SEND in the Spotlight podcast artwork
Kids & Family

SEND in the Spotlight

by BBC Sounds

Where it charts

Today’s combined position on our country charts.

Ranking history

History builds daily. We started tracking this show on the Kids & Family chart recently, so the trend line appears after a second day of data.

About the show

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.

Latest episodes

  • Specialist schools, John Harris

    March 9, 2026 · 38 min

    Specialist schools are to be reserved for those with the most complex needs, as the government pushes for more inclusive mainstream schools that will cater to pupils with SEND. They say they want to ensure fair admissions and better value…

  • Health - spotlight on the 'H' in EHCP, Carrie Grant

    March 2, 2026 · 36 min

    An in depth look at the 'H' in EHCPs. That is the health part of Education Health and Care Plans, as they stand now. We hear from mum Becci, about what her day looks like before she even gets her child out of the front door, and what…

  • SEND reforms | A Woman's Hour & SEND in the Spotlight special

    February 24, 2026 · 58 min

    SEND in the Spotlight in collaboration with Woman's Hour brings you a special episode on the impact of the government's SEND reforms in England. Whether you’re a parent, a young person, a teacher or someone who works in the wider system we…

  • Leaks of SEND reforms BONUS EPISODE

    February 19, 2026 · 22 min

    Today's leaks about upcoming SEND reforms in England in the Times newspaper have made headlines. Full details will be laid out in a white paper next week, which we will cover in depth in a future episode. In this bonus episode we discuss…

  • Supporting cast - TAs, SLTs, Ed Psychs, Kellie Bright

    February 16, 2026 · 41 min

    We put the spotlight on the crucial cast of professionals who work alongside teachers to support children and young people with SEND. Nuala McGovern hears from listener Helen, who shares what it's really like being on the frontline as a…

  • Transport, Kellie Bright, Amanda Hopgood

    February 9, 2026 · 38 min

    The cost of home to school transport of children with SEND is predicted to reach nearly 2 billion pounds this year, according to Local Government Association figures. This represents approximately a 200% increase on the amount spent a…

  • Your questions answered, Carrie and David Grant

    February 2, 2026 · 34 min

    Listeners take the starring role this week as we get answers to your queries from a group of people with a wealth of experience and expertise. They don't give out legal advice but they aim to help you determine your rights and what you are…

  • Attendance and fines with Jayne Lowe, Anna Maxwell Martin, Kellie Bright

    January 26, 2026 · 33 min

    What works to help children with SEND to go into school, and what should happen when they don't? Nuala McGovern speaks to Jayne Lowe, an Attendance and Behaviour Advisor to the government. She helped to write its official guidance, and is…