Opogo Community

SEND Inclusive Classrooms
2024-01-17 17:00 - 18:00 (Europe/London)
Join us on Wednesday 17 January at 5.00pm – 6.00pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘SEND Inclusive Classrooms’
Are you passionate about creating classrooms where every student thrives? Do you want to learn how to support students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) effectively? Join us for our groundbreaking webinar on “SEND Inclusive Classrooms” and embark on a transformative journey in education!
This enlightening webinar is designed for individuals seeking to enrich their professional relationships. Our experienced speaker, Zoe McCall from Ed-Start, will delve into the intricacies of adaptive teaching to meet the needs of all students, including those with SEND, in your classroom.
Key Questions:
1. What is an inclusive classroom and what does this look like? Who does this apply to and why (i.e. ALL Teachers!)
2. As teachers do we consider that EVERY child has an equal chance of learning? What are we doing to ensure this happens?
3. Are we meeting ALL our students needs effectively? Can we do better?
4. How can we improve and what strategies can we use?
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your teaching skills, connect with fellow educators, and make a lasting impact on your students’ lives. Education is for everyone, and together, we can make a difference!

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Supporting Positive Behaviours with children with SEND
2024-02-06 16:30 - 17:30
Join us on Tuesday 6 February at 4.30pm – 5.30pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Supporting Positive Behaviours with children with SEND’
Join Phil Denton, Director of Learn and Jackie Barbera, Director of Professional Development at EdStart Schools. In this webinar, you will learn practical tips about practice that can enhance the learning. Our focus will be specifically on children with SEND. It promises to be a webinar which will leave you with many take aways that you can use immediately and in your longer term planning.
About our presenter: Jackie Barbera
I have over 35 years experience in the field of Education with specialisms in Primary Education , SEND and Inclusion ,Leadership & Management , Quality Assurance , Initial Teacher Education and Continuing Professional Development . Over the last 20 years I have held a number of significant positions with senior leadership and management responsibility and have a proven track record of successfully managing change and improvement.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your teaching skills, connect with fellow educators, and make a lasting impact on your students’ lives. Education is for everyone, and together, we can make a difference!
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Working with Children with SEMH with Vicki Williams
2024-09-12 16:00 - 17:00
Join us on Thursday 12 September at 4.00pm – 5.00pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Working with Children with SEMH’
Join us for an insightful webinar titled “Working with Children with SEMH” presented by Vicki Williams, Deputy Headteacher at Delta Education Trust. This comprehensive session is designed for educators, support staff, and professionals who work with children exhibiting Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Overview:
Vicki Williams, an experienced and innovative leader in education with extensive experience in managing SEMH needs within school settings, will lead this webinar. Her expertise and practical approach will provide attendees with valuable insights and strategies to effectively support children facing SEMH challenges.
What will be included:
Understanding SEMH:
Definition and characteristics of SEMH.
Common signs and symptoms in children.
The impact of SEMH on learning and development.
Creating a Supportive Environment:
Strategies to create an inclusive and nurturing school environment.
Importance of positive relationships and trust-building.
Classroom management techniques tailored for SEMH needs.
Intervention Strategies:
Evidence-based interventions and support mechanisms.
Case studies demonstrating successful SEMH interventions.
Collaboration with parents, caregivers, and external agencies.
Promoting Resilience and Wellbeing:
Techniques to build resilience and coping skills in children.
Encouraging self-regulation and emotional intelligence.
Integrating mental health education into the curriculum.
Practical Tools and Resources:
Access to practical tools, templates, and resources.
Guidance on developing individual support plans.
Recommendations for further training and professional development.
Takeaways:
Enhanced understanding of SEMH and its implications for children’s education and wellbeing.
Practical strategies to implement in the classroom and school environment.
Tools to support the creation of individualised plans tailored to each child’s needs.
Increased confidence in handling SEMH-related challenges.
Resources to foster an inclusive and supportive educational setting.
Networking opportunities with other professionals in the field.
This webinar promises to be an enriching experience, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to make a significant difference in the lives of children with SEMH needs. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a leading expert in the field and to enhance your professional practice.

