In this episode of The SEND Network Podcast, Georgie is joined by Ginny Bootman to discuss how SENDCOs can manage meetings in the best way possible. They discuss what can be done pre, during and post each meeting to support children and their parents carers. Roy Leighton's website (mentioned in this episode) can be found here. About Ginny Ginny has been teaching longer than she hasn't. She has been a Headteacher, Senior Manager and Class teacher, teaching all ages in the Primary age ran...

In this episode of The SEND Network Podcast, Georgie is joined by Juliet and Sophie from Speech & Language Link to discuss how to build universal communication support in schools. About Sophie Sophie is a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist at Speech & Language Link, with a career dedicated to supporting schools and early years providers across both mainstream and specialist settings. Her work focuses on helping educators confidently identify and support children wit...

In this episode of The SEND Network Podcast, Georgie is joined by Dr. Sarah Moseley to discuss inclusive writing and assistive technology, the topic of Sarah's upcoming book. Sarah and Georgie discuss: What is inclusive writing and what role does it play in the mainstream classroom? How can practitioners support agency and expression?How can assistive technology support writing skills? About Dr. Sarah Moseley Sarah provides face-to-face and online training, coaching, con...

In this special edition of the SEND Network Podcast, recorded at the Tes SEND Show, we speak with a range of speakers, exhibitors, and guests to capture their insights, experiences, and reflections from across the event. From classroom innovation to inclusive practice and whole-school approaches, this episode brings together voices from across the SEND community sharing what inspired them at this year’s show. Featuring: 00:43 - Dr. Asha Patel, Clinical Psychologist & CEO, Innovating Minds...

In this episode of The SEND Network Podcast, Georgie is joined by Elizabeth Cordle to discuss the importance of neuromotor development in early education. This is part two of a two part series. Elizabeth and Georgie discuss: The importance of motor maturityFactors which might cause slower neuromotor development in the early yearsNeuromotor development and SENDAbout Elizabeth Cordle Elizabeth Cordle is the founder of Corefulness and a Chartered Physiotherapist. Over man...

In this episode of The SEND Network Podcast, Georgie is joined by Elizabeth Cordle to discuss the importance of neuromotor development in early education. This is part one of a two part series. Elizabeth and Georgie discuss: The importance of motor maturityFactors which might cause slower neuromotor development in the early yearsNeuromotor development and SENDAbout Elizabeth Cordle Elizabeth Cordle is the founder of Corefulness and a Chartered Physiotherapist. Over man...

In this episode of The SEND Network Podcast, Georgie is joined by Manny Awoyelu to discuss the importance of a whole school approach to support oral communication. Manny and Georgie discuss how: Oral Communication is the forgotten discipline after Reading, Writing & Mathematical skills.Oral communication deepens learning in the classroomOral Communication is tied to self-advocacy - without language and oral communication skills, we are not truly preparing children to leave their stamp on ...

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...