Attendance is a national priority, yet many interventions focus on behaviour management rather than addressing underlying SEMH needs. Helen Bray, the Director of SEND for the East Midlands Education Trust, joins Dale today to discuss the impact of SEMH challenges, post-pandemic trauma, and the rise of emotionally based school avoidance on attendance rates. With over 20 years of experience across early years, primary, and secondary education, Helen is incredibly passionate about supporting all pupils to succeed....
Attendance is a national priority, yet many interventions focus on behaviour management rather than addressing underlying SEMH needs.
Helen Bray, the Director of SEND for the East Midlands Education Trust, joins Dale today to discuss the impact of SEMH challenges, post-pandemic trauma, and the rise of emotionally based school avoidance on attendance rates. With over 20 years of experience across early years, primary, and secondary education, Helen is incredibly passionate about supporting all pupils to succeed.
“It's so isolating and so hard for these children and parents where they just physically cannot walk through those gates”.
Helen Bray
Listen to hear the underlying reasons for low attendance and how they connect to students’ emotional readiness. Helen highlights strategies schools can implement to create a supportive environment for students facing these challenges. She emphasises the importance of building strong relationships with students and their families to foster trust and engagement.
Helen also shares insights on how we can better understand our children’s needs and the importance of being flexible in our approaches to support.
View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!
About Helen Bray Director of SEND for the East Midlands Education Trust, with 20 years of experience in teaching and leadership across early years, primary, and secondary education. A passionate advocate for adaptive practice, I work with schools to embed it as the golden thread through all teaching and learning.
I champion relational practice, ensuring high-quality SEMH support is a core part of every school’s universal offer. Committed to breaking down the silos, I believe in a holistic approach to supporting children and young people. I also collaborate closely with local authorities to improve inclusion services for children and families.
Contact Helen https://www.emet.uk.com/
www.linkedin.com/in/helen-bray-b8130826a
Useful Links Positive Social : Helping young people survive + thrive on social media
Mental health issues affecting a pupil's attendance: guidance for schools - GOV.UK
When the adults change, everything changes by Paul Dix
Square Pegs: Inclusivity, Compassion and Fitting In - A Guide for Schools - Fran Morgan & Ellie Costello
Survival Psychology – Tony Brooks
Want to hear more about supporting SEMH?
This October, Richard Daniel-Curtis is joining Dale live in our studio to present 2 CPD training sessions:
1. Supporting SEMH in the classroom
2. Understanding the early causes of mental health difficulties and how to support pupils
Register your place now for just £10 per session which can be shared with your whole school.
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