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Understanding, Recognising and Supporting Children with Dyscalculia
2024-09-24 16:00 - 17:00
Join us on Tuesday 24 September at 4.00pm – 5.00pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Understanding, Recognising and Supporting Children with Dyscalculia’
Join us for an insightful webinar titled “Understanding, Recognising, and Supporting Children with Dyscalculia”, presented by educational specialist Amanda Keen. This session is designed to deepen your understanding of dyscalculia, a specific learning difficulty affecting a child’s ability to understand numbers and mathematical concepts.
During the webinar, Amanda will explore what dyscalculia is, how it differs from other learning difficulties, and the signs that can help you recognise it in children. Amanda will also provide practical strategies and teaching approaches to support children with dyscalculia in the classroom, ensuring they can achieve their full potential in a supportive learning environment.
Amanda Keen, with her extensive experience in special educational needs and a strong commitment to inclusive education, brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to this webinar. You can learn more about Amanda’s background and teaching experience on her website: Amanda Keen.
A little more about Amanda
Amanda Keen has been teaching since 1995, spending 17 years working within the primary sector. After qualifying as a dyslexia specialist in 2012, she worked as a Learning Support teacher for students across Key Stages 1 to 4 in both independent and special schools. In 2018, she retrained as a specialist dyscalculia teacher and assessor. She spent three years tutoring children, young people and adults internationally on remote learning platforms and is now a full-time assessor for both dyscalculia and dyslexia. She has spoken at several conferences and led a number of webinars, as well as a Maths Hub SEND research group focused on maths anxiety.

Whether you are an educator, parent, or someone interested in learning more about dyscalculia, this webinar will equip you with valuable tools and understanding to make a positive impact on the lives of children facing this challenge.

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Motor Sensory Integration: Motor Skills, Sound & Vision with Charlotte Davies
2024-10-01 16:00 - 17:00
Join us on Tuesday 1 October at 4.00pm – 5.00pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Motor Sensory Integration – Motor Skills, Sound & Vision’
Join us for an insightful and engaging webinar on “Motor Sensory Integration – Motor Skills, Sound & Vision,” presented by the renowned expert Charlotte Davies from Fit-2-Learn.
In this webinar, Charlotte Davies, who delivered the powerful TED Talk “Saving Our Children by Checking the Obvious,” will delve into the critical aspects of motor sensory integration. This webinar is designed for educators, parents, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in understanding how sensory processing impacts motor skills, auditory processing, and visual perception.
Key Topics:
Motor Skills Development: Understanding the foundational role of motor skills in child development and learning.
Sensory Integration: Exploring how the integration of sensory information from sight, sound, and movement influences behavior and academic performance.
Practical Strategies: Providing practical techniques and interventions to support children in overcoming sensory processing challenges.
Case Studies: Reviewing real-life examples and success stories of children who have benefited from targeted sensory integration approaches.
About the Presenter:
Charlotte Davies is a leading voice in the field of sensory integration and child development. As the founder of Fit-2-Learn, she has dedicated her career to helping children achieve their full potential through evidence-based practices. Her TED Talk, “Saving Our Children by Checking the Obvious,” has inspired many to consider the often-overlooked aspects of child development and education.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an expert in the field and gain valuable insights that can be applied in various educational and therapeutic settings. Reserve your spot today and be part of a transformative experience that will equip you with the knowledge and tools to support children’s development in a holistic manner.

