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​PDA Dad, Duncan, speaks with Lou Barnes of Unlock Learning on transforming dyslexia support and rebuilding self esteem in children.

Recorded at the Tes SEND Show North as part of Season 10, this episode of the SEND Network Podcast brings together PDA Dad Duncan and Lou Barnes, Founder of Unlock Learning.

Lou shares her journey from classroom teacher to specialist practitioner, driven by a determination to better support children with dyslexia who were losing confidence despite their intelligence and creativity. The conversation explores how difficulties with reading and writing can impact self esteem, mental health and family life, and why traditional approaches do not always work.

At the heart of the episode is Lou’s approach, focused on working with the brain rather than against it. By drawing on neuroplasticity and the power of the subconscious mind, she explains how simple, child led techniques can help rewire the way letters and words are processed, creating lasting change in literacy and confidence.

The discussion also touches on diagnosis, neurodivergence, and the importance of creating safe, supportive learning environments where children can thrive without losing what makes them unique.

A thoughtful and practical episode for educators, SENCOs and parents looking for new ways to support children with dyslexia and build lasting confidence.

🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms

📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network at send-network.co.uk

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In this episode of the SEND Network podcast, recorded live at Tes SEND North, host PDA Dad Duncan is joined by Amanda Hornby, Dyslexia Specialist Trainer at the British Dyslexia Association.

Together, they explore practical strategies for supporting learners with dyslexia, focusing on what truly makes a difference in the classroom. The conversation covers common challenges, effective approaches to teaching and learning, and how schools can better adapt to meet the needs of dyslexic pupils.

Drawing on Amanda’s extensive experience, this episode offers valuable insights for educators looking to build more inclusive, supportive learning environments.

This episode is part of Series 10, where we speak with experts, session speakers, and professionals from across the SEND sector, recorded live at Tes SEND North.

🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms

📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network at send-network.co.uk

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‪PDA Dad sits down with Natasha Chalk to explore emotional-based school avoidance, masking, and how schools can better support SEND pupils. This episode of the SEND Network podcast was filmed live at the Tes SEND North show in Manchester, where PDA Dad Duncan is joined by experienced educator Natasha Chalk.

Together, they explore emotionally-based school avoidance (EBSA), what it is, why it happens, and how it’s often misunderstood as “refusal” rather than anxiety-driven avoidance. The conversation highlights the realities faced by families, the challenges for schools, and the importance of early intervention.

Natasha shares practical insights for SEND professionals, including: How to recognise the subtle signs of EBSA The impact of masking and why it’s often missed in schools Why SEND support must be a whole-school responsibility Simple, actionable steps professionals can take immediately This is an honest and insightful discussion designed to support teachers, SENCOs, and education professionals working with children experiencing anxiety around school attendance.

🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms
📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network

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In this episode, Georgie Green is joined by Kate Freeman, Consultant at Speech & Language Link. Together they explore the growing importance of early identification, the role of everyday interaction in developing communication, and how schools and early years settings can better support children with speech, language and communication needs. From oracy and screening to screen time and school readiness, this is a practical and thought-provoking conversation for SEND professionals.

🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms

📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network at send-network.co.uk

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Why teaching pupils how to learn may matter more than teaching more content:

In this episode, Dr Tej Samani explores how SEND professionals can move beyond content-heavy interventions and towards strengthening core learning skills.

We discuss:
• Personalising assessment at scale
• Capturing and responding to pupil voice
• Reducing overwhelm and anxiety in the classroom
• Social media, attention and self-regulation
• Building independent, self-driven learners

A practical and forward-looking discussion for practitioners seeking sustainable approaches in an increasingly complex education landscape

🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms
📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network at send-network.co.uk

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How early intervention and inclusive practice can change outcomes for young people:

With nearly one million young people currently not in education, employment or training, the scale of the challenge is stark.

In this episode, Dr Sharon Smith, Assistant Head of Teaching and Learning (Quality) at Tute Education, explores what those figures really mean for SEND practitioners on the ground. From systemic pressures and narrow measures of success to the power of early intervention and relational practice, Sharon argues that preventing disengagement starts long before results day.

This is a conversation about courage, alternative pathways, and why changing outcomes for one child at a time can shift the wider narrative.

🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms
📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network at send-network.co.uk

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In this episode of The SEND Network Podcast, host Georgie Green is joined by Dr. Daniel Weisberg, Founder and Managing Director of CAYP Psychology, to explore the growing challenge of children and young people who find attending school emotionally overwhelming.

While many children occasionally resist going to school, this conversation focuses on those for whom simply getting through the school gates feels impossible. Daniel explains the crucial difference between typical reluctance and emotionally based school avoidance, the role anxiety plays, and why masking can mean difficulties go unnoticed for years.

Together, they discuss:

• Early warning signs for parents and educators
• The importance of sensitive, collaborative support plans
• Practical classroom adjustments that protect dignity
• How to communicate with anxious children without increasing pressure
• What can be done to prevent escalation

This episode offers thoughtful, evidence-informed insight for SEND practitioners, school leaders and families seeking to better understand and support children experiencing school-related anxiety.

🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms
📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network

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In this returning episode of the SEND Network Podcast, Georgie Green is joined once again by Simon Airey, neurodiversity consultant, early years and primary inclusion specialist, and teacher for an open and honest conversation about neurodivergent staff in education.

Drawing on his recent autism diagnosis and 25 years of classroom experience, Simon reflects on the often-unseen realities of working in schools as a neurodivergent professional. The discussion explores reasonable adjustments for staff, sensory overload in shared spaces, autistic burnout, masking, and why inclusion must extend beyond pupils to the adults supporting them every day.

Simon also shares practical insights for school leaders, colleagues and aspiring teachers, highlighting how lived experience can strengthen relationships with pupils and families, and how small changes in workplace culture can make a meaningful difference.

🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms
📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network