Supporting stammering, speech and language in the early years: what the evidence says
Original source: Department for Education — Supporting stammering, speech, and language needs in the early years: a rapid evidence review (ref RR1553, September 2025). Research evidence, not statutory guidance. Early years is where speech and language needs can be caught in time — or missed for years. This DfE-commissioned rapid evidence review, led by Newcastle […]
Identifying and supporting speech, language and communication needs: what the evidence says
Original source: Department for Education — Identifying and supporting children and young people with speech, language and communication needs: a rapid evidence review (ref RR1550, September 2025). Research evidence, not statutory guidance. Speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) are the most common primary need among pupils on SEN support. This DfE-commissioned rapid evidence review, led […]
An inclusion base should be an intervention, not a destination
An inclusion base should be an intervention, not a destination Movement towards greater participation in mainstream classes where appropriate The DfE’s new guidance on inclusion bases is best understood as part of a wider policy move: mainstream schools are being asked to become more capable of meeting complex SEND, behavioural, pastoral and attendance needs without […]
Schools being too strict?
Schools being too strict? This piece was prompted by the BBC’s report on a pupil who spent more than half a school year in an isolation booth (BBC News). Strictness without dignity is not discipline I was asked this week to look at the BBC’s report on a pupil who spent more than half a […]
Can I get Positive Handling training specifically for Irish schools?
Dynamis trainers recently delivered positive handling training for a number of Irish schools. What did our team notice? And what recommendations might we make to other Irish schools following our experiences so far?
Protecting relationships when reopening schools
This post is about protecting relationships when reopening. Hi its Gerard here from Dynamis with some great information I came across this week. I listened to an excellent webinar from our partners at Vistelar. Two of their most experienced trainers got together to talk about how we will welcome the children back to school. What […]
SEN Classroom Management – because you have a respectful language, the community is safer to work in
This post is about sen classroom management –. “Hi, my name is Katie Dill, and I am a special education teacher from Winnebago School District in Northern Illinois. I chose Vistelar as a teacher in the educational field because this is “how we do things”. In the professional field we know that we often get […]
Relevant to Early Years Practice – Positive Handling feedback from Nursery School Manager
I felt this was relevant to Early years Practice with a clear focus on de escalation as core purpose with physical intervention being a last resort. Thanks to Gerard for making the training very bespoke to our school needs. Extremely likely to recommend to colleagues in the sector. — Nursery School Manager, Birmingham, July […]
Managing Behaviour may include Positive Handling
The physical side of managing behaviour This post is about managing behaviour may include. Managing behaviour in schools ideally means using professional and persuasive verbalisation skills but must also include the physical alternatives where words alone fail. We treat every child with dignity and show them respect but sometimes words alone are not enough […]
Positive Handling Feedback: “more confident and empowered – fantastic”
This post is about positive handling feedback. “The staff who attended the course went away feeling more confident and empowered. They felt happy that should any positive handling be required, they could do it in a safe way. Pauline was fantastic and made the training personal to our setting and the situations we meet.” – […]