The SENDcast
Education & Explainer
About
The SENDcast is a weekly podcast focusing on Special Educational Needs, it is an amazing way to keep up to date with all the different areas within SEN, best practices and to improve your knowledge around SEND.
Episodes
- Living with Hearing Loss and Deafness with Samantha Baines
Samantha Baines joins The SENDcast to discuss living with hearing loss and deafness. She shares practical insights, addresses misconceptions, and explores meaningful accessibility in everyday life and education, offering ideas for schools.
- *Special Episode* - Who Will Be SEND? Questions, Not Answers on the Reform Ahead with Dale Pickles
Dale Pickles, Managing Director of B Squared, discusses the upcoming reform to England's SEND system. He addresses the question of who will be classified as SEND under the new framework and its implications for various stakeholders. Pickle…
- Barriers to Mental Healthcare for Autistic People with Dr Joanna Grace
Dr. Joanna Grace joins The SENDcast to discuss the barriers autistic individuals face in accessing mental healthcare. She highlights issues around accurate diagnosis, the impact of interoception, and practical strategies to support mental…
- *Special episode* The Autism and ADHD Shows 2026
This SENDcast episode features Geoff and Nargis discussing the 2026 Autism and ADHD Shows with Dale. They cover the event's evolution from The Autism Show and what attendees can expect, including learning hours, practical strategies, and n…
- Rare but Recognisable: Isla's FOP Story with Nicky Muller
Nicky Muller, a former trustee of FOP Friends and mother of Isla, who has FOP, discusses supporting children with rare conditions. She shares practical insights into managing FOP, including its impact on daily life, inclusion in school, an…
- Supporting Young People with Long-Term Illness in Education with Josh Pelled
Josh Pelled, CEO of Bright Futures UK, joins The SENDcast to discuss supporting young people with long-term illness in education. He covers the academic, social, and mental health impacts of prolonged absence and the challenges of reintegr…
- Assessing Complex Learners with Jordan Garrett
On The SENDcast, Jordan Garrett from Sensory Classroom discusses assessing complex learners with host Dale. They cover practical, classroom-tested approaches for curriculum and assessment, addressing the challenges schools face in supporti…
- Understanding PANS and PANDAS: Bridging the Gap in Education and Health with Tina Coope
This episode of The SENDcast features Tina Coope discussing Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). The discussion cove…
- Understanding Epilepsy's Impact on Children and Young People with Catherine Hodder
Catherine Hodder discusses how epilepsy affects children and young people. The episode covers common misunderstandings, practical advice for schools, and strategies to improve inclusion for students with epilepsy.
- Supporting Children with Down syndrome to Reach Their Full Potential with Sarah Holton
Sarah Holton from Down syndrome UK joins The SENDcast to discuss supporting children with Down syndrome. She shares practical, research-informed strategies to help children with Down syndrome thrive, covering their learning profile and cla…
- *Special Episode* - Fixing a Broken System: Response to the White Paper
This special episode of The SENDcast features a reading and discussion of a 35-page response to the White Paper and the SEND reforms consultation. The episode explores the current SEND system, the Curriculum and Assessment Review, and the…
- Young Carers: Voices That Matter with Kasia Thompson
Kasia Thompson joins The SENDcast to discuss the challenges faced by young carers and strategies for supporting them in schools. She shares insights on creating inclusive environments and empowering students with caring roles. Kasia also t…
- *Special Episode* National Neurodiversity Shows 2026 with Steph Barnett
In this episode, The SENDcast host Dale speaks with Steph Barnett about the National Neurodiversity Shows 2026. They discuss the events' inception, significance, and what attendees can expect, including seminars and community engagement op…
- Working Effectively with TAs with Sara Alston
In this episode, Sara Alston, a SEND and safeguarding consultant, discusses working effectively with Teaching Assistants (TAs) with Dale. The conversation covers improving communication and shared planning with TAs, clarifying the TA role,…
- The Effectiveness of EHCPs. The EHCP process and the SEND reform with Nana-Kofi Okyere
Nana-Kofi Okyere, a SEN expert, joins Dale on The SENDcast to discuss the effectiveness of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the SEND reform. He shares insights on the current EHCP process and challenges faced by local authoriti…
- SEND in Later Education: The Facts, Laws, and Real Stories with Chris Lefcovitch
