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 ground. From systemic pressures and narrow measures of success to the power of early intervention and relational practice, Sharon argues that preventing disengagement starts long before results day.

This is a conversation about courage, alternative pathways, and why changing outcomes for one child at a time can shift the wider narrative.

🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms
📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network at send-network.co.uk

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 the school gates feels impossible. Daniel explains the crucial difference between typical reluctance and emotionally based school avoidance, the role anxiety plays, and why masking can mean difficulties go unnoticed for years.

Together, they discuss:

• Early warning signs for parents and educators
• The importance of sensitive, collaborative support plans
• Practical classroom adjustments that protect dignity
• How to communicate with anxious children without increasing pressure
• What can be done to prevent escalation

This episode offers thoughtful, evidence-informed insight for SEND practitioners, school leaders and families seeking to better understand and support children experiencing school-related anxiety.

🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms
📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network

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 realities of working in schools as a neurodivergent professional. The discussion explores reasonable adjustments for staff, sensory overload in shared spaces, autistic burnout, masking, and why inclusion must extend beyond pupils to the adults supporting them every day.

Simon also shares practical insights for school leaders, colleagues and aspiring teachers, highlighting how lived experience can strengthen relationships with pupils and families, and how small changes in workplace culture can make a meaningful difference.

🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms
📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network