The SEND Network Podcast

MA Education & Music
MA Education & Music
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The SEND Network Podcast is produced by the SEND Network, and provides expert insight  to help practitioners in the special educational needs and disabilities sector to shape their practice

  1. Sep 24

    Emma Tennant | When a Child Can’t Attend School: SEND, Attendance & the Law In this episode of The SEND Network Podcast, G

    What happens when a child or young person simply cannot attend school, and absence starts to become a legal issue? In this episode of The SEND Network Podcast, Georgie Green is joined by Emma Tennant, founder of The SEND Law Company, to explore the complex relationship between SEND, school attendance, parental responsibility and the law. Drawing on her experience as both a SEND parent and a legally trained professional specialising in attendance law, Emma discusses what can happen when a child is unable to attend school because their needs are not being met, and why families can sometimes find themselves facing penalty notices or even prosecution. Georgie and Emma discuss Section 19 alternative provision, EHCPs, PACE interviews, attendance fines and tribunals, as well as the importance of understanding what may be happening behind a child's absence. They also explore the role of schools and local authorities, masking and burnout, the difficulties teachers face when a child's needs aren't visible in the classroom, and what better support could look like for children who struggle within mainstream education. Watch the filmed version on our channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SENDNetwork Discover more expert insights, practical resources and conversations from across the SEND community on the SEND Network at send-network.co.uk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Emma Tennant | When a Child Can’t Attend School: SEND, Attendance & the Law In this episode of The SEND Network Podcast, G

  2. Sep 11

    Kate Freeman: Spotting Hidden Speech & Language Needs

    How can teachers and practitioners identify speech, language and communication needs that aren’t immediately obvious? In this episode of the SEND Network Podcast, Georgie Green is joined by Kate Freeman from Speech & Language Link to explore how schools and early years settings can recognise communication difficulties, support children through transitions and create classrooms where asking for help feels safe. Kate discusses why difficulties with understanding can often be harder to spot than speech or expressive language needs, the importance of effective screening and early intervention, and how children can sometimes rely on context, routines and other people to mask gaps in their understanding. They also explore preparing children for new classrooms and schools, giving pupils more confidence to explain when they don’t understand, supporting speech and language development at home, and finding a healthy balance around screens and face-to-face interaction.  Find out more about Speech & Language Link 👉 https://speechandlanguage.link/ Speech &Language Link on SEND Net 👉 https://send-network.co.uk/users/speech-language-link/content Discover more expert insights, practical resources and conversations from across the SEND community on the SEND Network at send-network.co.uk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kate Freeman: Spotting Hidden Speech & Language Needs

  3. Jul 31

    What can sport teach us about learning, resilience and supporting young people with SEND?

    In this episode of the SEND Network podcast, Georgie Green welcomes back Dr Tej Samani from MyPerformanceLearning to explore the role that sport, movement and healthy competition can play in children and young people’s development. Drawing on his experience as a former professional tennis player and a student who struggled within traditional education, Dr Tej explains how being coached helped him approach learning differently. Rather than seeing academic difficulties as personal failures, he learned to view them as individual skills that could be practised, developed and improved. They also consider what schools can learn from sports coaching, why subjects such as sport, music and the arts deserve a greater place in education, and how movement can offer young people a valuable alternative to social media and excessive screen time during the summer holidays. Discover more expert insights, practical resources and conversations from across the SEND community on the SEND Network at send-network.co.uk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What can sport teach us about learning, resilience and supporting young people with SEND?

  4. Jul 27

    Doctor Who, Autism and the Power of Representation | Katie Mulgrew

    Writer and comedian Katie Mulgrew joins host Georgie Green to discuss parenting her autistic and ADHD son, Jim, and the journey towards better understanding his needs. Katie recently explored this experience in her Guardian article, “I was struggling to understand my autistic son – until we watched an episode of Doctor Who.” She explains how he recognised his own energy, emotions and “fizziness” in David Tennant’s portrayal of the Doctor, giving them a new way to talk about how he was feeling. Katie also reflects on diagnosis, masking, emotional regulation, school attendance and the importance of children feeling safe and understood. The conversation explores the transformative role of television, comedy, music and the arts in helping neurodivergent young people express themselves, find community and see new possibilities. Discover more expert insights, practical resources and conversations from across the SEND community on the SEND Network at https://send-network.co.uk/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Doctor Who, Autism and the Power of Representation | Katie Mulgrew

  5. Jun 12

    Sensory Processing in Schools: Understanding the Needs Behind the Behaviour

    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 processing and sensory inclusion within education, discussing how sensory differences can affect communication, behaviour, attention, learning and emotional regulation. Drawing on their experience working with children and young people with complex needs, they explain why understanding the reasons behind behaviour is often the key to providing effective support. The conversation covers practical adaptations that can be made in both specialist and mainstream settings, including classroom environments, movement breaks, self-advocacy tools, sensory-friendly learning spaces and approaches to school uniforms. Olly and Dionne also share examples of simple strategies that can benefit entire classrooms while still meeting individual needs. Special thanks to pda dad for producing and editing this episode. 🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms 📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network at send-network.co.uk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Sensory Processing in Schools: Understanding the Needs Behind the Behaviour

  6. Jun 3

    How do we help children feel safe, confident and ready to learn?

    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 supporting thousands of learners across a wide range of educational settings. The conversation explores the importance of relationships, understanding behaviour through curiosity rather than judgement, and how schools, families and professionals can work together to help children reconnect with learning and thrive. A thoughtful discussion for SEND professionals, educators and school leaders looking to better understand the barriers some children face and the strategies that can help them succeed. 🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms 📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network at send-network.co.uk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How do we help children feel safe, confident and ready to learn?

  7. May 1

    Rewiring the Brain to Unlock Literacy and Confidence

    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 by a determination to better support children with dyslexia who were losing confidence despite their intelligence and creativity. The conversation explores how difficulties with reading and writing can impact self esteem, mental health and family life, and why traditional approaches do not always work.At the heart of the episode is Lou’s approach, focused on working with the brain rather than against it. By drawing on neuroplasticity and the power of the subconscious mind, she explains how simple, child led techniques can help rewire the way letters and words are processed, creating lasting change in literacy and confidence.The discussion also touches on diagnosis, neurodivergence, and the importance of creating safe, supportive learning environments where children can thrive without losing what makes them unique.A thoughtful and practical episode for educators, SENCOs and parents looking for new ways to support children with dyslexia and build lasting confidence. 🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms 📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network at send-network.co.uk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Rewiring the Brain to Unlock Literacy and Confidence

  8. Apr 23

    Supporting Dyslexia in Schools: Practical Approaches That Make a Difference

    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 approaches to teaching and learning, and how schools can better adapt to meet the needs of dyslexic pupils. Drawing on Amanda’s extensive experience, this episode offers valuable insights for educators looking to build more inclusive, supportive learning environments. This episode is part of Series 10, where we speak with experts, session speakers, and professionals from across the SEND sector, recorded live at Tes SEND North. 🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms 📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network at send-network.co.uk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Supporting Dyslexia in Schools: Practical Approaches That Make a Difference
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The SEND Network Podcast is produced by the SEND Network, and provides expert insight  to help practitioners in the special educational needs and disabilities sector to shape their practice

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