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 right
• And the “magic formula” for parent-professional collaboration

About Olivia and Lynn

Olivia is a neurodiverse advocate, medical doctor, and the founder and host of the SEND Parenting Podcast, a platform dedicated to supporting parents raising neurodiverse children. To listen to other episodes of the SEND Parenting Podcast, visit sendparenting.com 

Lynn is an educational consultant and SENCO with over 20 years of primary and SLT teaching experience. She has recently released Starting Out as a Primary School SENCO, which you can find here. Check out Lynn’s website too www.positiveyoungmind.com 

The SEND Network
For more information and resources, access the  Podcast Discussion Room here: https://send-network.co.uk/rooms/the-send-network-podcast
 
 New to the network? Register here: SEND Network | An online community for SEND professionals (send-network.co.uk)

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 learning
• Supporting SEMH

On top of exploring the benefits, Stephanie also provides some budget-friendly ways you can include technology in your school. 

About Stephanie:

Stephanie Smith has over ten years of experience working in and alongside the autism community across mainstream and special schools. She is Head of School at The Cavendish School, Cambridgeshire’s first state-maintained special autism school. 

Academy 21 

This episode is sponsored by Academy21, the UK’s leading online, DfE-accredited, alternative provision experts. Working with schools, local authorities and multi-academy trusts, they help students, through live teaching to build confidence, re-engage and progress in their education.

Academy21 works in partnership with schools and other institutions to support students who are struggling with attendance for whatever reason, providing a bridge towards reintegration.

Find out more about Academy21 by heading to their website, academy21.co.uk , or follow them on the SEND Network!

The SEND Network
For more information and resources, access the  Podcast Discussion Room here: https://send-network.co.uk/rooms/the-send-network-podcast

New to the network? Register here: SEND Network | An online community for SEND professionals (send-network.co.uk)

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 Play
• David’s work as a neurodiversity-affirming childminder
• How we can decolonise play in early years settings

Resources

• Respecting neurodivergent play: what does it look like?
• Implicit bias may help explain high preschool expulsion rates for black children
• Want to hear more about neurodivergent play? Listen to our episode with Simon Airey! - Valuing and developing neurodivergent play with Simon Airey

About Kerry and David

Kerry Murphy is an early years specialist with over 20 years of experience. She has worked across schools, local authorities, and now lectures at Goldsmiths University.

David Cahn is an early childhood educator with experience across a range of settings. Two years ago, he and his wife launched a childminding service that champions neuroaffirming practice.

Academy 21 

This episode is sponsored by Academy21, the UK’s leading online, DfE-accredited, alternative provision experts. Working with schools, local authorities and multi-academy trusts, they help students, through live teaching to build confidence, re-engage and progress in their education.

Academy21 works in partnership with schools and other institutions to support students who are struggling with attendance for whatever reason, providing a bridge towards reintegration.

Find out more about Academy21 by heading to their website, academy21.co.uk , or follow them on the SEND Network!

The SEND Network
For more information and resources, access the  Podcast Discussion Room here: https://send-network.co.uk/rooms/the-send-network-podcast

New to the network? Register here: SEND Network | An online community for SEND professionals (send-network.co.uk)

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 voice
• Bridging the gap between education and employment
• And, importantly, supporting parents to ‘let go’

Resources

• World Down Syndrome Day: Transitioning to Adulthood (age 14-25) - Downloadable resource
• If you are teaching pupils who have Down's syndrome check out these resources from the Down's Syndrome Association or free training.
• NDTI - Preparing for Adulthood: Person-centred Planning Tools

About Sharon Smith

Sharon is a PHD student, Education Advisor and mum to a 20-year-old daughter with Down’s syndrome. As a result, she has been engaged in the SEND system for over 15 years as a parent carer, and now works for the Down’s Syndrome Association.

Contact Sharon
Check out here SEND Network profile
Email: [email protected]

Academy 21 

This episode is sponsored by Academy21, the UK’s leading online, DfE-accredited, alternative provision experts. Working with schools, local authorities and multi-academy trusts, they help students, through live teaching to build confidence, re-engage and progress in their education.

Academy21 works in partnership with schools and other institutions to support students who are struggling with attendance for whatever reason, providing a bridge towards reintegration.

Find out more about Academy21 by heading to their website, academy21.co.uk , or follow them on the SEND Network!

The SEND Network
For more information and resources, access the  Podcast Discussion Room here: https://send-network.co.uk/rooms/the-send-network-podcast

New to the network? Register here: SEND Network | An online community for SEND professionals (send-network.co.uk)

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

Royal Society for Blind Children's resource page for professionals 

Habilitation training for children at Guide Dogs UK

About Hester

Hester is a former specialist teacher for visual and multi-sensory impairment turned lecturer for the University of Birmingham’s Department of Inclusion and Special Needs, delivering their programme for Education of children with Multi-Sensory Impairments. 

Academy 21

This episode is sponsored by Academy21, the UK’s leading online, DfE-accredited, alternative provision experts. Working with schools, local authorities and multi-academy trusts, they help students, through live teaching to build confidence, re-engage and progress in their education.

Academy21 works in partnership with schools and other institutions to support students who are struggling with attendance for whatever reason, providing a bridge towards reintegration.

