Latest news with #SEN
7NEWS
6 hours ago
- Business
- 7NEWS
Media mogul Craig Hutchison dumps RSN presenters Michael Felgate and Daniel Harford as takeover begins
Media mogul Craig Hutchison is ringing in the changes for his newly acquired asset, RSN, revealing in a live radio slot that the network's long-serving presenters Daniel Harford and Michael Felgate will be dumped. The news was actually announced on Wednesday but Hutchison, the chief executive of SEN, told RSN listeners about the changes on Thursday when he was appearing on Felgate's Racing Pulse show. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Craig Hutchison confirms changes to RSN. 'I've got to start with the elephant in the room,' Felgate said in his interview with Hutchison. 'An announcement yesterday came out that there will be programming changes. Breakfast with Harf and this show Racing Pulse will no longer exist under the new regime. 'Just talk us through, what's the reasoning (behind that)?' Felgate asked. Earlier this month (on July 8), Victoria Racing announced that the Sports Entertainment Network had purchased the Racing & Sport Network (RSN) as part of a 'new strategic partnership'. In the deal worth around $3.25 million, SEN will now become the sole audio broadcaster of racing in Victoria across all three codes (thoroughbred, harness and greyhound). Hutchison said on Thursday that decision to drop former Hawthorn star Daniel Harford and Felgate was 'nothing personal'. 'They're both magnificent shows, so no disrespect at all to the quality of the programming and to the identities involved, you in particular Michael (Felgate) and also Daniel, who have been incredible servants to RSN,' Hutchison told listeners. 'There's nothing personal about (cancelling) either of those programs (Breakfast with Harf or Racing Pulse) … we need to invest, over time, into the racing product, it's a racing station. 'It's a different audience to the one that we have developed over on SEN Track, very different audience, very different experience, they don't really resemble each other after midday. 'I know that won't be everyone's cup of tea on day one. The default position from many will be to have empathy for those programs and I respect that hugely. 'It's not about the quality of the shows. We're going to be investing in racing … we want to invest in content.' Hutchison confirmed that some SEN shows would now simulcast on RSN, including the popular Fireball where AFL experts Kane Cornes and David King thrash out footy's hot topics on a Monday and a Friday. The SEN Breakfast show with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson will also be heard on RSN from Tuesday to Thursday. And Giddy Up host Gareth Hall — who was on RSN — will now be back on those airwaves. Hutchison also said he would 'love' to keep working with Felgate and Harford in some capacity and hinted that Felgate had some 'bigger and broader' opportunities in racing that he was considering. 'This network is 100 years old, it's got an incredible history in Melbourne, it's been a part of the beat of the city for a long time,' Hutchison said. 'It served racing especially well, I think Saturdays are just an unbelievable part of the Melbourne way of life here at RSN. 'There's also a regional network that is tremendous in its distribution, frequencies and signals. Those towns are an opportunity to invest in, to put resources in and to put people in and be a deeper part of country racing in Victoria. 'We intend to invest in those areas and we want to be a regional business as much as a metro business. 'We will do more racing in breakfast and in the mornings. Long term, even earlier presents a lot of opportunity. 'You've got a lot of industry up at 5-5.30 in the morning who are at track work or who are on the road or who are travelling around the state, so edging even earlier into the morning in the state is a long term, and potentially short term, opportunity. 'The legacy of this place is a huge responsibility ongoing, and our job is to preserve it, protect it and enhance it. So we will absolutely be investing in the racing coverage. 'We're going to be in racing long term. My word: we're in racing for the long haul.'
