🌱⛈️🌳Lynn How FCCT 🌈

Understanding Personalisation and the Engagement Model in SEND Provision When high-quality teaching, adaptation, and Tier 1 and Tier 2 support have been tried and are still not enough, schools are left with a difficult but necessary question: what do you do next when a child cannot access or attend the mainstream classroom in a meaningful way? This is the point at which personalisation becomes essential, and where the Engagement Model provides a clear, statutory framework for understanding progress beyond the traditional curriculum.

Understanding Personalisation and the Engagement Model in SEND Provision

When high-quality teaching, adaptation, and Tier 1 and Tier 2 support have been tried and are still not enough, schools are left with a difficult but necessary question: what do you do next when a child cannot access or…

Adaption, Scaffolding, Differentiation or Personalisation? – Key Concepts Explained There has been a lot of confusion over recent years about how these both stand alone and overlap. Here are my thoughts on each concept and how these concepts can be practically applied in school. Let's start with my definitions: AdaptionAdaption is the planned and responsive adjustment of teaching approaches, resources and strategies to reduce barriers to learning so that most pupils can access the same learning objective.

Adaption, Scaffolding, Differentiation or Personalisation? – Key Concepts Explained

There has been a lot of confusion over recent years about how these both stand alone and overlap. Here are my thoughts on each concept and how these concepts can be practically applied in school. Let's start with…

The Hybrid Inclusion Model: The Best of Both The Hybrid Inclusion Model: Many are working within best-fit - not fully accessing the curriculum or using a 100% personalised pathway.

New Blog for the new year! - thoughts appreciated! I think this is something most of us do anyway through a mix of both necessity and best practice.

positiveyoungmind.com/hybrid-inclu...

#send #inclusion #senco #sendco

The Hybrid Inclusion Model: The Best of Both In schools, we often talk as if curriculum is a binary choice. Either students access the same curriculum as everyone else, or they move onto something more personalised. However, many children are accessing something of a best fit, in-between model, which has student needs at the centre. That’s where the Hybrid Inclusion Model comes in. In reality, many students are working within a best-fit, in-between model.

The Hybrid Inclusion Model: The Best of Both

In schools, we often talk as if curriculum is a binary choice. Either students access the same curriculum as everyone else, or they move onto something more personalised. However, many children are accessing something of a best fit, in-between model,…

Know Your Worth: UPS Pay for UPS Teachers Teachers are trying to escape untenable workloads, toxic cultures, or leadership that’s worn them down - but far too many hit the same wall: a new school offering them M6 when they’re already at UPS3. It’s happening everywhere, and it’s quietly becoming normalised. That should worry all of us. The narrative is always the same. ‘Budget constraints.’ ‘We can’t justify upper pay scale from the start.’ etc, etc, etc (yawn).

Know Your Worth: UPS Pay for UPS Teachers

Teachers are trying to escape untenable workloads, toxic cultures, or leadership that’s worn them down - but far too many hit the same wall: a new school offering them M6 when they’re already at UPS3. It’s happening everywhere, and it’s quietly becoming…

EHCP Needs Assessment Application Writing Service Introduction ✨If you or your your team is struggling to find the time or headspace to write a strong EHC needs assessment request, I can take it on for you. This service provides a fully written EHCNA application for one child, based on the information you supply. I can use your county’s paperwork so everything aligns with local expectations. Staff/parents can send information in whatever format is easiest — notes, documents or voicenotes or zoom interview. I’ll shape it into a clear, well-structured request that reflects need accurately and meets the SEND Code of Practice and the legal jargon required to move forward. So far I have successfully navigated 14 EHCNAs all with successful outcomes (eventually!).

EHCP Needs Assessment Application Writing Service

Introduction ✨If you or your your team is struggling to find the time or headspace to write a strong EHC needs assessment request, I can take it on for you. This service provides a fully written EHCNA application for one child, based on the…

CPD Shop - Positive Young Minds The place to find my webinars & resources for SENCos, teachers and educationalists. If you need something else I also take requests!

