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

Gareth D Morewood

Funding SEND for effective provision: things just don’t add up!

Meeting needs and provision is something that does not come cheap, as SENCOs across the country will no doubt be aware. As we approach the new year, it's time to be realistic about the funding crisis. This week has seen a lot of news about funding, again! Headlines included ‘ Schools must reduce...
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Gareth D Morewood

How can we support the emotional regulation of children with autism?

Helping pupils with autism to regulate their emotions and handle changing states will greatly benefit their capacity to engage. Here's a summary of what you need to know and how you can help. Recently I have been fortunate enough to have took part in some powerful discussions with Studio III , who...
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Gareth D Morewood

Navigating the difficult transition to adulthood

Luke Jackson's Sex, Drugs and Asperger’s Syndrome (ASD): A User Guide to Adulthood is an invaluable first-hand account of navigating the difficult transition to adulthood. This review was first published in the Good Autism Practice Journal in the October 2016 edition (Vol 17, issue 2) One of the...
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Richard Aird

Insight into the Rochford Review: recommendations and methodologies

A considered review of different assessment methods, along with a recognition of the importance of accountability and equal opportunity, shaped the Review's final report. This is the first post in a three-part series on what the Rochford Review recommendations mean for schools. Follow the links...
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Richard Aird

Insight into the Rochford Review: changing the culture of assessment

As a member of the Rochford Review group, Richard Aird OBE explains why a much-needed change to statutory assessment is the focus of the review's interim report. This is the first post in a three-part series on what the Rochford Review recommendations mean for schools. Follow the links below to...
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Gareth D Morewood

Develop a collaborative approach to SEND: improving pupil outcomes

In a fractured climate, schools have to work in partnerships to achieve the best outcomes. We're bringing together all of the advice you'll need to develop a collaborative approach. As I get ready to start a new half term, I have had some time to reflect upon what is currently one of the hardest...
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Gareth D Morewood

How to develop a whole-school approach to literacy

There are several ways for SENCOs to develop a 'core offer' of inclusive literacy support. Many schools will have their own approaches, but here are some tried and tested suggestions. Many SENCOs have a range of responsibilities in their schools. Previously, I had been charged with developing a...
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Ann Hickman

Progress and SEN: why I worry more for the child who is making progress

Progress is a word I cling to like an umbrella in a downpour. If my kids aren't making progress or progress at the right pace, it can be back to square one. Progress. It sounds like something out of an election campaign. In fact, Al Gore used it in 2000 as his presidential campaign slogan, ‘...
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Gareth D Morewood

A pupil's story: 'I am dyslexic. I am autistic. I am a reader'

When sixteen year-old Lois Brown took to the stage at the recent Reading Celebration Event, she proved that there's a power in books like no other. We work really hard with young people and their families on understanding themselves. For me, this is an essential element of our work in preparing...
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Sofia Correia A...

Make peer-to-peer support and inclusion legendary at your school

Find out how personalised inclusion strategies and peer-to-peer support can help pupils with autism overcome barriers they may face in the classroom. Focusing on needs In order to have an effective inclusive environment, strategies to help children with autism communicate their wants and needs...
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