Confidence is so important to a child’s future happiness, health, and success. Confident children are likely to be better equipped to deal with peer pressure, responsibility, frustrations, challenges, and both positive and negative emotions. This episode of SENsational explores the key factors in developing a child’s confidence, strategies to build up self-esteem,  facing fears, self-image and the pressures of modern life. We welcome back the wonderful Anne-Marie Harrison from Ideas Afresh Education to the podcast as our expert speaker. Our podcast is all about celebrating neurodiversity ..read more

The Role of Friendship with Autism  Making friends or developing a social circle can present it’s challenges for children and young people with ASD. Every child is different and for some the importance of having friends might be a key element to their happiness, and for others the anxiety of being involved in that social position or as part of a group can be too much. To offer support to families in this situation our most recent episode of SENsational focuses on the role of friendship and autism, and explores strategies around developing social environments that fit with individual inter ..read more

The impact of Covid-19 on neurodiverse children and young people For this episode we are joined by podcast regular Emma Weaver, who is the Director of the Early Years Service for the ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity.  During our discussions we focus on the social changes and challenges faced by many children during this period, as well as the effects on mental health and the anxieties that parents and their children have faced.  We also look at the impact on education with Emma bringing to the conversation some really pragmatic and inspiring views on how we can actually take ce ..read more

Three of our deputy head teachers join us to share their career journeys. In this episode, we hear about the people that have contributed to their  success, what good teamwork looks like and how they nurture talent. Filled with top tips and an insight into their roles, we're thrilled to be joined by Danny from Cumberland school in greater Manchester, Kerri from Avon Park school in the Midlands and Vinny from Ashbrook school in Sunderland ..read more

Supporting your anxious child In the last three years, the likelihood of young people having a mental health problem has increased by 50%. This episode explores anxiety in children, the key signs to look out for, and where to go for help plus strategies parents and carers can put in place to prevent anxiety in children. We are delighted to welcome back Anne-Marie Harrison from Ideas Afresh Education and Professor Sean Duggan, Clinical Advisor for Witherslack Group and chief executive of the Mental Health Network to the podcast. We hope you enjoy listening ..read more

Supporting neurodiverse children and young people to make friends Join us for an episode that looks at some of the challenges that neurodiverse children may face when it comes to building a friendship group. During the session we discuss developing friends through shared interests, building resilience when it doesn't go to plan, what makes a good friend, and celebrating the successes no matter how big or small.   We are delighted to welcome Anne-Marie Harrison from Ideas Afresh Education and Rob Stow, Director of Character and Culture at Rainford High School in St Helens to the podca ..read more

Creating Autism Friendly Classrooms Join us for a special episode of SENsational, which has been dedicated to offering advice and support to SEN Co-ordinators and teaching professionals working with neurodiverse children and young people.  On the podcast we are joined by our friend Anne-Marie Harrison from Ideas Afresh Education who guides us through the topic, Creating Autism Friendly Classrooms. During our discussion we take our listeners on a whistle stop tour of what an autism friendly class room might look like, pupil stories, issues that teachers may come across, rewards and how to ..read more

Supporting social tolerance for socially sensitive kids Join us for an episode that focuses on neurodiverse children and young people's social sensitivities and the impact that it can have on their home, school and social lives.  During the episode we aim to develop further understanding of this topic by looking at practical strategies to help gently nurture social capabilities. As well as ways we can put our children in social situations that are within their own reach and interests so that they might enjoy social experiences of their own.  We are delighted to welcome Anne-Marie Har ..read more

A guide through the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process. On the podcast we are joined by Melanie Adams, Partnership Manager for Witherslack Group.  Throughout her career Mel has developed a vast knowledge of the EHCP process, supported many families and experienced of the highs and lows that the process can bring.  By joining us for this episode you will be given an insight into -  Why and when you should apply? What is an EHCP? What is the draft EHCP? Who can help along the way? Appeals, transitions and naming a school. Annual reviews. Plus much more!  Th ..read more

Managing changing routines and special occasions Just in time for Christmas and all the festivities that the season brings we have a podcast that is filled with practical advice on how to manage family celebrations and changes to a child's routine.  On the podcast we are joined by Elaine Buckton, Senior Therapist for Witherslack Group Clinical Services, who offers lots of practical advice that can be used not only during the Christmas season but for any special occasion in the future. During the session we chat about communication, planning for an event, parties, safe spaces, praise, part ..read more