In this masterclass, educators, SENCOs, teaching assistants, and support staff will gain valuable insights into the unique mental health challenges faced by students with special educational needs (SEN). The session will explore the intersection of SEN and mental well-being, highlighting common challenges such as anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and the impact of sensory sensitivities. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of how to implement affective education strategies, support emotional regulation, and foster positive self-esteem in SEN students.
Through practical discussions and evidence-based strategies, attendees will learn effective techniques for managing anxiety, recognising and addressing maladaptive behaviours, and promoting independence. The masterclass will equip professionals with the tools to create a supportive environment that empowers neurodiverse students, enhances their emotional resilience, and encourages self-advocacy. By the end of the session, participants will leave with actionable strategies to apply in their settings, ensuring that all students feel understood, valued, and supported in their educational journey.
KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This masterclass will enable you to:
Understand the unique mental health challenges faced by SEN students.
Explore practical strategies for supporting emotional regulation and anxiety management.
Identify methods for promoting independence in SEN students.
Gain knowledge of effective therapeutic interventions for neurodiverse individuals.
Understand and implement effective affective education strategies.
Promote positive self-esteem in SEN students
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Educators, SENCOs, Teaching Assistants, Support Staff
FACILITATOR
Sam is a renowned speaker, trainer and author specialising in mental health and SEN. She has been a SENCo in a large secondary school and is a qualified Cognitive Behaviour Therapist and a Child and Adolescent Counsellor. Sam also set up a company providing mental health CBT programmes. She is in high demand to speak at conferences and events and provides in-house training for schools and companies, nationally and internationally. Lauded for her humour and ‘telling it like it is’ approach to mental health, Sam has had her book Mental Health in Education published by Routledge, and regularly writes for severral publications with more books in the pipeline for publication.
