🎙️ New Episode: “Play Time” with Céin McGillicuddy & Andy Kinnear

In this very special episode of SEND in the Experts, host Georgina Durrant is joined by the brilliant creative duo behind ITV’s brand new pilot Play Time — comedy writer/director Céin McGillicuddy and editor/writer Andy Kinnear.

Play Time is a joyful, heartwarming new show where six neurodivergent comedians are challenged to devise and perform an original stage play — all in one school day — based entirely on the imaginations of a group of 6 to 8-year-old children from a primary school’s SEND department. It’s a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the power of neurodivergent voices.

In this episode, Céin and Andy share:

• The inspiration behind Play Time and how Céin’s own late autism diagnosis shaped the show’s vision
• Why amplifying neurodivergent voices in comedy and media is so vital
• Behind-the-scenes stories from filming — including the most surprising and joyful moments
• How Play Time contributes to Disability History Month and wider conversations about inclusion
• The legacy of The Assembly and how it paved the way for this new format
• What they hope families take away from watching the show

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just someone who believes in the power of inclusive storytelling, this episode is not to be missed.

📺 Play Time is streaming now on ITVX and YouTube.

In this insightful episode of SEND in the Experts for Twinkl, host Georgina Durrant, former teacher and SENDCO, author and Twinkl's National Inclusion Lead - welcomes Adam Sproston, Senior His Majesty’s Inspector for SEND, Alternative Provision (AP), and Inclusion at Ofsted. Together, they explore the 2025 updates to Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework (EIF), which now includes an enhanced focus on inclusion.

🎧 What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Adam’s career journey from classroom teacher to national SEND leader
• Why he joined Ofsted and his passion for inclusive education
• What the new inspection framework, confirmed in September 2025 (rolled out November 10th), means for schools and SEND learners
• How inspectors will evaluate inclusion and SEND support during inspections
• What school leaders and teachers can expect from the enhanced inclusion lens
• How school context, such as high proportions of learners with SEND, is considered during inspection
• Reassurance for parents and carers about the quality of SEND provision
• Ofsted’s broader work to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND

Whether you’re a teacher, SENDCO, school leader, or parent, this episode offers essential insights into how Ofsted’s 2025 inspection reforms are reshaping inclusive education in England.

Tune in now to stay informed on the latest developments in SEND and inclusion within the UK education system.

• Twinkl's Inclusion hub : https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/inclusion-teaching-resources
• Ofsted Inspection Framework: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-inspection-framework/education-inspection-framework-for-use-from-november-2025

Ofsted 2025 inspection framework, inclusion in schools, SEND provision UK, Adam Sproston Ofsted, Georgina Durrant podcast, Twinkl SEND, educational inspection updates, SENDCO support, alternative provision Ofsted, inclusive education England

Solving the SEND Crisis with Helen Hayes MP SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant

In this powerful episode, Georgina Durrant is joined by Helen Hayes MP, Chair of the Education Committee, to unpack the Committee’s landmark report: Solving the SEND Crisis. With over 890 evidence submissions, including one from Twinkl, this report calls for a radical culture shift and increased funding to make mainstream education genuinely inclusive for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Together, Georgina and Helen explore:

• Why trust in the SEND system is broken, and how to rebuild it
• The future of EHCPs and legal protections for learners with SEND
• What true inclusion in schools should look like
• The committee's recommendations for a national framework for SEND support
• Mandatory SEND training for teachers, leaders, and inspectors
• How Ontario’s inclusive model could inspire UK reform

Whether you're a teacher, parent, SENDCo, policymaker or advocate, this episode offers vital insights into the future of SEND education, and what needs to change to make it work for every child.

Find out more about Twinkl's inclusion resources here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/inclusion-teaching-resources

Photograph of Helen Hayes displayed ©House of Commons/Roger Harris

In this episode of SEND in the Experts podcast, host Georgina Durrant, former teacher and SENDCO, welcomes Beth Smithson, a highly experienced Occupational Therapist and Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner. Together, they explore how sensory processing differences affect children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and how educators, parents, and therapists can better support them.

Beth shares insights from over 20 years of clinical practice across health, education, and social care, including her current role at Sensory Integration Education. Topics covered include:

• What is sensory integration and why does it matter?
• Recognising signs of sensory processing differences in children
• How sensory challenges impact learning, behaviour, and social interaction
• Effective strategies and interventions for supporting sensory needs
• The role of Occupational Therapists in SEND support
• Creating sensory-friendly environments at home and in school
• Common myths and misconceptions about sensory processing
• Advice for parents, carers, and educators
• The future of sensory integration research and inclusive education

Whether you're a teacher, parent, SENDCO, or therapist, this episode offers practical guidance and expert knowledge to help you create more inclusive, sensory-aware spaces for all learners.

Brought to you by Twinkl. Listen now to empower your practice and deepen your understanding of sensory integration. Visit the Twinkl Inclusion Hub here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/wwwfx for SEND, OT, SaLT resources and more!

