Our annual workshop for tutors with nasen provided stimulating discussion. PDA and the use of technology were covered by Education Officer, Anna Speke. EHCPs and Safeguarding were covered by Bright Heart staff.

Bright Heart Hosts Insightful Workshop with Nasen on PDA and Technology

On 25th January 2025, Bright Heart had the pleasure of hosting a professional development workshop in collaboration with nasen (National Association for Special Educational Needs). The event brought together our dedicated tutors and experts to explore key topics in special educational needs (SEN), focusing on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), the use of technology, and Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). Nasen’s Education Officer, Anna Speke, travelled down from Birmingham to share her wealth of experience and knowledge.

A Warm Welcome and an Engaging Agenda

The day commenced with a warm welcome from Dr Ryan Stevenson, a director and co-founder, setting the tone for an interactive and thought-provoking experience. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to network over pastries, tea, coffee, and biscuits, before diving into the day’s sessions.

The agenda was structured to provide a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical strategies:

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) – Led by Anna Speke from nasen
Technology in SEN Education – Exploring its opportunities and challenges (Anna Speke)
Understanding EHCPs – Presented by Dr Rosie Gillman
Safeguarding Updates – Delivered by Carol Minkoulou, Bright Heart's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Bright Heart Approach and Vision – A closing reflection by Ryan

Exploring Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

The first session, led by Anna Speke from nasen, explored Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a profile of autism that presents as an extreme avoidance of everyday demands, often linked to high anxiety. Anna provided deep insights into why PDA learners exhibit avoidance behaviours and how tutors can adapt their approaches to better support them.

Key takeaways from the PDA session:

PDA is not a choice – Learners with PDA experience an intense need for control, often driven by anxiety
Demand Avoidance is different for PDA – Unlike general avoidance seen in autism, PDA learners actively resist demands, even ones they enjoy.
Support strategies – Tutors should adopt flexible, low-arousal approaches, providing learners with choices and reducing the pressure of direct demands.
Using the PANDA framework – A helpful tool that focuses on picking battles, anxiety management, negotiation, disguising demands, and adapting approaches.

Anna’s session was particularly engaging, offering tutors practical techniques they could apply in their work. Attendees also explored real-world case studies and participated in interactive discussions about their experiences supporting PDA learners.

Technology in SEN Education: Opportunities and Challenges

In the second session, Anna delved into the role of technology in SEN education. The discussion focused on how assistive technology can bridge learning gaps while also considering potential challenges, such as digital distractions and accessibility concerns.

Benefits of technology – Tools like text-to-speech software, dictation tools, and interactive learning apps can greatly enhance engagement for SEN students.
Challenges – The session acknowledged the need for balanced screen time and ensuring technology remains a tool, not a crutch.
Personalised approaches – Choosing technology that aligns with each learner’s unique needs and preferences.

Understanding EHCPs: Best Practices for Tutors

A key highlight of the workshop was Rosie Gillman’s session on Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). EHCPs are crucial for students who require additional support beyond what is typically available in a school setting.

Key EHCP insights for tutors:

The EHCP Process – Tutors learned about the assessment criteria, how EHCPs are structured, and their legal implications.
How Tutors Can Use EHCPs – Understanding a student’s needs (Section B), desired outcomes (Section E), and provisions in place (Section F) helps tutors tailor their lessons.
Challenges – EHCPs can sometimes be outdated or lack specificity. Tutors were encouraged to work closely with parents to supplement EHCP information with real-time observations.

The session provided an opportunity for tutors to ask questions, ensuring they left with a stronger understanding of how EHCPs can be effectively implemented in tutoring sessions.

If you wish to see more about this topic, please have a look at Rosie’s presentation here.

Safeguarding Update: Ensuring a Safe Learning Environment

Bright Heart’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, Carol Minkoulou, provided an important safeguarding refresher. Tutors were reminded of their duty of care, how to recognise safeguarding concerns, and the appropriate procedures for reporting incidents.

Recognise and report concerns early – Tutors should never wait for a full disclosure before taking action
Confidentiality – Information about students must be handled sensitively, with reports only shared through official channels.
Immediate action – In cases of immediate danger, contacting emergency services (999) is the priority
Use official reporting forms – Tutors are to submit concerns via Bright Heart’s internal safeguarding portal, ensuring that issues reach the appropriate team members quickly.

Bright Heart’s Approach and Vision for the Future

To conclude the day, Ryan provided insights into the Bright Heart Approach and future direction. He highlighted key changes in the education landscape, including the end of the National Tutoring Programme (NTP), financial pressures on families, and potential regulations for private tutors. The latter was positive in recognising the tutoring profession. It was noted that Bright Heart is still growing well and is expanding beyond London into more boroughs and areas.

Ryan reinforced the importance of Bright Heart’s personalised and relationship-based approach, ensuring that tutors continue to embody the ethos of empathy, patience, and person-centred learning.

Final Thoughts and Thank You!

The workshop was a resounding success, equipping tutors with valuable knowledge and strategies to enhance their SEN support. A special thanks to:

👏 Anna Speke and the nasen team for their expertise and engaging presentations.

👏 Rosie Gillman for her informative EHCP session.

👏 Carol Minkoulou for ensuring all tutors remain up to date on safeguarding protocols.

👏 All attendees for their enthusiasm and contributions.

To celebrate the day’s learning, tutors gathered for lunch and informal networking, with some continuing the discussions at The Old Frizzle.

Looking Ahead

Bright Heart remains committed to ongoing professional development for our tutors. If you’re interested in future workshops and training sessions, keep an eye on our website (tutor section) or get in touch with our team.

For more information on nasen and their professional development offerings, visit: www.nasen.org.uk.

We look forward to seeing you at our next event! 🚀

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