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The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

SENCology

Sarah Hopp
13 October 2022

Why we need neurodivergent staff

A neurodiverse workforce isn’t about being charitable, it’s about creating a workforce rich in a range of perspectives and creativity. Sarah Hopp explains more. In educational policy and practice, focus is often placed on encouraging pupils and students to celebrate who they are as diverse, unique...
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Sarah Hopp
6 September 2022

Why neurodiversity is not a diagnosis

Misuse of the term neurodiversity can promote a ‘them and us’ attitude, Sarah Hopp argues. Instead, she explains how to truly embrace our differences and uniqueness. In recent years, the term ‘neurodiversity’ coined by Judy Singer in 1998 has become prevalent in educational literature and policy...
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Elizabeth Holmes
21 June 2022

Therapeutic Storywriting Groups

Intervention strategies that improve academic achievement and wellbeing are few and far between. Elizabeth Holmes finds out more about Therapeutic Storywriting which does both. When the issues that some children face in their lives are such that they are at risk of missing out on school life and...
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Sarah Hopp
27 April 2022

For the love of learning: using the positive niche construction framework

Balancing pupil wellbeing and academic catch-up is challenging. Sarah Hopp explains how the PNC framework can help all learners flourish. In the recent Opportunity for all white paper the government announced that by 2030: 90% of learners should reach the expected standard in English and maths at...
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Gareth D Morewood
8 December 2020

High quality teaching for all: two essential strategies

Gareth D Morewood explores the power of dual coding and retrieval practice in improving learning outcomes for all children and young people. I’ve written previously about creating a calm, consistent, positive learning environment that benefits everyone; once established and supported by constant...
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Gareth D Morewood
5 October 2020

Applying Low Arousal approaches in education settings

Gareth D Morewood explores how to embed Low Arousal approaches in classrooms, schools and settings, so that all young people can thrive. Previously I wrote about the importance of constant consistency with regard to whole-school approaches. For me this is one of the most important elements of a...
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Gareth D Morewood
15 September 2020

University beckons: continuing the journey to independence

Ellen shares lessons learned around applying for university as an autistic adult, including the importance of deadlines and DSAs. In Ellen’s last post on becoming an autistic adult she shared her aspirations to attend university and how she was preparing for that on a personal level. Now Ellen...
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Gareth D Morewood
30 July 2020

Why constant consistency matters: emotional regulation as a foundation for learning

Gareth D Morewood reflects on the importance of a joined-up approach when it comes to reducing stress and enabling learning to take place. I have written previously about stress and emotional regulation in the context of learning and the value of listening to the voices of young people . However,...
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Debby Elley
16 July 2020

Beyond the tick list: the ice cream sundae approach to explaining autism

Words don't come easy... Debby Elley examines the need for a more explicit, balanced and environmental approach to talking about autism. As well as being the co-editor of AuKids magazine, I’m mum to twin autistic boys. One of them, Bobby , is verbal and has just left mainstream school. When Bobby...
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Gareth D Morewood
25 June 2020

Low Arousal experiences during lockdown: learning from a family perspective

Gareth D Morewood seeks first-hand experiences from families and draws out five positive lessons to take forward in practice. The recent months have been extremely challenging for everyone across the globe. The word unprecedented is often used, but rarely warranted. I think it is justified with...
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