Shows
The SENDcastHow Can Schools Support Parents of SEN Children More Effectively with Sarah BillinghamSENCOs, school leaders & class teachers are currently spending large amounts of time supporting or responding to the concerns of parents of SEN children. However, much of this support is reactive and can feel like constant firefighting. A strategic approach to parental support is needed. Sarah Billingham, a specialist teacher with over 18 years of experience, returns to the studio to discuss ‘How can schools support parents of SEN children more effectively’. Sarah highlights the importance of effective communication between schools and parents. Here are some key takeaways from their conversation: Clear and timely communication: Helps prev...2025-06-191h 08
Woman's HourIndecent exposure, Natalie Dormer, World fertility, Author Jessica StanleyThe kidnap, murder and rape of Sarah Everard was deemed a moment of reckoning in 2021. The Angiolini Inquiry, which investigated this case, found that Wayne Couzens was reported eight times for indecent exposure. The report also found that the offence "may indicate a potential trajectory towards even more serious sexual and violent offending". A new report by The Telegraph has investigated cases of indecent exposure since Sarah Everard's murder and found that police are catching and prosecuting fewer offenders, despite a big increase in the number of offences reported. The paper's Home Affairs Editor, Charles Hymas, joins Nuala McGovern...2025-06-1057 min
Crime Time FMGWYL CRIME CYMRU FESTIVAL 2025 Episode 3Gwyl Crime Cymru Festival - Episode 3 recorded at the Ceredigion Museum and Aberystwyth Library featuring interviews with authors and excerpts of live panels. Featuring: Interviews - Sarah Bax Horton, Mari Hannah & Sarah Todd Taylor and a brief panel excerpt featruing Jacky Collins with Mari Hannah & Clare Mackintosh. Interview Mari Hannah Gwyl Crime Cymru Festival Wales' only international crime writing festival, Aberystwyth 25th-27th April, 2025. Guests include Mark Billingham, Elly Griffiths, Mari Hannah, Chris Lloyd, Clare Mackintosh, Zoe Sharp, Graham Bartlett, Vaseem Khan, Abir Mukherjee, Alis Hawkins, Nicola Wi...2025-05-131h 10
Crime Time FMGWYL CRIME CYMRU FESTIVAL 2025 PREVIEW SHOWGwyl Crime Cymru Festival Wales' only international crime writing festival returns to Aberystwyth 25th-27th April, 2025. Guests include Mark Billingham, Elly Griffiths, Mari Hannah, Chris Lloyd, Clare Mackintosh, Zoe Sharp, Graham Bartlett, Vaseem Khan, Abir Mukherjee, Alis Hawkins, Nicola Williams, Louise Mumford, Phil Rowlands. Ayo Onatade, Dr. Noir, Matt Johnson, Gwen Parrott and many more.Paul Burke chats to festival organiser Gail Williams, treasurer Sarah Ward and chair Philip Gwynne Jones about the event. Aberystwyth - lovely seaside location, friendly local reception, beautiful venues, and nearby tourist/countryside attractions.2025-03-2521 min
Raising Confident Kids with SENEp 14: What is Normal Anyway?In today’s episode, Sarah Billingham is joined by Lauren Fenton and Rina Teslica, the hosts of the podcast F**king Normal. In this episode, Lauren and Rina share their journey of navigating the challenges of parenting a child with special educational needs (SEN) while balancing self-compassion and guilt. They explore the importance of seeking outside support, managing the mental load, and the role of self-care. Tune in for an honest, heartfelt, and sometimes humorous conversation about the realities of raising children with SEN.Here are the Highlights:04:34 Parenting and caring for special needs children....2024-07-2343 minRaising Confident Kids with SENEp 13: Avoiding the Summer Holiday MeltdownIn this week's episode, we’re covering a topic on many parents' minds as the summer approaches: how to avoid the summer holiday meltdown. We'll be sharing essential tips on planning a holiday that prioritises comfort, sleep, nutrition, and physical activity to support your child's well-being, especially for parents of children with special educational needs. From pre-planning decompression tools and familiarising your child with the holiday experience to ensuring continuity in routines and providing choices for activities, we’ve got you covered. So, whether you’re gearing up for a beach trip or planning local adventures, stay tuned f...2024-07-0929 minRaising Confident Kids with SENEp 12: Prioritising Self-Care When You Have Neurodivergent ChildrenThis is a heartfelt and empowering conversation between our host, Sarah Billingham, and special guest, Jo Long. Get ready to delve into the importance of setting boundaries, prioritising self-care, and navigating the unique challenges and joys of parenting children with special educational needs. You'll hear Jo's personal journey, insights on embracing autism, and practical advice for finding support and balance. Tune in as they explore how to raise confident, happy kids while taking care of yourself