The SENDcast
Wellbeing, Culture and Inclusion with Cathal Lynch
Published: 21 May 2026 at 05:00 Europe/London
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Episode notes
Wellbeing, culture, and inclusion are more than buzzwords - but too many schools tick the boxes without making the real change that matters.
In this episode, Dale is joined by Cathal Lynch, Director of Wellbeing Quality Mark, to discuss 'Wellbeing, Culture and Inclusion'.
"The anxious brain is not a learning brain. The more we can reduce anxiety, the better learning and behaviour outcomes will be." — Cathal Lynch
Together, they explore:
Why school culture always exists - whether leaders shape it intentionally or not. How to build genuine belonging by actively listening to the views of pupils, parents, and staff. The role of executive function in behaviour, transitions, and learning - and what schools can do about it. Why structure, routine, and consistency are not about control, but about reducing anxiety and cognitive load. How to codify practice so that good work survives leadership changes and scales across a whole school.
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About Cathal Lynch
Education leader, coach and author of Building Belonging
Cathal has extensive leadership experience in mainstream and special education, including as a National Director of SEND and a MAT co-founder. He is an Associate Education Expert for the Key, a coach, assessor and facilitator on the NPQEL and author of Building Belonging, a systematic approach to school improvement and emotional wellbeing.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-lynch-2b076a7a/
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