The SENDcast cover art

The SENDcast

The SENDcast

By: Dale Pickles
Listen for free

Summary

 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
  • *Special Episode* - Who Will Be SEND? Questions, Not Answers on the Reform Ahead with Dale Pickles

    *Special Episode* - Who Will Be SEND? Questions, Not Answers on the Reform Ahead with Dale Pickles
    May 5 2026
    Who Will Be SEND? Questions, Not Answers on the Reform Ahead Dale Pickles, Managing Director, B Squared England's SEND system is on the cusp of its most significant reform in a generation - but one crucial question is going largely unanswered: who will actually be SEND under the new framework? Dale has written another thought-provoking paper - and again he's recorded it too, so you can take it in without having to work through 34 pages of reading. He unpacks the quiet but profound shift hidden within the proposed move from four areas of need to five areas of development. The SEND register has long been used as a catch-all for children who need help - not all of whom have genuine special educational needs. The reform is set to separate those two groups, with major implications for children, families, schools, and SENCOs. This paper explores the four distinct populations affected by the changes, what the removal of Cognition and Learning as a category really means, why mental health is being repositioned as a universal concern, and how the familiar SEND vs non-SEND data comparison is about to become meaningless. Crucially, Dale argues that this reform is not about removing support - it's about making sure the right support reaches the right children, honestly described. Essential reading for SENCOs, school leaders, and anyone who cares about what happens to the children the system has always struggled to see. He is always open to conversations, so feel free to get in contact with your thoughts. Here are the timings for the different sections: Start - 00:00 Introduction - 01:37 Section 01 - 05:28 Section 02 - 09:35 Section 03 - 16:48 Section 04 - 27:09 Section 05 - 47:57 Section 06 - 01:02:53 Section 07 - 01:09:21 Section 08 - 01:21:58 Section 09 - 01:34:18 Section 10 - 01:40:49 Closing - 01:47:02 Useful links... Who will be SEND? document - https://bsquared.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Question-Who-will-be-SEND.pdf Fixing a Broken System document - https://bsquared.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Fixing-a-Broken-System-1.pdf Listen to Fixing a Broken System - https://thesendcast.com/special-episode-fixing-a-broken-system/ SENDcast Session FREE Briefing on the White paper and SEND Reforms - https://thesendcast.com/product/whats-in-the-schools-white-paper-for-send/ 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/subscribeFixing a Broken System document - https://bsquared.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Fixing-a-Broken-System-1.pdfSENDcast Session FREE Briefing on the White paper and SEND Reforms - https://thesendcast.com/product/whats-in-the-schools-white-paper-for-send/ 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 53 mins
  • Barriers to Mental Healthcare for Autistic People with Dr Joanna Grace

    Barriers to Mental Healthcare for Autistic People with Dr Joanna Grace
    Apr 30 2026

    Did you know that a third of autistic people experience serious mental health challenges? This striking statistic is highlighted by Dr Joanna Grace in her latest podcast 'Barriers to Mental Healthcare for Autistic People'.

    "Autistic people have been actively removed from research about mental health."

    Dr Joanna Grace

    A sensory engagement and inclusion specialist, Joanna emphasises that while there is substantial research on mental health, we often don't know if it applies to autistic individuals. During the podcast, they discuss:

    • The prevalence of inaccurate mental health diagnoses among autistic adults.
    • The impact the differences in interoception has on diagnosis.
    • Practical strategies to support mental health within the autistic community.

    Mental health has significant consequences for the quality and length of life. By understanding the risks and barriers, we can empower ourselves and others to take proactive steps in addressing these challenges.

    Please note this podcast covers sensitive topics, including suicide, and carries a trigger warning.

    View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

    About Dr Joanna Grace

    Joanna Grace is a sensory engagement and inclusion specialist, doctoral researcher, author, trainer, TEDx speaker and Founder of The Sensory Projects.

    Joanna has worked with people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent conditions aged from 0-100 (well 1 day old – 87 years old to be precise) in a range of settings and context.

    Through all she does Joanna is seeking to contribute to a future where people are understood in spite of their differences.

    Contact Dr Joanna

    www.TheSensoryProjects.co.uk

    www.Facebook.com/JoannaGraceTSP

    https://x.com/Jo3Grace

    sensorystory@gmail.com

    https://www.youtube.com/@TheSensoryProjects

    • 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 11 mins
  • *Special episode* The Autism and ADHD Shows 2026

    *Special episode* The Autism and ADHD Shows 2026
    Apr 28 2026

    Geoff and Nargis join Dale in the studio for this special episode to discuss the Autism & ADHD Shows (June–July) in London, Birmingham, and, for the first time, Liverpool (moved from Manchester).

    They share how the event evolved from the Autism Show, launched in 2011 after their son's autism diagnosis, to its current format that also includes ADHD - driven by the rise in co-occurring diagnoses.

    They also describe what attendees can expect: a welcoming, supportive community hub offering over 100 CPD-accredited learning hours, practical strategies, workshops, one-to-one clinics, and the chance to connect with exhibitors and services.

    About the Autism and ADHD Shows

    It's the national event dedicated to autism and ADHD. Attend to access a huge amount of trusted information and advice to help support an autistic or ADHD person in a home, education or workplace setting.

    The CPD accredited programme has been designed to enable attendees to pick and choose the learning which is most relevant, whether it relates specifically to autism, ADHD or when both conditions co-occur. Interwoven between the many theatres, one to one clinics, and practical workshops, you'll also find an essential selection of specialist products and services. Discover what's on at each location:

    The Autism and ADHD Show LONDON

    19 – 20 June

    The Autism and ADHD Show BIRMINGHAM

    26 – 27 June

    The Autism and ADHD Show LIVERPOOL

    3 – 4 July

    • 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
    33 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.