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SEND in the experts with Georgina Durrant (Special Educational Needs Podcast)Author: Georgina Durrant
This podcast hosted by Georgina Durrant is all about teaching and supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We aim to share the amazing things that our guests are doing to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEND).*This Podcast is proudly brought to you by the SEND team at Twinkl. Please bear in mind, the views and opinions expressed are those of individuals, and may not represent those of Twinkl. Language: en-us Genres: Education, Education for Kids, Kids & Family Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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What can mainstream schools learn from special schools (and vice versa) Georgina Durrant in conversation with Dan Tresman
Friday, 9 January, 2026
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 SENDDan 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 collaborationThe 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 perspectiveListeners 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 leadersFrom 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 CoversDan’s career journey and what drives his passion for SENDThe creation and rapid success of Light Years SchoolThe biggest challenges facing specialist settings todayHow specialist and mainstream schools can share expertiseReal examples of effective collaborationBarriers to partnership—and how to overcome themWhat mainstream teachers can learn from specialist approachesA shared vision for a more inclusive future Who Will Benefit Most?SENDCOs and aspiring SENDCOsMainstream teachers and senior leadersSpecialist school staffEducational psychologists and therapistsParents and carersAnyone passionate about improving SEND provisionTwinkl inclusion hub: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/inclusion-teaching-resourcesSymbols resources: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/apps/twinkl-symbolsInclusive schools network sign up form from Dan: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=XIqdQkF82kSqaTLDifFGBe2ltw1d7CxIh9m0fCwTpaxUOEwyUlhOS1RUUEtIQktLOFIwRFY2MUFQRS4u&route=shorturlSEND 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.
