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

Georgie Green is joined by consultant clinical psychologist Dr Freya Spicer-White to explore what true inclusion really looks like in schools.

Drawing on her experience across specialist education, Dr Spicer-White shares practical, low-cost strategies that educators can use to create calmer, more inclusive environments for neurodiverse children and young people. The conversation covers everything from classroom design and sensory considerations to early identification, working collaboratively with parents, and supporting staff wellbeing.

In this episode, Georgie and Freya discuss:

• What “true inclusion” means in practice for schools and classrooms
• Creating calm, inclusive environments through simple environmental changes
• Spotting early signs that a child may be struggling
• How and when to involve parents in supportive conversations
• Supporting neurodiverse learners through movement, sensory regulation and routine
• Normalising difference and building understanding among peers
• Why staff wellbeing is central to inclusive education

In this episode of The SEND Network Podcast, Georgie is joined by Ginny Bootman to discuss how SENDCOs can manage meetings in the best way possible. They discuss what can be done pre, during and post each meeting to support children and their parents carers.

Roy Leighton's website (mentioned in this episode) can be found here.

About Ginny

Ginny has been teaching longer than she hasn't. She has been a Headteacher, Senior Manager and Class teacher, teaching all ages in the Primary age range.

Working to support SENDCOs and teachers across special, primary and secondary schools, Ginny is able to bring experience, wisdom and common sense to an area that can sometimes get bogged down in jargon and paperwork.

Her view is that by 'flattening the hierarchy' schools are more able to connect fully with their families. In doing so, they are better placed to help build the home-school trust so sorely needed in order to help vulnerable children thrive.

Through her highly-regarded book and also her published articles, podcast appearances and speaking engagements for schools, MATS and national events such as The National SEN Conference, The Education Show Wales and NASEN Live, Ginny shares straightforward tips and ideas that save time and energy for all those working with our most vulnerable children.

Drawing on her lived experiences as a working SENDCO, Ginny quickly relates to her audience and not only reassures them about the important work they are doing at a difficult time but also challenges them – nicely, kindly and with humour – to be even better.

She is the Author of ‘Independent Thinking On Being A SENDCO’ and has recently become an Associate of Independent Thinking
https://www.independentthinking.co.uk/speakers/ginny-bootman/