along the way.Here are the Highlights:06:52 Our society is not set up for autistic people.2024-06-2541 minRaising Confident Kids with SENEp 11: Helping Your SEN Child Transition at School with ConfidenceToday, Sarah is exploring a topic that's both exciting and daunting for many parents, transitioning to a new school or class. As we approach the end of the academic year, schools and nurseries are gearing up for transition visits, and both parents and children have a whirlwind of feelings to navigate. In this episode, Sarah explores practical strategies to help your child feel ready and confident during this period of change. She’ll discuss the importance of connection and predictability, and how these key elements can significantly smooth the transition process. She’ll also share some valuable tools...2024-06-1123 minRaising Confident Kids with SENEp 10: The Power of Signing to Connect with Children with Speech and Hearing ChallengesWelcome to another enlightening episode of Raising Confident Kids with SEN. Your host Sarah interviews Suzanne Meill-Ingram, an inspiring mother who has channelled her personal experiences into creating impactful resources and programmes for children with special educational needs. Throughout this episode, you'll hear Suzanne's heartfelt journey of how signing has transformed how she communicates with her daughter, Ella, who has CHARGE syndrome and hearing impairment. Tune in, and you'll learn about the profound impact of Makaton signing, get tips on how you can incorporate signing into your own routine. Get ready to explore the empowering world of s...2024-05-2845 min
Do Your Thing with Tamsin Williamson (The Parenthood Coach)Episode 20: Making YOUR Right Decisions with Sarah BillinghamHave you found it harder to tune into YOUR right decisions since becoming a parent? I definitely experienced a huge amount of tiring indecision when I became a Mum, and at times found it almost impossible at times to reconcile certain choices for myself and my life - in case I made the wrong one! And this is something that my podcast guest this week, Sarah Billingham, found really challenging to navigate when she became a parent, which she talks about in detail in this highly relatable episode. Sarah is a M...2024-05-1441 minRaising Confident Kids with SENEp 09: How to Navigate Your Child's First EHCP Annual ReviewIn this episode of Raising Confident Kids with SEN, Sarah delves into the crucial topic of preparing for the annual review of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Whether you're approaching your child's first review or looking to better understand this essential process, host Sarah Billingham is here to guide you through every step. This episode addresses key concerns and provides insights to help you navigate the review with confidence, ensuring the continued support your child needs and deserves. Join Sarah as she unpacks the intricacies of EHCP annual reviews and shares practical advice on how to prepare...2024-05-1426 minRaising Confident Kids with SENEp 08: The Five Pillars of ADHD Support Every Parent Should KnowIn this episode, Sarah had an enlightening conversation with Dr. Amy Moore about the vital world of sleep, nutrition, and emotional regulation for children with ADHD. Dr. Moore highlighted the transformative power of a calming bedtime routine, the need to address chronic stress, and the impact of a healthy diet on our kids' brains. They also unravelled the complexity of ADHD beyond attention deficiency and shared practical tips for building strong connections and skills. Remember, whether you're navigating assessment wait times or supporting your child's unique journey, we're here to help. Listen to the episode to learn D...2024-04-3043 minRaising Confident Kids with SENEp 07: I Think My Child has SEN - What Now?Sarah discusses what to do if your child's school or nursery has raised developmental concerns. She empathises with the emotional impact of such feedback and offers reassurance, drawing from her own experiences and those of her clients. She shares insights on navigating the challenges of seeking support, emphasising the importance of having the right strategy, finding the right time to implement it, and seeking support from professionals or experienced individuals. Additionally, she debunks the "watch and wait" myth and encourages persistence in seeking support. Sarah also highlights the power of parental intuition and the impact of proactive, little and...2024-04-1626 minRaising Confident Kids with SENEp 06: Figuring out Family Life and ADHD with Emma CosseySarah Billingham chats with Emma Cossey, a Freelance Coach, about her personal journey of recognising ADHD traits in her son and her adult ADHD diagnosis. Emma shares the impact it had on their family life, as well as practical changes she made to create a more ADHD-friendly home environment. Their discussion also touches on the challenges and benefits of freelancing