The SEND Network Podcast is back for Season 8 to kick off the new academic year! And we're bringing you a new host, the brilliant Georgie Green. In this opening episode, Georgie is joined by Angela Lydon, former PMLD teacher and now National Manager for the Special Olympics Motor Activities Training Programme. This episode covers: The importance of movement as a priority for children and young people with complex needs How to incorporate physical activity into the daily...
In this episode, Izzy and early years specialist Jayne Carter discuss developing the language of emotions in the early years – looking at different approaches and the importance of focusing on helping children improve their ability to express themselves. They discuss: The EEF’s ‘5 a day principle’ The ‘little and often’ approachThe significance of ‘hooks’Resources EEF Blog: Five evidence-based strategies to support high-quality teaching for pupils with SENDAbout Jayne Jayne is a qu...
An estimated 1 million schoolchildren in the UK are affected by dyslexia. Despite this, sometimes the need is overlooked. Dyslexia specialist Louise Selby explains why this can be the case and how dyslexia can be ‘brought back into the room’. They discuss: The new definition of dyslexia and why we need to talk about itWhat dyslexia can look likeWhat can be done in the classroom/school Resources Dyslexia definition 2025Papers - Delphi dyslexia definition research papers, Dyslexia be...
In this episode of the SEND Network Podcast, guest host Georgie Green is joined by Speech and Language Therapist, Kate Freeman. They discuss the importance of early intervention to support children with speech, language and communication needs. The key areas covered are: Signs to look out for to identify SLCNWhat does 'early' really mean? What intervention might look like in the classroomKey tips to ensure successful interventions About Kate Kate is a highly experienced and driven...
This week’s episode of the SEND Network Podcast is a special collaboration with the SEND Parenting Podcast. Izzy joins Dr Olivia Kessel and Lynn How to discuss bridging the gap between parents and professionals. They discuss: Why parents and professionals sometimes struggle to connect Success stories when communication goes rightAnd the “magic formula” for parent-professional collaborationAbout Olivia and Lynn Olivia is a neurodiverse advocate, medical doctor, and the founder and host of...
Are you trying to figure out how to make better use of technology in your setting? For this episode, Izzy is joined by Stephanie Smith to discuss using assistive technology effectively. There’s an array of ways it can benefit your setting including: Breaking down physical barriers, Engaging students in learningSupporting SEMHOn top of exploring the benefits, Stephanie also provides some budget-friendly ways you can include technology in your school. About Stephanie: Stephanie Smith...
We’re back for another season of the SEND Network Podcast! To kick things off for our seventh series, Izzy is joined by early years specialists Kerry Murphy and David Cahn. They discuss neurodiverse play, exploring: Kerry’s A–Z of Neurodiverse PlayDavid’s work as a neurodiversity-affirming childminderHow we can decolonise play in early years settingsResources Respecting neurodivergent play: what does it look like?Implicit bias may help explain high preschool expulsion rates for black ch...
In recognition of World Down Syndrome Day last week (21 March 2025), Sharon Smith returns to the podcast to discuss how to best support young people with Down’s Syndrome transition into adulthood. In the episode, we cover: Supporting students find their voiceBridging the gap between education and employmentAnd, importantly, supporting parents to ‘let go’Resources World Down Syndrome Day: Transitioning to Adulthood (age 14-25) - Downloadable resourceIf you are teaching pupils who h...
Hester joins Izzy for another episode on MSI (otherwise known as Deafblindness). In this episode, they look at MSI and wellbeing – looking at expressive communication, emotional and social wellbeing and acknowledging the impact MSI has on a child. Resources Are you fun, funny and laughing? The friendships and social relationships of students with complex communication needs in and outside of special school settings - research paper by Hui Jun Ho, Leda Kamenopoulou & Cynthia Pinto Ro...
This month, the SEND Network podcast attended the first ever edition of the Tes SEND Show North! Izzy caught up with speakers and exhibitors on the day to find out more about what they do. Thanks to all the speakers and exhibitors that spoke to us (in order of appearance): Craig Henderson (The Neurodivergent Barber) Lynn McCann (Autism, ADHD and PDA Specialist Teacher - Reachout) Alessandro Capozzi (Academy 21 - our series sponsor!) Rob Jennings (The Dyscalculia Network) Academy 21 This...
