In this episode of SEN Talks, Salise and Adam are joined by Ali Durban, SEND parent, co-founder of Gesher Special School in Pinner, and a SEND consultant.
Ali shares the personal experience that led her to help create a specialist school for children who were not thriving in mainstream but did not fit existing special school pathways.
They discuss the barriers to setting up provision, why attachment, safety and trust had to be at the centre of the school’s culture, and how integrated therapeutic support helps children feel they belong. The conversation also explores what inclusion really means in practice, why forced inclusion can be harmful, and how wellbeing and friendships can be a foundation for learning.
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This podcast has been produced by Geldards LLP, music is 'Sunshine' by lemonmusicstudio.
Want more from Geldards SEN? Be sure to follow our social media channels!
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In this episode of SEN Talks, we speak with Dr Mike Hymans, an experienced Educational Psychologist who shares his insight into the diverse ways autism can present in children and young people.
Together we explore the differences in how boys and girls may present, the complexities of masking, and why some children appear fine in school but struggle significantly at home. Dr Hyman also discusses misdiagnosis, the challenges of primary–secondary transition, and the growing issue of autistic children being unable to attend school due to anxiety or demand-avoidant behaviours.
This episode offers practical understanding for parents, carers and professionals supporting autistic young people at all stages of their journey.
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This podcast has been produced by Geldards LLP, music is 'Sunshine' by lemonmusicstudio.
Want more from Geldards SEN? Be sure to follow our social media channels!
All links here: https://linktr.ee/geldardssen
Website: https://www.geldards.com/children-and-their-education/
Follow us on social media: @GeldardsSEN on Instagram & Facebook.
In this episode of SEN Talks, we welcome Dr Mike Hymans, an educational psychologist with over four decades of experience across local authorities and private practice. Dr Hyman discusses the complexities of ASD diagnosis, why autistic girls often present differently to boys, and how masking can impact children both in school and at home.
He also explores the challenges around primary to secondary transition, the misconceptions around “naughty behaviour” in autistic boys, and the growing number of young people unable to attend school due to anxiety or demand avoidant behaviours. (EBSA)
This insightful conversation is ideal for parents, carers, and professionals supporting autistic children or those awaiting assessment.
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This podcast has been produced by Geldards LLP, music is 'Sunshine' by lemonmusicstudio.
Want more from Geldards SEN? Be sure to follow our social media channels!
All links here: https://linktr.ee/geldardssen
Website: https://www.geldards.com/children-and-their-education/
Follow us on social media: @GeldardsSEN on Instagram & Facebook.
What should schools do when a child begins questioning their gender?
Education law barrister Alice de Coverley joins us to unpack new government guidance, safeguarding responsibilities, and the balance between rights, privacy, and parental involvement.
🎧 This episode is a must-hear for educators, parents, and SEND professionals.
#SendTalks #EducationLaw #Safeguarding #GenderIdentity
This podcast has been produced by Geldards LLP, music is 'Sunshine' by lemonmusicstudio.
Want more from Geldards SEN? Be sure to follow our social media channels!
All links here: https://linktr.ee/geldardssen
Website: https://www.geldards.com/children-and-their-education/
Follow us on social media: @GeldardsSEN on Instagram & Facebook.
In this episode of SEN Talks, we welcome Karen Cowan, a neurodivergent parent, educator and autism assessor, for a deeply personal and enlightening discussion.
Karen reflects on her journey from being a teacher and SENCO to navigating the world of EHCPs as a parent, and how her child’s experiences ultimately led to her own late diagnosis of autism and ADHD.
Together with Adam & Salise, she explores:
The emotional reality of fighting for SEND support
How masking and “invisible needs” affect children, especially girls
The challenges of navigating education systems that still misunderstand neurodiversity
The moment she realised she might also be neurodivergent
The importance of compassion, communication, and acknowledging individual strengths
This is an episode for parents, educators, and anyone curious about the lived experience of neurodivergence, filled with honesty, vulnerability, and hope for a more inclusive future.
This podcast has been produced by Geldards LLP, music is 'Sunshine' by lemonmusicstudio.
Want more from Geldards SEN? Be sure to follow our social media channels!
All links here: https://linktr.ee/geldardssen
Website: https://www.geldards.com/children-and-their-education/
Follow us on social media: @GeldardsSEN on Instagram & Facebook.
In this special episode of SEN Talks, we’re joined by barrister Alice de Coverly to unpack the Education Select Committee’s “Solving the SEN Crisis” report, released on 18 September 2025.
We dive into what the recommendations mean for parents, schools, and local authorities — from early screening and compulsory teacher training, to accountability measures for councils and the role of Ofsted. We also explore the rise of AI in EHCP drafting, funding pressures, and whether reforms will finally address the inconsistency and adversarial nature of the current system.
With the government’s white paper expected later this autumn, this episode offers timely insight and cautious optimism about what might lie ahead for children and families navigating special educational needs.
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This podcast has been produced by Geldards LLP, music is 'Sunshine' by lemonmusicstudio.
Want more from Geldards SEN? Be sure to follow our social media channels!
All links here: https://linktr.ee/geldardssen
Website: https://www.geldards.com/children-and-their-education/
Follow us on social media: @GeldardsSEN on Instagram & Facebook.
Join Adam and Salise as they break down the headlines and discuss what might be coming next in SEN law. If you've been reading the news lately and left a little confused about what is going to happen, you won't want to miss this episode
In this special bonus episode for the school summer break, Adam and Salise open up about the joys and challenges of managing the long summer break when parenting neurodivergent children.
Whether you're a parent, carer or educator, this episode is packed with insight and ideas to help make the holidays feel more manageable — and enjoyable!
This week on SEN Talks 🎙️
What if we reimagined education to focus on skills, not just grades?💡
Adam & Salise are joined by Claire Cookson, CEO of Pathways Education, to talk about creating nurturing, trauma-informed school environments — and how education technology is helping identify students’ strengths and map them to real-world careers.📊
Claire shares powerful stories, including how AI can support teachers, reduce admin, and help young people leave education knowing what they’re good at.✨
Listen now via the link in our bio 🔗
#aln #sen #specialeducationalneeds #neurodiversity #edtech #skillsforlife #pathwayseducation #sensupport #inclusion #traumainformed
This podcast has been produced by Geldards LLP, music is 'Sunshine' by lemonmusicstudio.
Want to learn more about the DFN project?
Read more here: https://www.dfnprojectsearch.org/
Want more from Geldards SEN? Be sure to follow our social media channels!
All links here: https://linktr.ee/geldardssen
Website: https://www.geldards.com/children-and-their-education/
Follow us on social media: @GeldardsSEN on Instagram & Facebook!
This week on SEN Talks:
Salise & Adam are joined by Claire Cookson, former CEO of DFN Project Search and current head of Pathways Education, shares how supported internships are transforming lives of young adults with autism and learning disabilities. 💼✨
With partners like Amazon, NHS, and Goldman Sachs, DFN Project Search is redefining what inclusive employment looks like — and proving that diversity drives innovation and productivity! 🧠💡📈
From real stories of interns becoming essential team members to how these programmes shift entire workplace cultures, this episode is packed with hope, insight, and practical impact. ❤️🌍
✅ 70% of interns secure employment
✅ Big business is embracing neurodiverse talent
✅ Communities and individuals are thriving
🔗 Tune in now & let’s build a future where everyone belongs in the workplace!
#InclusionMatters #DFNProjectSearch #Neurodiversity #EmploymentForAll #PodcastDrop 🎙️🎉
This podcast has been produced by Geldards LLP, music is 'Sunshine' by lemonmusicstudio.
Want to learn more about the DFN project?
Read more here: https://www.dfnprojectsearch.org/
Want more from Geldards SEN? Be sure to follow our social media channels!
All links here: https://linktr.ee/geldardssen
Website: https://www.geldards.com/children-and-their-education/
Follow us on social media: @GeldardsSEN on Instagram & Facebook!
This week on SEN Talks:
What is Judicial Review? We understand the process can be confusing and daunting. This week, Kevin & Salise discuss the role of an educational law specialist during the Judicial Review process, they discuss time limitations and dispel some misconceptions.
This podcast has been produced by Geldards LLP, music is 'Sunshine' by lemonmusicstudio.
Want more from Geldards SEN? Be sure to follow our social media channels!
All links here: https://linktr.ee/geldardssen
Website: https://www.geldards.com/children-and-their-education/
Follow us on social media: @GeldardsSEN on Instagram & Facebook.
This week on SEN Talks:
Have you ever wondered what the guidance and law is around the local authority providing transport for your child or young person? This week, Salise & Kevin from the Geldards SEN Team take a deep dive into transport. Outlining the law and explaining some of the common misconceptions around applications and funding.
This podcast has been produced by Geldards LLP, music is 'Sunshine' by lemonmusicstudio.
Want more from Geldards SEN? Be sure to follow our social media channels!
All links here: https://linktr.ee/geldardssen
Website: https://www.geldards.com/children-and-their-education/
Follow us on social media: @GeldardsSEN on Instagram & Facebook.
This week on SEN Talks:
Join Adam, Milly & Douglas from the Geldards SEN Team as they discuss take a deep dive into EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School) packages, exploring what they are, when they're needed, and why they matter.
Our experts discuss the legal framework, challenges with local authorities, and how these specialised educational programs should be flexible enough to meet individual needs. They tackle important questions about monitoring progress, enrichment activities, and the vital balance between academic learning and social development. The conversation also covers crucial insights about the future of EOTAS, including the need for better regulation and oversight.
This podcast has been produced by Geldards LLP, music is 'Sunshine' by lemonmusicstudio.
Want more from Geldards SEN? Be sure to follow our social media channels!
All links here: https://linktr.ee/geldardssen
Website: https://www.geldards.com/children-and-their-education/
Follow us on social media: @GeldardsSEN on Instagram & Facebook.
This week on SEN Talks:
This week, Adam Friel & Milly van Beyere from the Geldards Education team sit down with Gary Crisp, an independent social worker.
They discuss how social work can play a very positive role in securing support for your child/young person's needs, and myth-bust some common misconceptions.
This podcast has been produced by Geldards LLP, music is 'Sunshine' by lemonmusicstudio.
Want more from Geldards SEN? Be sure to follow our social media channels!
All links here: https://linktr.ee/geldardssen
Website: https://www.geldards.com/children-and-their-education/
Follow us on social media: @GeldardsSEN on Instagram & Facebook.
Gary's info:
Simply Social Work Website: https://www.simplysocialwork.co.uk/about-us/team/gary-crisp
Contact Gary: gary@simplysocialwork.co.uk
This week on SEN Talks:
Adam and Salise are in the studio for our Christmas special! We know Christmas can be "The most wonderful time of the year", but this isn't always the case for parents of children with SEN.
This week, Adam explains what his Christmas day looks like with his wife and his two neurodivergent sons. He shares his top tips and some of the little wins that have made this season all the merrier.
This podcast has been produced by Geldards LLP, music is 'Sunshine' by lemonmusicstudio.
Want more from Geldards SEN? Be sure to follow our social media channels!
All links here: https://linktr.ee/geldardssen
Website: https://www.geldards.com/children-and-their-education/
Follow us on social media: @GeldardsSEN on Instagram, Facebook & X
This week on SEN Talks:
Adam & Salise are joined in the studio by Tammy Hendry and Andrew (Tammy's son). Andrew discusses his experience in both mainstream and special school settings.
This podcast has been produced by Geldards LLP, music is 'Sunshine' by lemonmusicstudio.
Want more from Geldards SEN? Be sure to follow our social media channels!All links here: https://linktr.ee/geldardssen
Website: https://www.geldards.com/children-and-their-education/
Follow us on social media: @GeldardsSEN on Instagram, Facebook & X
Join Adam, Salise & Milly as they discuss waking day curriculum. We know it can be tough to consider residential placement, in this episode, our team walk through some of the pros and cons.
This podcast has been produced by Geldards LLP, music is 'Sunshine' by lemonmusicstudio.
Want more from Geldards SEN? Be sure to follow our social media channels! All links here: https://linktr.ee/geldardssen
Website: https://www.geldards.com/children-and-their-education/
Follow us on social media: @GeldardsSEN on Instagram, Facebook & X
This week on SEN Talks, Adam, Salise & Milly take a deep dive into the delays in the ASD diagnosis process following the details outlined in the Children's Commissioner's recent and shocking report.
This podcast has been produced by Geldards LLP, music is 'Sunshine' by lemonmusicstudio.
Want more from Geldards SEN? Be sure to follow our social media channels! All links here: https://linktr.ee/geldardssen
Website: https://www.geldards.com/children-and-their-education/
Follow us on social media: @GeldardsSEN on Instagram, Facebook & X
Last week we were looking to the future, this week were delving into the past!
Join Adam, Jon, Douglas & Dan as they discuss the history of SEN Law.
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This podcast has been produced by Geldards LLP, music is 'Sunshine' by lemonmusicstudio.
Want more from Geldards SEN? Be sure to follow our social media channels! All links here: https://linktr.ee/geldardssen
Website: https://www.geldards.com/children-and-their-education/
Follow us on social media: @GeldardsSEN on Instagram, Facebook & X
We're back!
Join Adam & Salise in the studio as they discuss what they think is in the pipelines for SEN law and support in the future. From schooling to AI, what does the future look like for children & young people with SEN?
This podcast has been produced by Geldards LLP, music is 'Sunshine' by lemonmusicstudio.
Want more from Geldards SEN? Be sure to follow our social media channels! All links here: https://linktr.ee/geldardssen
Website: https://www.geldards.com/children-and-their-education/
Follow us on social media: @GeldardsSEN on Instagram, Facebook & X