Autism, ADHD, and the burgeoning crisis in funding for schools. Are too many pupils being diagnosed with Special Needs?

Some sources used in this episode:

The Age of Diagnosis by Suzanne O'Sullivan (Review here: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/mar/12/the-age-of-diagnosis-by-suzanne-osullivan-review-do-no-harm)

The Lost Girls of Autism by Gina Rippon (Here is an article by her in the New Scientist https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26635372-400-a-revolutionary-new-understanding-of-autism-in-girls/)

Why is There a Crisis in Special Educational Needs? The Briefing Room BBC Radio 4: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0028v06

The Discontinuous Mind. Does it Ever Get it Right? By Richard Dawkins: https://substack.com/home/post/p-159676728

What is more important in the teacher’s toolbox? Knowing how to teach or knowing what to teach?

In which we look at Sutton Trust data on private tuition, Cold Call - is it a good technique to use in lessons, and should schools show Adolescence to their pupils?

Martin & David discuss the differences between 'group work' (a set of pedagogical strategies) and 'working in groups' to see whether 'never doing group work' is a tenable position for a headteacher to take.

John Tomsett, Jane Manzone, Al McConville and David Medway reflect on the year in state secondary schools, an inner London primary school and an independent boarding school. Different experiences emerge but so do stories of human resilience.

John Tomsett also talks about his book on Angling.

============================TIMESTAMPS=========================

0:00 Intro (no sound sorry!)

0:01:01 John Tomsett about Covid

0:13:25 Reflect

0:21:04 David Medway interview

0:25:51 Reflect

0:29:10 Jane Manzone

0:39:08 Reflect

0:42:02 Al McConville interview on Covid

0:50:48 Reflect

0:52:01 John Tomsett's fishing book - our Christmas treat!

0:59:14 Reflect & price draw

Including interviews with Sam Freedman and Toby Young, discussing exams, free speech for teachers to express their own views as well as the need for a range of perspectives to be presented to pupils. Also Martin and David discuss whether Inset days are a good thing. Including some items for discussion, this episode raises a lot of questions, join the chat below and keep a lookout for the full length interviews by subscribing.

We discuss Eton - free speech for pupils and teachers, Mantle of the Expert, Oracy, and Debating, with the Baroness of Buckley, Claire Fox, Tim Taylor, Mary Myatt and the John Catt book of the week author - Sarah Davies

What do parents want for their child's education, do they worry about curriculum and pedagogy? Ed Dorrell and Jonathan Simons have been finding out for their organisation 'Public First'. James Pembroke gives us his thoughts about Primary Schools and data including how to measure progress. Carl Gombrich talks about the soon to been launched new university - London Interdisciplinary School and argues for the need for students to have more breadth in their studies.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 intro from Stonehenge

0:03:39 Ed Dorrel and Jonathan Simons about 'Public First and What Do Parents Want?' (full interview here: https://youtu.be/SKmH3G_OvO0

0:21:09 James Pembroke - Primary Schools and data (full interview: https://youtu.be/IS33pfgL2vA

0:42:50 Carl Gombrich about London Interdisciplinary School (full interview here: https://youtu.be/5RnjUFrdtfs

0:58:21 David and Martin closing thoughts