Podcasts about special educational needs

Wellbeing, culture, and inclusion are more than buzzwords - but too many schools tick the boxes without making the real change that matters. In this episode, Dale is joined by Cathal Lynch, Director of Wellbeing Quality Mark, to discuss 'Wellbeing, Culture and Inclusion'. "The anxious brain is not a learning brain. The more we can reduce anxiety, the better learning and behaviour outcomes will be." — Cathal Lynch Together, they explore: Why school culture always exists - whether leaders shape it intentionally or not. How to build genuine belonging by actively listening to the views of pupils, parents, and staff. The role of executive function in behaviour, transitions, and learning - and what schools can do about it. Why structure, routine, and consistency are not about control, but about reducing anxiety and cognitive load. How to codify practice so that good work survives leadership changes and scales across a whole school. View all podcasts | Visit our SENDcast Sessions shop   About Cathal Lynch Education leader, coach and author of Building Belonging Cathal has extensive leadership experience in mainstream and special education, including as a National Director of SEND and a MAT co-founder. He is an Associate Education Expert for the Key, a coach, assessor and facilitator on the NPQEL and author of Building Belonging, a systematic approach to school improvement and emotional wellbeing.   https://www.wbqm.co.uk clynch@esseducation.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-lynch-2b076a7a/   CPD SESSIONS Train with Cathal Lynch Go deeper with Cathal in one of his focused 1-hour CPD sessions — each just £10 and shareable with your whole school. https://thesendcast.com/shop-home/   B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe   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.

As the government plans major reform of the England's Special Educational Needs system, File on 4 Investigates goes back to the floor, spending time with councils as funding decisions are made and with families trying to navigate a system in flux. From home-schoolers in Whitley Bay to getting on board a school bus in Hackney, we'll hear about the challenges of delivering services to tens of thousands of children with SEN each year. As the number of young people who need extra support rises how will Councils balance their books? Over a hundred schools have closed in England in the last five years. Analysis by the BBC's Data team has shown that pupils with special educational needs have been disproportionately affected by school closures. These pupils made up 29% of those whose school has closed, which is higher than the national average. We'll hear how the disruption of a school closing can affect those with additional needs, and their families.Presenter: Hayley Clarke Producer: Nicola Dowling Technical Producer: Craig Boardman Production Co-ordinator: Tim Fernley Editor: Tara McDermott(Thanks also to the BBC News Data Journalism team)

The government has recently announced a reform of the provisions for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) pupils. It promises more resources for children in need of support. However, there are worries about how these reforms will work for blind and visually impaired children. Joining us for this episode is Dr Rachel Hewett from the Visual Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research (VICTAR). Dr Hewett is the author of a report that examines the benefits offered by specialist schools for blind and visually impaired children - and the fear these schools may be overlooked in the new reforms. We're also joined by Victoria Ward, head of visual impairment education at New College Worcester, a specialist school for children with visual impairments.The RNIB's "Newsagent" service provides newspapers and magazines in an accessible format. Although now resolved, the service has recently been affected by IT problems. Iain Lackie is a regular user of the service and he joins us to share his concerns about how the problems were handled.Presenter: Peter White Producer: Fern Lulham Production Coordinator: Helen SurteesWebsite image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.'

Bridges to Learning - Episode 6: Special Educational Needs and Inclusive Learning by 2mfm

Sport has the potential to be a powerful, positive force in the lives of neurodivergent children - but without the right awareness and approach, it can become yet another environment where they feel excluded. In this episode, Dale is joined by Liz Day, founder of Collectively Diverse CIC, to discuss 'Neurodiversity and Sport: Creating Safe, Inclusive Spaces Where Neurodivergent Children Can Thrive'. Liz brings a wealth of personal and professional insight - as a former county-level gymnast, specialist PE teacher, and neurodiversity expert who completed a Master's in Psychology at the University of Exeter in 2024, exploring mental health literacy in young people. Together, they explore: Why sport and physical activity can be transformative for neurodivergent children - and why PE lessons too often have the opposite effect. The importance of psychological safety in sports settings, and what coaches and clubs can do differently. Why children with EBSA still need access to physical activity, and how to make it happen. How parents can communicate their child's needs effectively with sports organisations. The link between physical activity, emotional regulation, and mental health. This episode is essential listening for parents of neurodivergent children, coaches, and youth sports club leaders - but also highly relevant for teachers, SENCOs, and anyone supporting the wellbeing of children and young people. View all podcasts | Visit our SENDcast Sessions shop   About Liz Day Liz is an experienced trainer and facilitator, passionate about mental health, neurodiversity, and cultivating a safe environment for all. She began her career as a teacher with a specialism in PE, drawing on her background as a former county-level gymnast and lifelong love of sport. This shaped her inclusive teaching approach and continues to influence her work today — sport remains central to her identity and wellbeing. https://www.collectivelydiverse.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572518254058 https://www.instagram.com/collectivelydiverseUK/ liz@collectivelydiverse.co.uk   Useful Links EBSA Toolkit for Schools Compass Panel   B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe   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.

This Deaf Awareness Week, we welcome Samantha Baines to the podcast to explore what it's like living with hearing loss and deafness. Samantha is an award-winning actress, comedian and broadcaster who discovered she was deaf nearly 10 years ago and now advocates for accessibility. Samantha shares practical insights, challenges misconceptions, and explores what meaningful accessibility looks like in everyday life and in education. They discuss: The language that deaf communities prefer (and why words matter). How to make meetings, classrooms and public spaces more accessible. The role of BSL interpreters, captions and lip-speaking (and why "one size fits all" doesn't work). Practical ideas schools can apply. "People just assume deaf equals absolutely no hearing. And actually, it is more complicated than that." Samantha Baines View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!   About Samantha Baines Samantha Baines is a multi award-winning woman. An actress, broadcaster and a bestselling author as well as a business woman, speaker and mentor. She is a proud deaf and disabled person and advocate for women and disabled communities.   Samantha presents on The One Show, BBC Morning Live, Rip Off Britain and BBC Radio London, researching stories with her journalist background. As an actress she has starred in Netflix's The Crown, Romesh Ranganathan's sitcom Avoidance, Alan Carr's comedy Changing Ends, Call the Midwife, Silent Witness or Magic Mike Live (directed by Channing Tatum). She is a voting BAFTA member, and has been a judge National Television Awards and the Nasen Awards. Her personal appearances include ITV's Loose Women, Sky News, ITV News and Andrew Neil's This Week. After seven years of stand-up comedy, two sell out Edinburgh Fringe runs and a UK tour, Samantha has proved her comedy chops but these days sticks to being funny on TV, social media, speaking events and books.   A proud deaf and disabled woman, she is hearing aid wearer, lipreading and is learning BSL. Samantha is ambassador for the Royal National Institute for Deaf people, patron of Stagetext and the author of two children's books with deaf protagonists; the award-winning Harriet Versus the Galaxy (which she also voices on Audible) and Bloomsbury Education book The Night the Moon Went Out as well as bestselling non-fiction book Living With Hearing Loss and Deafness: a guide to owning it and loving it. Samantha is working on a new children's book serie to be announced soon.   A regular on radio stations (yes even though she is deaf), Samantha can be heard on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio London, Virgin Radio, she uses video calls for her interviews so she can lipread.   A professional speaker and event host, she is a TedxOxford speaker and has spoken at the House of Commons, BAFTA, BFI, FCA as international events. She is host of the multi-award nominated, smash-hit podcast The Divorce Social. A 'Times Podcast of the Week', a No.1 relationship podcast on itunes and reaching over half a million downloads, the podcast has won awards at the International Women's Podcast Awards, the British Podcast Awards (bronze) and has had a total of ten award nominations.  ​ As well as being a successful author, Samantha has written for publications including The Guardian, The Radio Times, The Telegraph, Time Out, Huffington Post and Stylist Magazine.    ​Samantha is also founder and director of a boutique social media management company Penguin in the Room and luxury accessories brand Baines London which raises money for charitable causes.     Contact Samantha https://www.samanthabaines.com/ https://www.facebook.com/samanthabaines https://www.instagram.com/samanthabaines/ https://www.tiktok.com/@samanthabaines http://www.twitter.com/samanthabaines http://www.youtube.com/user/samanthabaines   Useful Links Living With Hearing Loss and Deafness: A guide to owning it and loving it  Signature deaf awareness course   B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe   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.