You've heard of Black Friday, well we have Blue Thursday! 25% off in my shop!

Voucher code: BlueThursday

You may already know that Thursdays in The Sweary SENCo group are when everyone vents about what’s made them swear.

Shop link: positiveyoungmind.com/shop

#senco #send

SEND Identification For Schools and Parents – Downloadable Guidance Accurate and consistent identification of special educational needs is central to inclusive practice. Yet it’s also one of the areas that causes the most uncertainty for teachers and leaders. Schools are often different in how they decide which children they add to their SEND lists. This blog offers an overview to help colleagues understand how SEND identification in school, what evidence is needed, and how our ‘ordinarily available’ support framework and graduated response fit together.

SEND Identification For Schools and Parents – Downloadable Guidance

Accurate and consistent identification of special educational needs is central to inclusive practice. Yet it’s also one of the areas that causes the most uncertainty for teachers and leaders. Schools are often different in how…

💪Menopause and Perimenopause in the Classroom A webinar to support with menopause and perimenopause. This resource will help you help yourself and provide information for your school.

On sale for World Menopause Day - only £3: positiveyoungmind.com/product/meno... #worldmenopauseday

Sign the Petition Improve Pay and Conditions for Special Needs Coordinators (SENCos) - Enough is Enough!

This is gaining traction. There’s 4 blog posts within the petition for #senco protected time, protected holidays, an #SLT voice & fair pay. Please share and sign ✍️ if you agree our #SENCos deserve better.

We are voting 🗳️ with our feet👣.

c.org/J8hm2KNVSY

Why We Need to Be AI-Savvy in Coaching AI will never replace the richness of human coaching, but it can widen access to structured reflection. That’s why I created TalkSavvy™ Coach, an evidence-informed reflection partner built on my C.R.A...

𝗔𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴.

But it is already reshaping how leaders reflect.

I’ve written about what the research says, and why I created TalkSavvy™ Coach, an AI reflection partner for school leaders.

Read here 👉 www.malcpd.com/post/why-we-...

#edusky #AI #UKEd #TalkSavvy

How Teachers Can Help Students Navigate Academic Burnout Student life is a time of discovery, growth, and preparation for the future. However, beneath these positive narratives lies the growing reality of academic burnout. According to a ResearchGate study, burnout is common among students in the UK. The rise of perfectionism in the education system is the main reason for 50% of the students surveyed showing signs of academic stress.

How Teachers Can Help Students Navigate Academic Burnout

Student life is a time of discovery, growth, and preparation for the future. However, beneath these positive narratives lies the growing reality of academic burnout. According to a ResearchGate study, burnout is common among students in the…

Practical Strategies for Supporting Anxious Learners By Helen Murry Anxiety in children and young people is more common than many realise. It can show up in subtle ways, such as a reluctance to join group activities, frequent stomach aches before school, or sudden difficulty concentrating. For some students, these signs are temporary responses to new situations, but for others, anxiety becomes a persistent hurdle. According to the NHS England, over 20% of children aged from eight to 16 years had a mental health disorder.

Practical Strategies for Supporting Anxious Learners

By Helen Murry Anxiety in children and young people is more common than many realise. It can show up in subtle ways, such as a reluctance to join group activities, frequent stomach aches before school, or sudden difficulty concentrating. For…

SENCOs and SLT: Clarity Needed Another ongoing SENCo issue is not having a say in key school decisions surrounding inclusion in our schools. Many SENCos report that they have either limited influence or no influence when it comes to inclusion within their school. As someone who has had experience of this issue in the past, I understand all to well how frustrating it is to have SEND slated in an OFSTED report, and fingers of blame pointed, even when my influence over key decisions within school were marginal at best.

