grow
• The significance of proactive planning
• Encouraging children to advocate for themselves

This uplifting discussion offers practical strategies for all parents, especially those navigating similar challenges.

“The greatest thing we can do is focus on our child that's standing in front of us today.”

Kate Steer

Whether you have already finished the school year, about to or only have a few days left, I wanted to say have a lovely well-deserved break this summer! I hope you can enjoy some downtime! New episodes will continue to go live over the summer with topics including oracy, safeguarding and literacy.

View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

• Studied child psychology and education at university

• Taught for 15 years in London schools

• Supported neurodivergent/SEND children for over 20 years both in and out of school

• Parent to a ND child

• Work as a neurodivergent family coach and education consultant – my goal is to help parents better understand and support their children. To empower them to be their child’s biggest advocate in school and at home, meet their child’s behaviour with curiosity and compassion, prioritise coregulation and connection through proactive parenting

• I work with parents pre and post diagnosis, and do work with older children 1:1 as well

• I support families with children in school, those looking to move their children or explore other settings, those considering or currently home educating, and everything in between!

www.nurturedneurokids.com

https://www.instagram.com/@nurturedneurokids/

• B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk
• Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast
• Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk
• Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

We 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.

Neurotypical pupils are usually able to meet their sensory needs during play time, however SEND pupils may face difficulties in motor or social skills. This is where sensory circuits and sensory movement breaks are often needed in the classroom. But how do you effectively incorporate them into busy school days?

Ali Neal, an occupational therapist, joins Dale to discuss practical ways to incorporate sensory circuits, helping pupils with their regulation and focus. By harnessing the power of movement, we can improve the lives of many SEN and neurodiverse pupils.

Ali takes us through the three key components of a sensory circuit; alerting, organising and calming activities. She also shares simple tips to implement these strategies throughout the school day.

“The best place to start is if we're using our muscles and we are thinking about what we're doing. We probably can't go wrong with that.”

Ali Neal

Ali emphasises that sometimes, rules need to be broken, and that the sensory circuits need to be adapted for individual needs.

View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

Ali Neal is a specialist Occupational Therapist with advanced training in sensory processing. She runs School Sensory Solutions which provides regular and cost effective training for all educators supporting SEN and neurodivergent pupils in schools via an online learning platform. Ali prides herself in finding solutions to everyday problems experienced by children and young people at school that actually work and supporting teachers to incorporate these in their already busy days.

Ali presents regularly at national level on the topic of Occupational Therapy and sensory processing for a number of organisations across the country including at both The Autism Show and The OT Show. She has written a book on Sensory Movement Breaks and has written an award winning program for developing motor skills for children with special educational needs.

www.schoolsensorysolutions.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/SchoolSensorySolutions/

https://www.instagram.com/sensorysolutions_/

ali@schoolsensorysolutions

School Sensory Solutions training membership

Sensory movement breaks

101 sensory circuit activities

• B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk
• Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast
• Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk
• Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

We 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.

Gaming often gets a bad reputation, but it offers numerous benefits, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Many neurodiverse young people spend their lives in survival mode, navigating challenging environments - not just physically, but socially. The pressure to fit in, the fear of making mistakes, and the constant effort to mask can be exhausting. It's crucial for them to find spaces where they can relax and be themselves.

In our latest episode, Marlon Huggins shares his inspiring story and the founding of SHYNNE. Last year, Marlon launched gaming events for neurodiverse children and young adults in Barnet, and thanks to a National Lottery grant, these community events can continue to thrive. Marlon’s experience caring for his neurodiverse sisters motivated him to create this vital support network outside of school. These gatherings help build connections, confidence, social skills, and overall well-being, all in a pressure-free environment where everyone shares a common interest.

View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

I’m 40, live in Barnet, London and am the founder of SHYNNE. An organisation who works in the Neurodiversity community to bring programs such as community gaming and speed dating events.

www.shynne.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561148863424

https://www.instagram.com/shynnecic

marlon@shynne.co.uk

News article

• B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk
• Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast
• Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk
• Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

We 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.

SENCOs, school leaders & class teachers are currently spending large amounts of time supporting or responding to the concerns of parents of SEN children. However, much of this support is reactive and can feel like constant firefighting.

A strategic approach to parental support is needed. Sarah Billingham, a specialist teacher with over 18 years of experience, returns to the studio to discuss ‘How can schools support parents of SEN children more effectively’.

Sarah highlights the importance of effective communication between schools and parents. Here are some key takeaways from their conversation:

1. Clear and timely communication: Helps prevent misunderstandings. Schools should proactively inform parents about the support being provided, rather than waiting for issues to arise.
2. Understanding parent perspectives: Both parents and school staff often bring their own frustrations and expectations into interactions. Recognising this can help foster a more collaborative environment.
3. Building Community: Establishing support networks for parents can alleviate feelings of isolation and empower them to engage positively with the school.
4. The importance of positive feedback: Frequent negative communication can create an adversarial atmosphere. Schools should strive to balance this by sharing positive achievements and experiences.
5. Proactive strategies: Implementing standard operating procedures for communication can streamline processes and reduce workload for staff while keeping parents informed.

I hope you find these insights valuable in improving the support provided to families of children with SEN.

View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

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.

www.confidentkids.co

https://www.facebook.com/confidentkids.co

sarah@confidentkids.co

• B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk
• Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast
• Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk
• Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

We 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.