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

Linda Evans

Supporting SEN pupils with speech and language difficulties: classroom strategies for teachers and assistants

Tips for school staff to help children with SEN develop speech and language skills and overcome or minimise their difficulties. Speaking and listening affect all areas of learning, and children with under-developed skills are at a significant disadvantage. In 2008, the Bercow Report recommended...
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Gareth D Morewood

Autism and education: key points and resources

When providing the best provision for pupils with autism there are many aspects and people to consider. Gareth D Morewood collates why we know what we know. I have written quite a lot about autism and education, indeed it is possibly the area I have most involvement with as a SENCo, researcher and...
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Gareth D Morewood

Assistive technology in access arrangements

During exams, organising access arrangements can be a nightmare. Gareth D Morewood explains what he learnt using assistive technology with pupils with SEND. Previously on SENCology, Amanda Hipkiss has written about access arrangements and the constantly changing rules and during this last week the...
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Gareth D Morewood

Girls and autism: what we need to know

The growing awareness of girls with autism needs to continue. Gareth D Morewood examines what this understanding means for schools. Increasing research into autism will evidently lead to more awareness and a better understanding of pupils’ needs (see References below for a list of current research...
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Evie Prysor-Jones

5 steps to creating an aspiration

Learn the 5 aspects of creating an aspiration and the right attitudes and behaviour you and your pupils need with our downloadable poster. All pupils should have aspirations. The concept is far from new, yet the focus on creating and working towards aspirations in a learning environment has...
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Gareth D Morewood

Dance and movement psychotherapy

Additional services for pupils with SEND can be an integral part of a school’s provision. Gareth D Morewood and trainee DMP therapist Ailsa Parsons explain the benefits of DMP. We have a number of additional therapeutic services as part of our support systems and I am always keen to have...
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Gareth D Morewood

School-led SEND provision: speech and language therapy

Speech and language therapy can have a significant impact on the children and young people in our schools. It’s a lot more than just being able to speak and communicate. With diminishing external services the pressure on schools is increasing; it is often up to schools to secure appropriate...
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Gareth D Morewood

SENCo resolutions for 2016

Gareth D Morewood takes a look at what resolutions SENCos can set in order to achieve effective whole-school provision for SEND. Happy New Year! As we start 2016 I am reminded of one of the first articles I had published about the role of the SENCo . After achieving some decent down-time over the...
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Gareth D Morewood

Making the festivities fun for pupils with ASC

While Christmas can be a time of great excitement, it is important to remember that this time of year adds additional challenges to young people and families with SEND. The last week of term Young people on the autistic spectrum can find the last few days of the Christmas term very challenging –...
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Gareth D Morewood

Developing ADHD care pathways

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue into young adulthood or even longer. Gareth D Morewood examines what SENCOs can learn from recent research. ADHD may be common, but with symptoms such as ‘difficulty paying attention and...
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