Creating an Inclusive Mainstream School - Georgina Durrant in conversation with James Searjeant

SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant

Guest: James Searjeant – Headteacher, Inclusion Advocate & Member of the Twinkl Inclusion Advisory Board

In this episode of SEND in the Experts, Georgina Durrant is joined by James Searjeant, an experienced primary school leader known for his calm, reflective approach and his deep commitment to inclusive practice. With a career spanning early years and primary settings, James champions the belief that every child deserves to feel safe, supported and able to succeed. As headteacher of Wyborne School, he leads with the principle that behaviour is communication, and he works closely with staff, families and professionals to build a school culture rooted in wellbeing, consistency and belonging.

James also contributes to national conversations on inclusion through his work with the Twinkl Inclusion Advisory Board, bringing both practical insight and thoughtful challenge to the wider system.

🎙️ In this episode — why you’ll want to listen

• You’ll get a clear, grounded picture of what inclusion actually looks like in a mainstream primary school — not theory, but the day‑to‑day reality.
• If you’re navigating the SEND reforms or the Schools White Paper, James offers a balanced view of what feels promising and what may be harder to deliver on the ground.
• For anyone passionate about early identification and early intervention, James shares what effective support looks like at Wyborne and what needs to shift nationally for consistency.
• If you’ve ever felt the tension between data pressures and doing what’s right for children, James talks openly about how he keeps his school anchored in values.
• You’ll hear how he builds professional trust and agency, creating a staff culture where judgement is valued and adaptation is encouraged.
• And if belonging matters to you — for pupils, families or staff — James offers a compelling look at how Wyborne nurtures a genuine sense of community.
• Finally, James shares the one thing he wishes policymakers truly understood about making inclusion sustainable in mainstream schools.

 Why this conversation stands out

This episode is packed with practical insight, honest reflection and a refreshing clarity about what inclusive education can look like when it’s done with intention. Whether you’re a teacher, SENDCO, school leader or parent, you’ll come away with ideas, reassurance and a renewed sense of what’s possible.