SEND in the Spotlight
Claim This Podcastby BBC Sounds
Podcast Overview
<p>Woman’s Hour presenter Nuala McGovern delves into a key aspect of special educational needs and disabilities - or SEND - each week, and brings together families, young people, teachers, experts, and decision-makers. Featuring high-profile parents including Anna Maxwell Martin and Kellie Bright, expect straight talk, sharp insight, and practical advice. </p><p></p><p>Share your story with us: <a href="mailto:send@bbc.co.uk">send@bbc.co.uk</a></p><p></p><p>SEND in the Spotlight is a Woman’s Hour podcast. Episodes are published on Mondays on BBC Sounds. If you enjoy listening, why not try the Woman’s Hour Guide to Life which Nuala McGovern also presents.</p><p></p><p>Note: In Scotland the system is called ASN, Additional Support Needs; In Wales it's ALN, Additional Learning Needs; In Northern Ireland it is known as the SEN register, that is the Special Educational Needs Register.</p>
Language
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Publishing Since
12/1/2025
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Recent Episodes
March 9, 2026
Specialist schools, John Harris
<p>Specialist schools are to be reserved for those with the most complex needs, as the government pushes for more inclusive mainstream schools that will cater to pupils with SEND. They say they want to ensure fair admissions and better value for money, including potential fee limits for independent specialist schools. But those proposed changes are causing concern among some parents who worry their child will be left behind.</p><p>BBC Education reporter Vanessa Clarke gives us the background, and Nuala speaks to two parents who say their children have thrived in specialist schools.</p><p>John Harris is a Guardian journalist, campaigner and author of a memoir about his son James, autism, music and the SEND system called Maybe I'm Amazed.</p><p>Chamika is a lawyer and mum to a 10 year old daughter who quadriplegic, has cerebral palsy, is non-verbal and a wheelchair user.</p><p>Nic Crossley runs the Liberty Academy Trust of specialist autism schools. She is neurodivergent and has a child with SEND. She gives Nuala her response to the reforms.</p><p>And in the spotlight this week is 17 year old Maddie from Kent who recently gained her Level 1 British Sign Language qualification.</p><p>Presenter: Nuala McGovern Produced by Sarah Crawley, with Carolyn Atkinson Digital producer: Mahima Abedin Editor: Karen Dalziel</p><p>Produced by BBC Audio</p>
March 2, 2026
Health - spotlight on the 'H' in EHCP, Carrie Grant
<p>An in depth look at the 'H' in EHCPs. That is the health part of Education Health and Care Plans, as they stand now.</p><p>We hear from mum Becci, about what her day looks like before she even gets her child out of the front door, and what happens to meet his medical needs in school.</p><p>We have news about a new parliamentary session which will be looking into exactly this, and we will be talking about a separate inquiry by MPs into the mental health of children and young people.</p><p>SEND parent and broadcaster Carrie Grant joins us, along with education reporter Kate McGough, and Jen Craft, Labour MP and member of the Health Select Committee.</p><p>In the spotlight this week is 5 year old Sanchéz, whose love of trains led to an exciting opportunity with Transport for London.</p><p>Please note, this episode was recorded before the Schools White Paper and SEND reforms in England were published.</p><p>To contact the programme email send@bbc.co.uk</p><p>Presenter: Nuala McGovern Produced by Sarah Crawley, with Carolyn Atkinson Digital producer: Olivia Bolton Editor: Karen Dalziel</p><p>Produced by BBC Audio</p>
February 24, 2026
SEND reforms | A Woman's Hour & SEND in the Spotlight special
<p>SEND in the Spotlight in collaboration with Woman's Hour brings you a special episode on the impact of the government's SEND reforms in England.</p><p>Whether you’re a parent, a young person, a teacher or someone who works in the wider system we find out what the changes mean for you - and help you decode the new language - whether it's IB, ISP, Targeted, Targeted Plus, or SPP.</p><p>Nuala McGovern speaks to parents, teachers, charities, the School Standards Minister and the Children’s Commissioner for England. We also hear from podcast regulars Anna Maxwell Martin and Kellie Bright.</p><p>Contributors: Georgia Gould MP, Schools Standards Minister Marsha Martin, founder of Black SEN Mamas Katie Ghose, CEO of Kids charity and Vice Chair of the Disabled Children's Partnership Margaret Mulholland, Association of School and College Leaders Kate McGough, BBC Education reporter Eleanor Wright, solicitor at SOS!SEN Ramandeep Kaur, SEND parent Carrie Grant, SEND parent and broadcaster Katie Nellist, SEND ambassador Louise Gittins, chair of the Local Government Association Dame Rachel de Souza, Children's Commissioner for England</p><p>Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sarah Crawley, with Carolyn Atkinson Digital producer: Olivia Bolton Editor: Karen Dalziel</p>
14 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is SEND in the Spotlight?
<p>Woman’s Hour presenter Nuala McGovern delves into a key aspect of special educational needs and disabilities - or SEND - each week, and brings together families, young people, teachers, experts, and decision-makers. Featuring high-profile parents including Anna Maxwell Martin and Kellie Bright, expect straight talk, sharp insight, and practical advice. </p><p></p><p>Share your story with us: <a href="mailto:send@bbc.co.uk">send@bbc.co.uk</a></p><p></p><p>SEND in the Spotlight is a Woman’s Hour podcast. Episodes are published on Mondays on BBC Sounds. If you enjoy listening, why not try the Woman’s Hour Guide to Life which Nuala McGovern also presents.</p><p></p><p>Note: In Scotland the system is called ASN, Additional Support Needs; In Wales it's ALN, Additional Learning Needs; In Northern Ireland it is known as the SEN register, that is the Special Educational Needs Register.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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