SEND in the Spotlight

Today's leaks about upcoming SEND reforms in England in the Times newspaper have made headlines.
Full details will be laid out in a white paper next week, which we will cover in depth in a future episode.
In this bonus episode we discuss the suggestion that the legal right to special needs support will be compulsorily reviewed when children move from primary to secondary school.
Nuala hears views from Labour MP and SEND parent Jen Craft, actor Kellie Bright, plus parent campaigners Kirsti Hadley and Rachel Filmer.
Email the podcast - [email protected]
Presenter: Nuala McGovern
Produced by Sarah Crawley, with Carolyn Atkinson
Digital producer: Olivia Bolton
Editor: Karen Dalziel
Produced by BBC Audio

We put the spotlight on the crucial cast of professionals who work alongside teachers to support children and young people with SEND.
Nuala McGovern hears from listener Helen, who shares what it's really like being on the frontline as a teaching assistant. She is also joined by Sarah Smith, a speech and language therapist and and Clinical Team Lead for Mainstream Schools at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust. And educational psychologist Dr Helena Bunn talks about the impact on children of shortages in her profession.
Actor and SEND parent Kellie Bright is in the studio, and BBC education reporter Kate McGough brings us the latest from the government on SEND.
In the spotlight this week is 10 year old Herbie from Suffolk, who found a tribe through Pokemon. Email your nominations for someone to put in the spotlight - [email protected]
Presenter: Nuala McGovern
Produced by Sarah Crawley, with Carolyn Atkinson
Digital producer: Olivia Bolton
Editor: Karen Dalziel
Produced by BBC Audio

The cost of home to school transport of children with SEND is predicted to reach nearly 2 billion pounds this year, according to Local Government Association figures. This represents approximately a 200% increase on the amount spent a decade ago, and there is also debate over who should be eligible.
Nuala explores why school transport is such a contentious issue with BBC political correspondent Alex Forsyth, and Councillor Amanda Hopgood, from the LGA.
Back with us is Kellie Bright, actor and SEND parent, and we also meet Ramandeep, a mum who has battled to get transport for her son.
In the spotlight this week is 25 year old Grace in Leeds, a young woman who is blind and uses a wheelchair. Currently a post-grad student, she also writes, acts and directs theatre in her spare time.
We want your nominations for someone to put in the spotlight - email them to [email protected]
Presenter: Nuala McGovern
Produced by Sarah Crawley, with Carolyn Atkinson
Digital AP: Mahima Abedin
Editor: Karen Dalziel
Produced by BBC Audio

Listeners take the starring role this week as we get answers to your queries from a group of people with a wealth of experience and expertise. They don't give out legal advice but they aim to help you determine your rights and what you are entitled to, for your child.
Nuala McGovern welcomes back Carrie and David Grant, BAFTA award winning broadcasters and parents of four children with SEND.
Eleanor Wright is a solicitor with SOS!SEN, a charity which helps parents and families of children with SEND to access their rights to an education.
Kelly Mooney is an Assistant Head and SENCO of a state nursery and primary school rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted in 4 of the 5 categories. She has 25 years experience working with children with SEND.
And in the spotlight this episode is 11 year old Amaya from Norfolk. Her mum Colette wanted to celebrate her daughter's environmental actions on the beach near her home.
Email the podcast with your experience, or to suggest someone who should be in the spotlight - [email protected]
Presenter: Nuala McGovern
Produced by Sarah Crawley, with Carolyn Atkinson
Digital AP: Mahima Abedin
Editor: Emma Pearce
Produced by BBC Audio

What works to help children with SEND to go into school, and what should happen when they don't? Nuala McGovern speaks to Jayne Lowe, an Attendance and Behaviour Advisor to the government. She helped to write its official guidance, and is helping to get new Attendance and Behaviour Hubs off the ground.
We're joined again by actors and SEND parents Kellie Bright and Anna Maxwell Martin, who campaigns on these issues. BBC Education reporter Hazel Shearing has all the facts and figures on attendance and fines.
Plus we put 22 year old Nadia from Nottingham in the spotlight. She has mosaic Down Syndrome, and has made huge progress in getting to college independently.
Email the podcast with your experience, or to suggest someone who should be in the spotlight - [email protected]
Presenter: Nuala McGovern
Produced by Sarah Crawley, with Carolyn Atkinson
Digital AP: Mahima Abedin
Editor: Emma Pearce
Produced by BBC Audio