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‪PDA Dad sits down with Natasha Chalk to explore emotional-based school avoidance, masking, and how schools can better support SEND pupils. This episode of the SEND Network podcast was filmed live at the Tes SEND North show in Manchester, where PDA Dad Duncan is joined by experienced educator Natasha Chalk. 

Together, they explore emotionally-based school avoidance (EBSA), what it is, why it happens, and how it’s often misunderstood as “refusal” rather than anxiety-driven avoidance. The conversation highlights the realities faced by families, the challenges for schools, and the importance of early intervention. 

Natasha shares practical insights for SEND professionals, including: How to recognise the subtle signs of EBSA The impact of masking and why it’s often missed in schools Why SEND support must be a whole-school responsibility Simple, actionable steps professionals can take immediately This is an honest and insightful discussion designed to support teachers, SENCOs, and education professionals working with children experiencing anxiety around school attendance.

🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms
📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158480/fan_mail/new">Get in touch</a><a href='https://www.youtube.com/@PDADadUK'>‪</a>PDA Dad sits down with Natasha Chalk to explore emotional-based school avoidance, masking, and how schools can better support SEND pupils. This episode of the SEND Network podcast was filmed live at the Tes SEND North show in Manchester, where PDA Dad Duncan is joined by experienced educator Natasha Chalk. Together, they explore emotionally-based school avoidance (EBSA), what it is, why it happens, and how it’s often misunderstood as “refusal” rather than anxiety-driven avoidance. The conversation highlights the realities faced by families, the challenges for schools, and the importance of early intervention. Natasha shares practical insights for SEND professionals, including: How to recognise the subtle signs of EBSA The impact of masking and why it’s often missed in schools Why SEND support must be a whole-school responsibility Simple, actionable steps professionals can take immediately This is an honest and insightful discussion designed to support teachers, SENCOs, and education professionals working with children experiencing anxiety around school attendance. 🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms 📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network

The SEND Network Podcast is produced by the SEND Network, and provides expert insight  to help practitioners in the special educational needs and disabilities sector to shape their practice

The SEND Network Podcast is produced by the SEND Network, and provides expert insight&nbsp; to help practitioners in the special educational needs and disabilities sector to shape their practice

The SEND Network Podcast

Understanding School Avoidance (EBSA) in SEND

Practical strategies for creating sensory-inclusive classrooms and supporting communication, regulation and independence.

In this episode of the SEND Network Podcast, pda dad is joined by Olly Elm-Robinson, Advanced Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, and Dionne Nmai, Advanced Specialist Occupational Therapist from Seashell Trust.

Together, they explore the growing importance of sensory processing and sensory inclusion within education, discussing how sensory differences can affect communication, behaviour, attention, learning and emotional regulation. Drawing on their experience working with children and young people with complex needs, they explain why understanding the reasons behind behaviour is often the key to providing effective support.

The conversation covers practical adaptations that can be made in both specialist and mainstream settings, including classroom environments, movement breaks, self-advocacy tools, sensory-friendly learning spaces and approaches to school uniforms. Olly and Dionne also share examples of simple strategies that can benefit entire classrooms while still meeting individual needs.

Special thanks to pda dad for producing and editing this episode.

🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms

📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network at send-network.co.uk

Practical strategies for creating sensory-inclusive classrooms and supporting communication, regulation and independence.
In this episode of the SEND Network Podcast, pda dad is joined by Olly Elm-Robinson, Advanced Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, and Dionne Nmai, Advanced Specialist Occupational Therapist from Seashell Trust.
Together, they explore the growing importance of sensory processing and sensory inclusion within education, discussing how sensory differences can affect communication, behaviour, attention, learning and emotional regulation. Drawing on their experience working with children and young people with complex needs, they explain why understanding the reasons behind behaviour is often the key to providing effective support.
The conversation covers practical adaptations that can be made in both specialist and mainstream settings, including classroom environments, movement breaks, self-advocacy tools, sensory-friendly learning spaces and approaches to school uniforms. Olly and Dionne also share examples of simple strategies that can benefit entire classrooms while still meeting individual needs.
Special thanks to pda dad for producing and editing this episode.
🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms
📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network at <a href="https://send-network.co.uk/">send-network.co.uk</a>

Sensory Processing in Schools: Understanding the Needs Behind the Behaviour

In this episode of the SEND Network Podcast, Georgie Green is joined by Amy Husband, Executive Head at Academy21, to explore the challenges facing children and young people in education today.

