BBPCF Podcasts -
Real Life, Real Stories
The Let’s Talk SEND podcast has been created for parent carers and families across Bedford Borough. Each episode features honest conversations with local professionals, services, and parent carers, sharing experiences, advice, and practical guidance to help you navigate the SEND journey.
Whether you're at the beginning of your journey or supporting a young person with complex needs, our aim is to help families feel informed, supported, and reassured that you are not alone.
Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in these podcasts belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum (BBPCF). The content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or educational advice.
FEATURED EPISODE
Latest Episode
Episode 8: Jordan Clover - Head of Community and Specialist Nursing
-
Duration: 39 minutes
-
Published: 24th February 2026
-
Hosted by: Kerri Rennie, Chair, BBPCF
-
Guest: Jordan Clover - Head of Community and Specialist Nursing
Summary:
In this episode, Kerri chats with Jordan about special educational needs and disabilities, the realities of navigating the school system, and Jordan’s advice and encouragement for families of children with medically complex needs who may be feeling isolated.
Podcasts
Explore our episodes below and hear powerful stories, practical advice, and lived experiences from across our community.
Episode 1: An Introduction to Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum and Let’s Talk SEND!
-
Duration: ~42 min
-
Published: 30 June 2025
-
Hosted by: BBPCF Operational Team - Kerri, Val, Sophie and Lee
Summary:
In the inaugural episode of Let’s Talk SEND!, listeners meet the BBPCF team and learn about the purpose, aspirations, and values behind the podcast. The hosts share their goals for supporting the SEND community in Bedford Borough by providing open conversation, targeted information, and collaboration across local services.
Episode 2: Listening to Parents, Supporting Children: A Conversation with Bedford Borough’s Chris Morris, Chief Education Officer
-
Duration: 48 minutes
-
Published: 22 September 2025
-
Hosted by: Chris Morris, Local Authority
Summary:
In this episode of Let’s Talk SEND, Kerri speaks with Chris, Chief Education Officer at Bedford Borough, about how the local authority is working to improve services and opportunities for children and young people with SEND. Chris explains his responsibilities across school improvement, early years, and transport, and shares how initiatives like the Inclusive Play Project and the Umbrella Project are helping to make Bedford more accessible and inclusive
Episode 3: A Conversation with Nicola Ready, Head of SEND
-
Duration: 32 minutes
-
Published: 6th October 2025
-
Hosted by: Nicola Ready, Local Authority
Summary:
In this episode of Let's Talk SEND we talk with Nicola Ready, Head of SEND, Bedford Borough, about her journey and experiences within SEND. She shares insights into supporting children and families, the challenges faced, and the importance of collaboration between schools, services, and parents.
-
Episode 4: A Conversation with Augustina Williams - Head of Service, Bedfordshire and Luton Community Paediatrics Service
-
Duration: 42 minutes
-
Published: 17th November 2025
-
Hosted by: Augustina Williams, Head of Service
Summary:
In this episode, we sit down with Augustina for a brilliant conversation about putting humanity back into services, the motivations behind her work, local developments in health services, and plenty more.
Episode 5: A Conversation with Simon Harwin – Director of Children’s Community Health Services
-
Duration: 42 minutes
-
Published: 9th December 2025
-
Hosted by: Simon Harwin – Director of Children’s Community Health Services
Summary:
In this episode we have a chat with Simon about his role, working collaboratively, waiting lists and how to work within a system that often seems overwhelmed.
Episode 6: Hawaa Empower – Removing Barriers with Shapna and Nisbar
-
Duration: 36 minutes
-
Published: 23rd December 2025
-
Hosted by: Shapna and Nisbar
Summary:
In this episode, we talk with Shapna and Nisbar about working together across different communities to encourage inclusion and break down barriers.
Episode 7: Tim Long - Head of School Support Services
-
Duration: 41 minutes
-
Published: 21st January 2026
-
Hosted by: Tim Long, Head of School Support Services
Summary:
In this episode Tim speaks with Kerri about working with parents and schools, the importance of communication, the current strengths and challenges within the SEND system, and the growing adversarial and legal pressures facing SEND.