Who Will Be SEND? Questions, Not Answers on the Reform Ahead Dale Pickles, Managing Director, B Squared England's SEND system is on the cusp of its most significant reform in a generation - but one crucial question is going largely unanswered: who will actually be SEND under the new framework? Dale has written another thought-provoking paper - and again he's recorded it too, so you can take it in without having to work through 34 pages of reading. He unpacks the quiet but profound shift hidden within the proposed move from four areas of need to five areas of development. The SEND register has long been used as a catch-all for children who need help - not all of whom have genuine special educational needs. The reform is set to separate those two groups, with major implications for children, families, schools, and SENCOs. This paper explores the four distinct populations affected by the changes, what the removal of Cognition and Learning as a category really means, why mental health is being repositioned as a universal concern, and how the familiar SEND vs non-SEND data comparison is about to become meaningless. Crucially, Dale argues that this reform is not about removing support - it's about making sure the right support reaches the right children, honestly described. Essential reading for SENCOs, school leaders, and anyone who cares about what happens to the children the system has always struggled to see. He is always open to conversations, so feel free to get in contact with your thoughts. Here are the timings for the different sections: Start - 00:00 Introduction - 01:37 Section 01 - 05:28 Section 02 - 09:35 Section 03 - 16:48 Section 04 - 27:09 Section 05 - 47:57 Section 06 - 01:02:53 Section 07 - 01:09:21 Section 08 - 01:21:58 Section 09 - 01:34:18 Section 10 - 01:40:49 Closing - 01:47:02 Useful links... Who will be SEND? document - https://bsquared.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Question-Who-will-be-SEND.pdf  Fixing a Broken System document - https://bsquared.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Fixing-a-Broken-System-1.pdf Listen to Fixing a Broken System - https://thesendcast.com/special-episode-fixing-a-broken-system/ SENDcast Session FREE Briefing on the White paper and SEND Reforms - https://thesendcast.com/product/whats-in-the-schools-white-paper-for-send/ B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe Fixing a Broken System document - https://bsquared.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Fixing-a-Broken-System-1.pdf SENDcast Session FREE Briefing on the White paper and SEND Reforms - https://thesendcast.com/product/whats-in-the-schools-white-paper-for-send/ 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.

Did you know that a third of autistic people experience serious mental health challenges? This striking statistic is highlighted by Dr Joanna Grace in her latest podcast 'Barriers to Mental Healthcare for Autistic People'. "Autistic people have been actively removed from research about mental health." Dr Joanna Grace A sensory engagement and inclusion specialist, Joanna emphasises that while there is substantial research on mental health, we often don't know if it applies to autistic individuals. During the podcast, they discuss: The prevalence of inaccurate mental health diagnoses among autistic adults. The impact the differences in interoception has on diagnosis. Practical strategies to support mental health within the autistic community. Mental health has significant consequences for the quality and length of life. By understanding the risks and barriers, we can empower ourselves and others to take proactive steps in addressing these challenges. Please note this podcast covers sensitive topics, including suicide, and carries a trigger warning. View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!   About Dr Joanna Grace Joanna Grace is a sensory engagement and inclusion specialist, doctoral researcher, author, trainer, TEDx speaker and Founder of The Sensory Projects.   Joanna has worked with people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent conditions aged from 0-100 (well 1 day old – 87 years old to be precise) in a range of settings and context.  Through all she does Joanna is seeking to contribute to a future where people are understood in spite of their differences.    Contact Dr Joanna www.TheSensoryProjects.co.uk www.Facebook.com/JoannaGraceTSP https://x.com/Jo3Grace sensorystory@gmail.com https://www.youtube.com/@TheSensoryProjects     B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe   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.

Geoff and Nargis join Dale in the studio for this special episode to discuss the Autism & ADHD Shows (June–July) in London, Birmingham, and, for the first time, Liverpool (moved from Manchester). They share how the event evolved from the Autism Show, launched in 2011 after their son's autism diagnosis, to its current format that also includes ADHD - driven by the rise in co-occurring diagnoses. They also describe what attendees can expect: a welcoming, supportive community hub offering over 100 CPD-accredited learning hours, practical strategies, workshops, one-to-one clinics, and the chance to connect with exhibitors and services. About the Autism and ADHD Shows It's the national event dedicated to autism and ADHD. Attend to access a huge amount of trusted information and advice to help support an autistic or ADHD person in a home, education or workplace setting.  The CPD accredited programme has been designed to enable attendees to pick and choose the learning which is most relevant, whether it relates specifically to autism, ADHD or when both conditions co-occur. Interwoven between the many theatres, one to one clinics, and practical workshops, you'll also find an essential selection of specialist products and services. Discover what's on at each location: The Autism and ADHD Show LONDON 19 – 20 June  The Autism and ADHD Show BIRMINGHAM 26 – 27 June The Autism and ADHD Show LIVERPOOL 3 – 4 July B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe 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.

