Shows
The Team Teach PodcastUnderstanding Pre-escalationIn this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, about pre-escalation.Dave shares ways to shape the environment to support individuals and highlights how making adjustments can help build resilience. They also discuss the challenges of only focusing on crisis behaviour and how shifting our attention to pre-escalation can improve outcomes for everyone, through taking a consistent, values-based approach. Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society and has extensiveexperience of supporting young people with complex special...
2026-02-1030 minThe Team Teach PodcastReducing Internal TruancyIn this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, about ways to reduce internal truancy.They discuss what is meant by internal truancy and why some students might find it difficult to attend classes and accesseducation. Dave also explores the impact on children and young people, and suggests practical ways for staff to build strong relationships and help students re-engage with learning.Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society and has extensiveexperience of supporting young people...
2026-01-1626 minThe Team Teach PodcastDe-escalating with Parents and CarersIn this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, about de-escalating with parents and carers.They explore different reasons why parents and carers might feel dysregulated and how our own emotional state can affect our capacity to empathise and support them. They also talk about finding incidental opportunities for building connection with families when everyone is feeling calm and regulated. Dave highlights helpful tools for de-escalation, including verbal and non-verbal CALM communication strategies.Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and...
2025-12-1829 minThe Team Teach PodcastAutism in Early YearsIn this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, about supporting autistic children in early years.They discuss some of the indicators of autism in young children and highlight the importance of taking an individualised approach to support. They also explore some strategies that practitioners can implement to best support children in their organisation.Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society and has extensiveexperience of supporting young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities.
2025-04-2929 minThe Team Teach PodcastStaff Retention in SchoolsIn this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, about staff retention in education.They explore some of the reasons behind the recruitment and retention crisis in schools, and discuss the importance of creating a culture of support for all, including students, leaders, teachers and support staff.Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society, and has extensiveexperience of supporting young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities. As a staff development co-ordinator for...
2024-12-1123 minThe Team Teach PodcastBiting and Hitting in Early YearsIn this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, about supporting biting and hitting behaviour with early years children.They explore some of the underlying reasons for biting and hitting, and suggest different ways to support young children. Dave has worked in special schools for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society, and has extensiveexperience of supporting young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities. As a staff development co-ordinator for the National Autistic Society, he developed and delivered training...
2024-11-2223 minThe Team Teach PodcastEffective Individual Support PlansIn this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training andConsultancy, about how to make the best use of individual support plans. They talk about what makes an effective support plan, considering the various elements that could be included. They also discuss the benefits of creating robust individual support plans, and how effective use of these can positively children, young people and adults, as well as staff members.Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society, and has extensive experience...
2024-10-2318 minThe Team Teach PodcastSensory Circuits and Sensory BreaksJoin Clare as she talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, about how to effectively use sensory circuits and sensory breaks in schools. They discuss the difference between the two terms, and talk about the benefits for different children and young people.They also explore some of the barriers to running a sensory circuit session, and suggest possible solutions.Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society, and has extensive experience of supporting young people with complex special educational...
2024-09-0920 minThe Team Teach PodcastSchool Uniform and BehaviourIn this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training andConsultancy, about the impact that wearing school uniform can have on behaviour.They discuss the pros and cons of uniform policies, and how a prescribed dress code might influence a student’s attitude and behaviour in school.Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society, and has extensive experience of supporting young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities. As a staff development co-ordinator for the National Au...
2024-07-2527 minThe Team Teach Podcast'Low-Level' Classroom BehaviourIn this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training andConsultancy, about the impact of ‘low-level’ behaviour in the classroom and how we can reduce disruption to learning. They discuss the difficulty with using terms such as ‘low-level disruptive behaviour’ and explore what the function of this type of behaviour might be.They also examine some of the potential underlying causes, and highlight the importance of the teacher / student relationship.Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society, and has extensiv...
2024-07-1128 minThe Team Teach PodcastConsistency and Behaviour SupportIn this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, about consistency and behaviour support. They discuss the importance of collaboration and teamwork, to ensure a coherent, joined-up approach. They also highlight the need for flexibility and a values-driven culture of shared accountability, where everyone understands their unique role in providing consistent behaviour support.Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society, and has extensive experience of supporting young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities.
