The SEND Network Podcast

Practical strategies for creating sensory-inclusive classrooms and supporting communication, regulation and independence. In this episode of the SEND Network Podcast, pda dad is joined by Olly Elm-Robinson, Advanced Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, and Dionne Nmai, Advanced Specialist Occupational Therapist from Seashell Trust. Together, they explore the growing importance of sensory proc...

In this episode of the SEND Network Podcast, Georgie Green is joined by Amy Husband, Executive Head at Academy21, to explore the challenges facing children and young people in education today. From early years development and communication skills to emotionally based school non-attendance, trauma-informed practice and successful reintegration, Amy shares practical insights from her experience supp...

Get in touch ​PDA Dad, Duncan, speaks with Lou Barnes of Unlock Learning on transforming dyslexia support and rebuilding self esteem in children. Recorded at the Tes SEND Show North as part of Season 10, this episode of the SEND Network Podcast brings together PDA Dad Duncan and Lou Barnes, Founder of Unlock Learning. Lou shares her journey from classroom teacher to specialist practitioner, driven...

Get in touch In this episode of the SEND Network podcast, recorded live at Tes SEND North, host PDA Dad Duncan is joined by Amanda Hornby, Dyslexia Specialist Trainer at the British Dyslexia Association . Together, they explore practical strategies for supporting learners with dyslexia, focusing on what truly makes a difference in the classroom. The conversation covers common challenges, effective...

Get in touch ‪ PDA Dad sits down with Natasha Chalk to explore emotional-based school avoidance, masking, and how schools can better support SEND pupils. This episode of the SEND Network podcast was filmed live at the Tes SEND North show in Manchester, where PDA Dad Duncan is joined by experienced educator Natasha Chalk.  Together, they explore emotionally-based school avoidance (EBSA), what it is...

Get in touch In this episode, Georgie Green is joined by Kate Freeman, Consultant at Speech & Language Link. Together they explore the growing importance of early identification, the role of everyday interaction in developing communication, and how schools and early years settings can better support children with speech, language and communication needs. From oracy and screening to screen time...

Get in touch Why teaching pupils how to learn may matter more than teaching more content: In this episode, Dr Tej Samani explores how SEND professionals can move beyond content-heavy interventions and towards strengthening core learning skills. We discuss: • Personalising assessment at scale • Capturing and responding to pupil voice • Reducing overwhelm and anxiety in the classroom • Social media,...

Get in touch How early intervention and inclusive practice can change outcomes for young people: With nearly one million young people currently not in education, employment or training, the scale of the challenge is stark. In this episode, Dr Sharon Smith, Assistant Head of Teaching and Learning (Quality) at Tute Education, explores what those figures really mean for SEND practitioners on the grou...

Get in touch In this episode of The SEND Network Podcast, host Georgie Green is joined by Dr. Daniel Weisberg , Founder and Managing Director of CAYP Psychology , to explore the growing challenge of children and young people who find attending school emotionally overwhelming. While many children occasionally resist going to school, this conversation focuses on those for whom simply getting through...

Get in touch In this returning episode of the SEND Network Podcast, Georgie Green is joined once again by Simon Airey, neurodiversity consultant, early years and primary inclusion specialist, and teacher for an open and honest conversation about neurodivergent staff in education. Drawing on his recent autism diagnosis and 25 years of classroom experience, Simon reflects on the often-unseen realiti...

Get in touch Georgie Green is joined by consultant clinical psychologist Dr Freya Spicer-White to explore what true inclusion really looks like in schools. Drawing on her experience across specialist education, Dr Spicer-White shares practical, low-cost strategies that educators can use to create calmer, more inclusive environments for neurodiverse children and young people. The conversation cover...

Get in touch In this episode of The SEND Network Podcast, Georgie is joined by Ginny Bootman to discuss how SENDCOs can manage meetings in the best way possible. They discuss what can be done pre, during and post each meeting to support children and their parents carers.  Roy Leighton's website (mentioned in this episode) can be found here . About Ginny Ginny has been teaching longer than she...

Get in touch In this episode of The SEND Network Podcast, Georgie is joined by Juliet and Sophie from Speech & Language Link to discuss how to build universal communication support in schools.  About Sophie Sophie is a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist at Speech & Language Link, with a career dedicated to supporting schools and early years providers across both mainstream and...

