Involving Students with SEND in the Wider Community | Matt Campion

In this episode, Clare talks to Matt Campion, Director at Renad Academy and Acting Director at Warif Academy, Qatar, about involving students with SEND / additional needs in the wider community.

They explore some of the barriers to community access, and different ways to prepare children, young people and their families to manage a range of scenarios, such as travelling or visiting a restaurant. They also discuss community and family collaboration, as a way to increase understanding and help services and settings become more accessible for everyone.

Matt has held leadership positions in both mainstream and special schools in England and Qatar. He is currently Director at Renad Academy, a Qatar Foundation school for autistic children. He is also Acting Director at Warif Academy, a Ministry of Education school operated by Qatar Foundation. Warif Academy is the first school in Qatar for children with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

You can find out more about Renad Academy on their website or on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

Matt also shares three tips during the episode:

• • Start with the child, thinking about what is right for them.

• • Even when things are challenging, hold onto the positives and celebrate the wins, no matter how small.

• • Perseverance is key; it’s so important not to give up. With the right support, all children and young people can be successful.

The Team Teach podcast shares the latest thinking in 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 in your setting.