In this special episode of Between Two Psychs, we respond to the recent SEND White Paper leak and unpack what it could mean for schools, families, and professionals.

With the clear understanding that this is speculative, we walk through the key themes emerging from the leak, including the proposed move toward a tiered system, the possibility of EHCPs being reserved for the most complex cases, and what reassessment at key transition points, particularly age 11, might signal for secondary schools.

Drawing on our combined experience across education, we reflect on whether this is meaningful reform or a familiar cycle of policy returning in a new form. We explore the potential impact on inclusion, funding, accountability, and multi agency working, and ask the bigger question: will this actually strengthen collaboration between education, health and social care?

In This Episode, We Explore

• The proposed shift from a binary EHCP system to a tiered approach
• What reassessment at Year 6 and transition to secondary could mean for funding and provision
• The increased focus and pressure on Key Stage 3 and secondary settings
• Funding moving closer to schools and whether that creates opportunity or risk
• The importance of outreach and upskilling mainstream staff
• Moving from an assessment heavy model to a consultation and empowerment approach
• Why early intervention only works if there are genuine boots on the ground

Why This Episode Matters

SEND reform affects real children, real families, and real professionals. While policy language can sound hopeful, meaningful change depends on structure, funding, and genuine collaboration.

This episode offers a balanced, grounded reflection. Hopeful where it makes sense to be hopeful, cautious where experience tells us to be cautious. Above all, it reinforces the need for proper support around schools, shared responsibility across systems, and an approach that empowers professionals rather than overwhelming them.

Connect with Mike Lane

Website: https://www.ridgewaypsychology.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/michael-lane-4304a3123

Connect with Me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dradammcartney/

Website: https://www.dradammccartney.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.AdamMcCartney

In this episode, we sit down with teaching SENCO Tom Hodgson to explore why relationships sit at the heart of successful inclusion and how emotionally attuned practice can completely change a child’s journey in school.

Drawing on real classroom experience, we reflect on the emotional demands of supporting children with complex needs and why connection must come before correction. Through a powerful case study, we unpack how one pupil moved from the brink of permanent exclusion to full integration through co-regulation, consistency and a strong team around the child.

Together, we discuss why meaningful relationships, emotional literacy and shared staff values are essential for long-term change in schools.

In This Episode, We Discuss

• Why relationships must come before behaviour strategies
• How co-regulation helps prevent escalation
• A real case study from exclusion risk to full inclusion
• The power of empathy, curiosity, and emotional attunement
• Building emotional literacy and helping children name feelings
• Why consistency across adults changes outcomes
• Supporting staff while working with complex pupils
• How everyday interactions become meaningful interventions

Why This Episode Matters

This conversation invites educators to rethink behaviour through the lens of connection and safety. When children feel understood and supported by consistent adults, meaningful progress becomes possible both emotionally and academically.

It also highlights the emotional load educators carry and why reflective practice, shared training and strong professional relationships are essential for sustainable, inclusive education.

Connect with Mike Lane

Website: https://www.ridgewaypsychology.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/michael-lane-4304a3123

Connect with Me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dradammcartney/
Website: https://www.dradammccartney.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.AdamMcCartney

In this episode of Between Two Psychs, we explore the realities of early years provision and the incredible work practitioners do despite increasing demands and limited resources. Drawing on experiences from educational psychology and early settings, we reflect on the pressures staff face and the psychological foundations that help young children feel safe, connected and ready to learn.

A central theme is “reach before you teach” the idea that relationships, emotional safety, and connection sit at the heart of effective early years practice. We discuss how behaviour often communicates underlying needs such as anxiety, sensory differences or communication challenges, and why play remains essential for cognitive, social and emotional development.

Alongside these reflections, we share practical strategies that support engagement and independence, including paired reading, attention buckets, visual timetables and pictorial communication systems.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The challenges and strengths within the early years sector
• Why relationships and emotional safety underpin learning
• Understanding behaviour through function and developmental needs
• The importance of play in cognitive and social growth
• Practical strategies to support attention, communication and routine
• How predictability and co-regulation help children engage and learn

Why This Episode Matters

Early years practice lays the foundation for lifelong learning. This episode highlights that meaningful progress starts with connection, regulation and realistic expectations for both children and the adults supporting them. When children feel safe and understood, learning becomes possible and when practitioners feel supported, they are better able to meet the complex needs within modern early years settings.

Connect with Mike Lane

Website: https://www.ridgewaypsychology.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/michael-lane-4304a3123

Connect with Me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dradammcartney/
Website: https://www.dradammccartney.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.AdamMcCartney