SENsational - The Special Educational Needs Podcast
Episodes
EHCPs, Diagnosis & School Relationships
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
#WitherslackGroup #EHCP #Diagnosis #Podcast #SEN Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Neurodiversity, Early Years & Child Development
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
#WitherslackGroup #EarlyYears #Development #Podcast #ParentingSupport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Managing Masking, Meltdowns & Challenging Behaviour
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
#WitherslackGroup #ASDWithAGAndT #Autism #Podcast #Neurodiversity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Understanding Executive Functioning
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In our latest episode, ADHD expert Lisa Rudge joins us to break down what executive functioning really is and why it matters. She explores how daily r...
Understanding & Exploring Pathological Demand Avoidance
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of SENsational, we’re joined by Anne-Marie Harrison, Education Director from Ideas Afresh [TAG], who offers her professional i...
Teenagers & Challenging Behaviour: Navigating Neurodiversity
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we welcome Mathew Bell from Team WG, who has over 13 years of experience working with children and young people. He shares insights o...
The ADHD Debate: More Cases Or More Understanding
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we welcome Colette Longden, National Training Director at Blueprint Learning, for an open and honest conversation about ADHD. Togethe...
Stories About Autism: A Dad’s Perspective
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we welcome James Hunt, a dad and advocate from Stories About Autism, for an insightful conversation around noticing the signs and how...
Managing School Transitions & Anxiety
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of SENsational, we’re joined by our Avon Park School Team, Including Kerri Louca-Weston, Head Teacher, Sarah Lane, Family Liaison Of...
Supporting Emotional Regulation At Home
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of SENsational, we’re joined by our Clinical Services Team, Bairbre Anderson, Therapist and Callum Stein, Assistant Psychologist, wh...
How To Find The Right Specialist Provision For Your Child
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of SENsational, we’re joined by Jenny Graham, our Senior Partnerships Manager to explore how to find the right SEN school for your c...
The SEND Crisis
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of SENsational, we’re joined by Richard Orchard-Rowe, Chief Executive at SOS!SEN, for an insightful conversation around the SEND cri...
Neurodiversity In The Workplace
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In our latest episode of SENsational, we're joined by Helen Cullis, Finance Lead & Neurodiversity Network Chair and Josh Jones, Service Design &am...
SEN, Sleep, Routines & Co-Sleeping Support
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
⏰ Do you find bedtime routines challenging in your home? Our latest episode of SENsational with Helen Rutherford, Specialist Sleep Practitioner from...
ADHD & Autism Positive Behaviour Support At Home
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of SENsational, Lead Practitioners from our Group, Robert Middleton and Ruari Hignell share practical advice and strategies to s...
Navigating The Draft EHCP & Appeals
01 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The latest SENsational episode is now live. Simone Mattinson, our Group Parent Partnerships Manager, shares practical tips on navigating the EHCP draf...
Dyspraxia Support In The Classroom
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
🎙Teaching professionals, in the latest episode of SENsational, we’re joined by Colin Foley, Training Director from The ADHD Foundation Neurodiver...
A Parent Perspective: Supporting Neurodiverse Families
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of SENsational, Simone Mattinson and Adele Wadey from our Parent Partnership Team join us to share their personal experiences as...
Navigating Neurodiversity
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In our latest episode of SENsational, Tony Lloyd, CEO of The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity, and Anne-Marie Harrison, Education Director of Id...
ARFID & Autism In Children
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a parent of a child experiencing extreme food aversion?Nicole Kirkland & Emma Taylor from ARFID Awareness join us on the sofa for a discus...
Guiding Grandparents: Understanding SEN
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In our latest episode of SENsational, we're joined by Anne-Marie Harrison, Education Director from Ideas Afresh, sharing a personal perspective of sup...
The Impact of ADHD & Autism on Family Dynamics
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On our latest episode of SENsational, we welcome Lisa Rudge, Director of Parent Services from The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity & Heather...
Navigating Neurodiversity, Identity & LGBTQ+
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re thrilled to welcome Tony Lloyd, CEO of The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity, to our podcast. In this episode, we discuss the role parent...
Nurturing Neurodivergent Children To Succeed
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of SENsational, we're delighted to be joined by our new podcast host, Laura Oliver, Senior Occupational Therapist from our Group, plus...
ADHD & Autism: Supporting Your Child's Sleep
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're joined by Helen Rutherford, a specialist sleep practitioner from The Sleep Charity, who has several years of experience supporting neurodiverse ...
How To Build A Future Of Success: Inspirational Advice
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're joined by Kirsty Doyle, Entrepreneur & Fashion Designer, discussing how she works with young people to build aspiration as they enter the wo...
Sensory Processing Support In School
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this SENsational episode, we are joined by Maggie Morton and Laura Oliver, Occupational Therapists for Witherslack Group as they discuss children's...
What Is An EHCP?
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered if your young person might need an EHCP? Simone Mattinson, Partnerships Manager for our Group, shares her first-hand experience from a p...
