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

Simon Yates

SEND assessment: measuring our progress, not the pupil’s

A learner driven, fluid and inclusive assessment model: is such a thing possible? Simon Yates, headteacher at the Chailey Heritage Foundation thinks it is. I am headteacher of a charity-run special school for children and young people with severe and complex medical, physical difficulties, with a...
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Gareth D Morewood

How inclusive is assessment?

With the exam season in full swing, Gareth Morewood explores the changes to assessment that SENCOs need to be aware of. A few weeks ago in SENCology we considered how important an inclusive curriculum is, and prior to that, access arrangements and GCSE exams . Over the last few months one thing...
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Evie Prysor-Jones

Streamline your SEND paperwork

Paperwork piling up? Our training day with Anita Devi will see SENCOs’ desks decluttered and their minds back on loving their job. When you’re not sure what to do, you make a list. If it’s a bit more complex than that you might make a spreadsheet, or, if not complex at all sometimes a Post-it will...
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Gareth D Morewood

Peer support for autistic pupils: Bobby’s story

There are a few simple strategies to encourage peer support for pupils with SEND. Gareth Morewood explains. I have previously stressed the importance of peer education as part of being an inclusive school, particularly with regard to autistic students . To further understand how peer support works...
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Gareth D Morewood

Maintaining an inclusive curriculum offer is more important than ever

A personalised approach and an inclusive curriculum with a broad range of subjects is essential to ensure all pupils have the chance to succeed, says Gareth D Morewood. This week I have met with the parents/carers of 22 Year 9 students. Every year I like to have a separate discussion confirming KS4...
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Elizabeth Smith

Using de-escalation techniques effectively

An increasing number of children do not respond to normal classroom discipline. Elizabeth Smith outlines the key points to remember when faced with exceptionally challenging behaviour. The number of children who are classified under the umbrella term 'social, emotional and mental health' (SEMH)...
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Gareth D Morewood

The updates and changes SENCOs need to know about

With constant additions to SEND reforms, Gareth D Morewood lists the top things SENCOs need to be aware of. After delivering keynote addresses and workshops at a few SENCO conferences this last week I feel it is useful to give a quick update on some of the key issues regarding SEND implementation...
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Gareth D Morewood

School-led SEND provision: educational psychology

Gareth D Morewood clarifies how a trainee educational psychologist can bring inclusion and positive change to SEND provision. In previous blogs we have discussed specific psychodynamic approaches to educational psychology (EP) and I have written about the role of our trainee educational...
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Gareth D Morewood

Are we becoming a truly un-inclusive society?

Including disabled children in everyday activities is essential for an inclusive school. Gareth D Morewood examines the Play Inclusion Project to highlight what schools need to do. Over the last few months I have become acutely aware of the pressures on families, schools and young people as...
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Evie Prysor-Jones

Supporting pupils with behaviour issues: classroom strategies for teachers and teaching assistants

There are many misconceptions surrounding the role of teaching assistants in a classroom. Research has shown that effective partnership between teacher and TA can greatly benefit provision. Observe and record It can be useful to conduct classroom observations that focus on a pupil’s behaviour and...
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