SEND in the experts with Georgina Durrant (Special Educational Needs Podcast)

SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant
Guest: James Searjeant – Headteacher, Inclusion Advocate & Member of the Twinkl Inclusion Advisory Board
In this episode of SEND in the Experts, Georgina Durrant is joined by James Searjeant, an experienced primary school leader known for his calm, reflective approach and his deep commitment to inclusive practice. With a career spanning early years and primary settings, James champions the belief that every child deserves to feel safe, supported and able to succeed. As headteacher of Wyborne School, he leads with the principle that behaviour is communication, and he works closely with staff, families and professionals to build a school culture rooted in wellbeing, consistency and belonging.
James also contributes to national conversations on inclusion through his work with the Twinkl Inclusion Advisory Board, bringing both practical insight and thoughtful challenge to the wider system.
🎙️ In this episode — why you’ll want to listen
You’ll get a clear, grounded picture of what inclusion actually looks like in a mainstream primary school — not theory, but the day‑to‑day reality.
If you’re navigating the SEND reforms or the Schools White Paper, James offers a balanced view of what feels promising and what may be harder to deliver on the ground.
For anyone passionate about early identification and early intervention, James shares what effective support looks like at Wyborne and what needs to shift nationally for consistency.
If you’ve ever felt the tension between data pressures and doing what’s right for children, James talks openly about how he keeps his school anchored in values.
You’ll hear how he builds professional trust and agency, creating a staff culture where judgement is valued and adaptation is encouraged.
And if belonging matters to you — for pupils, families or staff — James offers a compelling look at how Wyborne nurtures a genuine sense of community.
Finally, James shares the one thing he wishes policymakers truly understood about making inclusion sustainable in mainstream schools.
 Why this conversation stands out
This episode is packed with practical insight, honest reflection and a refreshing clarity about what inclusive education can look like when it’s done with intention. Whether you’re a teacher, SENDCO, school leader or parent, you’ll come away with ideas, reassurance and a renewed sense of what’s possible.

Special Episode: Turning the Tables — Georgina Durrant Becomes the Guest! SEND Strategies for the Secondary Years
SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant — Special Book Launch Episode
This week on SEND in the Experts, we’re doing something completely different. Host Georgina Durrant steps out of the interviewer’s chair and into the hot seat as a guest to celebrate the release of her brand‑new book, SEND Strategies for the Secondary Years.
To mark the occasion, Georgina is joined by her colleague and friend Michelle Windridge, who takes over as guest host for this special behind‑the‑scenes conversation.
If you support, teach, or parent young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), this is an episode you’ll want to save, share, and return to again and again.
⭐ What’s Inside This Special Episode
Michelle guides Georgina through an honest, insightful and deeply practical discussion about the challenges facing young people with SEND in secondary school, and what adults (parents and teachers) can do right now to support them.

📘 Why Georgina wrote SEND Strategies for the Secondary Years
Georgina explains why this book matters so much at a time when the SEND system is described as “broken”, “under‑resourced” and “in crisis”. Instead of waiting for system‑level reform, she focuses on what teachers, parents and carers can do immediately to support young people who are struggling with communication, emotional regulation, organisation, literacy, sensory needs and more.
🎯 Why the book is structured around needs, not diagnoses
Secondary teachers often see hundreds of pupils a week, and many young people mask or go unnoticed. Georgina shares why focusing on areas of need (rather than waiting for diagnosis) empowers adults to act early and confidently.
📚 The unique pressures of the secondary years
From complex language demands to fast‑paced lessons and a more intense social world, Georgina breaks down why secondary school can be especially challenging for neurodivergent young people, and why timely support is crucial.
🛠️ Practical “no‑wait” strategies teachers often overlook
Georgina shares simple, powerful adjustments that make a huge difference at school and home, including:
reducing spoken instructions
using visual supports
breaking tasks into steps
offering processing time
practical movement breaks
sensory‑friendly classroom tweaks
organisation scaffolds like routines and checklists

These strategies don’t require a diagnosis, an EHCP or extra funding , just awareness and intention.
🌱 A neuro‑affirming approach in action
Georgina explains how to create environments where neurodivergent young people can thrive as themselves, not as a version of themselves that fits a neurotypical mould.
💬 Real stories from young people and adults
The book includes powerful case studies from teenagers and adults reflecting on their secondary school experiences. Georgina shares what she learned from their honesty, especially the importance of early identification, feeling understood, and the life‑changing impact of the right adult at the right time.
🎧 Why You Should Listen
This episode is essential listening for:
Secondary teachers wanting practical, realistic SEND strategies
Parents and carers supporting young people with SEND
SENDCos and school leaders looking to strengthen whole‑school SEND practice
Anyone working with neurodivergent young people
You’ll walk away feeling informed, empowered and ready to make meaningful changes — even in a system that isn’t working as it should.
With its focus on actionable strategies, neuro‑affirming practice, and supporting needs rather than waiting for diagnoses, this conversation offers exactly the kind of clarity and compassion that so many families and educators are searching for.