Find out more about Academy21 by heading to their website, academy21.co.uk , or follow them on the SEND Network!

The SEND Network

For more information and resources, access the Podcast Discussion Room here: https://send-network.co.uk/rooms/the-send-network-podcast

New to the network? Register here: SEND Network | An online community for SEND professionals (send-network.co.uk)

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 episode is sponsored by Academy21, the UK’s leading online, DfE-accredited, alternative provision experts. Working with schools, local authorities and multi-academy trusts, they help students, through live teaching to build confidence, re-engage and progress in their education.

Academy21 works in partnership with schools and other institutions to support students who are struggling with attendance for whatever reason, providing a bridge towards reintegration.

Find out more about Academy21 by heading to their website, academy21.co.uk , or follow them on the SEND Network!

The SEND Network

For more information and resources, access the Podcast Discussion Room here: https://send-network.co.uk/rooms/the-send-network-podcast

New to the network? Register here: SEND Network | An online community for SEND professionals (send-network.co.uk)

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 provision
• The process of applying for an EHC needs assessment
• Who is responsible for carrying out key steps in the EHCP process

Resources

Lynn’s SEND Paperwork Overview (from her webiste Positive Young Minds)

Children and Families Act 2014 

About Lynn

Lynn is an educational consultant and SENCO with over 20 years of primary and SLT teaching experience. She has recently released Starting Out as a Primary School SENCO, which you can find here.

Academy 21
This episode is sponsored by Academy21, the UK’s leading online, DfE-accredited, alternative provision experts. Working with schools, local authorities and multi-academy trusts, they help students, through live teaching to build confidence, re-engage and progress in their education.

Academy21 works in partnership with schools and other institutions to support students who are struggling with attendance for whatever reason, providing a bridge towards reintegration.

Find out more about Academy21 by heading to their website, academy21.co.uk , or follow them on the SEND Network!

The SEND Network
For more information and resources, access the Podcast Discussion Room here: https://send-network.co.uk/rooms/the-send-network-podcast

New to the network? Register here: SEND Network | An online community for SEND professionals (send-network.co.uk)

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 services like Academy 21.  

Resources
Tiers before tears: The three-tier model of intervention - Amy Husband

Academy 21's latest blog post on the SEND Network: Breaking barriers to inclusive education with digital solutions

About Amy
Amy is the Head of School Academic at Academy 21. With a wealth of experience in school leadership, alternative provision and SEND, and inclusive education, Amy is passionate about helping students thrive.

Academy 21
This episode is sponsored by Academy21, the UK’s leading online, DfE-accredited, alternative provision experts. Working with schools, local authorities and multi-academy trusts, they help students, through live teaching to build confidence, re-engage and progress in their education.

Academy21 works in partnership with schools and other institutions to support students who are struggling with attendance for whatever reason, providing a bridge towards reintegration.

Find out more about Academy21 by heading to their website, academy21.co.uk , or follow them on the SEND Network!

The SEND Network
For more information and resources, access the Podcast Discussion Room here: https://send-network.co.uk/rooms/the-send-network-podcast

New to the network? Register here: SEND Network | An online community for SEND professionals (send-network.co.uk)

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 opportunities

Simon 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 today.

About Simon
Simon currently works with children with SEND (whether that is diagnosed or undiagnosed), focusing on neurodivergent play in EYFS. 

Contact Simon
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin: Simon Airey

Academy 21
This episode is sponsored by Academy21, the UK’s leading online, DfE-accredited, alternative provision experts. Working with schools, local authorities and multi-academy trusts, they help students, through live teaching to build confidence, re-engage and progress in their education.

Academy21 works in partnership with schools and other institutions to support students who are struggling with attendance for whatever reason, providing a bridge towards reintegration.

Find out more about Academy21 by heading to their website, academy21.co.uk 

The SEND Network
For more information and resources, access the Podcast Discussion Room here: https://send-network.co.uk/rooms/the-send-network-podcast

New to the network? Register here: SEND Network | An online community for SEND professionals (send-network.co.uk)

In our final episode before the holidays, Izzy is joined by Jane Green MBE. They discuss emotional based school avoidance, and the link between neurodivergence and joint hypermobility conditions.

Jane also answers questions submitted by our SEND Network members! Listen to the end to hear what she has to say. If you would like to ask future guests questions, register for the SEND Network today.

Resources
SEDSConnective is the foremost hypermobility neurodivergent charity dedicated to supporting individuals with hypermobility (EDS HSD) and neurodivergent conditions (Autism, ADHD, Dyspraxia, TS, Dyslexia, and more).

Check out their research on their website www.sedsconnective.org

Other research:

• Physical health challenges in neurodivergent children and young people
• Autism and mental health

About Jane
Jane is a former Assistant Headteacher, ex-national lead for autism, ADHD and dyspraxia, has worked in all phases of education and the founder and chair of the SEDSConnective.

Contact Jane
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @SEDSConnective

The SEND Network
For more information and resources, access the Podcast Discussion Room here: https://send-network.co.uk/rooms/the-send-network-podcast

New to the network? Register here: SEND Network | An online community for SEND professionals (send-network.co.uk)