SEN and Sensibility

What does it really feel like when everyday movement demands extra thought, effort and energy? In this episode, three expert guests, Amanda Kirby, Anna Barnett and Elizabeth Cordle, join Sarah and Liz to bringDevelopmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) - often called dyspraxia - to life, explaining how it can shape experiences from the classroom to the workplace. Hear how challenges with balance, coordination, posture,handwriting and hand-eye coordination can influence learning, play, friendships, confidence and wellbeing. The discussion asks what truly inclusive education looks like, and why small changes, from movement breaks anddifferentiated activities to rewarding effort rather than performance, can make a powerful difference.The conversation also follows DCD into adult life, exploringthe hidden effort behind everyday activities. Along the way, the guests share practical, person-centred ideas, including technology, coaching, extra practice, step-by-step tasks and simple environmental adjustments, that canhelp people participate with greater confidence.Thoughtful, practical and full of real-world insight, thisepisode challenges assumptions about coordination difficulties and highlights the strengths, barriers and support needs that can otherwise go unseen. Listenfor a fresh perspective on DCD, emerging research and why awareness and inclusive support matter at every stage of life.

In this episode, Liz Horobin and Sarah Reay are joined byHolly Bolt, Gemma Chapple and Catherine Tinkler to explore the joys and challenges of the long summer holidays for families of neurodivergent and SENDchildren. The discussion covers the need for rest and recovery, theimpact of disrupted routines, sensory pressures, screen time, working-parent dilemmas, financial pressures, and the importance of realistic expectations. The guestsshare practical, low-pressure ideas for keeping children regulated and engaged, from loose daily structure and “could-do” lists to free activities, Blue Peterbadges, short learning bursts and building-in downtime. Above all, the episode reassures parents that there is noperfect summer - connection, flexibility, and being “good enough” are what matter most.

In this episode of SEN & Sensibility, the panelexplores the relationship between speech, language and communication needs and literacy difficulties, highlighting how developmental language disorder and dyslexia can overlap and how language needs may be missed in the classroom. The discussion emphasises the importance of early identification, joined-up support and collaboration between teachers, specialist professionals, speech andlanguage therapists and families. The episode calls for practical,compassionate approaches that reduce barriers, improve access to learning andhelp children thrive.

This episode explores reading development anddifficulties, focusing on how understanding the reading process can shapemore effective and motivating support for learners.Key points include:The discussion offers practical insight andreassurance for practitioners and parents alike, highlighting how motivatingenvironments, accessible resources, and informed strategies can help learnersengage more confidently with reading.

In this thought‑provoking conversation, Liz Horobin andSarah Reay are joined by Dr Tim Mills (National Curriculum& Writing Framework advisor) and Dr Francesca Bonafede(National Literacy Trust) to explore the state of writing in UK schoolsand what really shapes young people’s motivation to write.Fran shares new insights from a major study of 14,700pupils aged 8–18, revealing sharp declines in writing enjoyment as childrenget older, rising anxiety around grammar and accuracy, and the powerful role ofchoice, freedom, and authentic purpose in restoring engagement.Tim unpacks how curriculum design and the writing frameworkcan support teachers in navigating tensions between assessment requirements andnurturing motivation. Together, the guests discuss: This rich, research‑informed discussion makes a compellingcase for rethinking how schools approach writing — shifting from perfectproducts to nurturing empowered, confident young writers.