Special Episode: Georgia Gould MP on the SEND Reforms
In this timely and special episode of SEND in the Experts podcast, Georgina Durrant sits down with Georgia Gould MP for a conversation following the release of the government’s proposed SEND reforms in the Schools White Paper: Every Child Achieving and Thriving on Monday. With so many families, educators and professionals eager to understand what these changes could mean, this episode offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the minister at the centre of it all.
Georgina and Minister Gould explore the big themes shaping the reforms, from support plans and legal frameworks to training, specialist provision and inclusion. They discuss the intentions behind the proposals, the challenges the system is facing, and the hopes for what these reforms might achieve. The conversation opens up important reflections on the future of SEND support and the principles guiding the government’s approach.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, TA, SENDCo or simply someone invested in improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND, this episode provides thoughtful insight at a pivotal moment. It’s a chance to hear the questions being asked across the sector, and to listen in on a candid discussion about what comes next.
Consultation: https://consult.education.gov.uk/send-strategy-division/send-reform-putting-children-and-young-people-firs/
Mindmap of the proposed changes for Parents: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/send-reforms-proposed-changes-for-parents-mind-map-t-par-1771934762
Mindmap of the proposed changes for SENDCos: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/send-reforms-what-are-the-key-proposed-changes-for-sendcos-t-s-1771935800
Mindmap of proposed changes for teachers: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/send-reforms-what-are-the-key-changes-for-teachers-mind-map-t-1771954381

SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant — Episode Featuring Dan Tresman (Light Years Education)

In this episode of SEND in the Experts, leading SEND podcast, host and former SENDCo and author Georgina Durrant welcomes Dan Tresman, Founder and CEO of Light Years Education Ltd and former Founding Headteacher of the Ofsted Outstanding Light Years School. With extensive leadership experience across specialist, residential, and mainstream settings, Dan offers a rare, honest, and deeply practical insight into what’s really happening across the SEND landscape today.
This episode is essential listening for anyone working in or alongside SEND provision, whether in mainstream or specialist environments and covers what mainstream schiools can learn from specialist settings and vice versa.
Why Listen to This Episode?
you'll get:
A clear understanding of the current challenges in SEND
Dan breaks down the pressures facing specialist schools, from the rising complexity of need to delays with assessments, and explains how these issues connect to the wider national picture.
Practical strategies for collaboration
The episode explores how specialist and mainstream schools can work together more effectively, with real examples of successful partnerships and the impact they’ve had on pupils and staff.
A future-focused perspective
Listeners hear thoughtful reflections on how specialist and mainstream provision might evolve, and what needs to change at policy and leadership levels to ensure every child receives the support they deserve. Reflecting on the current Dfe online conversations being had ahead of the Schools White Paper and SEND reforms.
Actionable advice for school leaders
From strengthening SEND provision to building inclusive cultures, Dan offers clear, grounded guidance for leaders who want to improve but aren’t sure where to begin.
What This Episode Covers
Dan’s career journey and what drives his passion for SEND
The creation and rapid success of Light Years School
The biggest challenges facing specialist settings today
How specialist and mainstream schools can share expertise
Real examples of effective collaboration
Barriers to partnership—and how to overcome them
What mainstream teachers can learn from specialist approaches
A shared vision for a more inclusive future

Who Will Benefit Most?
SENDCOs and aspiring SENDCOs
Mainstream teachers and senior leaders
Specialist school staff
Educational psychologists and therapists
Parents and carers
Anyone passionate about improving SEND provision

Twinkl inclusion hub: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/inclusion-teaching-resources
Symbols resources: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/apps/twinkl-symbols

Inclusive schools network sign up form from Dan:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=XIqdQkF82kSqaTLDifFGBe2ltw1d7CxIh9m0fCwTpaxUOEwyUlhOS1RUUEtIQktLOFIwRFY2MUFQRS4u&route=shorturl

SEND podcast, SEND support, specialist schools, mainstream inclusion, autism education, SEMH, SENCO advice, Light Years Education, Ofsted Outstanding special school, inclusive teaching strategies, EHCP challenges, collaboration between mainstream and specialist schools, SEND leadership, neurodiversity in education, SEND reforms, SEND online conversations, Dfe, Schools White Paper.

SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant – Supporting Families with SEND at Christmas
In this festive episode of SEND in the Experts, host Georgina Durrant speaks with Amanda Protheroe, Parent Educational Content Lead for SEND at Twinkl. Amanda draws on her experience as a class teacher, SENDCo in primary schools, and her personal journey of supporting a sibling with SEND. She shares practical advice and heartfelt insights to help families navigate the holiday season with children and young people who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
🎄 Episode highlights include:
Amanda’s background and passion for supporting parents of children with SEND.
What Christmas looks like in her household as a sibling of a SEND adult.
Common festive challenges for children with SEND- including changes to routine and sensory overload.
How parents can manage expectations and reduce pressure around creating the “perfect” Christmas.
Practical strategies to support children with sensory sensitivities during noisy gatherings, flashing lights, and busy events.
Preparing children for changes in routine, such as visiting relatives or attending school Christmas activities.
Tips for supporting restricted diets and food sensitivities during festive meals.
Alternative ways families can create meaningful traditions if they feel isolated.
Amanda’s one piece of advice for parents heading into the festive season.
✨ This episode is packed with SEND parenting tips, Christmas survival strategies, and supportive advice for families who want to make the holidays calmer, more inclusive, and more joyful for their children.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
SEND parenting tips
Christmas with SEND children
Supporting families with SEND
Sensory overload strategies
SEND festive traditions
Inclusive Christmas ideas

SEND parent support: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/parent-support-send-parents/home-support-parent-support-send-parents/seasonal-events-home-support-parent-support-send-parents
Parent guide to supporting autistic children at Christmas: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/supporting-your-autistic-child-at-christmastime-t-par-1665380754
Inclusion (SEND) resources: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/inclusion-teaching-resources