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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

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In this episode, Georgie Green is joined by Kate Freeman, Consultant at Speech & Language Link. Together they explore the growing importance of early identification, the role of everyday interaction in developing communication, and how schools and early years settings can better support children with speech, language and communication needs. From oracy and screening to screen time and school readiness, this is a practical and thought-provoking conversation for SEND professionals.

🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms

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

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Why teaching pupils how to learn may matter more than teaching more content:

In this episode, Dr Tej Samani explores how SEND professionals can move beyond content-heavy interventions and towards strengthening core learning skills.

We discuss:
• Personalising assessment at scale
• Capturing and responding to pupil voice
• Reducing overwhelm and anxiety in the classroom
• Social media, attention and self-regulation
• Building independent, self-driven learners

A practical and forward-looking discussion for practitioners seeking sustainable approaches in an increasingly complex education landscape

🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms
📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network at send-network.co.uk