West Australian
6 hours ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Australian coach Andrew McDonald says Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja every chance to open in Ashes
Australian coach Andrew McDonald says there's every chance Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja will walk to the crease on the opening day of the Ashes in Perth despite the pair's horror tour of the West Indies. Konstas made just 50 runs across six knocks at a meagre average of 8.33, while after opening the series with 47, Khawaja managed just 117 runs at 19.50, an average of one run less than No.10 Nathan Lyon, who also batted in the top order as a nightwatchman. Konstas' return was so poor the 19-year-old New South Wales batter recorded the lowest average by an Aussie opener in a Test tour of the West Indies since 1984. However, in the opening combinations' defence, Travis Head was the only player to average anywhere near 40, 37.33, as the series' venues produced plenty of seam and variable bounce. McDonald said the West Indies results did not put a black mark on Konstas, instead insisting it was a learning experience and he was as good a shot as any to face England. 'Nobody is damaged being exposed to Test cricket,' he told SEN. 'What it does is give you a taste of what that level is like. All the things that come with being a Test cricketer. The exposure across the series is going to create great opportunities for him to go away and reflect. 'This period of time for any player is a, 'Decompress, do you own reflections', then we get together and plan the winter for him and get him where he needs to be for Shield cricket. 'There's no doubt he's got something to work on, like all our players. I'm not going to expose what they are because that's a declaration to the opposition. 'He is clear on what they are and is working on them. He is a highly talented player, and over time, we will see the real Sam Konstas.' McDonald added how the youngsters responded to those learnings across the remainder of the winter and into the beginning of the Sheffield Shield season would determine whether he earned the nod to face England. 'It leaves him (Konstas) where everyone else is in terms of Shield cricket,' McDonald added. 'We won't shy away from the fact that it will be big for certain individuals to get some scores on the board and for us to look at what we need against England. 'That's a nuanced conversation. Sometimes you feel you get it right, other times you make changes mid-series, but we're open to all options. We see him as a player we will be using going forward, it's just a matter of when.' 'Right now (Konstas) is juggling his aggressive nature, his technique and the way he wants to go about playing. When you see a player in work at the nets and you gather information, we believe he has got more layers than just being that ultra-aggressive disruptor at the top of the order. 'We feel he has a big future ahead. He's had a small setback here in difficult conditions, so did the rest of the top order. 'It was a difficult time for Sam; he will take away of some information that will accelerate his growth going forward. It's been a massive positive.' When asked about Khawaja's immediate future, McDonald said the 38-year-old's, who turns 39 in December, experience would be invaluable for the Ashes. 'We see him playing a part during the summer,' he said. 'His ability to navigate through tricky situations [is great]. It feels like I'm having the same conversation we had about David Warner. The way he is moving, the method he applies, he's very repeatable, and we know what we're getting there, and it will match up well against England. 'Then it's about the output of runs. Those runs weren't here; it was difficult. He got 47 in the first Test, and that was critiqued, but in the context of that match, it was a sizeable score. 'Then the third Test moved way too fast and at times didn't even look like cricket.' Khawaja showed his class in the previous away tour to Sri Lanka, crashing a career-high 232 in Galle.
Perth Now
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
McDonald says every chance Konstas, Khawaja open in Ashes
Australian coach Andrew McDonald says there's every chance Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja will walk to the crease on the opening day of the Ashes in Perth despite the pair's horror tour of the West Indies. Konstas made just 50 runs across six knocks at a meagre average of 8.33, while after opening the series with 47, Khawaja managed just 117 runs at 19.50, an average of one run less than No.10 Nathan Lyon, who also batted in the top order as a nightwatchman. Konstas' return was so poor the 19-year-old New South Wales batter recorded the lowest average by an Aussie opener in a Test tour of the West Indies since 1984. However, in the opening combinations' defence, Travis Head was the only player to average anywhere near 40, 37.33, as the series' venues produced plenty of seam and variable bounce. McDonald said the West Indies results did not put a black mark on Konstas, instead insisting it was a learning experience and he was as good a shot as any to face England. 'Nobody is damaged being exposed to Test cricket,' he told SEN. 'What it does is give you a taste of what that level is like. All the things that come with being a Test cricketer. The exposure across the series is going to create great opportunities for him to go away and reflect. 'This period of time for any player is a, 'Decompress, do you own reflections', then we get together and plan the winter for him and get him where he needs to be for Shield cricket. 'There's no doubt he's got something to work on, like all our players. I'm not going to expose what they are because that's a declaration to the opposition. 'He is clear on what they are and is working on them. He is a highly talented player, and over time, we will see the real Sam Konstas.' McDonald added how the youngsters responded to those learnings across the remainder of the winter and into the beginning of the Sheffield Shield season would determine whether he earned the nod to face England. 'It leaves him (Konstas) where everyone else is in terms of Shield cricket,' McDonald added. 'We won't shy away from the fact that it will be big for certain individuals to get some scores on the board and for us to look at what we need against England. 'That's a nuanced conversation. Sometimes you feel you get it right, other times you make changes mid-series, but we're open to all options. We see him as a player we will be using going forward, it's just a matter of when.' 