Join us this week as we chat to Cheryl Warren, an award-winning trainer and consultant from Aperion Training, specialising in neurodiversity in the early years.
In the episode, Cheryl discusses her career journey and personal mission, sharing how her lived experience has shaped her professional approach. As a parent, Cheryl offers valuable insights into supporting neurodivergent children and their families, understanding the pressures they face.
As an educator, Cheryl understands the importance of applying a neuroaffirming lens in practice, recognising that each child's needs are unique and embracing their differences. She emphasises the role of the curious educator, seeking to understand the 'why' behind every action, and having a strength-based approach that focuses on what children CAN do.
We also explore the strategies for creating inclusive and supportive environments, including conducting environmental audits that address sensory distractions and sensitivities, and encouraging movement.
We'll be back with a whole new episode on 21 August.
Chapters
0:00- Introduction to Cheryl and her career journey
4:35- Cheryl’s personal mission and experience with neurodivergence
7:57- Understanding different individuals’ needs and that it is a spectrum
13:50- How families and educational settings recognise the signs
18:20- Ad break
18:40- How Cheryl’s lived experience informs her professional approach
20:35- Supporting families to navigate a world that doesn’t understand neurodivergence
24:50- Understanding that ALL brains are different
28:05- What is the neuroaffirming lens and why is it important to use it in practice
31:40- Being the curious educator and looking for the ‘why’
32:40- Letting children be their true authentic selves whilst also providing support
36:16- Practical ways of creating inclusive spaces for all children
40:46- Ad break
41:44- The sensory distractions in the environment and sensory sensitivities
44:55- What motivated Cheryl to start Aperion Training
47:05- Feedback from training
49:20- Making the environment better for everyone
51:48- Advice to anyone starting their career in education and final notes
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Want to hear more from our guest?
You can learn more about Cheryl and her work by visiting her website: https://www.aperiontraining.co.uk/
You can check out Cheryl's podcast 'Not Your Typical Podcast' here:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cheryl-warren7
You can also find Cheryl on her social media channels:
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