Ange Anderson, Episodes
The Power of Play Schemas with Ange Anderson
SENDcast Episode
The Power of Play Schemas
with Ange Anderson
Play is often the first thing to disappear as children move through school – but for many neurodivergent children, it may be the most powerful learning tool we have.
Ange Anderson, Therapeutic SEND Advisor, joins Dale to discuss how play schemas can help adults better understand behaviour, communication, and wellbeing.
Together, Dale and Ange explore:
– Why play-based learning is so often misunderstood or abandoned too early.
– What schemas are, and how recognising them can completely reframe what looks like challenging behaviour.
– Why following a child’s lead – rather than directing them – can unlock engagement that more traditional approaches simply can’t reach.
“Play isn’t just what children do – it’s how they tell us who they are.”
— Ange Anderson
View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!
Watch the episode
About the guest
Ange Anderson
Ange Anderson is a former specialist school head, SEND advisor and author specialising in therapeutic, sensory and play-based approaches for neurodivergent children and young people. Her work focuses on helping professionals and families better understand behaviour, communication, wellbeing and learning through practical, relationship-based approaches.
Ange is particularly passionate about purposeful play, sensory profiling, schemas, therapeutic interventions and the rights of children with complex needs and PMLD to lifelong learning. She is known for translating theory into realistic, meaningful strategies that busy staff teams and families can use in everyday practice.
Alongside her writing – books, articles and research papers – and training, Ange delivers school training days, conference talks and online resources across the UK. Her work combines professional expertise with warmth, creativity and a strong belief that children learn best when they feel safe, understood and engaged.
Enjoyed this episode?
Help us make SENDcast even better
Share your thoughts or subscribe to get new episodes delivered every week.
Powered by
The SENDcast is powered by B Squared
We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals – which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.
Introducing SENDcast Sessions
SENDcast Sessions are a new way for schools to access high quality CPD from SEND experts brought to you by the SENDcast. It’s the same great guests featured on our weekly podcast, delivering focused 1-hour online training sessions on a wide range of SEND topics.
SENDcast Sessions provide schools with in depth content that can be accessed forever. Build a library of online CPD that your school can continue to use in the future – choose from over 150 training sessions!
Visit the online shop