2024-06-1921 minThe Team Teach PodcastAnxiety and Early Years TransitionsClare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, about anxiety and early years transitions. They discuss the impact on parents and carers during this phase, and external factors that can influence the success, or otherwise, of transitions.They also explore what anxiety may look like in young children, and how staff can communicate effectively with families to offer the best support.Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society, and has extensive experience of supporting young people with complex...
2024-06-0724 minThe Team Teach PodcastReducing School ExclusionsIn this episode, Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, talks to Clare about reducing school exclusions. They discuss the reasons behind exclusions, the short- and long-term ramifications for children and young people, and strategies to reduce school exclusions in our settings.Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society, and has extensive experience of supporting young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities. As a staff development co-ordinator for the National Autistic Society, he developed and delivered...
2024-05-1026 minThe Team Teach PodcastAutism & Masking BehavioursDave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, talks to Clare about the relationship between autism and masking behaviours.They discuss different interpretations of body language and facial expressions, and how these can influence our interactions. They also explore the reasons behind masking, and the impact on individuals’ wellbeing and behaviour.Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society, and has extensive experience of supporting young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities. As a staff development co-ordinator for th...
2024-05-0322 minThe Team Teach PodcastSupporting Exam StressIn this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy. They talk about supporting children and young people to cope with the pressure surrounding exams, and explore different strategies to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety.Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society, and has extensive experience of supporting young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities. As a staff development co-ordinator for the National Autistic Society, he developed and delivered training in autism...
2024-04-1725 minThe Team Teach PodcastSupporting Staff Emotional WellbeingDave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer, talks to Clare about supporting staff emotional wellbeing at work. They discuss the importance of focusing on our own needs, as well as the needs of those we support, and reflect on how we can take care of each other as professionals. They also highlight the correlation between wellbeing and staff retention, and explore sustainable, systematic ways to address different workplace challenges. Dave has extensive experience of supporting young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities, and has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and th...
2024-02-1920 minThe Team Teach PodcastSupporting Individuals on TripsDave Smallwood, a Principal Team Teach trainer, talks to Clare about how to support individuals on off-site trips. They explore the challenges that such occasions can pose, dealing with unforeseen situations, and how to best support individuals when outside of their usual environment. Dave has extensive behaviour support experience. He has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society. As a staff development co-ordinator for the latter, he has developed and delivered training in autism, and equality, diversity and rights. You can find Dave on Linke...
2024-02-0620 minThe Team Teach PodcastReacting vs Responding to BehaviourIn this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy. They discuss the difference between reacting and responding to behaviour, and how the culture and ethos of a setting influence our ability to empathise with and support the individuals in our care. Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society. As a staff development co-ordinator for the latter, he has developed and delivered training in autism, and equality, diversity and rights. You can find Dave on...
2024-01-1924 min
The MD PodcastThe MD Podcast | Season 3 Episode 1 | Clare SmallwoodOn the first episode of season 3 of The MD Podcast, host Martin Hartley talks to Clare Smallwood, Lead PMO at HSBC. They discuss her fascinating career path, why good leadership is crucial, and how sometimes you need to take a step back and reassess whether you’re happy with your current career direction. Clare has travelled extensively, performed many roles in multiple sectors, and has found her true calling in her PMO role at HSBC. She talks candidly about the unconventional path she took to get to where she is today and how looking for...
2023-03-3143 min
My Family Coach PodcastAutism & Sensory Needs | Dave SmallwoodThe My Family Coach podcasts covers every aspect of children's behaviour, all in handy 15 minute (ish) bite-sized chunks. Each episode features a new guest chatting about a different aspect of behaviour and leaves you with three handy tips to use at home.
In this episode, expert guest Dave Smallwood talks to Clare about autism and sensory needs, and how to support families and schools to support and work with children with these complex needs.
Dave is a Principal Team Teach tutor and ex-behaviour lead of a special school for 10 years. Dave was also Staff Development...
2022-06-2133 min
Death Of 1000 CutsDeath Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 44 - Pitch Rush SpecialThis is the Death Of 1000 Cuts Pitch Rush Special episode. 55 authors, 55 novels looking for agents and editors. I read out a rapid-fire showcase of 100-word synopses and extracts.
This is a great episode to listen to if you're trying to figure out how to pitch your novel, how to write a synopsis, how to write a query letter, and what makes the best extract of your work to share. It's also a great episode to listen to if you're interested in finding new talent!
If you fancy supporting me and this podcast, please buy my novel, THE HONOURS: https://wordery...
2018-11-051h 17