Inclusion in education isn't working as well as it should. Despite good intentions, many neurodivergent young people are still being left behind, leading to lifelong consequences for their well-being and opportunities.
In our latest SENDcast episode, host Dale Pickles is joined by a record number of guests - five members of the Compass Panel - a passionate group of professionals committed to neuro-inclusion. Featuring Liz Day, Victoria Bagnall, Dr Helen Ross, Fintan O'Regan, and Pete Jarrett the panel explores the pressing need for systemic change in education.
They discuss how current systems often fail neurodivergent individuals and how practical, evidence-informed changes can transform inclusion from an aspiration into an everyday reality. The conversation addresses what's currently happening in schools, the rising exclusion rates as a warning sign of deeper systemic issues, and a roadmap toward a genuinely neuroinclusive society.
Join them for insights on actionable steps that individuals and organisations can take to implement positive change.
View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!
About Liz Day
Liz is an experienced trainer and facilitator, passionate about mental health, neurodiversity, and cultivating a safe environment for all. She began her career as a teacher with a specialism in PE, drawing on her background as a former county-level gymnast and lifelong love of sport. This shaped her inclusive teaching approach and continues to influence her work today - sport remains central to her identity and wellbeing.
Transitioning into communications, Liz contributed to high-profile projects such as the successful London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games bid, focusing on community engagement and stakeholder relationships. This developed her skills in building trust, fostering collaboration, and facilitating meaningful initiatives. Over the past decade, Liz has specialised in neurodiversity and education, working with award-winning businesses, families, schools, and national charities, including the British Dyslexia Association. She combines her personal and professional insights to share strategies for creating inclusive living, learning, and working environments. Liz regularly appears on BBC Radio 5 Live.
In 2024, Liz completed a master's in psychology at the University of Exeter, with her thesis exploring mental health literacy in young people. This academic achievement and her practical expertise ensure her training is evidence-based and highly relevant. Liz's engaging style and commitment to empowerment make her a trusted advocate and leader in mental health, education, and neurodiversity.
Contact Liz
www.collectivelydiverse.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572518254058
instagram.com/collectivelydiverseuk
[email protected]
About Victoria Bagnall
Victoria is a neurodiverse teacher and mother of 3 girls
who has dedicated her life to raising awareness of essential brain
She believes that knowledge of executive functioning helps people to be kinder to themselves and those around them and has the power to change the world.
About Victoria
www.connectionsinmind.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/connectionsinmind/
https://twitter.com/VictoriaBagnal2
[email protected]
About Fintan O'Regan
He was the Head teacher of the Centre Academy from 1996 -2002, which was the first specialist school in the UK for students between the ages of 7-19 specialising issues related to ADHD, ASD and ODD.
He is an associate lecturer for Leicester University, the National Association of Special Needs, the Institute of Education, the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre and the former Vice Chairman of the UK ADHD Network and of the European ADHD Alliance.
Fintan now works as trainer and consultant for schools and school support systems including, Social Services, Health, the Police and Foster carers with regards to providing behaviour management strategies for children and families struggling with SEND and behaviour issues.
Contact Fintan
www.fintanoregan.com
https://www.facebook.com/FintanORegansBehaviourManagementConsultancy/
https://x.com/fintanoregan
[email protected]
About Dr Helen Ross
Dr Helen Ross is a fully qualified special needs teacher and former SENCO, working as an independent educational research consultant, specialist assessor and SEND expert. Helen is a Trustee of the British Dyslexia Association, Chair of the Wiltshire Dyslexia Association and is on the board of the US, not-for profit National Coalition of Independent Scholars. She has consulted for the British Dyslexia Association, The Committee for Science and Technology (part of the UK Government), and Wiltshire Local Authority. She also works internationally with various third sector and commercial organisations with evaluation, consultancy and resource development. Helen's research explores stakeholder experiences of SEND provision within the mainstream education sector, focussing on the empowerment of those supporting young people, to help them to take ownership of their own learning. She uses her findings from research to inform her own practice and to support other practitioner in their own work, through CPD webinars and live sessions.
Contact Helen
http://helensplace.co.uk/
https://x.com/drhelenross
[email protected]
Useful Links
EBSA Toolkit for Schools
Compass Panel
- B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk
- Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast
- Email Dale – [email protected]
- Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe
The SENDcast is powered by B Squared
We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.