Helping Your Child Settle Into An SEN School
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a discussion with Wendy Yeo, Head Teacher of our Castlefell School, and Arron Hutchinson, Education Training Director of The ADHD Foundati...
What Is An SEN School?
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We believe that every child or young person deserves access to inspirational education, regardless of their unique learning requirements or needs. Sus...
Embracing ADHD, Autism & Home Life
16 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There are so many moving parts to home life, right? From school runs to meal times and everything in between, how can it all be managed? In our latest...
Autism: What Every Parent Needs To Know
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're pleased to bring you this episode of SENsational titled 'Autism: What Every Parent Needs to Know, with Anne-Marie Harrison, training director fr...
Social Media & Online Gaming
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Social media and online games are evidently present in our children and young people's lives. On this episode of SENsational, we are joined by two Wit...
Learning To Read With The Phonics Fairy
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learning to read can be challenging for our neurodiverse children and young people. On this episode of SENsational, we are joined by leading phonics c...
Top Tips for Building Up Autistic Children
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Bonnello, autistic advocate and award-winning writer and speaker, joins us for another episode of SENsational. In this podcast, Chris explores f...
Impulse Control & Risk Management
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of SENsational, we have the pleasure of sharing knowledge of our expert speaker Emma Weaver, Deputy CEO of the ADHD Foundation Neurodi...
Exam Preparation, Memory Techniques & Strategies For Success.
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The exam period can be a particularly stressful and overwhelming time for neurodiverse children and young people, and so as parents and professionals,...
Life Beyond School: Making Successful Steps
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Preparing our children for finishing school and heading off to their next adventure can be a difficult time and there is sure to be some anxieties aro...
Changing Perceptions: A Pathway To Positive Behaviour.
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of SENsational, we welcome Emma Weaver, Deputy CEO of the ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity and Stephen Howell, Lead Practitioner...
Christmas Support Podcast
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As part of Witherslack Group’s Seasonal Support Pack, we are delighted to bring you a very special episode of our podcast, SENsational! This session...
Superpowering A Strength-Based Approach
24 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a super powered episode where were we discuss strategies to help develop wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem. During our discussion...
ADHD: What Every Parent Needs To Know
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental condition, characterised by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. For parents and carers, having a chi...
Succeeding Through Sport: Positive Benefits For Neurodiverse Minds
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For many, there is much joy in going for a run, a nice long walk or taking part in a team game, and we know the positive impact exercise can have on b...
ADHD: The Building Blocks To Staying Calm & positive
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Trying to keep on top of things as an adult can test our organisational skills, as well as our patience, however, it’s really important to look at t...
Back To School: Mindfulness Exercises
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This session focuses specifically on mindfulness exercises to support children and young people with the transition back to school after the summer br...
Building Confidence & Happiness
27 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Confidence is so important to a child’s future happiness, health, and success. Confident children are likely to be better equipped to deal with peer...
The Role Of Friendship & Autism
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Role of Friendship with Autism Making friends or developing a social circle can present it’s challenges for children and young people with ASD....
Heading In The Right Direction
13 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Three of our deputy head teachers join us to share their career journeys. In this episode, we hear about the people that have contributed to their s...
Supporting Your Anxious Child
08 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Supporting your anxious childIn the last three years, the likelihood of young people having a mental health problem has increased by 50%.This episode ...
Supporting Neurodiverse Children & Young People To Make Friends
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for an episode that looks at some of the challenges that neurodiverse children may face when it comes to building a friendship group.During th...
Creating Autism Friendly Classrooms
02 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Creating Autism Friendly ClassroomsJoin us for a special episode of SENsational, which has been dedicated to offering advice and support to SEN Co-ord...
Supporting Social Tolerance For Socially Sensitive Children
01 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Supporting social tolerance for socially sensitive kidsJoin us for an episode that focuses on neurodiverse children and young people's social sensitiv...
A Guide Through The Education, Health & Care Plan Process
20 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A guide through the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process.On the podcast we are joined by Melanie Adams, Partnership Manager for Witherslack ...
Managing Changing Routines & Special Occasions
14 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Managing changing routines and special occasionsOn the podcast we are joined by Elaine Buckton, Senior Therapist for Witherslack Group Clinical Servic...
Supporting Leaders In Education - Understanding Blended Learning
07 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A podcast discussion between Dan Flanagan, Deputy Head Teacher at Bridgeway School in Preston and David Phillips, Head Teacher at Chilwell School in N...
Managing Sibling Relationships
03 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Managing sibling relationshipsThis episode we are joined by Emma Weaver, Director of the Early Years Service for the ADHD Foundation and Samantha Owen...
Mindfulness For Staff Who Are In A Demanding Role
03 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 2 of the Be Inspired Careers Podcast. Professor Sean Duggan talks about mindfulness for staff members who are in demanding roles. Hosted on Ac...
Working Positively With Your Child‘s School
21 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for SENsational: The Special Educational Needs Podcast. Our podcast is all about celebrating neurodiversity, empowering parents and carers, s...
