Podcast: PANS and PANDAS in the classroom
We’re excited to share that our Education Lead, Tina, was recently invited to guest star on the Access All Areas of SEND podcast.
Tina spoke to Tina Emery, OBE,to raise awareness of PANS and PANDAS and to explore why understanding these conditions is so important within education settings.
“Families often face an incredibly difficult and uncertain time in the early stages of PANS or PANDAS, managing sudden changes while also supporting the professionals around them to understand how these conditions may present. This episode provides a clear and accessible introduction that can help strengthen that understanding.”
– Tina Coope, Our Education Lead
What’s covered in the episode?
During the conversation, the two Tinas discuss:
- What PANS and PANDAS are, and how they can cause sudden, significant changes in behaviour, learning, attendance, and both physical and mental health
- Why early recognition in education matters, and how schools can play a crucial role in spotting signs and offering support
- National workstreams aiming to improve understanding across sectors, including:
- Local Authority guidance currently in development (expected 2026)
- National Clinical Guidelines, being developed in conjunction with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), anticipated for publication in 2026
“These developments represent major steps toward consistent national understanding; something families, children, and young people have needed for a long time.”
– Tina Coope, Our Education Lead
Why should I listen to this podcast?
Many teachers, SENCOs, educational psychologists, school nurses and safeguarding leads still haven’t been introduced to PANS or PANDAS. Yet, increased awareness can make a crucial difference to how children and young people are understood and supported.
Families who are just beginning to explore PANS or PANDAS may also find this episode a helpful resource to share with their child or young person’s school.
Where can I hear this podcast?
Listen to the Access All Areas of SEND podcast here, or via your favourite podcast provider:
