SEND in the experts with Georgina Durrant (Special Educational Needs Podcast)

SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant: Understanding Sensory Processing with OT Beth SmithsonIn this episode of SEND in the Experts podcast, host Georgina Durrant, former teacher and SENDCO, welcomes Beth Smithson, a highly experienced Occupational Therapist and Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner. Together, they explore how sensory processing differences affect children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and how educators, parents, and therapists can better support them.Beth shares insights from over 20 years of clinical practice across health, education, and social care, including her current role at Sensory Integration Education. Topics covered include:What is sensory integration and why does it matter?Recognising signs of sensory processing differences in childrenHow sensory challenges impact learning, behaviour, and social interactionEffective strategies and interventions for supporting sensory needsThe role of Occupational Therapists in SEND supportCreating sensory-friendly environments at home and in schoolCommon myths and misconceptions about sensory processingAdvice for parents, carers, and educatorsThe future of sensory integration research and inclusive educationWhether you're a teacher, parent, SENDCO, or therapist, this episode offers practical guidance and expert knowledge to help you create more inclusive, sensory-aware spaces for all learners.Brought to you by Twinkl. Listen now to empower your practice and deepen your understanding of sensory integration. Visit the Twinkl Inclusion Hub here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/wwwfx for SEND, OT, SaLT resources and more!Useful resources: Identifying Sensory Needs: Understanding, Recognising and Managing Alertness Levels : https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/ku1zvSensory circuit flashcards https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/wn7a0 Links mentioned in the episode:www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com www.sensoryhelpnow.orgwww.sensoryinclusiveschools.org 

In this episode of SEND in the Experts, Twink's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Podcast, host Georgina Durrant (Twinkl’s National Inclusion Lead, published author, and former teacher/SENDCO) welcomes trailblazer Kate Griggs, CEO and founder of Made by Dyslexia.Kate brings her trademark energy and vision to the conversation, advocating passionately for recognising and championing Dyslexic Thinking in education and beyond. She shares her personal journey with dyslexia, from early struggles to thriving once her strengths were acknowledged, and opens up about her drive to create a world where dyslexic learners are empowered to shine.The episode dives into key themes from her children's book Xtraordinary People, which helps children identify their unique Dyslexic Thinking skills. With heartfelt advice for parents and educators, Kate stresses the importance of spotting strengths early, nurturing resilience, and fostering self-esteem in dyslexic learners.Listeners will also discover how Made by Dyslexia is leading the charge in transforming classrooms into inclusive spaces. From celebrity stories to practical tips, this episode is a celebration of dyslexia and neurodiversity more widely, and a call to action to rethink how we define success in education.Parents Guide to Dyslexia: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/x9xriDyslexia intervention: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/yeyjrPowerpoint 'My Friend has Dyslexia' information: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/14p0v5

SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant – Featuring Lisa Henshall on Inclusive Resource ProvisionsIn this insightful episode of SEND in the Experts, host Georgina Durrant, Twinkl's National Inclusion Lead, published author & former teacher/ SENDCO, welcomes the passionate and experienced Lisa Henshall to the podcast. Brought to you by Twinkl, this SEND podcast series is dedicated to supporting educators, parents, and professionals working with children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Whether you're on your daily commute or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, this episode offers valuable guidance and inspiration.Lisa Henshall shares her journey and deep-rooted passion for inclusive education, offering a wealth of knowledge on how to better support learners with SEND. The conversation dives into the government's push for greater inclusivity in mainstream schools and explores the growing role of resource provisions, specialist units within mainstream settings designed to meet the needs of some learner with SEND. Lisa explains what resource provisions are, how they function, and how and why they are a vital part of inclusive education.Listeners will also gain practical insights into how to ensure these provisions foster true inclusion, not just for the learners who access them, but for the entire school community. Lisa highlights the importance of collaboration, training, and thoughtful planning in creating inclusive environments that benefit all students.Plus, Lisa discusses her recent collaboration with Twinkl alongside colleagues Louise Lawrence and Sarah Camacho. Together, they developed a powerful new resource packed with top tips for setting up a successful resource provision which can be found here https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/cxiobThis episode is a must-listen for school leaders, SENDCOs, and educators looking to make meaningful change.

In this episode of Twinkl's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) podcast, SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant, Georgina chats to Gary Aubin all about supporting children with SEND with transitions. Whether that be moving from primary to secondary school or from one year group to another.Twinkl Symbols - My New School Transition Booklet https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/9cvgeSEND Transitions- Top Tips for Moving to a new class https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/7lcjwTop Tips for Supporting children moving to secondary school: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/ue2gy

In this podcast episode of our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) podcast, Georgina Durrant and Lynn How explore the realities of being a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCO). Lynn shares her passion for supporting children and young people with SEND, offering insights into the rewards and challenges of the role. She discusses the highlights of being a SENDCO, the pressures they face, and the ways they navigate their responsibilities, including the graduated approach (https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/nckeg) and the Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) process. Lynn provides guidance on the EHCP process (more information can be found herehttps://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/15qn9c ) The episode also delves into the importance of collaboration with teachers, senior leadership teams (SLT), and parents, as well as practical advice on managing wellbeing in a demanding profession. A must-listen for educators and anyone invested in inclusive education.EHCP Course: https://twinklpd.com/ehc-plan-explained-offerInformation on the Graduated Approach: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/nckegLynn's links: https://positiveyoungmind.com/

This podcast episode from our Twinkl SEND podcast "SEND in the Experts" hosted by Georgina Durrant, focuses on supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Georgina is joined by Joe Faultley, an autistic and neurodivergent advocate with dyspraxia and anxiety, who works at the Council for Disabled Children and is an active member of the SEND and education community. Joe shares his personal experiences, insights on autism advocacy, and advice for improving education for autistic students, emphasising the importance of supporting children and young people with sensory processing differences, communication needs, and anxiety. He highlights his work in promoting awareness, acceptance, and understanding of neurodiversity through media and delivering training. This episode offers practical tips for educators to better support SEND learners, in particular autistic learners. Find out more about using Twinkl Symbols to support children and young people with communication here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/ypt3j or download the free Twinkl Symbols AAC app: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1asrsnFind out more about supporting autistic children and young people here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/140sia

In this episode of our Special Educational Needs and Disability podcast, Georgina Durrant chats to Colin Foley from the ADHD foundation. They discuss what ADHD is and how ADHD can present. Colin shares advice on supporting children and young people with ADHD and they also dispel myths surrounding ADHD. They also discuss the impact that puberty can have on ADHD symptoms.ADHD foundation's website: https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/ADHD resources:https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/krero

In this episode of our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) podcast, Georgina Durrant chats to the CEO of nasen. They discuss her career, her passion for supporting children and young people with SEND and her vision for the future of SEND education in the UK. They also discuss the nasen awards, nasen Live and the nasen assured status that Twinkl Symbols received.nasen assured Twinkl Symbols: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/symbols Twinkl Symbols is a collection of visual symbols designed to support communication for individuals with speech and language difficulties or special educational needs (SEND), allowing them to express themselves through pictures and visual representations, often used in the form of communication boards or books created through the Twinkl Symbols app or web tool; essentially, it's a system to aid communication through visual imagery. SEND Small Steps resources - created for learners who need clear, structured lessons in maths that are simple and don't cause visual stress.: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1ia65mnasen website https://nasen.org.uk/

In this episode of our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Podcast, Georgina Durrant was delighted to be joined by Dr Gavin Morgan, chair of the Division of Educational and Child Psychology at the British Psychological Society.Georgina and Gavin discuss a whole range of topics, including:The role of an Educational Psychologist (EP) and when teachers might need them.When EPs are needed for EHC needs assessmentsThe impact of a shortage of EPsWorkload of EPsHow schools can work effectively with EPs.Find all of Twinkl's inclusion resources here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1a5ag2Find out how to apply for EHC needs assessment as a SENDCO here : https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/15d5zeLearn and understand what is involved in the EHC Plan review process here https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/xchp3Learn more about the role of an educational psychologist here https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1c4mxi

In this episode of our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Podcast, Georgina Durrant is joined by Jo, the CEO of the Down Syndrome Charity Learn and Thrive. Jo is Mum to a teenager with Down's syndrome. Much of the inspiration for the Learn and Thrive charity's projects come from her real-life experience of supporting a wide range of young people with Down's syndrome through her work in the charity and education sectors. The charity provides free online educational resources for the SEN community through two projects: Teach Me Too for early years (find out more here  https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/ppb1s ) and Learning for Life (find out more here https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/zojn1) for young people (find out more here)Georgina and Jo discuss what Down's Syndrome is and the common misconceptions. They also discuss Learn and Thrive's resources and the importance of teaching RSE to all children. Jo provides fantastic advice on how to talk about puberty and relationships with children and young people with Down's Syndrome and other SEND. Listen to our previous episode on Down's Syndrom here https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/rvi19

In this episode of our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) podcast (SEND in the experts with Georgina Durrant), Georgina Durrant is joined by Natalie Packer. Natalie is an Independent EducationConsultant, specialising in SEND and school improvement. She develops and delivers a widerange of training and support, including SEND reviews, to schools and multi-academy trusts. Sheworks closely with several trusts to support their strategic development of SEND and is a trusteeof Learn-AT in Leicestershire. She is an associate for national organisations Nasen, WholeEducation, Forum Strategy and Leadership Matters. Natalie regularly writes online articles forOptimus and The Key for School Leaders and is the author of The Perfect SENCO, The Teacher’s Guide to SEN and her latest book 'Beyond Boundaries: Leading Great SEND Provision across a Trust'Other podcast episodes mentioned and related: Gary Aubin - Lone SENDCO : https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/send-in-the-experts-with-georgina-durrant/id1598292028?i=1000651993889Ginny Bootman - Being a SENDCO :https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/send-in-the-experts-with-georgina-durrant/id1598292028?i=1000641910100

*Disclaimer: Please be aware that this episode contains strong language.* In this episode, of our special educational needs and disability podcast, SEND in the experts with Georgina Durrant. Georgina speaks to Sue Cowley! Sue Cowley is a presenter, teacher trainer and author of more than 30 books on education. A qualified early years teacher, she has worked in early years settings, primary, secondary and international schools in the UK and overseas. Sue’s international bestseller 'Getting Your Class to Behave' has been translated into ten languages and is now in its sixth edition.Sue has written articles for the TES, Teach Primary, Teach Early Years, Nursery World, Early Years Educator and Teach Secondary. She has featured in numerous education videos and was a regular presenter on Teachers TV. She has also written curriculum materials for Oxford University Press. Sue works internationally as a presenter, providing keynotes and training for organisations including Teach First, the NEU, Swim England and The Football Association. Sue has been part of the leadership team helped at her local early years setting for the past 15 years.Georgina and Sue discuss strategies for good class behaviour, how to ensure you're neuro-affirming in your approach and the importance of clear expectations.Find 'Getting Your Class to Behave' here and 'Learning Behaviours: A Practical Guide to Self-Regulation in the Early Years' hereSue Cowley's website can be found here suecowley.co.uk

In this episode of our Special Educational Needs and Disability Podcast, Georgina Durrant is joined by Steph Curtis. Steph, mother of two teenage girls aged 18 and 16, launched her blog, "Steph's Two Girls" on the day her younger daughter Sasha was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2.Steph experienced a ‘lightbulb moment’ soon after when she came across descriptions of a specific profile of autism known as Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). The features of PDA resonated deeply with her, as they accurately characterised her daughter's unique challenges. This discovery served as a catalyst, inspiring Steph to utilise her blog as a wider platform for sharing her family's experiences in order to help others understand more about PDA.With her newly published book "PDA in the Family" Steph has shared her family’s experiences since that day of diagnosis, in the hope that this will help families who are navigating PDA feel less alone. With unique insights from Sasha's father, sister, and Sasha herself, this book offers insider knowledge and advice from one family to another and provides a greater understanding for those working with PDA children.Listen to our Podcast episode with the PDA society here : https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/send-in-the-experts-with-georgina-durrant/id1598292028?i=1000579397090Find the PDA Society Podcast episode also on the Twinkl website here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/ujlk5Find out more about the PANDA approach for supporting children with a PDA profile here https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1jp34kAs well as how to 'pick battles' when supporting a child with a PDA profile here https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/tvmcuSteph's website can be found here https://www.stephstwogirls.co.uk/ and her book here https://www.stephstwogirls.co.uk/2023/10/pda-in-family-book.html

In this episode of our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) podcast 'SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant', Georgina Durrant chats to Stephanie Smith, Head of School at Cambridgeshire’s first state-maintained special free school provision for young autistic students the 'Cavendish School'They discuss everything about making schools better for autistic children and young people.. from removing attendance barriers and supporting EBSA, trauma-informed approaches, creating a sensory space/room, working in partnership with autistic learner's parents, lunchtimes, playtimes to developing life-skills in a practical and authentic way. Useful links: ⁠SEND Small Steps Curriculum https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/10m1g3⁠Sensory Room Information⁠https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/kj4fg⁠Sensory Profile Assessment⁠https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/gcbif⁠Cavendish School's Website:⁠⁠https://thecavendishschool.org.uk⁠

In this episode of our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) podcast 'SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant', Georgina Durrant chats to 2x Paralympic Gold Medallist Danielle Brown MBE! Danielle Brown MBE is an award winning children's author. She's also a double Paralympic gold medallist in archery, five-time World Champion and was World Number 1 for her entire career. , she made history when she became the first disabled athlete to represent England - and won gold - in an able-bodied category at the Commonwealth Games. Danielle shares her advice on how to ensure teaching PE and sports in schools is inclusive of children with SEND.Inclusive Sports Resources for the classroom https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/139a8mParalympic Resources for the classroom https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1beqxmhttps://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/spql0Danielle Brown's website and books https://www.daniellebrown.co.uk

