Opogo Community

A Lived Experience: Practical Advice for Educators Supporting Autistic Children and Young People
2024-11-12 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
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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Is your school racist?
2025-02-11 16:00 - 17:00
Join us for this challenging and thought provoking webinar, ‘Is your school racist?’ on 11th February at 4:00 PM. The webinar is presented by Angie Cord (Director of Curriculum & Education) & Lara Sengupta (Founder & CEO), Every Future Foundation.
Join us for an insightful and challenging webinar titled “Is Your School Racist?” This session is designed for school and trust leaders, as well as educators, to critically reflect on the anti-racism culture within their settings.
Key Topics:
Racial Literacy: Understanding and improving racial awareness and sensitivity.
Microaggressions: Identifying and addressing subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory comments or actions.
Safeguarding: Ensuring the safety and well-being of all students, particularly those from minority backgrounds.
Diversifying Curriculums: Strategies for creating inclusive and representative educational content.
Interactive Elements:
Q&A Session: Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the presenters.
Practical Strategies: Learn actionable steps and best practices to foster an anti-racist environment in your school.
This webinar promises to be a thought-provoking and practical session, equipping you with the tools and knowledge to make meaningful changes in your educational setting. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation and drive positive change.
About our presenters:
Lara
Lara’s personal experience of being a racialised minority child and then an adult growing up in London, played a major part in the creation of Every Future Foundation (Originally: Breakfast Clubs Against Racism).
Lara has experience working in international non-profits and social enterprises, including her past business which combined yoga with workshops in Kolkata, India, providing human trafficking victims with employable skills and a support network for rehabilitation.
Lara now lives in Cambridgeshire, with her partner and two young children.
Angie
Angie is a Senior Lecturer and consultant specialising in Education and Antiracist Education Practice, with 17 years of experience in the primary and higher education sectors. As the leader of Hackney’s Diverse Curriculum initiative and with a recent MA in Social Justice and Education from UCL, she is deeply committed to eradicating racism and inequalities in education and beyond.
Angie’s passion is rooted in her experiences as a mixed-heritage educator with an East Asian background. She brings her years of experience as an educator to support EFF with curriculum development and understanding the education sector from an educators lens.

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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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Emotional Regulation
2025-03-11 16:00 - 17:00
Date and Time: 11th March 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Audience: Educators and Parents
What is Emotional Regulation?
Emotional Regulation refers to the ability to manage and respond to an emotional experience in a healthy and productive manner. This skill is crucial for children as it helps them navigate social interactions, cope with stress, and achieve academic success. In the context of schools, Emotional Regulation involves teaching children how to understand and control their emotions, which can lead to improved behaviour and learning outcomes.
Webinar Objectives:
Understanding Emotional Regulation:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of what Emotional Regulation is and why it is essential for children’s development.
Explore the science behind emotions and how they affect behaviour and learning.
Strategies for the Classroom:
Learn practical strategies to help children develop Emotional Regulation skills within the school environment.
Discover techniques for creating a supportive classroom atmosphere that encourages emotional growth and resilience.
Home Support:
Understand how parents can reinforce Emotional Regulation strategies at home.
Discuss ways to create a consistent approach between school and home to support children’s emotional development.
What Attendees Will Gain:
Insightful Knowledge: Attendees will leave with a solid understanding of Emotional Regulation and its importance in child development.
Practical Tools: Educators and parents will acquire actionable strategies to implement in both classroom and home settings.
Collaborative Approaches: Learn how to work together to provide a cohesive support system for children, enhancing their ability to regulate emotions effectively.
Join us for this informative webinar to empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to support children’s emotional well-being and academic success.
Our Presenter
Emma Riley is a dedicated educator at One School Global, renowned for her expertise in integrating Emotional Regulation strategies within the classroom. With over a decade of experience in teaching and educational leadership, Emma has been instrumental in fostering environments where children can thrive both emotionally and academically.
Expertise in Emotional Regulation:
Emma’s approach to Emotional Regulation is rooted in her deep understanding of child psychology and her commitment to holistic education. She has developed and implemented numerous programmes that teach children how to identify, understand, and manage their emotions effectively. Her methods are designed to create a supportive and nurturing classroom atmosphere, which is essential for students’ overall well-being and academic success.
Key Contributions:
Innovative Programmes: Emma has pioneered several initiatives that incorporate Emotional Regulation techniques into daily classroom activities. These programmes have been highly successful in improving students’ emotional resilience and behavioural outcomes.
Teacher Training: She regularly conducts workshops and training sessions for fellow educators, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to support Emotional Regulation in their own classrooms.
Parental Engagement: Understanding the importance of a consistent approach, Emma works closely with parents to ensure that Emotional Regulation strategies are reinforced at home, creating a cohesive support system for children.
Emma Riley’s dedication to Emotional Regulation has made a significant impact on the students at One School Global, helping them to develop the emotional skills necessary for lifelong success. Her work continues to inspire educators and parents alike, demonstrating the profound benefits of prioritising emotional well-being in education.

