The SENDcast cover art

The SENDcast

The SENDcast

By: Dale Pickles
Listen for free

About this listen

 The SENDcast is a weekly podcast focusing on Special Educational Needs, it is an amazing way to keep up to date with all the different areas within SEN, best practices and to improve your knowledge around SEND.B Squared Ltd. Parenting & Families Relationships
Episodes
  • The Effectiveness of EHCPs. The EHCP process and the SEND reform with Nana-Kofi Okyere

    The Effectiveness of EHCPs. The EHCP process and the SEND reform with Nana-Kofi Okyere
    Feb 26 2026

    "We have an EHCP, so we have something to work from, but almost every local authority allocates and does things in a different way."

    Nana-Kofi Okyere

    Today Dale welcomes Nana a SEN Expert/Consultant, onto the podcast to discuss 'Navigating EHCPs: Effectiveness and Exploring the SEND Reform'.

    Nana shares his insights and experiences navigating the complexities of EHCPs covering:

    • The current state of the EHCP process
    • Challenges faced by local authorities and schools
    • The importance of early intervention
    • SEND Reform

    View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

    About Nana-Kofi Okyere

    My name is Nana, I have worked in SEN since 2012. I started on the ground as teaching assistant. I did that for 2 years and then did a Masters in Special educational needs. Following this I went to work in the local authority as a SEN Case officer, I worked my way up all the way to Service manager level. I started SEN bytes December 2024.

    Contact Nana-Kofi

    https://senbytes.org/

    https://www.instagram.com/sen_bytes/

    nana@senbytes.org

    https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nana-kofi-okyere-9425b1127_sen-bytes-homepage-activity-7290092907972157443-TZ3w/

    Useful Links
    • B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk
    • Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast
    • Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk
    • Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe
    The SENDcast is powered by B Squared

    We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.The Effectiveness of EHCPs. The EHCP process and the SEND reform with Nana-Kofi Okyere
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 15 mins
  • SEND in Later Education: The Facts, Laws, and Real Stories with Chris Lefcovitch

    SEND in Later Education: The Facts, Laws, and Real Stories with Chris Lefcovitch
    Feb 19 2026
    In this latest episode, Chris Lefcovitch, Head of Additional Learning Support at Milton Keynes College joins Dale. In this insightful discussion, they delve into the complexities surrounding Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and their realities in later education. Post-16 education often exists on the fringes of legislation and can feel like an afterthought. Various laws, statutory guidance, and governing body frameworks come into play when young people reach their mid-teens, significantly impacting their provision, curriculum options, and the longevity of EHCPs. It's crucial for key stakeholders to be aware of this. "These are discussions that are being had post-16 and they're tricky discussions." Chris Lefcovitch Throughout the episode, we explore how education and SEND law evolve towards the end of an EHCP journey. Many parents and carers may not be informed about these changes at the start of their child's educational path because no one wants to deliver what might be perceived as 'bad news.' View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop! About Chris Lefcovitch As an experienced Head of Additional Learning Support, I am passionate about building inclusive education systems that empower young people with special educational needs and disabilities to thrive. My career spans frontline teaching, youth justice education, and PRU tutoring through to senior leadership, SEND reforms consultancy, and national public speaking. This breadth has equipped me with the strategic vision, legislative expertise, and hands-on understanding needed to lead large teams and deliver system-wide improvements. Beyond legislation and leadership, I bring a vast range of SEND-related training and qualifications covering statutory frameworks, safeguarding, equality, autism, and inclusive teaching. This foundation enables me to create and deliver impactful CPD programmes that drive sustainable improvements across teams. A core strength has been building rapport and trusted relationships with learners, families, colleagues, and external stakeholders. I have collaborated with local authorities, feeder schools, and government agencies to align provision, influence reforms, and strengthen multi-agency working. My involvement in local authority strategy groups has provided valuable insight into policy-making and enhanced my ability to shape SEND provision at scale. I am motivated by raising aspirations, preparing young people for adulthood, and ensuring statutory compliance. My leadership combines deep legislative expertise with a people-first approach, enabling colleagues and learners alike to succeed. I continue to contribute to national conversations on SEND policy and practice while working with teams, families, and local authorities to deliver high-quality, person-centred provision. Contact Chris https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lefcovitch-2960262b0/ Useful Links Schools Week- Six changes Labour must make to the SEND code of practice SEN Magazine - EHCPs explained Osted guidance - Education Inspection Framework Children and Families Act The Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014 SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 years B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe The SENDcast is powered by B Squared We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Screens, Meltdowns and Power Struggles with Dr Daniel Weisberg

    Screens, Meltdowns and Power Struggles with Dr Daniel Weisberg
    Feb 12 2026

    I'm excited to share this week's episode, which I've been eagerly anticipating! Like many parents, screen time is a contentious topic in my household.

    Screen time is one of the most common concerns raised by parents, schools and professionals, yet much of the public conversation is polarised, guilt-inducing or overly simplistic. Families are often left feeling blamed, anxious or unsure how to respond when screens become a source of conflict or distress.

    Dr Daniel Weisberg, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, joins Dale in the podcast today to discuss 'Screens, Meltdowns and Power Struggles'. Daniel highlights that we need to move away from fear-based messaging and towards a deeper understanding of why children turn to screens, what function screens serve, and how adults can establish boundaries that support emotional well-being instead of escalating power struggles.

    With the overuse of screens impacting sleep, mood, behaviour, attention, and family relationships, this discussion explores the real dynamics of screen time. It addresses what children are engaging with, why screens can be both regulating and dysregulating, and how emotional, sensory, and developmental factors influence screen use.

    This episode empowers adults to respond to screen-related challenges confidently, without resorting to rigid rules or extremes, and to engage in supportive, realistic, and psychologically informed ways.

    View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

    About Dr Daniel Weisberg

    Dr Daniel Weisberg is a consultant clinical psychologist and the managing director of CAYP Psychology, an award-winning independent clinical psychology service for Children, Adolescents, and Young People.

    Daniel worked for NHS services for over ten years. He has substantial experience of working with children, adolescents and young people experiencing health, social, emotional and psychological difficulties.

    After he qualified as a clinical psychologist, he worked within Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust for Children's Psychological Services. He then moved to Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and worked within the Paediatric Psychosocial Department. Daniel specialised in paediatric neuropsychology, a highly specialised area of clinical psychology that aims to understand how children's brains relate to their learning, behaviour and development. He worked closely with children and families who are living with neurological health conditions, genetic disorders, metabolic diseases and other health conditions.

    Contact Daniel

    www.cayp-psychology.com

    https://www.facebook.com/CAYPpsychology/

    https://www.instagram.com/cayp.psychology/

    https://www.tiktok.com/@cayp.psychology

    daniel@cayp-psychology.com

    Useful Links
    • B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk
    • Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast
    • Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk
    • Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe
    The SENDcast is powered by B Squared

    We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.
    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
All stars
Most relevant
Really enjoying this podcast - some great insights and strategies as a mum with an audhd child.

Really interesting topics

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.