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Understanding Dyspraxia with Kim Griffin
2024-10-15 16:00 - 17:00
Join us on Tuesday 15 October at 4.00pm – 5.00pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Understanding Dyspraxia’
This event will be presented by nationally recognisded, Occupational Therapist, Kim Griffin, who is also the acclaimed author of ‘Success with Sensory Supports’.
In this comprehensive session, Kim Griffin will delve into the intricacies of dyspraxia, a condition affecting motor coordination and cognitive processing. The webinar aims to equip attendees with a thorough understanding of dyspraxia, its symptoms, and effective strategies for support.
Key Learning Points:
Understanding Dyspraxia: Gain a clear and concise overview of what dyspraxia is, including its signs, symptoms, and how it differs from other developmental disorders.
Impact on Daily Life: Explore how dyspraxia affects individuals in their daily activities, both in personal and academic settings.
Effective Strategies: Learn practical and evidence-based strategies to support individuals with dyspraxia. This includes tailored approaches for improving motor skills, organisational abilities, and sensory integration.
Case Studies: Review real-life case studies to see how theoretical knowledge is applied in practical scenarios, highlighting successful interventions and support mechanisms.
Q&A Session: Engage in an interactive Q&A session with Kim Griffin, allowing for personalised advice and clarifications on any specific concerns.
Takeaways:
Enhanced Knowledge: Attain a solid foundation in understanding dyspraxia, enabling better identification and support for affected individuals.
Practical Tools: Acquire a toolkit of strategies and interventions that can be implemented immediately in various settings, such as schools, workplaces, and at home.
Resource Guide: Receive a comprehensive resource guide, including references to further reading and support networks.
Professional Insight:Benefit from Kim Griffin’s extensive experience and professional insights, enriching your approach to supporting those with dyspraxia.
This webinar is an invaluable opportunity for educators, parents, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in learning more about dyspraxia. Don’t miss out on this chance to expand your knowledge and improve your ability to support those with dyspraxia.
Mark your calendars and register today for this enlightening and empowering session.

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Tackling Maths Anxiety
2024-10-29 16:00 - 17:00
Join us on Tuesday 29 October at 4.00pm – 5.00pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Tackling Maths Anxiety’
Join us for an informative webinar titled “Tackling Maths Anxiety”, presented by educational expert Amanda Keen. This webinar is designed to shed light on the often-overlooked issue of maths anxiety, a condition that affects many children, hindering their confidence and ability to succeed in mathematics.
In this session, Amanda will delve into what maths anxiety is, how it manifests in children, and the early signs educators and parents can look out for. She will also share effective strategies and practical techniques to help children overcome their anxiety and build a positive relationship with maths.
Amanda Keen, with her extensive background in special educational needs and passion for creating inclusive learning environments, brings a wealth of experience to this important topic. To learn more about Amanda’s expertise and teaching experience, visit her website: Amanda Keen.
A little more about Amanda
Amanda Keen has been teaching since 1995, spending 17 years working within the primary sector. After qualifying as a dyslexia specialist in 2012, she worked as a Learning Support teacher for students across Key Stages 1 to 4 in both independent and special schools. In 2018, she retrained as a specialist dyscalculia teacher and assessor. She spent three years tutoring children, young people and adults internationally on remote learning platforms and is now a full-time assessor for both dyscalculia and dyslexia. She has spoken at several conferences and led a number of webinars, as well as a Maths Hub SEND research group focused on maths anxiety.

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or anyone involved in supporting children’s education, this webinar will provide you with the tools and knowledge to help students conquer their fears and thrive in maths.

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A Lived Experience: Practical Advice for Educators Supporting Autistic Children and Young People
2024-11-12 16:00 - 17:00
Join us on 12th November from 4-5pm for a fascinating webinar titled ‘A Lived Experience: Practical Advice for Educators Supporting Autistic Children and Young People’.
Join us for the webinar “A Lived Experience: Practical Advice for Educators Supporting Autistic Children and Young People,” led by Joe Fautley from the National Children’s Bureau. Joe, an advocate for neurodiversity and an autistic individual himself, brings a unique and invaluable perspective to the challenges faced by autistic students in educational settings. This session offers practical, experience-based advice tailored for educators striving to create inclusive environments that truly support autistic children and young people.

Through his personal insights and professional expertise, Joe will guide attendees in understanding the nuanced experiences of autistic students. The key learning outcomes of this webinar include strategies for effective communication, understanding sensory sensitivities, and creating supportive classroom environments. Educators will also gain a deeper awareness of how to recognise and accommodate the diverse learning needs of autistic students, fostering their academic and emotional wellbeing.
This webinar is designed to equip educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to enhance their practice, ensuring that autistic students are not only included but are able to thrive within mainstream and specialist educational settings. Whether you are a teacher, SENCO, or school leader, this session offers a valuable opportunity to learn from someone who has lived the experience, providing insights that are both practical and deeply empathetic. Don’t miss this chance to deepen your understanding and make a meaningful difference in the lives of autistic children and young people.