Today is Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) Awareness Day, and to mark the occasion we're sharing an episode focused on raising awareness of this rare condition. In this conversation, Nicky Muller - a former trustee of FOP Friends and mother of Isla, who has FOP - joins Dale to share practical insight into supporting children with rare conditions and to tell Isla's inspiring story. Nicky explains that FOP causes the body's soft tissues to progressively turn into bone, often after flare-ups triggered by injury or sometimes viruses. She highlights how unpredictable this is, and how it affects daily life - particularly movement, risk management, and schooling. A key focus is Isla's recent transition to secondary school where they discuss difficulties around inclusion, PE participation, breaks/lunchtime, and the emotional impact. Nicky highlights the importance of school-wide awareness and an inclusive culture. Stressing that genuine inclusion is not just about the support in place, but whether a child feels safe, seen, valued and able to belong. "The best one-on-ones are the ones where you don't even know they're there. Isla's voice is the voice that's heard - it's so difficult for her to feel not only included but valued." Nicky Muller View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!   About Nicky Muller Nicky is an FOP awareness advocate and mum to Isla who is now 12 and diagnosed with FOP as a baby. A former trustee of the UK charity, FOP Friends and a career in Marketing, she combines lived experience with expertise to drive awareness, fundraising and support for families.   Contact Nicky https://www.fopfriends.com https://www.facebook.com/fopfriends https://www.instagram.com/fop_mum/ https://x.com/FOPFriends nickyjmuller@gmail.com https://www.youtube.com/FOPFriends   Useful Links www.fopfriends.com    B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe   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.

Bright Futures' research estimates that around 270,000 young people (age 5–24) miss 20% or more of their education each year due to long-term illness. The consequences for qualifications, employment and wellbeing are severe - for example, 79% of 18-24 year‑olds who are out of work due to ill health only have qualifications at GCSEs or below, compared with 34% of their peers. These young people don't just lose learning: prolonged absence damages social connections, confidence and everyday school experiences. "Returning to normal" needs careful planning, not a simple reinstatement of lessons. Josh Pelled, CEO of Bright Futures UK and a two-time cancer survivor, founded the charity based on his lived experience of missing significant portions of his education. Josh joins Dale to discuss 'supporting young people with long-term illness in education', covering the academic, social, and mental-health impacts of prolonged absence, the difficulty of reintegration, and how technology can help maintain learning and connection but cannot replace full inclusion. "We can try to do things to bridge the gap between illness and education and make sure that a young person feels as supported as possible." Josh Pelled Listen to Josh delve into the practical, emotional, and systemic challenges faced by ill students and explore how educators, SENCos, and pastoral teams can be more proactive in helping these students stay connected to learning and community life. View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!   About Josh Pelled Joshua Pelled is the Founder and CEO of Bright Futures UK, a pioneering charity dedicated to reintegrating young people into education after serious long-term illness. His journey is deeply personal, having survived cancer twice— first at the age of five and again at sixteen. These experiences revealed the profound educational and social challenges that come with prolonged medical absences, inspiring him to create a support system he wished he had.    Contact Josh https://www.brightfuturesuk.org https://www.facebook.com/BrightFuturesUKOfficial/ https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturesuk/ info@brightfuturesuk.com   Useful Links ONS Statistics – People with long-term health issues  Statutory Guidance – Ensuring a good education for children who cannot attend school because of health needs   B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe   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.

The needs around SEND in schools are increasing - both in numbers and complexity of needs – and many schools are struggling with the best way to support their learners effectively. They want to do the best for their students, but the DfE provides very limited guidance on supporting learners with SEND. Jordan Garrett from Sensory Classroom joins Dale to discuss 'assessing complex learners'. Jordan brings a wealth of experience from specialist and mainstream settings, plus years of curriculum and resource development, and offers practical, classroom-tested advice. Their discussion includes: Clear explanation of the gaps in current guidance and why schools struggle to turn these into day-to-day practice. Practical, person-appropriate approaches for curriculum and assessment that meet learners where they are - including translating mainstream topics into meaningful, multi-sensory lessons. How to use frameworks to track small steps of progress, show meaningful outcomes to parents and plan bespoke learning without creating lots more work. Ideas for making regulation, communication and sensory needs the foundation of teaching so pupils can access academic learning. Advice on building collaboration between teachers and TAs, using APDR cycles, and choosing trusted, adaptable resources rather than one-size-fits-all "solutions". View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!   About Jordan Jordan is an experienced Specialist Education Teacher in the UK. She shares daily ideas, support and resources to support supporting adults of non-speaking children with SEN.    Contact Jordan https://sensoryclassroom.org https://www.facebook.com/share/z4JM3rfbXWsuw2Kb/?mibextid=LQQJ4d https://www.instagram.com/sensoryclass https://www.tiktok.com/@sensoryclass   Useful Links Sensory Curriculum   B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe   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.

Did you know that common infections, like strep throat, can cause a neuroinflammatory response affecting the brain? Today we're raising awareness of difficult to diagnose and often misunderstood conditions – Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). Tina Coope, a former teacher and parent whose daughter experienced sudden neuropsychiatric symptoms, explains how PANS and PANDAS present, why they're often missed, and what schools can do to support affected children. This episode explains: What PANS and PANDAS are: what they are, typical triggers, and common symptoms. How they can mimic or overlap with neurodivergence yet require medical recognition and timely intervention. Classroom-ready guidance: spotting multiple unexplained changes, documenting patterns, making immediate needs-led accommodations during flares, and planning flexible support during recovery. Resources and training available. Why early recognition, careful recording, and good communication between school and family can make a huge difference. "You're looking for multiple unexplained changes. They are uniformly, hugely distressing across the board of those symptoms." Tina Coope View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!   About Tina Coope Tina Coope is a former teacher with a Master's in Education and a rich background across mainstream and special schools. She's led specialist Autism provision and founded a Nurture unit in an infant school. When her daughter suddenly developed severe neuropsychiatric symptoms at age 7, Tina's professional and personal worlds collided.  Driven by lived experience, Tina became the Education Lead for PANS PANDAS UK in 2021, where she created the UK's first teacher and educational psychology training course on the conditions, and developed extensive resources for educators and allied professionals. She now co-chairs the national Education, Social Care and Health Group, shaping guidance for Local Authorities.     Contact Tina https://panspandasuk.org https://www.facebook.com/panspandasuk/ https://www.instagram.com/pans_pandas_uk/ https://x.com/PANSPANDASUK tina.coope@panspandasuk.org   Useful Links Resources for Education Professionals  Training Local Authority Information and Update   B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe   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.