SENCOs and SLT: Clarity Needed

Another ongoing SENCo issue is not having a say in key school decisions surrounding inclusion in our schools. Many SENCos report that they have either limited influence or no influence when it comes to inclusion within their school. As someone who has had experience…

School Holiday Workload: Why SENCOs Need Protection It’s now September, and as we reflect back on the summer holiday period, many SENCOs are once again left questioning why the system continues to allow statutory deadlines to fall during times when schools are officially closed. The ‘back to school’ dreams had already begun before term started, because for many of us the work never stopped. If we are serious about tackling burnout and retaining experienced SENCOs, change is needed — and urgently.

School Holiday Workload: Why SENCOs Need Protection

It’s now September, and as we reflect back on the summer holiday period, many SENCOs are once again left questioning why the system continues to allow statutory deadlines to fall during times when schools are officially closed. The ‘back to…

SENCo Pay: Clearing Up Confusion & Setting Out Fair Standards Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) carry statutory responsibilities under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice. These include coordinating SEND provision, liaising with parents and external agencies, overseeing EHCPs, training staff, and ensuring legal compliance. Yet many SENCOs are paid inconsistently, sometimes underpaid (or not paid for the role at all), or given unsuitable allowances due to misconceptions.

SENCo Pay: Clearing Up Confusion & Setting Out Fair Standards

Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) carry statutory responsibilities under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice. These include coordinating SEND provision, liaising with parents and external…

SENCo Support: 5 Years On – Urgent Call for Protected Time In January 2020, the National SENCO Workload Survey Report (“The Time is Now: Addressing missed opportunities for special educational needs support and coordination in our schools”) drew attention to long‐standing issues in SEN provision: workload, insufficient time allocation, under‐resourcing, growing expectations, and the pressure to meet legal requirements under the SEND Code of Practice. Today, SENCos across my networks report that they are often not even receiving the basic release time outlined in this document, let alone any additional time for the increasing demands.

SENCo Support: 5 Years On – Urgent Call for Protected Time

In January 2020, the National SENCO Workload Survey Report (“The Time is Now: Addressing missed opportunities for special educational needs support and coordination in our schools”) drew attention to long‐standing issues in SEN provision:…

Lots of discussion about summer holiday consultations for pupils with EHCPs on here and my SENCo group - here’s what you need to know - the out of office reply is your friend! Your LA ‘should’ be reasonable! #send #senco #slt

Happy holidays!

vm.tiktok.com/ZNd9QJPb9/

Book review: 'Starting Out as a Primary SENCO' by Lynn How - R.I.S.E. Magazine Starting Out as a Primary SENCO: Finding your first post, the first year and beyond serves as a guidebook for new and aspiring SENCOs and those early into

Check out my book review of ‘Starting Out as a Primary SENCO’ by Lynn How - an essential guide for new and early career #SENCOs - in #RISEEduMag. buff.ly/tQs9yUr @positive-y-mind.bsky.social @netsupport.bsky.social #BookReview #PrimarySchools #CPD #SEND

Any sweary #teachers out there? Come join my wellbeing community!

www.facebook.com/share/g/19Lr...

#edusky #teacherwellbeing

Better wellbeing support for educators - R.I.S.E. Magazine This article is a tribute to those professionals who, despite everything, still pour their energy and commitment into the job - sometimes to the detriment of

Love our latest #RISEEduMag article from the brilliant
@positive-y-mind.bsky.social, where she shares discusses better #Wellbeing support for teachers with tips for specific roles within school. riseedumag.com/wellbeing-su... #MentalHealth #Burnout @netsupport.bsky.social

SENDCOs Who Have ADHD: Ideas To Combat Overwhelm By Lisa Christopher Lisa has collated comments from research on social media platforms to form this helpful range of strategies to help SENCOs (and other school staff) navigate the workplace with ADHD. These strategies while useful for staff with ADHD, would also of course benefit everyone (Lynn has also added a couple of ideas). It's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed in the SENDCo role, especially when managing ADHD.