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PANS & PANDAS: The Health Condition You Need to Understand
2024-11-26 16:00 - 17:00
Join us on Tuesday 26 November at 4.00pm – 5.00pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘PANS & PANDAS: The Health Condition You Need to Understand’
PANS and PANDAS are conditions that often appear very suddenly and affect the physical and mental health of CYP. They develop in the wake of common infections (such as Covid-19, chicken pox, influenza, or strep A in PANDAS cases), when the infection subsequently causes a misdirected immune and/or neuroinflammatory response.
Why is the teacher training needed?
PANS and PANDAS diagnoses are on the rise thanks to recent progress in the medical field. Both PANS and PANDAS have been recognised as discrete diseases by the NHS. Multi-disciplinary professionals are currently working nationally to advance clinical care, and to raise awareness across the board of education, social care and health professionals.
Both PANS and PANDAS can have a crippling impact on a CYPs education, due both to their sudden onset and the wide range of areas they can affect. Unlike other conditions that show gradual signs, these conditions can cause abrupt and severe unexpected learning difficulties. Limited awareness amongst professionals, coupled with symptom overlap with Autism, ADHD, and anxiety disorders for example is causing low levels of wellbeing and poor educational outcomes for CYP living with these conditions.
Who should attend the training?
All relevant education and related professionals. PANS PANDAS UK supports a whole school and community approach for supporting CYP with PANS or PANDAS.

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A Guide to Learning Support & Teaching Assistant Wellbeing
2024-12-12 16:00 - 17:00
Join us for an insightful webinar on December 12th from 4 – 5pm presented by Lynn How, a renowned expert in the field of Special Educational Needs Coordination (SENCO). With a vast network of around 10,000 SENCOs through her popular ‘Sweary SENCO Group’ on Facebook, Lynn brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this session.
Lynn is a prolific content creator, having published numerous blogs, produced a variety of YouTube guides, and authored several books. Her dedication to supporting learning assistants and teaching staff is unparalleled.
In this webinar, Lynn will delve into the crucial aspects of wellbeing for learning support and teaching assistants. Attendees will gain valuable insights into:
Effective strategies for maintaining mental and emotional health
Practical tips for managing workload and stress
Techniques for fostering a supportive and positive work environment
Resources and tools to enhance personal and professional wellbeing
This session is designed to empower learning support and teaching assistants with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in their roles. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in the SENCO community.
Register now to secure your spot and take the first step towards enhancing your wellbeing and professional growth.

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Embedding SEMH into the Culture of your School: A Pragmatic approach for Headteachers and SLT
2025-01-07 16:00 - 17:00
Join us on 7th January from 4-5pm for an insightful webinar titled ‘Embedding SEMH into the Culture of your School: A Pragmatic Approach for Headteachers and SLT’.
This session is designed specifically for aspiring and existing school leaders, including headteachers and senior leadership teams (SLT), who are committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment in their schools.
Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) is an increasingly important aspect of education, with a significant impact on students’ well-being and academic success. However, integrating SEMH into the fabric of a school’s culture can be a challenging task. This webinar, led by Heather Lucas, an experienced SEMH Support Specialist, will provide a practical, actionable approach to embedding SEMH into the daily life of your school.
Who is our presenter?
Heather Lucas brings a wealth of experience and expertise in SEMH, having worked with a wide range of schools to improve their mental health provision. Her pragmatic approach is grounded in real-world experience, ensuring that the strategies and insights shared are both effective and implementable, regardless of the unique challenges faced by your school.
What will you hear about?
During the webinar, Heather will explore the essential components of an SEMH-inclusive culture, offering guidance on how to assess your current school environment and identify areas for improvement. She will discuss the critical role of leadership in modelling and promoting SEMH values, as well as how to engage staff, students, and parents in this cultural shift.
The session will also cover practical steps for developing and sustaining an SEMH culture, including policy development, staff training, and the integration of SEMH practices into the curriculum. Heather will share case studies and examples of successful SEMH initiatives, providing inspiration and insight into what works in different school settings.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage with Heather through a Q&A session, where you can seek advice on specific challenges or scenarios relevant to your school. This interactive element ensures that the webinar is tailored to the needs and concerns of those attending, offering personalised support and guidance.
By the end of this webinar, you will have a clearer understanding of how to embed SEMH into your school’s culture, with practical strategies and tools that you can begin implementing immediately. Whether you are just beginning your journey towards a more SEMH-inclusive environment or looking to refine and enhance existing practices, this session will provide valuable insights and direction.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an expert in the field and take concrete steps towards creating a supportive, thriving school community where the social, emotional, and mental health of every student is prioritised. Register today to secure your place and ensure your school is equipped to meet the SEMH needs of all its students.