In recognition of International Purple Day today, Catherine Hodder, Head of Policy, Influencing & Youth Voice at Young Epilepsy joins Dale to discuss 'Understanding epilepsy's impact on children and young people'. Epilepsy affects around 1 in 200 children in the UK, yet 1 in 3 children with epilepsy do not get the support they need to fully participate in school life. Epilepsy is one of the most common conditions affecting children and young people, yet it is often misunderstood. Seizures can be subtle and are frequently missed or mistaken for inattention, many school staff do not feel confident responding when a seizure occurs, and as a result some children are unnecessarily excluded from lessons, sports and school trips. Catherine explains: What epilepsy is and how seizures can look very different. Common myths and misunderstandings. Practical, school-focused advice: Individual Health Care Plans, emergency medication, and how to respond when a seizure happens. The impact of epilepsy on learning, memory and mental health. How schools can improve inclusion so young people don't miss out. A reminder about the DfE consultation on updated guidance for supporting pupils with medical conditions (open until 1 May). This episode gives clear, practical guidance that helps staff feel confident supporting pupils with epilepsy - from first aid basics to building a supportive, inclusive school culture. It's full of resources and actions schools can take straight away. View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!   About Catherine Hodder Catherine leads Young Epilepsy's policy, influencing and youth voice work to improve support systems for children and young people with epilepsy across the UK.   Contact Catherine http://www.youngepilepsy.org.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/YoungEpilepsy https://www.instagram.com/youngepilepsy/ https://www.tiktok.com/@youngepilepsy inclusion@youngepilepsy.org.uk   Useful Links You Can Help – Seizure Support Films for Young People Purple Day – an annual awareness day for epilepsy Supporting children and young people with epilepsy Understand My Epilepsy Updated draft guidance on supporting children and young people with medical conditions    B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe   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.

Did you know that children with Down syndrome have a different learning profile? Ahead of World Down Syndrome Day this Saturday, Sarah Holton from Down syndrome UK, joins Dale to tell us how we can 'support children with Down syndrome to reach their full potential'. Sarah is a specialist advisory teacher and parent to two children, one of whom has Down syndrome. She shares practical, research‑informed strategies to help children with Down syndrome thrive. Why listen? Understand the Down syndrome learning profile (strengths like visual learning; challenges like hearing, visual acuity, and verbal short‑term memory). Get classroom‑ready tips: use visuals, scaffold carpet time, teach play skills, and adapt materials for better inclusion. Discover the support available. "It's really important that we make sure that we are finding ways for our children with Down syndrome to show what they know." Sarah Holton View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!   About Sarah Holton Sarah is our Specialist Advisory Teacher and leads our Early Years Development Programme. Sarah has worked with DSUK for many years developing our PEGS programme, delivering regular behaviour bootcamps and Information Sharing Sessions on topics including early reading, numbers and choosing a preschool. More recently she has been involved in the development and delivery of our Early Years Development Programme. She is a mum to two children, one of whom has Down syndrome.   Contact Sarah https://downsyndromeuk.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/PositiveaboutDownSyndrome/ https://www.instagram.com/positive_about_down_syndrome/ Education@downsyndrome.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/company/down-syndrome-uk/ https://www.youtube.com/@positiveaboutdownsyndrome     Useful Links Early Years Development Programme Primary Development Programme    B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe   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.

This is a special episode focusing on the new White Paper and the SEND reforms consultation. Last week, I published my response and reflections — not just on the White Paper and the consultation itself, but also on what they mean in the wider context of the current SEND system, the Curriculum and Assessment Review, and the new Ofsted Inspection Framework. It turned into quite a big document… about 35 pages in total. There's a lot in there to digest, and a few people asked whether there might be an audio version. So here we are. In this episode, it's just me, reading through my response and sharing my thoughts. Hopefully it will help you reflect on how we got here, some of the challenges in the current system, what isn't mentioned in the White Paper and reforms, and where things might go next. And of course, I'll also touch on what this means for B Squared and the work we're doing. I am always open to conversations, so feel free to get in contact with your thoughts. Here are the timings for the different sections: Section  Start   1                     0:01:29 2                0:05:09   3                0:09:15   4                0:47:31   5                1:02:41   6                1:13:21   7                1:22:53  8                1:32:09 Useful links... B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe Fixing a Broken System document - https://bsquared.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Fixing-a-Broken-System-1.pdf SENDcast Session FREE Briefing on the White paper and SEND Reforms - https://thesendcast.com/product/whats-in-the-schools-white-paper-for-send/ 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.

Young carers often take on adult responsibilities, balancing school, social life, and caregiving, all while navigating the emotional impact of disability in their families. This is an increasingly important area of discussion, particularly as schools are now required to report the number of young carers within their settings for the national census. I'm delighted to share today's inspirational discussion with Kasia Thompson, a Teaching Assistant and Young Carer Coordinator at St Regis CE Academy – 'Young Carers: Voices That Matter'. Kasia has developed an award-winning initiative aimed at supporting young carers, an often-hidden group within our schools. She shares her insights on: The challenges young carers face Strategies for recognising and supporting young carers within schools The importance of creating an inclusive environment for students with caring roles Practical steps for schools to engage with young carers and empower them You'll also hear directly from St Regis students as they share their experiences as young carers. Join us as we explore how we can better support young carers, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and empowered. View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!   About Kasia Thompson Kasia Thompson, is a Teaching Assistant and Young Carer Coordinator at St Regis CE Academy with a passion for supporting inclusion and understanding, particularly for families raising a disabled child.   Kasia developed an award-winning initiative supporting Young Carers within a mainstream secondary school. She has been a dedicated advocate for ensuring these students feel seen, supported, and empowered—creating an environment where they know they are not alone and have people ready to listen and stand beside them.    Contact Kasia www.stregisacademy.org https://facebook.com/kingswolverhampton https://www.instagram.com/stregisceacademy kthompson@stregisacademy.org   Useful Links Wolverhampton Carers Team Carers Trust Young Carers in Schools  Children's Society  Sibs – sibling carers   B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe   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.

In today's episode I talk about the proposals to change the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system. Expect this conversation to explore:  the implications of these proposals  the potential impact on legal rights the importance of building trust with families Are you fired up to generate implementable learning in reviews which could potentially improve the lives of vulnerable people? Join me for my free 5 day training taking place from 9th - 13th March 2026, 'How To Leverage Your Skills As A Blue Light Professional To Establish A Successful Career In Independent Reviews'. Click here to sign up.  About Donna: Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in serious case reviews in both children's and adults' safeguarding, domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/

Special Episode: Turning the Tables — Georgina Durrant Becomes the Guest! SEND Strategies for the Secondary YearsSEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant — Special Book Launch EpisodeThis week on SEND in the Experts, we're doing something completely different. Host Georgina Durrant steps out of the interviewer's chair and into the hot seat as a guest to celebrate the release of her brand‑new book, SEND Strategies for the Secondary Years.To mark the occasion, Georgina is joined by her colleague and friend Michelle Windridge, who takes over as guest host for this special behind‑the‑scenes conversation.If you support, teach, or parent young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), this is an episode you'll want to save, share, and return to again and again.⭐ What's Inside This Special EpisodeMichelle guides Georgina through an honest, insightful and deeply practical discussion about the challenges facing young people with SEND in secondary school, and what adults (parents and teachers) can do right now to support them.

