SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant — Episode Featuring Dan Tresman (Light Years Education)

In this episode of SEND in the Experts, leading SEND podcast, host and former SENDCo and author Georgina Durrant welcomes Dan Tresman, Founder and CEO of Light Years Education Ltd and former Founding Headteacher of the Ofsted Outstanding Light Years School. With extensive leadership experience across specialist, residential, and mainstream settings, Dan offers a rare, honest, and deeply practical insight into what’s really happening across the SEND landscape today.

This episode is essential listening for anyone working in or alongside SEND provision, whether in mainstream or specialist environments and covers what mainstream schiools can learn from specialist settings and vice versa.

Why Listen to This Episode?

you'll get:

A clear understanding of the current challenges in SEND

Dan breaks down the pressures facing specialist schools, from the rising complexity of need to delays with assessments, and explains how these issues connect to the wider national picture.

Practical strategies for collaboration

The episode explores how specialist and mainstream schools can work together more effectively, with real examples of successful partnerships and the impact they’ve had on pupils and staff.

A future-focused perspective

Listeners hear thoughtful reflections on how specialist and mainstream provision might evolve, and what needs to change at policy and leadership levels to ensure every child receives the support they deserve. Reflecting on the current Dfe online conversations being had ahead of the Schools White Paper and SEND reforms.

Actionable advice for school leaders

From strengthening SEND provision to building inclusive cultures, Dan offers clear, grounded guidance for leaders who want to improve but aren’t sure where to begin.

What This Episode Covers

• Dan’s career journey and what drives his passion for SEND
• The creation and rapid success of Light Years School
• The biggest challenges facing specialist settings today
• How specialist and mainstream schools can share expertise
• Real examples of effective collaboration
• Barriers to partnership—and how to overcome them
• What mainstream teachers can learn from specialist approaches
• A shared vision for a more inclusive future

Who Will Benefit Most?

• SENDCOs and aspiring SENDCOs
• Mainstream teachers and senior leaders
• Specialist school staff
• Educational psychologists and therapists
• Parents and carers
• Anyone passionate about improving SEND provision

Twinkl inclusion hub: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/inclusion-teaching-resources

Symbols resources: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/apps/twinkl-symbols

SEND podcast, SEND support, specialist schools, mainstream inclusion, autism education, SEMH, SENCO advice, Light Years Education, Ofsted Outstanding special school, inclusive teaching strategies, EHCP challenges, collaboration between mainstream and specialist schools, SEND leadership, neurodiversity in education, SEND reforms, SEND online conversations, Dfe, Schools White Paper.