for neurodivergent individuals, and Emma shares details about her inclusive freelance community and podcast, offering valuable resources for those navigating similar experiences. Tune in for an enlightening and empowering conversation on raising children with ADHD an...2024-04-0226 minRaising Confident Kids with SENEp 05: Post Pick-Up Slump: Supporting Your Child After SchoolSarah tackles the outpouring of emotions that many children with special educational needs experience after a long school day. Think of it as the big release after keeping emotions bottled up—this is the time they need us most.Sarah chats about the power of discussing feelings and shares a tool, My Mood Stars, that helped her daughter communicate her anxiety. Expect tips on how to balance decompression time and connection for our kids after school. Learn the signs of a "hangry" child and the importance of refuelling right after school, managing schedules, and choosing the...2024-03-2631 minRaising Confident Kids with SENEp 04: Embracing Co-Regulation for SEN Kids with Amanda CliffordToday Sarah and her guest Amanda Clifford are exploring the foundational concept of co-regulation and its vital importance in raising confident and resilient kids.Amanda Clifford is an experienced neonatal and paediatric occupational therapist. Tune in as they unpack the deeper aspects of how co-regulation supports your child's emotional development. They also discuss sensory regulation and share how parents play a crucial role in helping their children find their "just right" place in challenging situations. Amanda is a mother to four, including twins, she also shares her insights on managing the stress of parenting and keeping the...2024-03-1940 minRaising Confident Kids with SENEp 01: The Raising Confident Kids with SEN Podcast is Here!Welcome to the first episode of Raising Confident Kids with SEN, where we explore the complexities of parenting children with special educational needs. Your host Sarah Billingham shares her motivation for creating this podcast. From her experience of working closely with children with special needs, she realised the lack of support available to parents navigating this challenging journey. With personal anecdotes and insights from her career, she delves into the importance of building a community for parents and the struggles they often face in accessing the right support for their children. Join us as we embark on...2024-03-1215 minRaising Confident Kids with SENEp 02: Navigating the Special Education Journey with Richard WoodsToday we're welcoming Richard Woods to the show. Richard's journey through dyslexia to entrepreneurial success provides an insightful backdrop about the potential within neurodiversity. Your host Sarah discusses with Richard how he and his wife navigated special educational needs with their daughter Poppy. From recognising developmental delays to embracing the positive change a special school has made in her life.They also discuss the challenges and eventual successes of applying for an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), the importance of community support, and how to find the right school fit for children with SEN.2024-03-1241 minRaising Confident Kids with SENEp 03: How to Choose the Right School for Your Child with SENYour host Sarah Billingham explores the important topic of choosing a school for a child with special educational needs. She dives into the decision-making process, considerations when visiting schools, and the significance of prioritising a child's individual needs. Sarah shares valuable insights and practical tools to assist parents in making this crucial decision. The episode also addresses the question of mainstream versus special schools and when it may be appropriate to consider a special school placement. Tune in as Sarah provides valuable advice and guidance for parents navigating the school selection process for their children with special...2024-03-1224 min
Another ChapterS2. Chapter 4 - Bookish chatsAnother chatty episode is in store for Chapter Four of Season Two. Claire and Rebecca chat about recent book post, their current reads and setting up a Cork book club!Books mentioned in this episode: Spot Says Goodnight by Eric Hill Look Out! Hungry Lion by Paul Delaney Look Out! Hungry Snake by Paul Delaney A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers & Sam Winston Poppy and Sam’s Noisy Train by Sam Taplin The Peppa Pig Official Annual 2023 The Island Home by Libby Page The Second Child by Caroline Bond Th...2024-03-0541 minRaising Confident Kids with SENThe Raising Confident Kids with SEN Podcast - Coming Soon!Welcome to Raising Confident Kids with SEN, the podcast for parents of 3-8 year olds, who want to understand how their child ticks, help to ease frustration, and experience a calmer day today. Join us on this insightful journey where we delve into practical tips and tools for navigating the challenges of parenting a child with Special Educational Needs (SEN).Your host Sarah Billingham is a Speech and Language Specialist Teacher with a focus on emotional regulation. With two decades of experience working with children with SEN and their families, she equips parents and practitioners w...2024-02-2602 min