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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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Emotionally Available Schools
2025-04-01 16:00 - 17:00
Join us for this webinar, ‘Emotionally Available Schools’, which might just re-frame your thinking about emotional well-being in schools. It will take place on April 1st 4-5pm.
We are honoured to have Roger Mitchell presenting this session. Roger is a dedicated trustee for nurtureuk, an organisation committed to the emotional well-being of children. He also serves as the Headteacher at Ripple Primary, where his leadership and passion for nurturing young minds have made a significant impact. With a wealth of experience in education and a deep commitment to fostering supportive learning environments, Roger brings invaluable insights to our discussion. Please join me in welcoming Roger Mitchell.
In this session Roger will present the journey the school has been on to get where it is today.
When Roger Mitchell arrived as Acting Head at Ripple Primary School in 2005 it was not a happy school. With the staff team splintering from a lack of leadership following the long term illness, and then death, of their Headteacher, attendance and outcomes were low and behaviour was not good amongst both the children and the adults.
But Ripple has now proclaimed itself to be an ‘Emotionally Available School’ and a recent visitor, consulting on the SENDAP Review for the DfE, has recently written to say:
“At a time of negativity around SEND and inclusion, you and your school are a beacon of hope and proof it can be done. It seems like this is your time to take your ideas to the world. We certainly need them.”

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Breaking Down Behaviour Barriers with Samantha Dhakolia
2025-04-30 08:00 - 17:00
Join us for an insightful and transformative webinar titled “Breaking Down Behaviour Barriers“, presented by Samantha Dholakia, the founder of The Behaviour Bank. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, April 30th at 4-5pm.
About Samantha Dholakia: A fiercely passionate educator and leader, Samantha is on a mission to innovate the way we support behaviour in schools and nurseries, ensuring EVERY child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential and EVERY member of staff maintains their passion and love for their role.
Bringing together her extensive knowledge and expertise across the education and coaching industries, Samantha supports education and childcare settings in creating positive behaviour change. With nearly 20 years of experience in education and childcare, across a wide range of ages and stages, in roles such as Deputy Head, Head of EYFS, Head of KS1, RMT Literacy Consultant Trainer, and behaviour specialist, she is the proud creator of The Behaviour Balance System© and The Behaviour Bank©. This alternative approach to behaviour is science-led and research-backed, providing preventative, supportive, restorative, and reflective strategies THAT WORK for children of all ages and stages – starting with the Early Years.
Webinar Highlights: In this webinar, Samantha will delve into the barriers to positive behaviour in educational settings and provide practical, effective strategies to support positive behaviour management. Attendees will gain valuable insights into:
Identifying common behaviour barriers in schools and nurseries.
Implementing science-led, research-backed strategies to foster positive behaviour.
Creating an environment where every child can thrive and every staff member can maintain their passion for their role.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an expert in the field and take away actionable strategies to enhance behaviour management in your educational setting.

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