Useful resources:

Identifying Sensory Needs: Understanding, Recognising and Managing Alertness Levels : https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/ku1zv

Sensory circuit flashcards https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/wn7a0 

Links mentioned in the episode:

www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com 

www.sensoryhelpnow.org

www.sensoryinclusiveschools.org 

In this episode of SEND in the Experts, Twink's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Podcast, host Georgina Durrant (Twinkl’s National Inclusion Lead, published author, and former teacher/SENDCO) welcomes trailblazer Kate Griggs, CEO and founder of Made by Dyslexia.

Kate brings her trademark energy and vision to the conversation, advocating passionately for recognising and championing Dyslexic Thinking in education and beyond. She shares her personal journey with dyslexia, from early struggles to thriving once her strengths were acknowledged, and opens up about her drive to create a world where dyslexic learners are empowered to shine.

The episode dives into key themes from her children's book Xtraordinary People, which helps children identify their unique Dyslexic Thinking skills. With heartfelt advice for parents and educators, Kate stresses the importance of spotting strengths early, nurturing resilience, and fostering self-esteem in dyslexic learners.

Listeners will also discover how Made by Dyslexia is leading the charge in transforming classrooms into inclusive spaces. From celebrity stories to practical tips, this episode is a celebration of dyslexia and neurodiversity more widely, and a call to action to rethink how we define success in education.

Parents Guide to Dyslexia: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/x9xri

Dyslexia intervention: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/yeyjr

Powerpoint 'My Friend has Dyslexia' information: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/14p0v5

SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant – Featuring Lisa Henshall on Inclusive Resource Provisions

In this insightful episode of SEND in the Experts, host Georgina Durrant, Twinkl's National Inclusion Lead, published author & former teacher/ SENDCO, welcomes the passionate and experienced Lisa Henshall to the podcast. Brought to you by Twinkl, this SEND podcast series is dedicated to supporting educators, parents, and professionals working with children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Whether you're on your daily commute or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, this episode offers valuable guidance and inspiration.

Lisa Henshall shares her journey and deep-rooted passion for inclusive education, offering a wealth of knowledge on how to better support learners with SEND. The conversation dives into the government's push for greater inclusivity in mainstream schools and explores the growing role of resource provisions, specialist units within mainstream settings designed to meet the needs of some learner with SEND. Lisa explains what resource provisions are, how they function, and how and why they are a vital part of inclusive education.

Listeners will also gain practical insights into how to ensure these provisions foster true inclusion, not just for the learners who access them, but for the entire school community. Lisa highlights the importance of collaboration, training, and thoughtful planning in creating inclusive environments that benefit all students.

Plus, Lisa discusses her recent collaboration with Twinkl alongside colleagues Louise Lawrence and Sarah Camacho. Together, they developed a powerful new resource packed with top tips for setting up a successful resource provision which can be found here https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/cxiob

This episode is a must-listen for school leaders, SENDCOs, and educators looking to make meaningful change.

In this episode of Twinkl's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) podcast, SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant, Georgina chats to Gary Aubin all about supporting children with SEND with transitions. Whether that be moving from primary to secondary school or from one year group to another.

• Twinkl Symbols - My New School Transition Booklet https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/9cvge
• SEND Transitions- Top Tips for Moving to a new class
• https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/7lcjw
• Top Tips for Supporting children moving to secondary school:
• https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/ue2gy

In this podcast episode of our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) podcast, Georgina Durrant and Lynn How explore the realities of being a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCO). Lynn shares her passion for supporting children and young people with SEND, offering insights into the rewards and challenges of the role. She discusses the highlights of being a SENDCO, the pressures they face, and the ways they navigate their responsibilities, including the graduated approach (https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/nckeg) and the Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) process. Lynn provides guidance on the EHCP process (more information can be found here

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/15qn9c ) The episode also delves into the importance of collaboration with teachers, senior leadership teams (SLT), and parents, as well as practical advice on managing wellbeing in a demanding profession. A must-listen for educators and anyone invested in inclusive education.

EHCP Course: https://twinklpd.com/ehc-plan-explained-offer

Information on the Graduated Approach: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/nckeg

Lynn's links: https://positiveyoungmind.com/

This podcast episode from our Twinkl SEND podcast "SEND in the Experts" hosted by Georgina Durrant, focuses on supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Georgina is joined by Joe Faultley, an autistic and neurodivergent advocate with dyspraxia and anxiety, who works at the Council for Disabled Children and is an active member of the SEND and education community. Joe shares his personal experiences, insights on autism advocacy, and advice for improving education for autistic students, emphasising the importance of supporting children and young people with sensory processing differences, communication needs, and anxiety. He highlights his work in promoting awareness, acceptance, and understanding of neurodiversity through media and delivering training. This episode offers practical tips for educators to better support SEND learners, in particular autistic learners.

Find out more about using Twinkl Symbols to support children and young people with communication here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/ypt3j

or download the free Twinkl Symbols AAC app: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1asrsn

Find out more about supporting autistic children and young people here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/140sia

In this episode of our Special Educational Needs and Disability podcast, Georgina Durrant chats to Colin Foley from the ADHD foundation. They discuss what ADHD is and how ADHD can present. Colin shares advice on supporting children and young people with ADHD and they also dispel myths surrounding ADHD. They also discuss the impact that puberty can have on ADHD symptoms.

ADHD foundation's website: https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/

ADHD resources:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/krero