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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

Gareth D Morewood
10 December 2014

EHCP transition reviews: our experiences and practical advice

During the last week of November, our Year 11 transition reviews took place for 11 of our students with statements of SEN. Although the reviews were planned in advance, and assessments were coordinated to avoid too much pressure on the young people and parents/carers, this was nothing short of some...
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Gareth D Morewood
2 December 2014

Inclusion on the road

Well, we all survived the three-day residential trip to Anglesey at the Conway Centre – despite some minor knocks resulting in two trips to Ysbyty Gwynedd! After careful planning to ensure a truly inclusive educational visit (see SENCology part one ), the three days afforded some amazing moments...
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Gareth D Morewood
25 November 2014
★ UPDATED 11 May 2017

Inclusion means everyone goes on visits

School visits can be unforgettable experiences for young learners. Why should students miss out because of their needs? Ellin's Tower, Holy Island, Anglesey. Copyright Peter Barr It has been an extremely hectic year at our school so far, but there have already been some amazing outcomes for our...
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Gareth D Morewood
21 November 2014
★ UPDATED 05 May 2017

How can teachers meet the needs of pupils with attachment difficulties?

When looking to improve engagement, teachers mustn't overlook the needs of their emotionally complex and vulnerable young learners. In every school, there are many students who are unable to access learning, to engage and achieve, and to move on into adulthood with confidence. Children whose low...
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Evie Prysor-Jones
20 November 2014

The New Send Framework: Legal Obligations and Practical Solutions

There was a very serious atmosphere at the SEND conference on Tuesday 11th November, with many people muttering in hushed voices and an obvious impatience to get started. The aim of the conference was to calm worries and answer questions that the new SEND Code of Practice 2014 has given rise to, so...
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Gareth D Morewood
18 November 2014

Understanding and supporting pupils with attachment in school

What are attachment needs, and how can SENCOs meet them? Here are some tips for supporting this group of vulnerable young learners. It's a complex area for SENCOs: young people who have experiences of trauma or stress in early life or whilst in the womb – those with attachment needs. There is an...
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Gareth D Morewood
10 November 2014

Raising awareness of the reality of autism

I was delighted to welcome Michael Barton to our school as part of his book tour at the end of October. I first heard Michael speak at an event in Belfast where I was taking about our research and work on including young people with complex autism (read more in my article 'Mainstreaming autism:...
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Gareth D Morewood
4 November 2014

An increased focus on mental health…

One of the positive changes to the new Code of Practice from 1st September was the increased focus on mental health. I think few could disagree with the importance of mental health support for children and young people in our schools and colleges. Indeed, this is an area that I and many other...
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Gareth D Morewood
24 October 2014

However tough the SENCO role can be – remember the law trumps all!

The Children and Families Act emphasises the central importance of pupils' wishes and feelings. Above all, we must adhere to the statutory guidance. One of the most effective things I did early on as a SENCO was to volunteer for IPSEA, as part of which I received legal training. Ultimately,...
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Gareth D Morewood
17 October 2014

Planning for EHC plan transfers

From September 2014 the Children and Families Act 2014 became law. A key element of this is the replacement of Statements of Special Educational Needs with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans. Main differences The main differences are that the EHC plan: is more person centred with more...
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