'Right now (Konstas) is juggling his aggressive nature, his technique and the way he wants to go about playing. When you see a player in work at the nets and you gather information, we believe he has got more layers than just being that ultra-aggressive disruptor at the top of the order. 'We feel he has a big future ahead. He's had a small setback here in difficult conditions, so did the rest of the top order. Usman Khawaja in action in Sri Lanka. Credit: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images 'It was a difficult time for Sam; he will take away of some information that will accelerate his growth going forward. It's been a massive positive.' When asked about Khawaja's immediate future, McDonald said the 38-year-old's, who turns 39 in December, experience would be invaluable for the Ashes. 'We see him playing a part during the summer,' he said. 'His ability to navigate through tricky situations [is great]. It feels like I'm having the same conversation we had about David Warner. The way he is moving, the method he applies, he's very repeatable, and we know what we're getting there, and it will match up well against England. 'Then it's about the output of runs. Those runs weren't here; it was difficult. He got 47 in the first Test, and that was critiqued, but in the context of that match, it was a sizeable score. 'Then the third Test moved way too fast and at times didn't even look like cricket.' Khawaja showed his class in the previous away tour to Sri Lanka, crashing a career-high 232 in Galle.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'My child won't be able to go to school if they take away her vital EHCP'
Parents and children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) met with MPs today to share their views of how cuts to EHCPs could hugely disrupt their schooling Fifty MPs from across parties received an enlightening education in parliament today (Tuesday) from an impressive group of children and young people about life in a SEND family. Amid fears of cuts to education, health and welfare plans (EHCPs) in the upcoming government white paper due in the autumn, politicians were invited to hear first-hand from children what life with special educational needs and disabilities is really like. Katie Nellist, 18, of Oxfordshire, who has autism, told The Mirror: 'I want MPs to see us as humans, they see us as paperwork, not humans. But we are real people and we deserve to be educated and live good lives. The education system is so rigid that you can't succeed unless you are the definition of 'normal.'' She told Labour MP Annaliese Dodds: 'EHCPs are our only hope and I can't see what would replace them.' After speaking to Katie and her dad, Pete, Ms Dodds told The Mirror: 'The system is completely broken and needs reform – it's brilliant we've got young people like Katie sharing their voice. 'It was really helpful to hear directly from families about the challenges and what needs to change.' Katie - who has PTSD as a result of difficulties in her own education - was joined at the unique event in Portcullis House by Hope Foley, five, who has cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus; Matthew Harding, 10, who is autistic; Audrey Baynton-Williams, 11, who has Down's syndrome, and 16-year-old young carer Rosie Harris, who has two disabled brothers and wants to become a lawyer, to give SEND families a voice. Lib Dem MP Munira Wilson also spoke to Katie. She said: 'We are having debates in parliament on SEN most weeks – we are hearing story after story. 'What we are hearing is that there is a complete lack of trust in the system, which is so broken that children and young people with SEN feel like they are having to fight every step of the way.' Conservative MP Rebecca Paul spoke to Matthew Harding and his father Ben. She said: 'It was helpful to understand some of the challenges for families and see the real world impact.'' Lib Dem MP Zoe Franklin was visibly moved by her conversation with Audrey. She said: 'I came here today to speak to people who have lived experience – like Audrey. It's clear how much Audrey wants to learn, how much she has enjoyed being in mainstream education. Audrey is thriving – but she's done so because she has had the right support. The difference an EHCP has is enormous.' Labour MP Ben Coleman spoke to Hope and her mum Holly. He said: 'I'm here today because it's good to connect with the families and children. 'What is becoming clear is that the system we have isn't working, EHCPs are a nightmare for parents to navigate and fight for, but are often the only thing that parents feel will get them the support they need.' Parents, children and young people were delighted to have spoken to politicians face to face. Holly Kay, Hope's mum said: 'There has been a really good turnout, we've spoken to so many MPs today. 'I can't believe we were speaking to Labour MP Catherine McKinnell – she seemed really interested in Hope. She asked her how school was and was playing with Hope.`' Rosie Harris said: 'Lots of MPs were receptive and were listening to what I had to say. It's been helpful to share my experiences." The event was organised by the Disabled Children's Partnership (DCP) and Let Us Learn Too - a campaign by parents and carers of disabled children - to give MPs the chance to meet young people with SEND and their families, to hear their concerns. Anna Bird, chair of the DCP, said: 'MPs told us this was the most engaging session they'd had all year. It was brilliant to hear children and young people tell them their concerns over their schools, education and SEND reform, and for MPs and ministers to really listen.' Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle spoke to Hayley Harding, Matthew Harding's mum and organiser of Let Us Learn Too. She said: 'He clearly cared about the children's needs and why the right support is so vital for them. 'Getting people in front of the children who will live the effects of decisions being made is so important, as it's these children who will live the consequences. We really hope they remember them when any plans are officially announced.' While Matthew, 10, said: 'It was good. I liked talking to people.' Meanwhile, Katie Nellist summed things up, saying: 'The MPs were listening and engaged. This is an issue that is not going to go away and young people won't let it go either. 'The Government hasn't been engaging with us, now I want to make sure the young person's voice keeps being heard because it's our future.' 