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Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 21h

If parents could indicate to schools what to spend the notional EHCP ££ on, it might help? Eg assistive tech, a share of a TA, a share of a ‘safe space’ etc? Training re autism etc? I wonder what a menu of options would look like?

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Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 21h

However, if the children involved in your imaginary pilot study are already doing full days in school, I would be really wary of adding to their academic burden by using the notional EHCP ££ for additional study, eg tutoring, outside of school hours. Risk of #burnout.

Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 21h

Obvs our ed system should be trying to learn from this re helpful provision for children with SEND - so your idea is fab Jim.

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Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 21h

Many parents/carers already use their children’s DLA ££ for tuition, mentoring, activities such as DofE etc.

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Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 21h

Joe Hanley at @yorkshirebylines.co.uk - you had me at “Leaning on PISA” ⭐️

yorkshirebylines.co.uk/news/educati...

Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 22h

I don’t know much about IQ (except its eugenics-leaning conceptual roots), but CYP are basically trapped in their school environments, and if (for eg) they’re overwhelming or unsafe - ie not #neuro-affirming - opportunities for learning (& thriving) will be very limited. I guess it’s why many leave?

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Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 1d

Autistic and non-autistic adults were asked about their stimming. So not a CYP self report.

Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 1d

Could be *why they haven’t

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Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 1d

2nd is fidget toys may not be the preferred or most helpful stim? - could be they haven’t always been observed as beneficial? Rocking, flapping etc may work better for some CYP to regulate attention & relieve stress?

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Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 1d

Thanks so much @drstevenkapp.bsky.social. Super interesting & helpful! @bennewmark.bsky.social - I think this is the kind of study you were looking for re stimming to aid regulation, facilitate concentration? Re fidget toys in classrooms, I now have 2 thoughts: 1st is obvs let them use the items

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Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 1d

Such a fab episode - inspiring!

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Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey

The SENDcast @thesendcast.bsky.social · 1d

Thanks so much for sharing this - absolutely and OFSTED have this in their new framework. SEND is not a bolt on it should be embedded in whole school practice

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Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 1d

I see what you mean. Maybe “offered in schools”?

Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 1d

Yes. I guess I look at everything thru a SEND lens, so I see this kind of one-in-one-out curric logic as flawed, in the light of massive accessibility/inclusion issues. Prob some CYP could stay in school if more hands-on T&L (eg ag) were offered?

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Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 1d

Ooh, fab choice!

I’m reading Authoring Autism by Melanie Yergeau

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Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 1d

And also quite inaccessible to a third of CYP - hard to argue ‘generalist’ when it’s not accessed. Imv.

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Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 1d

Sounds interesting! I’m not sure current system actually v generalist as it’s tremendously abstract by KS4 - imv 🤷‍♀️ Over-reliance on text-based learning, for example.

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Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 1d

It would be nice if CYP who are interested in ag, nature etc had routes to develop their knowledge & maybe get a qualification - making the most of intrinsic motivation. Obvs ind schools & staff do amazing work - eg via gardening & eco clubs. Prob good for wellbeing for CYP & staff as well.

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Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 1d

It does have a farming unit, however. Could prob claim to be more ‘broad & balanced’ than iGCSE ag? The L2s are also off the table for most schoolchildren - except for post-16 I think. Unless you could get really specific in an EHCP 🤔

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Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 1d

But possibly in quite an abstract way? iGCSE environmental management a tad more accessible for some CYP, perhaps? If only it could be a MS option 😅

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Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 1d

This is essentially what super senior ed psych says on this Psychology In The Classroom Podcast hosted by @lucindap0well.bsky.social

#Vygotsky

podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...

Exploring the Intersection of Psychology and Education: Insights for Teachers

Podcast Episode · Psychology in the Classroom · 05/08/2025 · 31m

podcasts.apple.com

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Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey

Sue Cowley @suecowley.bsky.social · 2d

I'm not sure #inclusion sits well with sequenced curriculums delivered in a very specific way. I think there are questions about agency, voice and interests for young people in a totally adult led approach. We need to start from where the children are at, surely? Have the freedom to be flexible. ☺️

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Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey

Sue Cowley @suecowley.bsky.social · 1d

I'm not convinced that 'SEN units' in mainstream schools is what #inclusion means. Imo inclusion is not just about being in the same physical location. It's about an attitude and approach that includes learners with SEND as part of mainstream provision.

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Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 1d

There’s probably a Gove quote somewhere that says he wants 90% of schools to be ‘above average’ - or some such data twaddle. I don’t expect unis get this exact type of data pressure.

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Isabelle Finn-Kelcey @isabellefk.bsky.social · 1d

That’s an interesting perspective. I guess unis are different because the grading criteria are descriptive rather than competitive like GCSEs? And possibly unis don’t stress so much about results data - or express this (staff) stress by chivvying the ‘average’ students to do better?

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