Chris Lefcovitch, Head of Additional Learning Support at Milton Keynes College, joins host Dale to discuss the complexities of EHCPs and SEND legislation in post-16 education. The conversation highlights how legal and statutory frameworks…
- Screens, Meltdowns and Power Struggles with Dr Daniel Weisberg
Dr. Daniel Weisberg, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, joins The SENDcast to discuss "Screens, Meltdowns and Power Struggles." The conversation explores why children use screens, the functions screens serve, and how adults can establish…
- Therapeutic Effect of Birds of Prey with Angela Norwood
Angela Norwood of Berkshire Birds of Prey joins Dale to discuss how interacting with birds of prey can help children and young people with SEND regulate their emotions and improve mental health. Angela shares her career transition from edu…
- Are you a Sensory Elephant or Mouse? with Ali Neal
Occupational therapist Ali Neal joins host Dale to discuss sensory profiles, specifically the concepts of a "sensory elephant" and "sensory mouse." They explore how these profiles influence children's experiences in school and offer practi…
- Supporting Neurodiverse Girls Through Puberty and the Transition to Secondary School with Kim McCabe
Kim McCabe, founder of Rites for Girls CIC, joins Dale to discuss the specific challenges neurodiverse girls face during puberty and the transition to secondary school. They explore strategies for parents and educators to provide support a…
- Charting a Neuroinclusive Future: Why Systemic Change Starts with Education with Liz Day, Victoria Bagnall, Pete Jarrett and Fintan O'Regan
Host Dale Pickles and the Compass Panel—Liz Day, Victoria Bagnall, Dr. Helen Ross, Fintan O'Regan, and Pete Jarrett—discuss the need for systemic change in education to better support neurodivergent young people and improve inclusion in sc…
- Navigating Ofsted's New Framework: What You Need to Know for SEND with Adam Sproston
Host Dale Pickles discusses the new Ofsted inspection framework with Senior His Majesty's Inspector Adam Sproston. They examine the implications for SEND, the role of inclusion, and school leader responsibilities regarding neurodiverse stu…
- From Classroom to Career: The Power of Supported Internships with Kirsty Matthews
Kirsty Matthews, CEO of DFN Project SEARCH, joins The SENDcast to discuss the role of supported internships in helping young adults with learning disabilities and autism secure paid employment. The conversation covers efforts to overcome b…
- Helping Learning To Stick with Dr Susie Nyman
In this episode of The SENDcast, Dr. Susie Nyman discusses the concept of "sticky learning" and strategies for supporting students with special educational needs. The conversation covers multi-sensory teaching, the Onion Teaching Model, an…
- How to Make an Effective Education, Health and Care Plan with Ekaterina Harrison
Solicitor and author Ekaterina Harrison joins The SENDcast to provide guidance on navigating the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process. The episode covers key sections of the document, common pitfalls to avoid, and strategies for…
- Sensory Struggles With Eating with Dr Joanna Grace
Dr. Joanna Grace discusses why mealtimes can be sensory-triggering and stressful for families with fussy eaters. She explains the impact of texture on eating and offers practical advice, such as using graze plates to create a low-pressure…
- Adaptive Teaching Through 5 Phases of the Lesson with Sara Alston
Sara Alston, an experienced SEND and safeguarding consultant, joins Dale to discuss practical strategies for implementing adaptive teaching across the five phases of a lesson: preparation, instruction, learning, assessment, and closure.
- Sensory Processing – Exactly How Does It Impact On Daily Life? with Ali Neal
Host Dale discusses sensory processing with occupational therapist Ali Neal. They explore how sensory experiences affect daily life and school environments, including a practical exercise on how sensory processing influences simple tasks.
- Breaking the Cycle: How Informed Parents Can Change the SEND System with Samantha Ryan
Samantha Ryan, a neurodivergent mother and SEND advocate, shares her personal experiences and advice on navigating the SEND system. The episode covers the importance of the assess, plan, do, review cycle and how informed parents can work e…
- Introducing ITV's Play Time - the groundbreaking new TV show championing SEND children with Céin McGillicuddy and Andy Kinnear
The SENDcast interviews show creators Céin McGillicuddy and Andy Kinnear about their new ITV show, Play Time. The show features neurodivergent comedians creating a play with primary school children, including those from the SEND department.
- Exploring Neuro-Dramatic-Play with Dr Sue Jennings
Dr. Sue Jennings joins Dale to discuss Neuro-Dramatic-Play (NDP), an attachment-based approach for children. They explore the roles of rhythmic, messy, and dramatic play in supporting emotional development and safe expression.
- Specialist Online Provision for Neurodivergent Learners with Cathy Wassell
Dale speaks with Cathy Wassell, founder of the Autistic Girls Network and The Haven Online School, about how online education can provide a supportive and inclusive environment for neurodivergent learners. They discuss the unique challenge…
- The Experiences of Girls in School with Diagnosed/Undiagnosed ADHD with Louise Belshaw
In this episode of The SENDcast, Louise Belshaw discusses the experiences of girls with diagnosed and undiagnosed ADHD in school. She explores the unique presentation of ADHD in females, the impact of societal expectations, and strategies…
- The Reality of OCD: Creating safe spaces for SEND students with Shaun Flores
In this episode of The SENDcast, mental health advocate Shaun Flores discusses the realities of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), including its impact, misdiagnosis, and connection to other neurodivergent conditions, to help educators c…
- Navigating SEN Parenting: Tools for Thriving with Sharona Smith
Sharona Smith, founder of Thrive Creations, joins The SENDcast to discuss her experience parenting a child with ADHD. She shares how tracking her son's behaviour and triggers led to the creation of the 'Don't Just Survive: Thrive Journal'…
- From Anxiety to Attendance: Rethinking SEMH Support with Helen Bray
Helen Bray, Director of SEND for the East Midlands Education Trust, joins host Dale to discuss the relationship between SEMH needs and school attendance. They explore the impact of post-pandemic trauma and emotionally based school avoidanc…
- Developing Distributive Leadership in Secondary Schools to Improve Inclusion with Eleanor Sams
Assistant Headteacher and SENDCO Eleanor Sams joins Dale to discuss implementing distributive leadership in secondary schools to improve inclusion. They explore strategies for supporting SENDCOs, conducting whole school reviews, and empowe…
- Supporting the Transition from Primary to Secondary School for SEN Children with Kirsty Greenwood
Dale is joined by Transitions Support Specialist Kirsty Greenwood to discuss the challenges SEN children without EHCPs face when transitioning from primary to secondary school. They examine practical strategies to help these students feel…
- Emotional Based School Avoidance: How Can Schools Help Autistic Pupils? with Sue Sheppard
Educational psychologist Dr. Sue Sheppard joins The SENDcast to discuss Emotion-Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and how schools can support autistic pupils. The episode covers the need for empathy, understanding push and pull factors, and pr…
- Supporting ND Learners in Secondary School Settings and Further Education with Susana Gonzalez
Dale is joined by Susana Gonzalez, founder of ND Bright Brains, to discuss supporting neurodivergent learners in secondary and further education. They explore the need for student-centred, flexible approaches and the importance of training…
- Cracking the Code – Early Print Concepts and Literacy Readiness with Dr Sarah Moseley & Ginny Bootman
In this episode of The SENDcast, Dr. Sarah Moseley and Ginny Bootman discuss early print concepts and literacy readiness. They explore the role of symbols, the importance of foundational literacy skills, and practical strategies for making…
- Where Safeguarding and SEND Meet with Sara Alston
In this episode of The SENDcast, Dale talks with SEND and safeguarding consultant Sara Alston about the complexities of safeguarding for children with special educational needs and disabilities. The discussion explores the intersection of…
- Autism: The Quiet Ones with Dr Joanna Grace
Dr. Joanna Grace joins Dale to discuss the often-overlooked experiences of autistic individuals who do not exhibit disruptive behaviors. The conversation explores how to identify and support these quiet individuals who may be masking their…
- How Learning Can Come To Life Through Horses with Fay Atkins, Suzi Barnett & students
In this episode, Fay Atkins, Suzi Barnett, and students Mia and Megan discuss how Fortune College integrates horses into their educational programs for SEND students. They explore how this approach supports the development of life skills,…
- Better Oracy Through Building Speech and Language Skills in Schools with Yin Collighan & Louise Emerson
In this episode of The SENDcast, host Dale discusses the importance of oracy in schools with speech and language therapists Yin Collighan and Louise Emerson. The trio explores practical strategies for improving communication skills and sup…
- Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging with Dr Susie Nyman
Dr. Susie Nyman joins The SENDcast to discuss the importance of integrating Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) into every classroom lesson. She shares practical strategies and case studies from her teaching experience to…
- Parenting a Neurodivergent Child with Kate Steer
In this episode of The SENDcast, host Dale interviews neurodivergent family coach Kate Steer about parenting neurodivergent children. They discuss the importance of strong relationships, being present, flexible parenting, and empowering ch…
- The Role of Technology and How To Use It Effectively Within The Classroom with Stephanie Smith
Stephanie Smith, Head of School at The Cavendish School, discusses the role and effective implementation of technology in the classroom. The episode explores innovative tools like VR/AR and AI, and addresses the debate surrounding mobile p…
- Sensory Circuits and Sensory Movement Breaks with Ali Neal
Occupational therapist Ali Neal joins The SENDcast to discuss practical ways to incorporate sensory circuits and movement breaks into the classroom for neurodiverse pupils. She outlines the key components of sensory circuits and provides a…
- Neurodiversity – Building Connections and Building Confidence with Marlon Huggins
Marlon Huggins joins The SENDcast to discuss the benefits of gaming for neurodivergent individuals and his organisation, SHYNNE. He explains how these community gaming events help participants build social connections and confidence in a p…