Supporting Leaders In Education - Staff Wellbeing
08 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A podcast discussion between Sarah Roscoe, Head Teacher at Oversands School and Colin Foley, National Training Director for the ADHD Foundation, focus...
Mental Health At Work
25 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to episode 1 of our new Be Inspired Podcast. Each month, we'll speak to some of the leading experts in SEN Education, Care and Clinical Servic...
Supporting Parents & Carers - Sleep Support
16 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A Q & A podcast with Lisa Rudge who is part of the Therapy Team at the ADHD Foundation. This podcast offers advice and support to parents and carers ...
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health
30 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A podcast discussion between Professor Sean Duggan, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Network and Catherine Roche, CEO of Place2BE. The session pr...
Leaders In Education - A Vision For The Future
23 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for the Supporting Leaders in Education Talking it Through Podcast. In this episode we are joined by Sophie Garner, Regional Director of Educ...
Developing A Citizenship & Leadership Curriculum
03 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for our latest episode in the Supporting Leaders in Education Talking it Through podcast.In this episode we are joined by Chris Williams, Regi...
The Recovery Curriculum Podcast
18 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Supporting Leaders in Education: The Recovery CurriculumEach month we bring expert speakers together to deliver insightful discussions aimed at prov...
The Importance Of Mental Health In Schools: Turning Knowledge Into Action
11 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A podcast discussion with Professor Sean Duggan, Clinical Advisor for Witherslack Group and Chief Executive of the Mental Health Network and Billy Sma...
Neurodiversity & Education
18 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We sat down with Dr Tony Lloyd, CEO of the ADHD Foundation at our Regional Special Educational Needs Conference: Supporting Leaders in Education in M...
Why Has Ofsted Changed Their Framework & What Does This Mean To Schools?
05 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We sat down with Jeremy Bird, Director of HGA Learning to discuss what the new Ofsted framework means to schools. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p...
How To Support Positive Behaviour
27 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Elaine Capstick, Lead Practitioner (Safeguarding, Behaviour & Inclusion) and Richard Wilkins, Safeguarding, Behaviour and Inclusion Director discuss h...
Using IT To Inspire Teaching & Learning
17 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Ruth Smith, Class Teacher and Computing and New Technologies Lead and Rob Lynas, Deputy Head Teacher of Westmorland School in Chorley discuss the impa...
Understanding The EHCP Process & How To Obtain A Plan
14 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We sat down with Simone Mattinson, Local Area Partnership Manager for Witherslack Group to discuss the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) includin...
Mental Health Awareness
24 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Lucy Shooter, Mental Health Practitioner for Witherslack Group, presented 'Mental Health Awareness' at our 2018 North West SEN conference, held at our...
Sleep: Difficulties & Solutions
09 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Tracy Dickens, Director of Psychological Therapies at the ADHD Foundation presented 'Sleep: difficulties and solutions' at our 2018 North West SEN Con...
Communication Strategies
02 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Naoimh Todd, Head of Applied Therapies and Michael Heyes, Assistant Psychologist presented ‘Communication strategies’ at our 2018 North West SEN C...
Lego Therapy
02 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Laura Tate, Speech and Language Therapist for Witherslack Group presented Lego Therapy at our 2018 North West SEN Conference, held at Pontville School...
Developing A Student Centred Approach
02 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Justine Sims, Head Teacher at our Pontville School, presented 'Developing a student centred approach' at our 2018 North West SEN Conference, held at t...
Understanding & Managing Your Child's Anxiety
20 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Tony Lloyd, CEO of the ADHD Foundation, presented 'Understanding and managing your child's anxiety' at our 2018 North West SEN Conference, held at ...
How Can I Help My Child With ADHD?
22 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Our friends at the ADHD Foundation answer your questions on ADHD. Discover more support and advice from our experts by visiting https://witherslack...
What Is An EHCP & Why Do I Need One For My Child?
22 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We sat down with Lucy Hayes, Senior SEN Lawyer at IPSEA to discuss the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Discover more support and advice from...
How Can Occupational Therapy Help My Child?
07 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We sat down with Lead Occupational Therapist (OT) Jane Woodburn at our Westmorland School to discuss her role and how children are supported so that t...
What Is Articulation & Phonological Awareness?
25 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We sat down with Speech and Language Therapist, Claire Watson at our Westmorland School to discuss Articulation and Phonological Awareness. Withersla...
How Can I Help My Child With Comprehension & Memory?
23 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We sat down with our Speech and Language Therapist, Claire Watson at our Westmorland School to discuss Comprehension and Memory. Witherslack Group is...
How Can I Help My Child With Expressive Language?
23 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We sat down with our Speech and Language Therapist, Claire Watson at our Westmorland School to discuss Expressive Language. Witherslack Group is the...
How Can I Help My Child With Vocabulary & Word Finding?
23 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We sat down with our Speech and Language Therapist, Claire Watson at our Westmorland School to discuss Vocabulary and Word Finding. Witherslack Group...