In this episode, we consider what effective teaching for SEN students looks like in the mainstream secondary school classroom, offering practical advice for teachers and school leaders on pedagogy, interventions, the graduated approach among many other areas

Hosted by Matt Bromley, this wide-ranging and practical discussion considers:

  • The principles of good teaching for SEN students.
  • Common barriers to success.
  • The implications for pedagogy.
  • The use of teaching assistants.
  • Models of intervention.
  • How we should work with families.
  • The SEND in Mainstream Schools Guidance.
  • Implementing the graduated approach (Assess, Plan, Do, Review).
  • Adaptive teaching (dispelling the myths of differentiation).
  • Cognitive Load Theory.
  • Masking, sensory overload, and making the curriculum and resources accessible.

The discussion features three SEN teaching experts:

  • Natalie Packer is a consultant specialising in SEN and school improvement. A former headteacher, she is the author of The Teacher’s Guide to SEN, carries out SEN reviews and is an associate consultant for the special needs association nasen
  • Julia Rowlandson is former deputy headteacher of a special school who now works as a specialist teacher providing SEND training for the British Dyslexia Association and National Education Union. She is also co-director of Understanding and Supporting Learning.
  • Garry Freeman is a National SEND System Leader. He was a teacher for more than 40 years also working as a SENCO and senior leader. Following his retirement from teaching this summer, he is now an independent consultant specialising in SEND.

You can listen to this episode of the SecEd Podcast above. To hear other SecEd podcasts, or to subscribe for free to new editions, search for 'The SecEd Podcast' in your podcast streaming application of choice. Or visit www.sec-ed.co.uk/knowledge-bank/podcasts/

For details about The SecEd Podcast, or to suggest future topics, email editor Pete Henshaw at editor@sec-ed.co.uk