Die Hard On A BlankUNDER SIEGE 2: DARK TERRITORYIt’s Die Hard on a train! Casey Ryback is back and this time he’s…well…um…I…um…hey look, forget about all that, because the good news is that Eric Bogosian is in this movie! This week Phil and Liam hitch a ride on a hijacked death train as they scrutinize Under Siege 2: Dark Territory, director Geoff Murphy’s 1995 sequel to the original Seagal action classic!While travelling from Denver to LA via train with his estranged niece Sarah (Katherine Heigl), ex-Navy SEAL Casey Ryback (Seagal) finds himself in the middle of a terrorist takeo...2024-02-1458 min
Step into the Blue: The Aarsleff PodcastInspirational Stories with reBUILD GloballyJulia Colombino-Billingham is founder and CEO of Rebuild Globally and Sarah Sandsted is their Director of International Programming. In this episode, Julia and Sarah take us through their inspirational journey, uncovering the real story behind their tremendous charity, Rebuild Globally.2023-09-0534 min
Die Hard On A BlankSTRIKING DISTANCE with Sean Fennessey!It’s Die Hard in a serial killer thriller!Or is it Die Hard in a murder mystery? Or Die Hard in a family drama? Or Die Hard in the great American play?! To make sense of all this, Phil and Liam are joined by special guest Sean Fennessey, the host of The Big Picture and a regular guest on The Rewatchables. The plot of Striking Distance speaks to its surprising level of complexity. After he testifies against his own partner for use of excessive force, Pittsburgh homicide detective Thomas Hardy (Bruce Willis) is exiled from the tight-knit police department and...2023-08-161h 21
Twinkl Talks: EYFSEpisode 32: SigningSpeech and Language advisor Sarah Billingham is back, this time to talk about alternative forms of communication such as using sign languages and systems to support children in the early years and why it works so well for everyone.Confident Kids WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn2023-05-2241 minThe SENDcastShould Everyone Learn To Sign? Moving Away From An Interpreter Model with Sarah Billingham Needing to use sign language can be very isolating for a child and they are often excluded from natural conversation. The use of signing (both BSL and Makaton) has increased in popularity, but are we using this tool to its maximum effect for children with language and communication needs? Sarah Billingham joins Dale in this episode ‘Should everyone learn to sign?’ and highlights that a great deal of time and emphasis is spent teaching modern foreign languages, but how much time is spent teaching children how to communicate with peers that have communication needs...2023-01-1252 min
Twinkl Talks: EYFSEpisode 22: Behaviour Talks with Sarah BillinghamHAPPY NEW YEAR!Shána kick-starts 2023 with a chat about the link between behaviour and communication, with Speech and Language advisor Sarah Billingham. Confident Kids WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn2023-01-0252 minThe SENDcastUsing Visuals to Support Transition with Sarah Billingham Whenever there’s a big change on the horizon, whether it’s moving from nursery to primary school, primary to secondary school or even new clubs, it can cause anxiety. Children with SEND, particularly those with communication needs, can find transition very difficult. Children benefit hugely from predictability. Preparing children for transition helps them to understand what is happening next for them, what to expect and who will be there to help them. Visual resources are a practical and powerful way to support transition. In this week’s episode, Sarah Billingham joins Dale to discuss ‘Using Visuals...2022-11-101h 02
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview – Derbyshire Author – Sarah WardEpisode 75 – Guest Interview – Derbyshire Author – Sarah WardIn this episode, Pete and Laura chat with Derbyshire author Sarah Ward.Sarah is the author of four contemporary crime novels set in the Derbyshire Peak District. The Daily Mail described her debut novel, In Bitter Chill, as a ‘Tense, well-told story of loss and family secrets’. Sarah’s published her Gothic thriller, The Quickening, using her middle name, Rhiannon Ward, and was a Radio Times book of 2020. She published The Shadowing in September 2021, which was a Daily Express book of the year...2022-10-2838 minWoman's HourGentle parenting, Truss and leadership, Indicator offencesWhat is a gentle parent? Does it really mean never saying ‘no’ to your child? And how did #gentleparenting attract more than 2.6 billion views on TikTok? Emma Barnett talks to TikTok content creator Kelly Medina Enos and psychologist Dr