Educational consultant Lynn How joins Izzy to talk all things SENCO paperwork, including EHCP paperwork. The episode splits into two parts - streamlining paperwork and EHCPs. Lynn shines a light on: Using the graduated approach to provide the right provisionThe process of applying for an EHC needs assessmentWho is responsible for carrying out key steps in the EHCP processResources Lynn’s SEND Paperwork Overview (from her webiste Positive Young Minds) Children and Families Act 2014 About...
In this episode of the SEND Network Podcast, Izzy is joined by Amy Husband, Head of School Academic at Academy 21, our season six sponsor! Amy introduces us to the three-tiered model of intervention and explains how to take a holistic approach to tiered provision. The episode looks at why holistic practice is an important part of a student’s education, explores the best ways to implement targeted support for individual children and the benefits of online learning and alternative provision ser...
With a new school term comes a new season of the SEND Network Podcast! In our first episode of 2025, Izzy Felton is joined by Simon Airey. Izzy and Simon discuss neurodivergent play, covering: Open-ended play Allowing children to play their way And using observations to plan play opportunitiesSimon also answers questions submitted by our SEND Network members! Listen to the end to hear what he has to say. If you would like to ask future guests questions, register for the SEND Network...
In our final episode before the holidays, Izzy is joined by Jane Green MBE. They discuss emotional based school avoidance, and the link between neurodivergence and joint hypermobility conditions. Jane also answers questions submitted by our SEND Network members! Listen to the end to hear what she has to say. If you would like to ask future guests questions, register for the SEND Network today. Resources SEDSConnective is the foremost hypermobility neurodivergent charity dedicated to suppor...
Gary Aubin returns for the second time this series, to discuss how SENCOs can best utilise and support the teaching assistants in their school. Including: Tapping into you TAs interests and specialties Looking at the EEF's Making Best Use of Teaching Assistants guideHow to support them in their roleResources Check out the EEF's Making Best Use of Teaching Assistants resource About Gary Gary leads a national network of MAT SEND leaders through whole education as well as the author of t...
Since COVID, attendance in school has been on the decline. With new measures being implemented in an attempt to get more children back in school, Suzy Rowland joins Izzy on the podcast to discuss the deeper reasons students may not be in school. During the episode, Suzy covers: The five main groups of children that are most likely to be school avoiders and whyUniversal provision to help students attend schoolExamples of what school staff can do to gain a young person's trustResources m...
Since we began the podcast, ADHD has been mentioned throughout. So it only felt right to spend a whole episode talking about it! Izzy is joined by Lynn McCann, who takes us through some strategies that SEND practitioners can use to help students in the classroom with ADHD. Including: Sensory and movement breaksScaffolding executive functioning Self esteem and wellbeing Resources mentioned in this episode 'All About Autism' books by Lynn McCannThe ADHD Hero Activity Book (ADHD Foundation...
This year, the SEND Network podcast returned to the Tes SEND Show! This time, Izzy caught up with speakers and exhibitors on the day, to discuss a wide range of topics within SEND. Including: Inclusive reading frameworksADHD in early yearsAutism in girlsAssitive technology in SENDThanks to all the speakers and exhibitors that spoke to us (in order of appearance): Samantha Asher, Dr Sarah Moseley, Chantal Bryan OBE, Martin Bailey, BATA, Twinkl, Sarah-Jane Critchley, PANS PANDAS UK and Kellie ...
This week on the SEND Network Podcast, Izzy is joined by RDI consultant Andreja Stefulj. Andrea explores empowerment, self regulation and collaboration between SENCO, teacher and parent to support a child with SEND in school. This episode looks at: How changing your mentality can make you a better educatorHow opening up can help mental wellbeing of SENCOs, teachers and parents alikeAnd importantly, how all this can benefit the child at the centreAbout Andrea Andreja is certified RDI (R...
Welcome back for season five! We can't quite believe we've reached the fifth season of the SEND Network series already. To celebrate, this episode sees the return of our first ever guest Gary Aubin. In this episode, Gary and Izzy discuss helpful tasks that can help start your year as a SENCo right. The episode covers: Getting to know your SEND registerCommunication with parents and teachersKnowing your schools provisions and implementing new ones About Gary Gary leads a national network of M...