*Content Warning: This episode of SEND in the experts discusses topics which some listeners may find distressing.

In this episode of our Special Educational Needs Podcast, Georgina Durrant chats to Robert White. Robert White describes himself as ‘the only Asperger, gay, dyslexic, cross-lateral, quarter- welsh, webbed-toed, hyper- sensitive, Gluten-intolerant, pseudo-genius, musical comedian there is…. Probably’ and you probably know him from his hilarious performances on Britain’s Got Talent in 2018 where he gained second place. Robert discusses the difficulties he faced growing up as an undiagnosed autistic and dyslexic child and reflects on the support that school could have provided to help him.

Useful resources linked to this episode:

• Supporting Pupils on the Autism Spectrum CPD Training Pack
• CPD: Supporting Autistic Pupils to Thrive
• Supporting Pupils with Dyslexia CPD Training Complete Pack
• Robert White's Website

In this episode of our Special Educational Needs and Disability Podcast, Georgina Durrant chats to Louisa Reeves from the charity Speech and Language UK (formerly ICAN). Louisa provides an overview of the various Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) (including Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)). She explains how to identify children with SLCN in the classroom, the process for formal diagnosis and what teachers can do to support these children in school.

Relevant Resources Linked to this episode:

• Free Speech and Language Teaching Pack

• Free Speech and Language Speech Sound Intervention Boost Taster Pack

• Speech and Language Concerns Checklist

• SLCN - Language Development INSET PowerPoint Pack

• Speech and Language Uk's Website

In this episode of our Special Educational Needs Podcast. Georgina Durrant chats to Tina Coope, education lead of PANS/PANDAS UK - the only UK charity supporting children and families living with the neuropsychiatric conditions PANS and PANDAS.

PANS and PANDAS are a set of acute onset neuropsychiatric conditions that may include the development of OCD, tics or severe eating restrictions, alongside cognitive, behavioural and neurological symptoms. 

They can cause severe difficulties with learning, attending school and being able to do age-appropriate activities.

Tina explains what PANS/PANDAS are, the impact they can have on children, the importance of spotting early signs and how teachers can support children with PANS/PANDAS in the classroom.

Relevant Resources & Links

• PANS and PANDAS Information and CPD Pack

• Article about PANS and PANDAS

• Hidden Disabilities Mind Map
• Home & School: Spotting the Early Signs of PANS/PANDAS

In this episode of our Special Educational Needs Podcast. Georgina Durrant chats to deaf activist, Samantha Baines, a multi award-winning author, actress and broadcaster. She is the author of critically acclaimed children's books with Deaf main characters. You may recognise her from appearances on ITV's Loose Women, Sky News and Andrew Neil's This Week or acting roles in Netflix’s The Crown, Call the Midwife, Silent Witness and Magic Mike Live (directed by Channing Tatum). She is a regular on BBC radio stations.

They discuss tinnitus, hearing aids, British Sign Language (BSL) and her experience of being deaf. Samantha also provides really useful advice for teachers on how to support D/deaf children and young people in the classroom.

Full Transcript Available here: Click on the 'More Downloads' option to find the Transcript version

Resources linked to this episode:

• British Sign Language BSL Greetings Display Pack
• Deaf Awareness Resource Pack
• Being Part of a Deaf Community Activity Pack
• Samantha Baines' Website (including links to her books)

In this episode of our Special Educational Needs Podcast, SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant, Georgina Durrant chats to Suzy Rowland. Suzy is an author, Autism & ADHD Specialist and Speaker and founder of the #happyinschool project. Georgina and Suzy discuss Neurodiversity, Race and Exclusions.

Relevant Resources & Articles:

• What is Neurodiversity? CPD.
• Autism - Spotting the Signs and Developing Classroom Strategies - Inclusion CPD.
• SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant Podcast Episode 2: Anxious Non-attenders with Catrina Lowri

In this special episode of our Special Educational Needs Podcast. Georgina Durrant discusses the SEND & AP Improvement Plan with Claire Coutinho. Claire Coutinho is Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for children, families and wellbeing).

They discuss the problems the SEND review identified with the current SEND system and the changes the government is planning to make to improve SEND support and services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities as part of the SEND & AP Improvement Plan.

Further reading & resources:

• 'Over £10 billion to be invested in SEND and AP by 2024' Article on the SEND & AP Improvement Plan by Lauren Brown
• 'What do parents think about the government’s SEND reforms?' Article by Lucy Carman
• SEND & AP Improvement Plan (link to government website)

In this episode of our Special Educational Needs Podcast, SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant Klaudia Matasovska discusses the intersection between LGBT+ and SEND. Klaudia Matasovska is an Associate Lecturer in Education, Inclusion and SEND at the University of Derby. She also works as a researcher at Goldsmiths, University of London. She is a doctoral student in the Department of Educational Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London. Her research centres around LGBT+ inclusion with pupils with SEND.

Relevant Resources & Articles:

• How Can We Teach LGBT+ History Month With Learners with SEND?
• LGBTQ+ Definition Matching Cards
• Child-Friendly Explanations for LGBT+ Terms

In this episode of our Special Educational Needs Podcast, SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant. Georgina Durrant chats to Sara Alston about how to work effectively with teaching assistants and how to create an inclusive classroom.

Relevant Resources & Articles:

Guide to Effective Differentiation in the Classroom

Top Tips for Working with Other Adults in the Classroom

SEND in the Experts episode with Abigail Gray about Inclusion

*Content Warning: This episode of SEND in the experts discusses topics which some listeners may find distressing.

In this episode of our Special Educational Needs Podcast, SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant. Georgina Durrant chats to Shaun Flores about his lived experience of having OCD. Shaun explains what OCD is, the impacts it can have on people's lives and provides advice for schools on how to support children and young people with OCD.

Relevant Resources & Articles:

• 'Are you OCD Aware?' Teacher Guidance A4 Poster
• Spotting the Signs - When might 'Quirks' become OCD? (Article)
• The effect of OCD on families: A Sibling's Story (Article)
• OCD Action Website
• OCD UK

In this Christmas Special episode of our Special Educational Needs Podcast, Georgina Durrant is joined by autistic comedian Elora Dodd to talk about all things Christmas! Elora shares her lived experience of being autistic and provides useful advice about helping autistic children navigate the festive period. Make sure you listen! Elora is an autistic comedian with half a million followers online. You can find her under her name, or her Digital pseudonym “Online 1 Room Schoolhouse”

Links to relevant resources to help autistic children over the festive period:

• Guide for Parents: Supporting Your Autistic Child at Christmastime

• Visual Timetable for Christmas Day

• School Christmas Performance Social Situation