In this special episode of SENDcast, host Dale speaks with Steph Barnett, the show planner for the National Neurodiversity Shows. Together, they discuss the inception and significance of these events, which aim to create inclusive spaces for neurodivergent individuals and their families. Launched in 2025, the shows are designed to provide vital information, support, and a sense of belonging for attendees, offering a unique blend of professional insights and personal journeys. With a series of four events scheduled for 2026—Cardiff in April, Wigan in June, Coventry in July, and Glasgow for the first time in September - Steph outlines what visitors can expect, including informative seminars and community engagement opportunities. This episode emphasises the importance of creating safe and supportive environments for the neurodivergent community and highlights the show's commitment to inclusivity.  The SENDcast is a proud media partner for the event and we will be exhibiting - make sure you pop by to say hi!  B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe 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.

Teaching Assistants (TAs) are the unsung heroes in schools - and an incredible resource. Yet their impact is often limited when teachers aren't equipped to work with them effectively. We're missing out on a lot of potential by not optimising how TAs support learning. In this episode, Sara Alston, a renowned SEND and safeguarding consultant, joins Dale to discuss 'working effectively with TAs'. "I would much prefer to talk about 'learning support assistants' because their role is to support learning, not to assist the teacher." Sara Alston What you can expect from this discussion:  How to improve communication and shared planning with TAs. Clarifying the TA role and moving away from the 1:1 "Velcro TA". The importance of regular appraisals and a clear line management structure. Guidance for educating parents about the TA's role. View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!   About Sara Alston  Sara Alston has over 39 years teaching experience as a classroom teacher, school leader, SENCO and DSL and is now an independent SEND and Safeguarding Consultant and Trainer. She provides support and training to schools for special needs and safeguarding.   She is the co-author of The Inclusive Classroom: A New Approach to Differentiation (Bloomsbury, 2021) and author of Working Effectively with Your TA (Bloomsbury, 2023). She writes regular articles for SecEd and Headteacher Update.   Contact Sara www.seainclusion.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/seainclusion.co.uk/ Seainclusion@btinternet.com   Useful Links The Inclusive Classroom book Working Effectively with your TA book   B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe   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.

With much of the focus on the Middle East, East Hampshire's MP shares his perspective on matters closer to us. These include the Chancellor's spring forecast including changes to growth and unemployment numbers. Damian also reflects on meetings he's held with businesses in Petersfield, Sheet and Lasham, with National Insurance, rates and employment rights legislation in mind. With his background in education, Damian also updates on proposed changes to the Special Educational Needs and Disability plans and the government's plans on legislation for social media and young people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Kent dad who lives in Abu Dhabi has told the podcast about the moment he was alerted to potential missile strikes. Justin Cooke received a message on his phone shortly before seeing puffs of smoke in the sky as the missiles were intercepted. The retaliatory strikes on Saturday followed an attack by America and Israel on Iran which killed the country's leader. Also in today's episode, the head of the Met Police says he's fiercely committed to restoring trust, five years on from the murder of Sarah Everard. The 33-year-old was abducted in Clapham by then serving officer Wayne Couzens from Deal, her body was later found in woodland near Ashford. We've been asking women in Rochester how safe they feel now. The Canterbury MP has raised concerns in the commons about funding for children with Special Educational Needs in Kent. It follows an announcement from the government that £4 billion will be invested to make mainstream schools more inclusive. A Kent football club say they've been left in limbo after developers dropped plans for two 3G pitches, as part of proposals for a new housing estate. Larkfield and New Hythe Football Club have been working with Obee Estates to deliver a community sports hub at the site of the former Oast Park Golf Course. However, a revised application includes 320 houses and a grass pitch only. And in sport, there's action in the quarter finals of the Kent Senior Cup tonight. Gillingham take on Tonbridge Angels at the Longmead Stadium. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the dust settles on the government's landmark changes to children's special educational needs and disabilities provision, what will their impact really be on young people, their families and schools? John Harris and Kiran Stacey look at what we know so far. And, a growing backlash from graduates over student loan payments, led by the influential consumer champion Martin Lewis, is causing a headache the government was not anticipating. Why did they overlook this and what changes could be made?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

St. Patrick's Comprehensive School is welcoming back former pupil and Shannon native Dani Hunter later today. Dani, who now serves as Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council in the UK, is returning to her alma mater for a special visit. With a strong interest in Special Educational Needs, Dani will meet with staff including Leona Leonard, a teacher who works closely with students in the school's Autism classes. To find out more, Dani Hunter and teacher, Leona Leonard joined Alan Morrissey in-studio. Image © ShotByJude.com

"We have an EHCP, so we have something to work from, but almost every local authority allocates and does things in a different way." Nana-Kofi Okyere Today Dale welcomes Nana a SEN Expert/Consultant, onto the podcast to discuss 'Navigating EHCPs: Effectiveness and Exploring the SEND Reform'. Nana shares his insights and experiences navigating the complexities of EHCPs covering: The current state of the EHCP process Challenges faced by local authorities and schools The importance of early intervention SEND Reform View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!   About Nana-Kofi Okyere My name is Nana, I have worked in SEN since 2012. I started on the ground as teaching assistant. I did that for 2 years and then did a Masters in Special educational needs. Following this I went to work in the local authority as a SEN Case officer, I worked my way up all the way to Service manager level. I started SEN bytes December 2024.   Contact Nana-Kofi  https://senbytes.org/ https://www.instagram.com/sen_bytes/ nana@senbytes.org https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nana-kofi-okyere-9425b1127_sen-bytes-homepage-activity-7290092907972157443-TZ3w/   Useful Links B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe   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.