In this episode of our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Podcast, we switch things around and welcome host Georgina Durrant on the show as a guest for the first time. Our guest host is Emily Powel and she interviews Georgina about her latest book 'SEND Strategies for the Primary Years' published by Bloomsbury. With as many as 13% of children in schools in England receiving some form of SEN support, and waiting times of up to 3-5 years for a child to receive a formal diagnosis, Georgina explains that there is a critical need for strategies teachers can use in the classroom and parents can use at home now. SEND Strategies for the Primary Years aims to give teachers (and parents!) practical strategies that they can put in place while they wait for diagnoses, assessments or support. The strategies are practical, easy to implement and resource. Relevant to children who may be impacted by a range of SEND including autism, PDA, ADHD, dyslexia, DCD, dyscalculia, sensory processing differences, speech, language and communication needs and more. SEND Strategies for the Primary Years can be found here https://amzn.to/3QKZx48 And Georgina's website is www.senresourcesblog.com and you can find her on Twitter (X) www.twitter.com/senresourceblog and Facebook www.facebook.com/senresourcesblog

Isolation booths in schools: Helpful or harmful? In this episode of our Special Educational Needs and Disabilites (SEND) Podcast 'SEND in the experts with Georgina Durrant' Georgina speaks to Andrea Cartwright from Thrive all about the use of isolation and isolation booths in schools and the impacts on children. Download our Lanyard Sized Restorative Conversation Prompts here https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/flmigLook at our infomation sheet on Tantrums vs Meltdowns here https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1jcgliAnd download our behaviour management strategies for de-escalation here https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/15i83yThrive website:https://www.thriveapproach.com/Previous podcast with Thrive on Trauma Informed Approaches here https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/send-in-the-experts-with-georgina-durrant/id1598292028?i=1000588238033

In this episode of our Special Educational Needs and Disability Podcast, Georgina Durrant speaks to Gary Aubin, author of The Lone SENDCO about SEND CPD for teachers and SENDCOs. They discuss SENDCos leading school CPD, what effective SEND CPD looks like in schools, receiving SEND CPD and the SENDCO qualification (NASENCO) being replaced by the new SENDCO NPQ. Watch this episode on youtube here https://youtu.be/aaqxtTP-ng8Have a look at Twinkl's free SEND CPD - Teach Meets here https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/q6dxvListen to our previous episode about Being a SENDCO with Ginny Bootman here https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/bevxs or watch it here https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/16wsheGary's website can be found here https://sendmatters.co.uk/about/ and his book The Lone SENDCO here https://www.johncattbookshop.com/products/the-lone-sendco-questions-and-answers-for-the-busy-sendco

In this episode of our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Podcast, Georgina Durrant chats to Frances Akinde, a former Special School Headteacher and qualified SENDCO now SEND inspector and advisor. Georgina and Frances discuss what Neurodiversity Celebration Week means to her as a Neurodivergent educator as well as her tips for making schools more inclusive to both neurodivergent learners and neurodivergent staff. Read all about Neurodiversity Celebration Week here https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1a1a9zDownload our Famous Neurodivergent Individuals School Display herehttps://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/np149Read this useful quick look document that provides guidance on supporting neurodivergent colleagues, or yourself, to flourish in interviews, day-to-day working, when in meetings and more. https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/w4tpxFrances Akinde's Website : https://inclusionht.wordpress.com

In this episode of our Special Educational Need and Disability (SEND) Podcast, Georgina Durrant chats to Bethan Grant and Sarah Timms from ERIC (the children's bowel and bladder charity) about everything from more children arriving in reception who aren't yet toilet trained (and how we can support them) to the controversy surrounding some schools locking toilets at lesson time (and it's impact on children with toileting needs).Useful resources:Toilet procedure poster https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1jmamvToilet Social Situation https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/wdpp9Using the toilet resource pack https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/yb4rmToilet readiness assessment https://eric.org.uk/toilet-readiness-assessment/Individual health care plan https://eric.org.uk/individual-healthcare-plan/Getting ready for school factsheet https://eric.org.uk/potty-training/toilets-and-school-readiness/A parent Sam (who is also an advisor on ERIC's Helpline) talking about how she worked with school staff to make toileting at school work for their child https://vimeo.com/860155964School Toilet Policy: https://eric.org.uk/information/school-toilet-policy/