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The SENDcast

The SENDcast

By: Dale Pickles
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 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
  • 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.
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    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
  • Therapeutic Effect of Birds of Prey with Angela Norwood

    Therapeutic Effect of Birds of Prey with Angela Norwood
    Feb 5 2026

    Have you ever listened to a podcast featuring a guest owl? Today, you're in for a treat - twoo! Angela Norwood, Managing Director of Berkshire Birds of Prey, joins Dale in the studio, accompanied by Pumba, a vocal Tawny Owl.

    Angela discusses her remarkable journey from working as a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant specialising in autism and behaviour to founding Berkshire Birds of Prey. She explains how these majestic birds help children and young people calm and regulate their emotions, making a significant impact on their mental health.

    Highlights include:

    • The calming effects of birds of prey on children with SEND
    • Personal stories of transformation and healing
    • Insights into body language and emotional regulation through interactions with birds
    • The importance of protecting wildlife and understanding their role in our ecosystem

    Angela's innovative approach to mental well-being through interactions with birds of prey is both fascinating and inspiring.

    View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!

    About Angela Norwood

    Angela Norwood, affectionately known as the "Bird Lady," is the founder of Berkshire Birds of Prey, a venture she started in 2017, which has become a cherished part of the community. In 2023, Angela expanded her impact by establishing a Community Interest Company (CIC), dedicated to providing educational experiences that connect people with nature.

    With a long history in education, Angela has served as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), specialising in supporting children with autism and behavioural challenges - those who often struggle to fit into traditional educational settings. Her passion for nurturing and guiding these children seamlessly translates into her work with birds of prey, where she combines her love for wildlife with her commitment to education and inclusion.

    Through Berkshire Birds of Prey, Angela promotes awareness of these magnificent birds while also facilitating therapeutic and educational programs that empower individuals, inspire curiosity, and foster a deeper connection to the natural world.

    Contact Angela

    https://www.berkshirebirdsofprey.co.uk

    https://www.facebook.com/berkshirebirdsofprey

    info@berkshirebidsofprey.co.uk

    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
    52 mins
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Really enjoying this podcast - some great insights and strategies as a mum with an audhd child.

Really interesting topics

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