Teachers Talk Radio

This week, the TES reported that the government has spent almost £5.8 billion clearing 90% of historic SEND deficits across 129 councils. Yet, despite this enormous financial intervention, the warning signs remain. Forecasts suggest that deficits could climb to £5.7 billion by 2027–28, with serious questions being raised about where the long-term funding will come from. But behind the billions, budgets and political promises are real children, families and school staff.

What does this financial crisis mean for inclusion, early intervention, EHCPs and the everyday reality of supporting pupils with additional needs? Will the proposed SEND reforms genuinely improve provision, or simply shift the financial pressure elsewhere? Is the reality that the support our young people need cannot be provided by a system that simply doesn't have the money?

Join Tony Harwood and Carl Smith on the panel.

We talk the end of half-term with some very direct contributions. Mental health at its forefront as ever.

In this show, Darren considers schools as liminal spaces and explores some of the famous Japanese ghost stories set inside them.

'Socialist Students' is calling on pupils and students to walk out of lessons on 20 November, campaigning on war, education funding and their futures. Its campaign pack explains how to organise a walkout and advises those worried about being stopped from leaving to avoid going into school altogether.
 
Are young people exercising their political voice, or is a political organisation overstepping the mark? Should schools support, accommodate or challenge pupil protests? And would we take the same view if the campaign came from the opposite end of the political spectrum?
 
Join Points of View as we debate pupil voice, political activism, missed learning, and schools' responsibilities.

With the government’s teacher retention programme delayed until autumn 2027, Points of View asks whether flexible working could help keep teachers in the classroom and how realistic it is in practice.

From part-time roles and job shares to PPA at home and flexible start times, what could schools offer? Can flexibility benefit staff without compromising pupils’ learning or increasing colleagues’ workloads? And is the biggest obstacle funding, timetabling or school culture?

Join us for a live debate on what flexibility in teaching could and should look like.

On the Panel: Tony Harwood, Emma Gallagher and Ollie Bayliss.