On Monday, the government released its plan to reform SEND, the system that supports children with special educational needs and disabilities, in England. It's used by around one in five children and Keir Starmer is promising £4 billion over 3 years to overhaul it. But what's changed, who's affected and how will the government pay for it?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests:Georgia Lambert, education and news reporter, The Times.Hayley Harding, SEND campaigner. Host: Luke Jones. Producers: Olivia Case and Micaela Arneson.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Keir Starmer: I'll ensure no child with special needs is left behindFurther listening: Broken trust: Inside England's maternity scandalPhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the government's long-awaited plans for the special educational needs and disabilities system. Can the controversial overhaul convince parents and MPs? Plus, the latest on the Gorton and Denton byelection. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Political correspondent Alexandra Topping and special educational needs student Jake with his mum, Laura, explore the government's controversial plans for reform. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Andrew – formerly known as Prince – was arrested whilst Harriet and Ruth were in the middle of answering your questions from the Burner Phone for a half term special whilst Beth is away during political recess on her holidays.So in this episode, they react to the extraordinary news that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested (and later released under investigation) on suspicion of misconduct in public office and discuss what it means for the rule of law.Later, they tackle questions on the government's latest U-turn over postponed local elections, and whether Reform UK is facing proper scrutiny over the Equality Act.Plus, as Keir Starmer appoints the first woman head of the civil service, they ask why female public figures still face misogyny.And with major Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reforms expected next week, Harriet and Ruth hear from parents who fear change could make a broken system worse, not better.Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied any wrongdoing.Responding to Harriet's comments about Reform, a Reform UK spokesman said: "Unlike Harriet, we don't need a pink bus to attract women to our party."Reform has high-profile women throughout our cabinet and senior women in our party staff, unlike Starmer."And on the Equality Act, the spokesman added: "Reform UK remains committed to supporting workplace protections against discrimination. No one should be treated unfairly because of their sex, race, if they are pregnant or have a disability."That's why we will introduce a new 'Workplace Fairness Act' to replace the Equality Act and ensure workplace protections are maintained whilst also re-asserting the rights of individuals rather than groups under the law."The Equality Act has been damaging to our economy, our society, and the way government works. It has unleashed the burdensome and unfair DEI culture that plagues workspaces and has enforced discrimination and equality of outcome."This has led to the unacceptable situation of unfair recruitment policies, positive discrimination and anti-white working-class bias, pitting different groups against each other and dividing our country."Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.And if you didn't know, you can also watch Beth, Ruth and Harriet on YouTube.

In this latest episode, Chris Lefcovitch, Head of Additional Learning Support at Milton Keynes College joins Dale. In this insightful discussion, they delve into the complexities surrounding Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and their realities in later education. Post-16 education often exists on the fringes of legislation and can feel like an afterthought. Various laws, statutory guidance, and governing body frameworks come into play when young people reach their mid-teens, significantly impacting their provision, curriculum options, and the longevity of EHCPs. It's crucial for key stakeholders to be aware of this. "These are discussions that are being had post-16 and they're tricky discussions." Chris Lefcovitch Throughout the episode, we explore how education and SEND law evolve towards the end of an EHCP journey. Many parents and carers may not be informed about these changes at the start of their child's educational path because no one wants to deliver what might be perceived as 'bad news.' View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!     About Chris Lefcovitch As an experienced Head of Additional Learning Support, I am passionate about building inclusive education systems that empower young people with special educational needs and disabilities to thrive.  My career spans frontline teaching, youth justice education, and PRU tutoring through to senior leadership, SEND reforms consultancy, and national public speaking. This breadth has equipped me with the strategic vision, legislative expertise, and hands-on understanding needed to lead large teams and deliver system-wide improvements.  Beyond legislation and leadership, I bring a vast range of SEND-related training and qualifications covering statutory frameworks, safeguarding, equality, autism, and inclusive teaching. This foundation enables me to create and deliver impactful CPD programmes that drive sustainable improvements across teams.  A core strength has been building rapport and trusted relationships with learners, families, colleagues, and external stakeholders. I have collaborated with local authorities, feeder schools, and government agencies to align provision, influence reforms, and strengthen multi-agency working. My involvement in local authority strategy groups has provided valuable insight into policy-making and enhanced my ability to shape SEND provision at scale.  I am motivated by raising aspirations, preparing young people for adulthood, and ensuring statutory compliance. My leadership combines deep legislative expertise with a people-first approach, enabling colleagues and learners alike to succeed.  I continue to contribute to national conversations on SEND policy and practice while working with teams, families, and local authorities to deliver high-quality, person-centred provision.    Contact Chris https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lefcovitch-2960262b0/   Useful Links Schools Week- Six changes Labour must make to the SEND code of practice SEN Magazine - EHCPs explained Osted guidance - Education Inspection Framework Children and Families Act The Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014 SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 years   B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe   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.

I'm excited to share this week's episode, which I've been eagerly anticipating! Like many parents, screen time is a contentious topic in my household. Screen time is one of the most common concerns raised by parents, schools and professionals, yet much of the public conversation is polarised, guilt-inducing or overly simplistic. Families are often left feeling blamed, anxious or unsure how to respond when screens become a source of conflict or distress. Dr Daniel Weisberg, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, joins Dale in the podcast today to discuss 'Screens, Meltdowns and Power Struggles'. Daniel highlights that we need to move away from fear-based messaging and towards a deeper understanding of why children turn to screens, what function screens serve, and how adults can establish boundaries that support emotional well-being instead of escalating power struggles. With the overuse of screens impacting sleep, mood, behaviour, attention, and family relationships, this discussion explores the real dynamics of screen time. It addresses what children are engaging with, why screens can be both regulating and dysregulating, and how emotional, sensory, and developmental factors influence screen use. This episode empowers adults to respond to screen-related challenges confidently, without resorting to rigid rules or extremes, and to engage in supportive, realistic, and psychologically informed ways. View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!   About Dr Daniel Weisberg Dr Daniel Weisberg is a consultant clinical psychologist and the managing director of CAYP Psychology, an award-winning independent clinical psychology service for Children, Adolescents, and Young People.  Daniel worked for NHS services for over ten years. He has substantial experience of working with children, adolescents and young people experiencing health, social, emotional and psychological difficulties.  After he qualified as a clinical psychologist, he worked within Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust for Children's Psychological Services. He then moved to Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and worked within the Paediatric Psychosocial Department. Daniel specialised in paediatric neuropsychology, a highly specialised area of clinical psychology that aims to understand how children's brains relate to their learning, behaviour and development. He worked closely with children and families who are living with neurological health conditions, genetic disorders, metabolic diseases and other health conditions.   Contact Daniel www.cayp-psychology.com https://www.facebook.com/CAYPpsychology/ https://www.instagram.com/cayp.psychology/ https://www.tiktok.com/@cayp.psychology daniel@cayp-psychology.com   Useful Links B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe   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.

