Talking Inclusion… With Geoff Barton

The Institute for Public Policy Research
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  • EDUCATION

A podcast from the IPPR Inclusion Taskforce What does truly inclusive education look like, and how can we make it better? Hosted by Geoff Barton, former general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) and chair of the IPPR Inclusion Taskforce, this series features conversations with parents, teachers, young people, and experts from across the UK. With support from Margaret Mulholland, SEN and Inclusion Policy Specialist at ASCL, the podcast asks what’s working, what’s not, and where change should begin. Talking Inclusion blends lived experience with policy insight

Episodes

  1. 1D AGO

    "Belonging matters" with Carrie Grant

    In this episode, Geoff Barton talks to broadcaster and vocal coach Carrie Grant. She is also the parent of four children with special education needs and talks about her personal experience of navigating a complicated system, including feeling she had to go into battle to gain an education, health & care plan (EHCP) to unlock further support.

    20 min

  2. 4D AGO

    "Reforming Inclusion" with Professor Mel Ainscow

    In this episode, Geoff Barton talks to Professor Mel Ainscow, a global expert on inclusion, and long-standing adviser to UNESCO. Drawing on insights from his latest book, Reforming Education Systems for Inclusion and Equity (Routledge), he explores what England can learn from international examples to create a truly inclusive education system.

    21 min

  3. AUG 29

    "A dose of optimism" with Katie Ghose

    Geoff Barton talks to Katie Ghose — vice-chair of the Disabled Children’s Partnership and chief executive of KIDS (motto: “Disabled children say ‘we can’!”) — for a dose of optimism about what genuine inclusion could look like. Together they explore how the narrative around special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can move away from deficit and barriers toward joy, belonging, and opportunity.

    15 min

  4. AUG 26

    "What would a wise parent wish for their child?" with Dr Nic Crossley

    Geoff sits down with Dr Nic Crossley, CEO of Liberty Academy Trust - a partnership of three specialist schools established in 2022 to support the educational experience of autistic young people - as they explore how schools and the state can better support children with special educational needs. The conversation highlights the need for autism-affirming practice, the importance of high-quality teaching for every child, and why real change requires courage and partnership rather than endless reviews.

    18 min

  5. AUG 20

    "Every learner matters and matters equally" with Margaret Mulholland

    Geoff sits down with Margaret Mulholland, SEND and Inclusion Policy Specialist at ASCL, as she shares her perspective on how the education system can better support learners with special educational needs. She discusses the importance of equity, the challenges of education, health and care plans (EHCPs), and the need for systemic reform that removes barriers rather than reinforces them.

    14 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

A podcast from the IPPR Inclusion Taskforce What does truly inclusive education look like, and how can we make it better? Hosted by Geoff Barton, former general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) and chair of the IPPR Inclusion Taskforce, this series features conversations with parents, teachers, young people, and experts from across the UK. With support from Margaret Mulholland, SEN and Inclusion Policy Specialist at ASCL, the podcast asks what’s working, what’s not, and where change should begin. Talking Inclusion blends lived experience with policy insight

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