Learning with Pooky

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10 Steps to a Neurodivergent-Friendly Classroom

Create a classroom where neurodivergent learners feel safe, supported, and able to thrive. This practical, strengths-based course shares 10 powerful changes that can make school feel calmer, more predictable, and more inclusive—especially for autistic, ADHD, PDA, and sensory-sensitive students. Across 20 bite-sized videos (with companion notes), you'll explore ways to reduce overwhelm, support executive function, and respond to diverse communication needs. All ideas are designed for real classrooms—practical, flexible, and rooted in lived experience. Whether you're new to this or building on what you already do, you'll find clear, compassionate guidance to help every student feel seen and supported—one small step at a time.

CourseBy Pooky Knightsmith

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Autistic Transition: Building Year 6 Skills for Secondary Success

The move from primary to secondary school is one of the biggest transitions in a young person's education, and for autistic students it can be particularly demanding. But the most valuable work happens before September, not after. This course is for Year 6 teachers and practitioners preparing autistic students for secondary school. Across six short lessons, we look at the skills worth building in Year 6 itself: self-knowledge, self-advocacy, understanding the unwritten rules of secondary, executive function, and portable strategies for managing sensory and emotional load. Every lesson ends with something practical you can try this term. You'll come away with specific, low-barrier actions you can start this week, and a clearer sense of why the Year 6 window matters so much.

CourseBy Pooky Knightsmith

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EBSA-Informed Transition Planning for Autistic Students

Many autistic students arrive in Year 7 looking like they're coping. By October, too many are not. The autumn term crash is real, and largely predictable, and most of the work needed to prevent it can be done before the crisis arrives. This course is for anyone supporting autistic students through the move from primary to secondary, whether you're working in Year 6, in Year 7, in a SEN team, or alongside the family. Across six short video lessons plus a written lesson on early warning signs, we look at the five domains of safety that get tested at transition: physical, sensory, social, emotional, and cognitive. Each lesson ends with a reflection question and one practical thing to try this week. You'll come away with a clear framework for thinking about what's going wrong when a student starts to struggle, and concrete actions you can take before attendance starts to slip.

CourseBy Pooky Knightsmith

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EBSA Prevention - Spotting and Responding to the Early Warning Signs of School Anxiety

Learn to notice the early signs of anxiety/avoidance in students and respond with calm, practical strategies - short lessons for busy educators. Inc: Short video lessons, full companion notes and range of resources.

CourseBy Pooky Knightsmith

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From Primary to Secondary: Supporting Autistic Students to Thrive

Over six short lessons we look at what transition really feels like for autistic students and their families, why the students who seem fine are often the ones who need us most, and what we can do - most of it free and immediately usable - to make the primary to secondary move genuinely better. Each lesson is short enough to watch during a planning period. Companion notes are included with more depth, all the research, and reflection prompts for use individually or as a team. Suitable for anyone supporting autistic students through transition - class teachers, SENCOs, teaching assistants, and pastoral leads in both primary and secondary settings. No specialist training needed.

CourseBy Pooky Knightsmith

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Supporting Autistic Girls Who Are Quietly Struggling

A practical, relationship-first guide for educators and parents to spot the subtle signs of hidden distress in high-achieving autistic girls, create safe spaces for mistakes, empower authentic self-expression, and prevent burnout or shutdown. Learn evidence-informed strategies to notice, reflect, and share soft concerns early, so these girls can truly thrive, not just survive.

CourseBy Pooky Knightsmith

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Understanding and Supporting Children Who Mask

Some children work incredibly hard to appear fine. They follow instructions, manage friendships, get through the school day, and then fall apart the moment they get home. This is masking, and it's far more common than most people realise. This 46-minute recorded session explores what masking is, why children do it, and what we can do to help. You'll come away with a clearer picture of the signs to look for, a better understanding of why "fine at school" and "falling apart at home" can both be true at the same time, and practical strategies you can start using straight away. The session is designed for educators and parents alike. No prior knowledge needed. A set of companion notes is included so you have something to keep and refer back to.

CourseBy Pooky Knightsmith

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Why They Say No: Strategies for Demand Avoidant Learners

Support students who say “no” not out of defiance, but distress. This short, self-paced course helps you reframe behaviour, reduce resistance, and build trust with learners who struggle with everyday demands. Across five practical video lessons, you’ll explore low-demand communication, predictable routines, co-regulation, and culture shifts that support autonomy and safety. Each lesson includes thorough companion notes, reflection prompts, and printable resources. Whether you're new to demand avoidance or navigating it daily, this course will help you feel more confident, compassionate, and equipped.

CourseBy Pooky Knightsmith

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