Clare McDonnell speaks to Amy Wallace, the co-author of Virginia Giuffre's memoir, Nobody's Girl. Amy spent two years closely working with Virginia - one of the most prominent and vocal accusers of child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and an advocate of justice for survivors of sex trafficking. We hear Amy's reactions to the latest Epstein revelations.More than 1.7 million children in England have special needs and today, the government has announced that all secondary schools and colleges will be expected to have a dedicated Special Educational Needs and Disability - or SEND - base. Called an 'inclusion base' it would be a dedicated safe space away from busy classrooms where pupils can access targeted support that bridges the gap between mainstream and specialist provision. We speak to BBC education reporter Kate McGough and Margaret Mulholland, SEND and Inclusion specialist for the Association of School and College Leaders. Deborah Douglas has written a memoir about her experience as a victim turned campaigner in one of the biggest scandals in British medical history. Her story sits at the centre of the case of disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson, jailed in 2017 for performing harmful and unnecessary operations on women who believed they were being treated for cancer. An inquiry in 2020 found both NHS and private hospitals missed repeated chances to stop him. Deborah joins Clare to discuss The Cost of Trust. The classical concert pianist Alexandra Dariescu performs in studio, and tells us why she is so dedicated to promoting the works of female composers.Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

In this podcast from 4 April, John Harris speaks to Today in Focus about how music helped him connect with his son, James. Harris tells Helen Pidd what he has learned about the way some autistic people experience music, and how songs opened up the world for James. Plus, they discuss the challenges and stereotypes autistic people still face. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

In this podcast from 4 April, John Harris speaks to Today in Focus about how music helped him connect with his son, James. Harris tells Helen Pidd what he has learned about the way some autistic people experience music, and how songs opened up the world for James. Plus, they discuss the challenges and stereotypes autistic people still face. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The Government has announced a £3 billion investment to create around 50,000 new specialised places for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. The aim is to speed up support for families and improve provision in both mainstream schools and bespoke facilities. To discuss what that means in practice, Anita Rani is joined by the BBC's Education Correspondent Vanessa Clarke and Sharon Smith, co-director of Special Needs Jungle, a parent-led UK website and resource hub providing news, information, and advocacy for families with children with special educational needs.One of the unexpected stars of this year's Celebrity Race Across The World has been Anita's Dad, Bal, with many people commenting on their touching father/ daughter relationship. Since reaching the finish line, he's now discovered his wanderlust and Anita catches up with him on a Christmas cruise to look back at their time travelling together. The Government's long-delayed strategy to tackle violence against women and girls is set to be unveiled next week. According to the Movember Foundation, two-thirds of young men regularly engage with masculinity influencers online. A new campaign, Same Side, launched today by UN Women UK, is aiming to counter that with the help of some leading sports stars. One is the former Manchester City and QPR defender Nedum Onuoha. He joins Anita along with Tabitha Morton, Executive Director of UN Women UK.Have you already overindulged at a few parties? Could you imagine getting though the festive season without booze? Well Laura Antonia Jordan hasn't had a drink, or even a mildly tipsy Christmas, for 10 years now. A journalist, she's written about navigating the festive season completely sober after years of living by, as she calls it 'the doctrine of hedonism'. She tells Anita why the cultural pressure can be tough, but dry December does not have to be boring.Boudoir photography, stripping down into lingerie and posing for a photographer may sound like something from the world of supermodels and glossy magazines, but there are lots of women from all walks of life who are choosing to pay for professional intimate photos, as gifts for partners, or just to feel good about themselves. Joining Anita to discuss this increasingly popular world are boudoir photographer Laura Slater and Joley Gordon, who booked herself a session two years ago and has never looked back. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Andrea Kidd

SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant – Supporting Families with SEND at ChristmasIn this festive episode of SEND in the Experts, host Georgina Durrant speaks with Amanda Protheroe, Parent Educational Content Lead for SEND at Twinkl. Amanda draws on her experience as a class teacher, SENDCo in primary schools, and her personal journey of supporting a sibling with SEND. She shares practical advice and heartfelt insights to help families navigate the holiday season with children and young people who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

SEND in the Experts: Margaret Rooke on DyslexiaWelcome back to SEND in the Experts, hosted by Georgina Durrant, where we bring you conversations with leading voices in the world of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Each episode is designed to support parents, carers, and teachers who want to better understand and empower children with SEND.This week, Georgina is joined by acclaimed author Margaret Rooke, whose books have given a platform to young people with dyslexia and other forms of neurodivergence. Margaret has written multiple titles, including Dyslexia is My Superpower and Different Like Us. Her latest book revisits the young people she first interviewed, now adults navigating life with creativity, resilience, and strength.

In this episode ‘Special Educational Needs to Label or Not to Label? That is the question' Dr Jane Gilmore and Professor Umar Toseeb address the nuanced and complex issue of diagnostic labels within education. Together, they delve into whether the use of diagnostic labels such as ADHD, autism, and dyslexia should continue or if it is time to reconsider their role. The discussion explores the challenges and benefits of these terms, as well as the deeper philosophical questions surrounding how such classifications shape understanding, support mechanisms, and young people's identities. They examines the current framework used: communication and interaction, cognition and learning, social, emotional and mental health difficulties, and sensory and physical needs. It considers the impact these labels have on children's educational provision and inclusion, weighing them against a potential shift towards a needs-led system that might allow for a more personalised and human-centred approach. Drawing from both professional experience and current research, the conversation reflects on the delicate balance between the necessity of shared terminology for effective communication and the risk that such labels may oversimplify complex individual needs or contribute to stigma. This episode invites listeners to reflect on how best to support neurodiverse young people within education, ensuring their unique strengths and challenges are both recognised and respected without losing sight of their individuality. It offers fresh perspectives for academics, practitioners, families, and educators alike on the practice of diagnosis, its effects on young people, and the possibilities for creating a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.

In our update this month Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the RCSLT covers:Update on the NHS in England.Curriculum review - our definition of oracy adopted and evidence based approach on adaptation for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.https://www.rcslt.org/news/rcslt-response-to-the-curriculum-review-final-report/Engagement with the Chief Medical Officer, Sir Chris Whitty, on the report on the Health of people in prison, and in the secure NHS estate in England. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-health-of-people-in-prison-on-probation-and-in-the-secure-nhs-estate-in-englandRCSLT response to NICE guideline on rehabitation for chronic neurological disorders including acquired brain injury. https://www.rcslt.org/news/rcslt-responds-to-new-nice-guideline/Adult waiting times.Scottish advanced practice guidance for AHPs https://www.gov.scot/publications/transforming-roles-paper-6-allied-health-professions-advanced-practice/pages/1/.Invest in SLT update.Care home statement: https://www.rcslt.org/news/new-statement-on-the-role-of-slts-in-care-homes/Assisted dying in Jersey.Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board celebrates RCSLT 80th year.RCSLT conference 26-27 November - tickets still available. https://www.rcslt.org/events/rcslt-conference-2025/Find other podcasts here https://www.rcslt.org/podcasts/ or on your favourite podcast app.This interview was conducted by Victoria Harris, Head of Learning at The Royal College of Speech and produced and edited by freelance producer Jacques Strauss.Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.Please do take a few moments to respond to our podcast survey: uk.surveymonkey.com/r/LG5HC3R

"Terrifying" and "massively overwhelming". That's how one mum described the prospect of taking her council to court to get the special educational needs support she thinks he needs.She also had to sell her car to fund the fight.In 99% of cases, councils lose. ITV Anglia's Neil Barbour tells Lucy Watson why so many councils still face off with parents, at significant costs to them too.Lucy and Neil are also joined by Claire Rooney, the founder and CEO of EHCP.org.uk - a new platform, launching soon, to help parents through the process of applying for an Education, Health and Care Plan. 

