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In the latest episode, Communications Officer Nick Ransom, a former on-air journalist, sits down with Acting Executive Headteacher Catherine Donnelly to reflect on the Spring term. He then joins Mike Smith, Head of School at Kershaw Wood Manchester, for further discussion.
The episode concludes with a powerful conversation between Nick and Chair of Governors Andrea Lloyd, who shares her experience of being diagnosed as autistic during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mum of student Devon and the founder of Denton Autism ADHD Family Support (DAAFS), she also explains why specialist education is so deeply important to her.
Where can I find a transcript of this episode? Please click here
What is Footsteps? In each 30‑minute episode, Footsteps will take you inside the world of specialist education, sharing the people, experiences and stories that shape First Steps Together.
What is First Steps Together? A rapidly expanding family of specialist schools, care homes, and transport services across the North West, empowering young people from diverse circumstances, backgrounds and identities.
Why should you listen: With updates from across our schools the North West, thoughtful conversations and some laughs along the way, this is the perfect companion for anyone wanting to better understand young people with differences in communication, cognition and emotional and sensory regulation.
How can I contact the podcast? Please click here
Timecodes:
00:00 Nick explains what's coming up in the episode
01:52 Nick welcomes Acting Executive Headteacher Catherine Donnelly
03:23 Catherine shares her Spring highlights including Dylan the tortoise
04:25 Dylan the tortoise is introduced at Kershaw Wood Manchester
05:58 Catherine's message to parents on Easter
09:06 Nick speaks to Kershaw Wood Head of School Mike Smith
11:02 Mike shares his highlights of the Spring break
11:32 Mike's advice on dealing with the Easter break
14:20 Andrea Lloyd talks about being diagnosed as autistic in her 40s during lockdown
17:01 Being diagnosed as neurodivergent as an adult
18:37 How Andrea deals with responsibility and pressure
21:10 Andrea's thoughts on changes to specialist education
23:35 Being neurodivergent and a parent
25:00 Environments and neurological diversity
28:12 Being a neurodivergent role model
29:48 Cultural attitudes to neurodivergent people
30:57 Andrea's role as Chair of Governors and student voice
32:58 Mood of Denton and Tameside regarding specialist education
34:59 Andrea on the Easter break and being out of school
