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

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 covers everything from classroom design and sensory considerations to early identification, working collaboratively with parents, and supporting staff wellbeing.

In this episode, Georgie and Freya discuss:

• What “true inclusion” means in practice for schools and classrooms
• Creating calm, inclusive environments through simple environmental changes
• Spotting early signs that a child may be struggling
• How and when to involve parents in supportive conversations
• Supporting neurodiverse learners through movement, sensory regulation and routine
• Normalising difference and building understanding among peers
• Why staff wellbeing is central to inclusive education

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 hasn't. She has been a Headteacher, Senior Manager and Class teacher, teaching all ages in the Primary age range.

Working to support SENDCOs and teachers across special, primary and secondary schools, Ginny is able to bring experience, wisdom and common sense to an area that can sometimes get bogged down in jargon and paperwork.

Her view is that by 'flattening the hierarchy' schools are more able to connect fully with their families. In doing so, they are better placed to help build the home-school trust so sorely needed in order to help vulnerable children thrive.

Through her highly-regarded book and also her published articles, podcast appearances and speaking engagements for schools, MATS and national events such as The National SEN Conference, The Education Show Wales and NASEN Live, Ginny shares straightforward tips and ideas that save time and energy for all those working with our most vulnerable children.

Drawing on her lived experiences as a working SENDCO, Ginny quickly relates to her audience and not only reassures them about the important work they are doing at a difficult time but also challenges them – nicely, kindly and with humour – to be even better.

She is the Author of ‘Independent Thinking On Being A SENDCO’ and has recently become an Associate of Independent Thinking
https://www.independentthinking.co.uk/speakers/ginny-bootman/

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 specialist settings. Her work focuses on helping educators confidently identify and support children with speech, language and communication needs, ensuring every child can access learning and thrive.

About Juliet

Juliet is senior creative speech and language therapist at Speech & Language Link. With over 25 years experience, she combines research and innovation with a strategic clinical role in independent SEMH and mainstream schools.

About Speech & Language Link

This episode is sponsored by Speech & Language Link. Speech & Language Link work with schools, MATs, LAs and NHS speech and language therapy teams to help support children with speech, language and communication needs in school, whether that’s through screening tools, intervention materials, guidance, training and support from a therapist-backed help desk.

Check out their SEND Network profile, including all their content, here.

You can find Speech & Language Link intervention tools and packages here.

The SEND Network

For more information and resources, access the Podcast Discussion Room here: https://send-network.co.uk/rooms/the-send-network-podcast

New to the network? Register here: SEND Network | An online community for SEND professionals (send-network.co.uk)

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 writing skills?

About Dr. Sarah Moseley

Sarah provides face-to-face and online training, coaching, consultancy, and keynote presentations for professionals and families across all sectors. With over 30 years’ experience in both special and mainstream education, from teaching assistant to Headteacher, she specialises in removing barriers to learning and improving outcomes for all children and young people. Her work bridges research and practice, creating inclusive cultures where high expectations and accessibility go hand in hand. She holds a Master’s and PhD in Special Education, with a
focus on reading and self-esteem, and is the author of Teaching Reading to All Learners Including Those with Complex Needs.

She is currently writing her next book, Writing for All, which explores inclusive and adaptive approaches to teaching writing. Passionate about equity in education, she believes every action, no matter how small, can make a difference.

You can find out more here.

The SEND Network

For more information and resources, access the Podcast Discussion Room here: https://send-network.co.uk/rooms/the-send-network-podcast

New to the network? Register here: SEND Network | An online community for SEND professionals (send-network.co.uk)

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 them at this year’s show.

Featuring:

00:43 - Dr. Asha Patel, Clinical Psychologist & CEO, Innovating Minds

02:16 - Tom Rees, Chief Executive of Ormiston Academies Trust and Strategic Advisor, SEND, DfE

03:05 - Dame Christine Lenehan, Strategic Advisor, SEND, DfE

03:45 - Dr Becky Baxter, Director of Education and Speech and Language Therapy, Down Syndrome UK

05:10 - Maria Taylor, International Director of Training

06:42 - Richard Lightfoot, Assistant Head Teacher

08:11 - Linda Francis, Head Teacher

09:29 - Stuart Plumridge, Nessy

13:30 - Cheryl Warren, Aperion Training

16:54 - Kirsty Maidment, AQA

18:43 - Lee Blemings, Guru Ltd