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Making Sense of Autism
2025-01-21 15:30 - 17:00
Join us for a webinar with the Autism Education Trust on January 21st 3.30pm-5.00pm. We are delighted to be partnered with the AET. This is a webinar not to be missed.
This webinar is an awareness-raising module that introduces autism and the Three Areas of Difference: Social Understanding and Communication, Flexibility, Information Processing and Understanding and Sensory Processing and Integration. We explore the Three Areas of Difference in terms of strengths and support needs and identify some initial reasonable adjustments that need to be considered when supporting autistic pupils.
The aims
The aims of this module are:
To extend your understanding of how autism affects pupils in school.
To increase your expertise in recognising a pupil’s individual strengths and differences.
To develop your skills in identifying barriers to learning for autistic pupils.
To develop your understanding of what reasonable adjustments need to be made to support autistic pupils in their setting.
Learning objectives
After completing the module, you will be able to:
Understand that autism is a difference rather than a deficit or disorder.
Recognise the Three Areas of Difference and how these can affect autistic pupils.
Listen to and learn from the perspectives of autistic pupils and their parents/ carers.
Reflect on your practice and implement reasonable adjustments to support autistic pupils.

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Developing the Writing Skills of Children with Autism
2025-02-25 16:00 - 17:00
Join us for an insightful and empowering webinar on February 25th from 4- 5pm. Unlock the potential of young writers with autism in our upcoming webinar, “Developing the Writing Skills of Children with Autism.” This session is designed to equip educators, parents, and caregivers with effective strategies to support and enhance the writing abilities of children on the autism spectrum.
Key Topics:
Understanding the unique challenges and strengths in writing for children with autism
Practical techniques to foster writing skills
Creating an inclusive and supportive writing environment
Utilising tools and resources to aid writing development
About our Presenter
Nicola Musgrove is a renowned expert in the field of autism, bringing a wealth of experience from both her professional and personal life. With years of experience in the classroom and extensive research into autistic behaviors, Nicola has a deep understanding of the challenges and strengths associated with autism.
As the mother of two autistic children, Nicola speaks with authenticity, compassion, and a profound knowledge that resonates with parents, educators, and young people alike. Her unique perspective combines professional expertise with personal insights, making her an exceptional guide for this important conversation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Nicola’s expertise and gain practical tools to support the young people in your life. Register now to secure your spot!

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Supporting Young People to Understand their Autistic Identity
2025-03-25 16:00 - 17:00
Join us for an insightful and empowering webinar on March 25th from 4- 5pm. This webinar is designed to support young people in understanding their autistic identity. This session will provide valuable strategies and perspectives to help young individuals embrace their uniqueness and navigate their experiences with confidence.
Key Topics:
Understanding autism and its diverse presentations
Strategies for self-advocacy and self-awareness
Building a supportive environment at home and school
Resources and tools for ongoing support
About our Presenter
Nicola Musgrove is a renowned expert in the field of autism, bringing a wealth of experience from both her professional and personal life. With years of experience in the classroom and extensive research into autistic behaviors, Nicola has a deep understanding of the challenges and strengths associated with autism.
As the mother of two autistic children, Nicola speaks with authenticity, compassion, and a profound knowledge that resonates with parents, educators, and young people alike. Her unique perspective combines professional expertise with personal insights, making her an exceptional guide for this important conversation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Nicola’s expertise and gain practical tools to support the young people in your life. Register now to secure your spot!

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