Keywords

education, SEND, inclusion, teacher burnout, mental health, school leadership, education reform, SEND crisis, education crisis, teacher wellbeing, child mental health, safeguarding, policy, school improvement, inclusive practice

Summary

In this episode of Make it Make SENDs, I sit down with Lorraine Petersen OBE — former CEO of nasen, headteacher, and one of the most respected voices in SEND and inclusive education.

We explore the current state of education and ask the big question: are we facing a SEND crisis… or an education system that isn’t built to support everyone?

Lorraine shares her journey through education, offering deep insight into the pressures schools are facing today — from rising SEND demand and stretched resources to teacher burnout and the growing mental health needs of both staff and students.

This conversation goes beyond the headlines, unpacking what’s really happening in schools right now, and more importantly, what needs to change. Lorraine speaks with clarity and honesty about how we can build a system that is more inclusive, humane, and sustainable — for both young people and the adults supporting them.

If you’re a teacher, leader, SENDCO or parent trying to navigate the complexity of modern education, this episode will leave you thinking differently about what’s possible.

Key Takeaways

• “We don’t just have a SEND crisis — we have a system that isn’t designed for everyone.”
• “You cannot separate inclusion from the wellbeing of teachers.”
• “If we want better outcomes for children, we must first support the adults in the system.”

Support the Show

Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.

👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com

to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.
👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com
to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

Keywords

education, leadership, school culture, discipline, inclusion, Welsh education, head teacher, student engagement, academic rigor, mentorship

Summary

In this conversation, Alun Ebenezer shares his journey in education, discussing the importance of creating a positive school culture, maintaining high standards, and the challenges faced in the Welsh education system. He emphasizes the need for discipline, mentorship, and community engagement while addressing the balance between inclusion and academic rigor. Alun also reflects on his aspirations for systemic change in education and the importance of resilience in students.

"Discipline and high standards are crucial."
"Attendance is a collective responsibility."
"Inclusivity must be balanced with discipline."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Early Life
03:13 Teaching Journey and Leadership Development
05:57 The Importance of School Culture
09:12 Establishing Fulham Boys School
12:03 Addressing Societal Issues and Role Models
14:54 Discipline and Standards in Education
17:58 Challenges in the Welsh Education System
21:06 Strategies for Improvement in Education
25:24 Transforming School Culture
27:27 Improving Attendance Strategies
30:27 Inclusivity and Exclusion in Education
32:53 Meaningful Inclusion and Equity
34:55 Addressing Repeat Offenders
36:56 Challenging Labels in Education
38:50 Future Aspirations in Education
40:53 The Need for Systemic Change
42:34 Lessons in Leadership
44:48 Advice for Head Teachers

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.
👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com
to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

Music, Inclusion, and Empowerment with Kate Campbell Green

Join us in this insightful episode as Kate Campbell Green shares her journey through music education, inclusion, and advocacy. We explore how music can be a powerful tool for social change, personal growth, and transforming educational spaces. Discover practical strategies to make music truly inclusive and inspiring at all levels.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Kate Campbell Green's journey
02:23 - Setting the tone: Covid, new year, and purpose of the Make It Make Sense podcast
03:03 - Why understanding my autistic daughter enhances my work in education
04:00 - The broad role of music services in schools and misconceptions
05:38 - How music education addresses disengagement and fosters belonging
06:36 - The significance of authentic venues like Stoller Hall and Band on the Wall
09:02 - Early musical influences and pathways from DJing to education
10:33 - Growing up autistic and ADHD: challenges and the role of music as sanctuary
13:13 - The power of creative process and improvisation in music learning
16:04 - Deep dive into inclusive music education: frameworks and mental models
18:19 - The four Rs of inclusion: rapport, resilience, representation, reflection
22:21 - The culture of music departments as safe spaces
23:02 - Is education truly inclusive? Challenges and personal reflections
25:26 - Insights from Dr. Shelley Moore on inclusive practices worldwide
28:41 - The pitfalls of segregation versus genuine inclusion
31:23 - The physiological and neurological impact of music on neurodiverse learners
33:45 - How improvisation and creative frameworks foster belonging
36:43 - Building trust and relationships in disengaged learners
38:07 - The emotional weight and reward of nurturing young people through music
43:21 - The impact of engagement in real-world performance venues
48:39 - How Tameside Music Service creates opportunities for all young people
55:18 - The significance of spaces like Stoller Hall for young performers
62:37 - The role of PGCEI and professional development in advancing inclusive practice
66:35 - Practical tips for teachers: mindset, respect, and embracing complexity
68:37 - The leaky pipeline: strategies to support long-term musical journeys
75:44 - Envisioning the future: joined-up pathways and careers in music
76:54 - The need for holistic, continuous music learning from cradle to career
79:55 - Why creativity and improvisation are skills machines can't replicate
80:48 - Reflection: the people behind music education give us hope
81:16 - If policy makers listened: Just give us the money & trust educators
82:23 - Balancing life and work: personal anecdotes from Kate
86:31 - What's next: new projects, stewardship, and supporting local music ecosystems

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.
👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com
to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.
👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com
to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.