SEN Talks

SEN Talks

By SEN Talks podcastEducation
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SEN Talks episodes

  • Episode 46: Life After a Late Diagnosis with Karen Cowan

    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.

    43 min
  • Episode 45: Cautious Optimism & Breaking Down the SEN Crisis Report with Special Guest Alice de Coverley

    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.


    -

    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.

    48 min
  • Episode 43: Summer Holidays Special

    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!


    40 min
  • Episode 42: Reimagining Education: Skills, Strengths & the Potential of EdTech with Claire Cookson

    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!

    38 min
  • Episode 41: The Power of Supported Internships - In Conversation with Claire Cookson

    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!

    52 min
  • Episode 40: Judicial Review with Salise Dourmoush & Kevin McManamon

    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.

    39 min
  • EPISODE 39: Understanding transport for children and young people with additional needs with Salise Dourmoush & Kevin McManamon

    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.


    44 min
  • Episode 38: Douglas' EOTIS/EOTAS Update with Adam Friel, Milly van Beyere & Douglas Hamer

    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.


    59 min
  • Episode 37: Independent Social Workers & SEN with Gary Crisp

    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: ⁠[email protected]

    1 hr 1 min

About SEN Talks

From the publisher's feed

SEN Talks, from the team at Geldards SEN. Join solicitors Adam Friel and Salise Dourmoush as they discuss issues around special educational needs and the law.