SEND in the Spotlight Podcast
Real stories, bold ideas: Reimagining support for special educational needs
Woman’s Hour presenter Nuala McGovern delves into a key aspect of special educational needs and disabilities - or SEND - each week, and brings together families, young people, teachers, experts, and decision-makers. Featuring high-profile parents including Anna Maxwell Martin and Kellie Bright, expect straight talk, sharp insight, and practical advice.
Share your story with us: send@bbc.co.uk
SEND in the Spotlight is a Woman’s Hour podcast. Episodes are published on Mondays on BBC Sounds. If you enjoy listening, why not try the Woman’s Hour Guide to Life which Nuala McGovern also presents.
Note: In Scotland the system is called ASN, Additional Support Needs; In Wales it's ALN, Additional Learning Needs; In Northern Ireland it is known as the SEN register, that is the Special Educational Needs Register.
Episodes to download
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Specialist schools, John Harris
Mon 9 Mar 2026
Where do the SEND reforms in England leave specialist schools?
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Health - spotlight on the 'H' in EHCP, Carrie Grant
Mon 2 Mar 2026
How children's health needs are met in school, and impact their education
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SEND reforms | A Woman's Hour & SEND in the Spotlight special
Tue 24 Feb 2026
We hear from a range of voices on the impact of the government's SEND reforms in England.
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Leaks of SEND reforms BONUS EPISODE
Thu 19 Feb 2026
Reaction to leaks suggesting major changes to SEND support
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Supporting cast - TAs, SLTs, Ed Psychs, Kellie Bright
Mon 16 Feb 2026
We hear from some of the unsung heroes in the SEND system
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Transport, Kellie Bright, Amanda Hopgood
Mon 9 Feb 2026
Why is the transport bill for children with SEND increasing?
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Your questions answered, Carrie and David Grant
Mon 2 Feb 2026
We put your SEND queries to an expert panel.
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Attendance and fines with Jayne Lowe, Anna Maxwell Martin, Kellie Bright
Mon 26 Jan 2026
How can children with SEND be supported to go to school every day?
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Local authorities, Carrie and David Grant
Mon 19 Jan 2026
We look at the role local authorities play in the SEND system.
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Mainstream inclusion with Tom Rees, Kellie Bright and Marsha Martin
Mon 12 Jan 2026
Teaching SEND pupils in mainstream schools. What's working and what isn't?
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Christmas tips from the Autism Dads and Katie Ghose
Mon 22 Dec 2025
The joys and challenges of the festive season for a child with SEND
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EHCPs - an expert guide, Anna Maxwell Martin
Mon 15 Dec 2025
Everything you need to know about getting an EHCP for your child
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Schools Minister, Anna Maxwell Martin, Kellie Bright
Mon 8 Dec 2025
School Standards Minister Georgia Gould starts a national conversation on SEND.
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Introducing... Send in the Spotlight
Mon 1 Dec 2025
Real stories, bold ideas: Reimagining support for special educational needs