'My daughter wouldn't be able to get an education without her EHCP' Hope Foley, five, lives in Essex with sister Poppy, dad Reiss and mum Holly. Born premature at 27, she had a severe Grade 4 bleed on the brain and has a number of significant physical and medical needs including cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. She also has post haemorrhagic hydrocephalus - fluid on the brain - and epilepsy. She attends mainstream school and has an EHCP. Her mum Holly says: 'The harsh reality is Hope would not be able to attend school and get an education without this support in place.' Katie Nellist, 18, lives in Oxfordshire with sister Amy, dad Pete and mum Ruth. Katie was diagnosed autistic aged 11 and has PTSD, associated with education. She believes she was failed by the SEND system and had virtually no secondary school education - finally getting an EHCP in year 8 and applying for a place in a specialist school, but none were available. She eventually got an ETOAS (Education Other Than At School) and she is now training to work with horses. An avid campaigner for SEND rights, she was one of six young people who gave evidence in person to the Education Select Committee inquiry 'Solving the SEND Crisis' in March 2025 Arsenal and cricket loving Matthew Harding, 10, lives in Surrey with brother Connor, eight, mum Hayley and dad Ben. Matthew is autistic and has ADHD, dyspraxia and dyslexia. His special needs were identified early as he needed physiotherapy in order to walk. After a long fight - his case was even mentioned at Prime Minister's Questions - he was finally given a place at an ASD base attached to a mainstream school where he has thrived. His parents are certain that his EHCP is essential. Audrey Baynton-Williams, 11, lives in Hove with brother Rex, mum Vicky and dad Ted. Audrey has Down's syndrome and is about to transition from a mainstream primary school to a mainstream secondary. Audrey's mum Vicky, 46, works part-time for a local charity (Amaze) that helps families with children with special educational needs and disabilities. She says: 'Audrey's EHCP has been crucial in allowing her to learn in a mainstream setting. Audrey loves school and being a part of the class.' Young carer Rosie Harris, 16, from Sutton, has two brothers with disabilities. William, now 21, has cerebral palsy and autism with complex epilepsy as a child. James, 13, has retinal dystrophy, resulting in a significant visual impairment. Rosie's cousin, Jack, four, is non-verbal autistic. Rosie, who wants to study law, says: 'Over the past 10 years I have witnessed the impact of the reduction of support for SEND children. I intend to study law to enable me to advocate for children that the current and previous governments are failing.''
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
TikTok brigade shows true colours after mum says she 'hates taking kids to park'
WARNING: EXPLETIVES - The mum, who has a Tyne and Wear accent, tells her TikTok following she "absolutely loves her kids to death" but insists having to juggle their needs as well as hers is tough Social media users have jumped to support a stressed mum after she shared the struggles of parenting two young special educational needs (SEN) children on her own. The mother admits in her TikTok video this week she "absolutely hates" going to the park with her boys - her "idea of hell" - as the two youngsters want to be in different parts of the park at the same time. As she talks to camera, she tells how her youngest is on a slide and the other son is kicking a ball in the football courts and she finds it difficult to monitor both kids. At least one has SEN - currently a topical issue as the government is making reforms to the system in place to support families, changes critics believe will have detrimental impact on children. Sighing and seemingly trying to fight back the tears in the footage, the woman - who uses the TikTok name CharH - asks other parents: "Please tell us I'm not the only parent who feels like that?... Please tell me I'm not alone and that I'm just being a bad mam, or being selfish because surely other people have got to relate? Surely there are other parents out there that literally, when they hear the word 'park', they think it is just boring, f***ing boring?" And empathetic TikTok users rallied to the mum's defence, posting comments with their own experiences at juggling young SEN children or just having to visited some "sh***y" parks too. One TikTok user said: "THISSSSS. My dad's called asking to meet at the park with my son tomorrow, immediate tantrum bc I hate it." Another shared: "Feel you, this is me daily." A further TikTok user said: "My kid's 11 I don't have to take her anymore…thank f**k." In the post which CharH hashtags with #relatablecontent, she details how her partner works away from home, seemingly in or near Tyne and Wear, and it leaves her with all the childcare, and household duties for most of the week. She lists the jobs she must do at home once they finish at the park, including cooking her and the boys dinner. The footage, which has had dozens of likes since it was uploaded on Thursday, shows Char H address the camera in the playground, understood to be near her home. The mum, who tell her followers she doesn't drive, says: "Please tell me I ain't the only parent who absolutely hates going to parks and really really hates it, can't be arsed one bit? I absolutely loves her kids to death, I love spending time with them but when you're a mam to two SEN children and you're looking after them by yourself all week because your partner works away, you're literally having to do everything around the house, everything for yourself, everything for the kids, the last thing I can be arsed with is coming to sh***y little parks where there's literally two swings, a slide and a little see-saw." Char H, who also says she had to change her three-year-old son's nappy during the trip to the park, continues: "That is my idea of hell because one of them is in the park as we speak, climbing up the slide and the eldest is kicking a football in the football courts, you can't get them to play in one area at the same time. One wants to be in the park, one wants to be in the football courts and I'm trying to split myself between two and it's my idea of hell." In previous TikTok posts, the mum has expressed frustration of a lack of support for parents with children with SEN. Special educational needs and disabilities can affect a child or young person's ability to learn. They can affect their; behaviour or ability to socialise, for example they struggle to make friends. They can also affect their reading and writing if, for example, they have dyslexia.