From early years development and communication skills to emotionally based school non-attendance, trauma-informed practice and successful reintegration, Amy shares practical insights from her experience supporting thousands of learners across a wide range of educational settings.

The conversation explores the importance of relationships, understanding behaviour through curiosity rather than judgement, and how schools, families and professionals can work together to help children reconnect with learning and thrive.

A thoughtful discussion for SEND professionals, educators and school leaders looking to better understand the barriers some children face and the strategies that can help them succeed.

🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms

📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network at send-network.co.uk

In this episode of the SEND Network Podcast, Georgie Green is joined by Amy Husband, Executive Head at Academy21, to explore the challenges facing children and young people in education today.
From early years development and communication skills to emotionally based school non-attendance, trauma-informed practice and successful reintegration, Amy shares practical insights from her experience supporting thousands of learners across a wide range of educational settings.
The conversation explores the importance of relationships, understanding behaviour through curiosity rather than judgement, and how schools, families and professionals can work together to help children reconnect with learning and thrive.
A thoughtful discussion for SEND professionals, educators and school leaders looking to better understand the barriers some children face and the strategies that can help them succeed.
🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms
📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network at <a href="https://send-network.co.uk/">send-network.co.uk</a>

How do we help children feel safe, confident and ready to learn?

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​PDA Dad, Duncan, speaks with Lou Barnes of Unlock Learning on transforming dyslexia support and rebuilding self esteem in children.

Recorded at the Tes SEND Show North as part of Season 10, this episode of the SEND Network Podcast brings together PDA Dad Duncan and Lou Barnes, Founder of Unlock Learning.

Lou shares her journey from classroom teacher to specialist practitioner, driven by a determination to better support children with dyslexia who were losing confidence despite their intelligence and creativity. The conversation explores how difficulties with reading and writing can impact self esteem, mental health and family life, and why traditional approaches do not always work.

At the heart of the episode is Lou’s approach, focused on working with the brain rather than against it. By drawing on neuroplasticity and the power of the subconscious mind, she explains how simple, child led techniques can help rewire the way letters and words are processed, creating lasting change in literacy and confidence.

The discussion also touches on diagnosis, neurodivergence, and the importance of creating safe, supportive learning environments where children can thrive without losing what makes them unique.

A thoughtful and practical episode for educators, SENCOs and parents looking for new ways to support children with dyslexia and build lasting confidence.

🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms

📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network at send-network.co.uk

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2158480/fan_mail/new">Get in touch</a>
​PDA Dad, Duncan, speaks with Lou Barnes of Unlock Learning on transforming dyslexia support and rebuilding self esteem in children. Recorded at the Tes SEND Show North as part of Season 10, this episode of the SEND Network Podcast brings together PDA Dad Duncan and Lou Barnes, Founder of Unlock Learning. Lou shares her journey from classroom teacher to specialist practitioner, driven by a determination to better support children with dyslexia who were losing confidence despite their intelligence and creativity. The conversation explores how difficulties with reading and writing can impact self esteem, mental health and family life, and why traditional approaches do not always work. At the heart of the episode is Lou&rsquo;s approach, focused on working with the brain rather than against it. By drawing on neuroplasticity and the power of the subconscious mind, she explains how simple, child led techniques can help rewire the way letters and words are processed, creating lasting change in literacy and confidence. The discussion also touches on diagnosis, neurodivergence, and the importance of creating safe, supportive learning environments where children can thrive without losing what makes them unique. A thoughtful and practical episode for educators, SENCOs and parents looking for new ways to support children with dyslexia and build lasting confidence.
🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms
📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network at <a href="https://send-network.co.uk/">send-network.co.uk</a>

Understanding School Avoidance (EBSA) in SEND

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