Get in touch In this episode of The SEND Network Podcast, Georgie is joined by Dr. Sarah Moseley to discuss inclusive writing and assistive technology, the topic of Sarah's upcoming book.  Sarah and Georgie discuss:  What is inclusive writing and what role does it play in the mainstream classroom?  How can practitioners support agency and expression? How can assistive technology support writi...

Get in touch In this special edition of the SEND Network Podcast, recorded at the Tes SEND Show, we speak with a range of speakers, exhibitors, and guests to capture their insights, experiences, and reflections from across the event. From classroom innovation to inclusive practice and whole-school approaches, this episode brings together voices from across the SEND community sharing what inspired...

Get in touch In this episode of The SEND Network Podcast, Georgie is joined by Elizabeth Cordle to discuss the importance of neuromotor development in early education. This is part two of a two part series.  Elizabeth and Georgie discuss:  The importance of motor maturity Factors which might cause slower neuromotor development in the early years Neuromotor development and SEND About Elizabeth Cord...

Get in touch In this episode of The SEND Network Podcast, Georgie is joined by Elizabeth Cordle to discuss the importance of neuromotor development in early education. This is part one of a two part series.  Elizabeth and Georgie discuss:  The importance of motor maturity Factors which might cause slower neuromotor development in the early years Neuromotor development and SEND About Elizabeth Cord...

Get in touch In this episode of The SEND Network Podcast, Georgie is joined by Manny Awoyelu to discuss the importance of a whole school approach to support oral communication. Manny and Georgie discuss how: Oral Communication is the forgotten discipline after Reading, Writing & Mathematical skills. Oral communication deepens learning in the classroom Oral Communication is tied to self-advocac...

Get in touch The SEND Network Podcast is back for Season 8 to kick off the new academic year! And we're bringing you a new host, the brilliant Georgie Green.  In this opening episode, Georgie is joined by Angela Lydon, former PMLD teacher and now National Manager for the Special Olympics Motor Activities Training Programme.  This episode covers:  The importance of movement as a priority for c...

Get in touch In this episode, Izzy and early years specialist Jayne Carter discuss developing the language of emotions in the early years – looking at different approaches and the importance of focusing on helping children improve their ability to express themselves.  They discuss: The EEF’s ‘5 a day principle’  The ‘little and often’ approach The significance of ‘hooks’ Resources EEF Blog: Five e...

Get in touch An estimated 1 million schoolchildren in the UK are affected by dyslexia. Despite this, sometimes the need is overlooked. Dyslexia specialist Louise Selby explains why this can be the case and how dyslexia can be ‘brought back into the room’.  They discuss: The new definition of dyslexia and why we need to talk about it What dyslexia can look like What can be done in the classroom/sch...

Get in touch In this episode of the SEND Network Podcast, guest host Georgie Green is joined by Speech and Language Therapist, Kate Freeman. They discuss the importance of early intervention to support children with speech, language and communication needs. The key areas covered are:  Signs to look out for to identify SLCN What does 'early' really mean?  What intervention might look like...

Get in touch This week’s episode of the SEND Network Podcast is a special collaboration with the SEND Parenting Podcast. Izzy joins Dr Olivia Kessel and Lynn How to discuss bridging the gap between parents and professionals. They discuss: Why parents and professionals sometimes struggle to connect  Success stories when communication goes right And the “magic formula” for parent-professional collab...

Get in touch Are you trying to figure out how to make better use of technology in your setting? For this episode, Izzy is joined by Stephanie Smith to discuss using assistive technology effectively. There’s an array of ways it can benefit your setting including: Breaking down physical barriers,  Engaging students in learning Supporting SEMH On top of exploring the benefits, Stephanie also provides...

Get in touch We’re back for another season of the SEND Network Podcast! To kick things off for our seventh series, Izzy is joined by early years specialists Kerry Murphy and David Cahn.  They discuss neurodiverse play, exploring: Kerry’s A–Z of Neurodiverse Play David’s work as a neurodiversity-affirming childminder How we can decolonise play in early years settings Resources Respecting neurodiver...