SENDCOs Who Have ADHD: Ideas To Combat Overwhelm

By Lisa Christopher Lisa has collated comments from research on social media platforms to form this helpful range of strategies to help SENCOs (and other school staff) navigate the workplace with ADHD. These strategies while useful for staff with…

Some awesome book reviews on Amazon 🤩. For my book, 'Starting Out As a Primary SENCo'. amzn.to/3HqKrzV

352+ teachers engaged 'live' via Zoom or stream, w/ today's #EYP2CtW25 @geccollect.bsky.social 'Takeover' session, from 17+ countries, spanning 5 continents.
Feedback to follow, but thanks to @nicoleponsford.bsky.social @positive-y-mind.bsky.social, Anne Morris, Cathy Wassell & Matthew Savage 👏

Supporting The Next Generation With Mental Health By Julian Rose I want to share the journey that led me from quietly trusting the financial systems behind children’s services to actively challenging them. It’s a story about what happens when public funding shrinks, private profit steps in, and vulnerable children fall through the cracks. More importantly, it’s about how that realisation sparked the creation of a new, fairer model for accessing therapeutic support for this and the next generation—one that puts children first, respects professionals, and removes the middlemen.

Supporting The Next Generation With Mental Health

By Julian Rose I want to share the journey that led me from quietly trusting the financial systems behind children’s services to actively challenging them. It’s a story about what happens when public funding shrinks, private profit steps in, and…

SENDCOs and EHCPs- Georgina Durrant in Conversation with Lynn How YouTube video by SEND in the experts with Georgina Durrant

Podcast alert 🚨 🙌
youtu.be/3bY0Tla8eMk?...

Awesome 🤩 thanks Kat!

Stop Branding School Culture. Start Hearing It. By Dr Jon Morris In recent years, we’ve seen a growing trend of reducing culture to neat, one-word slogans to sum up school culture like learning culture, power culture, strong culture, or effective culture. We’ve even seen leadership consultants and school improvement experts offering silver-bullet solutions—the one thing supposedly missing from a school’s culture. While these phrases can serve a purpose in setting vision or focus, they can also dangerously oversimplify something incredibly complex.

Stop Branding School Culture. Start Hearing It.

By Dr Jon Morris In recent years, we’ve seen a growing trend of reducing culture to neat, one-word slogans to sum up school culture like learning culture, power culture, strong culture, or effective culture. We’ve even seen leadership consultants and…

The Call for Compassionate Leadership By Anne Kyle I had the job many people aspire to. An executive leadership role in education, earning over £90,000 a year. A large regional reputation. A proven record of transforming vulnerable schools, leading large teams, and changing lives... ...and yet, I walked away. Not because I couldn’t do it. Not because I stopped caring. But because I shouldn’t have to do it under the conditions we’re expected to endure—and neither should you.

The Call for Compassionate Leadership

By Anne Kyle I had the job many people aspire to. An executive leadership role in education, earning over £90,000 a year. A large regional reputation. A proven record of transforming vulnerable schools, leading large teams, and changing lives... ...and yet, I…

🦄🦄🦄1:1 SENCO Coaching (3 sessions) 🌟 1:1 SENCO Coaching & Support – Tailored to You! 🌟 3 session for £120 (£15 discount) Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start in your role as a SENCO? You’re not alone! Whether you're navigating staff relationships, parent partnerships, leadership challenges, or simply trying to keep up with the endless demands of the role, expert coaching can provide clarity, confidence, and direction. This product is for 3 hour sessions of coaching - Once purchased I will contact you to book.

🦄🦄🦄1:1 SENCO Coaching (3 sessions)

🌟 1:1 SENCO Coaching & Support – Tailored to You! 🌟 3 session for £120 (£15 discount) Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start in your role as a SENCO? You’re not alone! Whether you're navigating staff relationships, parent partnerships,…