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

SEND

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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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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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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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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