Patricia Lockwood is a poet, memoirist and novelist whose work straddles the literary world and the wilds of the internet. Patricia first went viral with her traumatic poem Rape Joke, while her memoir Priestdaddy, about being the daughter of a Catholic priest, has been called a modern classic. Patricia talks to Nuala McGovern about her new book, Will There Ever Be Another You, which explores the surreal disorientation of illness, memory and recovery in the wake of Covid. The list of hospital trusts that will be looked at as part of a rapid review of maternity care in England have just been announced. This is part of an independent, national, investigation into harm to hundreds of babies, that might have been prevented with better maternity care. However some of the families, whose cases will be part of it, have expressed concerns about its scope. Nuala is joined by BBC Social Affairs Correspondent Michael Buchanan to find out more about this review. Parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are heading to Westminster today. They are taking part in what they are calling a ‘Day of Action,' organised by parent support groups, which includes a rally at Parliament Square, MP drop-ins and a Parliamentary debate on SEND children's rights. 18-year-old Katie Nellist, who has autism and struggled to attend school, will be giving a speech at the rally. Katie and her mother Ruth tell Nuala why they are taking part in this 'Day of Action'. The BBC Eye documentary and podcast called Death in Dubai has identified a former London bus driver running a sex ring exploiting young vulnerable Ugandan women. The programme has been told that hundreds of women are going to Dubai from Uganda, seeking their fortunes and ending up in sex work. Two of the women have died falling from tower blocks in Dubai. Nuala talks to the BBC Eye producer and reporter Runako Celina, who has spent two and a half years investigating this story. Kathrine Switzer was the first female to officially run the Boston marathon back in 1967, at that time considered a men's-only race. However a race official tried to stop her mid-event when they discovered she was a woman. She went on to complete the course and she's dedicated her life to enabling women to participate in the sport. Now in her late 70s, she's run 42 marathons and is the co-founder of 261 Fearless, that aims to empower women through running. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Andrea Kidd

...with Dr Julia Badger In this episode of #Psychologyintheclassroom bullying expert Dr Julia Badger, from Oxford University discusses her conference talk, “Peer Power: Understanding and Changing Bullying Dynamics in Mainstream and Specialist Special Schools.” Bullying is a public health priority.  As teachers we need to know about bullying involvement and its impact. In this conversation Julia explores the challenges of defining bullying, introduces the concept of “counter connecting,” and highlights the unique experiences of children with SEND. She shares evidence-based strategies, including the KIVA program and its SEND adaptation, emphasizing whole-school approaches and community involvement.  Definition and complexity of bullying in educational settings. Proposal of a new inclusive definition of bullying, particularly for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Introduction of the concept of "counter connecting" and its implications in bullying dynamics. Differences in bullying experiences between mainstream and special schools. The disproportionate impact of bullying on children with SEND. Variations in bullying types (verbal, physical, relational, cyberbullying) across different school environments. The psychological and emotional effects of bullying on victims, perpetrators, and bully-victims. Importance of whole-school anti-bullying programs and community involvement. Evidence-based interventions for bullying prevention, such as the KIVA program. The need for clear policies and shared understanding of bullying among educators, parents, and students.   Links: Dr Julia Badger: https://www.education.ox.ac.uk/person/julia-badger/ KIVA: https://www.kivaprogram.net/ WISDOM Network: https://wisdom.mhid.org.uk/ Podcast with Lucy Bowes: https://changingstatesofmind.libsyn.com/bullying-its-everybodys-problem Podcast with Chris Tayloe: https://changingstatesofmind.libsyn.com/constructive-deviance-with-chris-taylor    

As Labour looks to get a grip on public spending, one rebellion gives way to another with the changes to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system threatening to become welfare round two. On this week's Saturday edition of Coffee House Shots, Lucy Dunn is joined by The Spectator's Michael Simmons and former Ofsted chief Amanda Spielman to explore what the government is planning – and why so many Labour MPs are worried. Is the system failing the children it's meant to support, or simply costing too much? And can Labour afford to fix it without tearing itself apart?Listen for: Amanda on the unintended consequences of the 2014 SEND overhaul; why teaching assistants may not be the silver bullet schools think they are; and Labour's mess over Ofsted. Michael Simmons also outlines the fiscal timebomb threatening local authorities; the cultural shift post-Covid that's changed how we approach education; and why one Labour insider is warning, ‘If you thought cutting support for disabled adults was bad, wait till you try it with children.'Produced by Oscar Edmondson.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

As Labour looks to get a grip on public spending, one rebellion gives way to another with the changes to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system threatening to become welfare round two. On this week's Saturday edition of Coffee House Shots, Lucy Dunn is joined by The Spectator's Michael Simmons and former Ofsted chief Amanda Spielman to explore what the government is planning – and why so many Labour MPs are worried. Is the system failing the children it's meant to support, or simply costing too much? And can Labour afford to fix it without tearing itself apart?Listen for: Amanda on the unintended consequences of the 2014 SEND overhaul; why teaching assistants may not be the silver bullet schools think they are; and Labour's mess over Ofsted. Michael Simmons also outlines the fiscal timebomb threatening local authorities; the cultural shift post-Covid that's changed how we approach education; and why one Labour insider is warning, ‘If you thought cutting support for disabled adults was bad, wait till you try it with children.'Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Only a week after the government was forced to retreat on benefits reform, there's now controversy over its plans for children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send). John Harris speaks to Kate Cox, a parent of two children with special needs, about why there's such concern about the plans. Plus, with NHS doctors going on strike again and small boat crossings reaching a record high, how can the government get out of this mess? John speaks to the political correspondent and fellow host of Politics Weekly, Kiran Stacey. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

After the bruising passage of the government's welfare reform bill, attention on the backbenches is now turning to another lightning rod issue - the potential overhaul of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system.Anoosh Chakelian discusses the battles looming with colleagues Hannah Barnes, Will Dunn and Pippa Bailey.READStarmerism is disintegrating - Aaron BastaniLISTENOne year of Labour rule: Can things still only get better?Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss why backbenchers and campaigners are already gearing up for another fight, this time over children's special educational needs and disabilities (Send) support. And, could a new party on the left be a threat to Labour?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

John Harris on how music helped him connect with his autistic son James. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus