Understanding PANS and PANDAS: Bridging the Gap in Education and Health with Tina Coope
The SENDcast
Did you know that common infections, like strep throat, can cause a neuroinflammatory response affecting the brain? Today we’re raising awareness of difficult to diagnose and often misunderstood conditions – Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). Tina Coope, a former teacher and parent whose daughter experienced sudden neuropsychiatric symptoms, explains how PANS and PANDAS present, why they’re often missed, and what schools can...
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Understanding Epilepsy’s Impact on Children and Young People with Catherine Hodder
The SENDcast
In recognition of International Purple Day today, Catherine Hodder, Head of Policy, Influencing & Youth Voice at Young Epilepsy joins Dale to discuss ‘Understanding epilepsy’s impact on children and young people’. Epilepsy affects around 1 in 200 children in the UK, yet 1 in 3 children with epilepsy do not get the support they need to fully participate in school life. Epilepsy is one of the most common conditions affecting children and young people, yet it is often misunderstood. Seizures can be subtle and are frequently missed or mistaken for inattention, many school staff do not...
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Supporting Children with Down syndrome to Reach Their Full Potential with Sarah Holton
The SENDcast
Did you know that children with Down syndrome have a different learning profile? Ahead of World Down Syndrome Day this Saturday, Sarah Holton from Down syndrome UK, joins Dale to tell us how we can ‘support children with Down syndrome to reach their full potential’. Sarah is a specialist advisory teacher and parent to two children, one of whom has Down syndrome. She shares practical, research‑informed strategies to help children with Down syndrome thrive. Why listen? Understand the Down syndrome learning profile (strengths like visual learning; challenges like hearing, visual acuity,...
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*Special Episode* - Fixing a Broken System: Response to the White Paper
The SENDcast
This is a special episode focusing on the new White Paper and the SEND reforms consultation. Last week, I published my response and reflections — not just on the White Paper and the consultation itself, but also on what they mean in the wider context of the current SEND system, the Curriculum and Assessment Review, and the new Ofsted Inspection Framework. It turned into quite a big document… about 35 pages in total. There’s a lot in there to digest, and a few people asked whether there might be an audio version. So here we are. In this episode, it’s just me, reading through my response...
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Young Carers: Voices That Matter with Kasia Thompson
The SENDcast
Young carers often take on adult responsibilities, balancing school, social life, and caregiving, all while navigating the emotional impact of disability in their families. This is an increasingly important area of discussion, particularly as schools are now required to report the number of young carers within their settings for the national census. I’m delighted to share today’s inspirational discussion with Kasia Thompson, a Teaching Assistant and Young Carer Coordinator at St Regis CE Academy – ‘Young Carers: Voices That Matter’. Kasia has developed an award-winning initiative...
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*Special Episode* National Neurodiversity Shows 2026 with Steph Barnett
The SENDcast
In this special episode of SENDcast, host Dale speaks with Steph Barnett, the show planner for the . Together, they discuss the inception and significance of these events, which aim to create inclusive spaces for neurodivergent individuals and their families. Launched in 2025, the shows are designed to provide vital information, support, and a sense of belonging for attendees, offering a unique blend of professional insights and personal journeys. With a series of four events scheduled for 2026—Cardiff in April, Wigan in June, Coventry in July, and Glasgow for the first time in September -...
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Working Effectively with TAs with Sara Alston
The SENDcast
Teaching Assistants (TAs) are the unsung heroes in schools - and an incredible resource. Yet their impact is often limited when teachers aren’t equipped to work with them effectively. We’re missing out on a lot of potential by not optimising how TAs support learning. In this episode, Sara Alston, a renowned SEND and safeguarding consultant, joins Dale to discuss ‘working effectively with TAs’. “I would much prefer to talk about ‘learning support assistants’ because their role is to support learning, not to assist the teacher.” Sara Alston What you can expect from this...
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The Effectiveness of EHCPs. The EHCP process and the SEND reform with Nana-Kofi Okyere
The SENDcast
“We have an EHCP, so we have something to work from, but almost every local authority allocates and does things in a different way.” Nana-Kofi Okyere Today Dale welcomes Nana a SEN Expert/Consultant, onto the podcast to discuss ‘Navigating EHCPs: Effectiveness and Exploring the SEND Reform’. Nana shares his insights and experiences navigating the complexities of EHCPs covering: The current state of the EHCP process Challenges faced by local authorities and schools The importance of early intervention SEND Reform View available or visit our !...
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SEND in Later Education: The Facts, Laws, and Real Stories with Chris Lefcovitch
The SENDcast
In this latest episode, Chris Lefcovitch, Head of Additional Learning Support at Milton Keynes College joins Dale. In this insightful discussion, they delve into the complexities surrounding Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and their realities in later education. Post-16 education often exists on the fringes of legislation and can feel like an afterthought. Various laws, statutory guidance, and governing body frameworks come into play when young people reach their mid-teens, significantly impacting their provision, curriculum options, and the longevity of EHCPs. It’s crucial for key...
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Screens, Meltdowns and Power Struggles with Dr Daniel Weisberg
The SENDcast
I’m excited to share this week’s episode, which I’ve been eagerly anticipating! Like many parents, screen time is a contentious topic in my household. Screen time is one of the most common concerns raised by parents, schools and professionals, yet much of the public conversation is polarised, guilt-inducing or overly simplistic. Families are often left feeling blamed, anxious or unsure how to respond when screens become a source of conflict or distress. Dr Daniel Weisberg, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, joins Dale in the podcast today to discuss ‘Screens, Meltdowns and Power...
info_outlineListening to and valuing their views has implications for children’s confidence and attitude to learning, this is true for all children including those with SEN/SLCN. However, research suggests that there are inherent challenges in effectively listening to and gathering views of children with communication needs.
In this episode our guest is Wendy Lee, is a speech and language therapist with over 30 years experience in a wide range of settings. We will be discussing the importance to involve and listen to children with SEN.