Penelope Leach about the rising popularity of this parenting approach.Only yesterday the Prime Minister Liz Truss said her government would be sticking to the measures announced in the mini budget ten days ago. But this morning the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng, has reversed the tax cut proposal that has led to volatility in the value of s...2022-10-0357 minThe SENDcastChoosing a School with Sarah Billingham School applications are fast approaching so here’s a podcast to help parents and carers choose the right school for their child. Choosing schools can be an overwhelming and emotional time for parents/carers and they might not be sure what to look for or how to compare the pros and cons of different settings. Sometimes the general information shared at open mornings / on school tours does not feel personalised enough to help them to understand if the school might be able to support their child’s additional needs. Sarah...2022-09-151h 13
Brainy MomsWhat Parents Need to Know about Speech and Language Development with guest Sarah BillinghamDid you know that as parents, we are the best partner to support early language skills in our children? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview speech and language specialist teacher, Sarah Billingham of Confident Kids. Sarah shares how parents are the most “tuned in” to the speech and language skills of young children and how we are uniquely suited to help them develop those skills. She shares specific tips for communicating in ways that optimize their speech and language development, which milestones to be aware of, what red flags to look for, and some fantas...2022-08-3056 minThe SENDcastHelping Children to Listen with Sarah Billingham Listening is a fundamental skill to be able to develop language and to access learning in the classroom. There are a number of foundation skills which build a child’s ability to listen in the classroom. We spend a lot of time expecting or telling children to listen, but do they actually know what ‘listening’ is? Sarah Billingham joins Dale in this week’s episode to discuss helping children to listen. This podcast is one that everyone can relate to whether it’s children not listening to parents or partners not listening to each other. We d...2022-07-071h 14
BookyliciousEpisode 13 - “I am no bird, and no net ensnares me” Jane EyreIn this episode we have an interview with Patricia Bracewell author of the Emma of Normandy historical fiction series ‘Shadow on the Crown’; ‘The Price of Blood’ and ‘The Steel Beneath the Silk’. We discuss all things Anglo-Saxon, Viking and strong women in history! This leads Paul and Gwyn on to a chat about string female leads in fiction. We also briefly mention the BBC’s Big Jubilee Read which is an interesting list of 70 books that are representative of each decade since 1952 from across the UK and the Commonwealth. Oh and not forgetting you may wish to check out the magnif...2022-05-181h 25
Social Wave ProjectWhy Didn't We Listen Before the Titanic? - Jake BillinghamA ship waits for no one; what's the reason behind this statement?
In today's special episode of the Social Wave Project (and part of Titanic: Titan of the Sea), I will be discussing a theory video with Titanic & Britannic historian, Jake Billingham. In the video, Jake and I discuss how the rules and laws of the sea brought tragic consequences during the Titanic disaster, and why man has been bullying the environment without realising it.
Leave us in the comments on what you think about our theory. We would love for you guys to share yo...2022-04-081h 07
Bringin' it BackwardsInterview with Sarah ProctorWe had the pleasure of interviewing Sarah Proctor over Zoom video! UK singer-songwriter, Sarah Proctor, releases her brand-new single entitled “Not For Me” along with the music video. The song, which is inspired by true moments in Sarah’s life, is about unrequited love and self-discovery. The track is a universally relatable, powerful ballad, and a continuation of Sarah’s signature mellow style with passionate vocals and heartfelt lyrics over a soft production. “Not For Me” is available now at all digital retail providers via Foundation/Geffen Records.Sarah says, “I wrote ‘Not For Me’ for everyone who has lo...2021-10-2334 min
The ResearchWorks PodcastEpisode 25 (Dr Melissa Licari)IMPACT FOR DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder) Names of Investigators:Dr Melissa Licari, Dr Jacqueline Williams, Dr Gail Alvares, Charmain Bernie, Wesley Billingham, Dr Paola Chivers, Dr Matthew Cooper, Georgina Earl, A/Prof Jenny Downs, Brian Elbers, Samantha Elbers, Prof Catherine Elliott, Dr Kiah Evans, Dr Tamika Heiden, Dr Leanne Lester, A/Prof Fleur McIntyre, Dr Sarah McIntyre, Prof Jan Piek, Sarah Pillar, Dr Siobhan Reid, Dr Jess Reynolds, Prof Alicia Spittle, Dr Renee Teal, Dr Ashleigh Thornton, Prof Andrew WhitehouseWhat is Impact for DCD?Impact for...2021-08-2949 min