Curtis Worrell, Director of Class 13, joins In This Together to discuss the transformative power of equity-focused practice and how educators can move away from deficit ideology.

In this episode, Curtis shares his journey from sixteen years in youth work to founding an organization dedicated to helping teachers unpack racial and gender biases. We explore the systemic shift from compliance-based discipline to relational practice, highlighting how traditional school structures can inadvertently cause harm or increase a young person's vulnerability to outside influences like gangs or misinformation. By centering critical thinking, community, and democracy, Curtis demonstrates how we can create safer, more human educational environments where every child feels a true sense of belonging and wellbeing.

Takeaways

• Article 13 and Freedom of Expression: Class 13 is named after the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, advocating for a child's right to express themselves freely within safe boundaries.
• Moving Beyond Deficit Ideology: Shift the focus from "fixing" or blaming the student to examining how the environment and adult practices contribute to challenging situations.
• Mitigating Harm Over Intent: While teacher intentions are almost always positive, we must prioritize the impact of our actions to ensure school isn't a site of emotional or systemic harm.
• The Power of Relationships: Genuine connection is the most effective form of "behavior management," making professional life easier for staff and safer for students.
• Critical Thinking as Safeguarding: Encouraging students to ask questions and engage in critical dialogue builds the "muscle" they need to navigate the complexities of the outside world.

Sharing is Caring

Curtis recommends these essential resources for educators looking to deepen their understanding:

• Teaching to Transgress by bell hooks
• Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire
• The work of Paul Gorski and Richard Valencia on dismantling deficit ideology.



To learn more about the work Curtis does with schools, visit the Class 13 website or follow their mission to promote equality in the UK education system.

Don't forget to follow us on your podcast platform and give us a rating and review to help more educators find these crucial conversations. Share your thoughts, comments, questions, or brilliant work by emailing the team at teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction: Meeting Curtis Worrell and the mission of Class 13.

01:10 - Why Class 13?: Linking Article 13 of the UNCRC to freedom of expression.

02:53 - Shifting Responsibility: Moving from "fixing the child" to improving the environment.

04:41 - Redefining Abuse in Schools: Challenging the normalization of harmful discipline.

06:01 - The Cost of Compliance: How over-reliance on control increases student vulnerability.

09:03 - Collective Punishment: Why "ruining it for others" creates toxic narratives.

12:31 - The Importance of Reflection: Creating space for teachers to process complex interactions.

16:25 - Understanding Deficit Ideology: How we inadvertently blame the victims of inequality.

22:54 - Impact Over Intention: Why "meaning well" isn't enough in safeguarding.

31:00 - The Four Core Principles: Equity, Community, Critical Thinking, and Democracy.

38:08 - Belonging and Identity: Why children seek community outside of school when it’s missing inside.

41:02 - How to Start: Simple steps for leaders to humanize the classroom.

49:08 - Sharing is Caring: Curtis’s top book recommendations.

Navigating the complexities of Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) doesn't have to be a source of anxiety for educators. Laura Turner joins In This Together to explore how delivering RSE with joy, laughter, and vulnerability can transform classroom dynamics and foster genuine wellbeing for both students and staff.

In this episode, we sit down with Laura Turner, founder of Rabbit RSE, to discuss the vital importance of wellbeing within pastoral care. Laura shares her journey from science teacher to RSE specialist, highlighting why we must move away from "doom and gloom" delivery. We delve into the upcoming 2026 RSE guidance, viewing it not as a hurdle, but as a unique opportunity to strengthen partnerships with parents and carers. By prioritising empathy, open communication, and professional development, schools can ensure every young person feels safe, included, and empowered to navigate the modern world.

• Laura invites listeners to learn more about the "Make It Mandatory" movement for post-16 RSE at amnesty.org.uk.
• Discover Rabbit RSE: Visit rabbitrse.com for specialist training and student workshops.

Don't forget to follow us on your podcast platform and give us a rating and review to help more educators find these crucial conversations. Share your thoughts, comments, questions, or brilliant work by emailing the team at teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

• Vulnerability as Expertise: Educators don't need to have every answer; admitting "I don't know, let's find out" builds trust and models lifelong learning.

• Laughter for Learning: Creating a "safe vibe" where students can giggle at awkward topics reduces anxiety and increases engagement.

• Relational Over Informational: RSE is most effective when it focuses on building healthy relationships rather than just delivering biological facts.

• Specialist Support: Recognizing when to use external speakers for sensitive topics like mental health or suicide ideation ensures a trauma-informed approach.

• Staff Wellbeing: Open communication between leadership and staff about comfort levels is essential for delivering authentic and impactful lessons.

00:00 - Vulnerability in Teaching - Why being "human" in the classroom matters.

01:32 - The Birth of Rabbit RSE - Moving from science to specialist pastoral support.

03:49 - Leading with Laughter - Why RSE shouldn't be "doom and gloom."

08:45 - Addressing Self-Doubt - Advice for non-specialist teachers delivering PSHE.

14:53 - The 2026 RSE Guidance - Opportunities for parent-school partnerships.

23:34 - Trauma-Informed Delivery - When to bring in external specialists.

28:58 - Leadership Strategies - Making RSE a priority rather than an "add-on."

33:14 - Supporting Staff - Managing sensitive topics and teacher comfort.

36:33 - Sharing is Caring - Laura’s top resource recommendations.

Cath Knibbs, CEO of Children and Tech, consultant, and trauma psychotherapist, joins In This Together to explore the complex intersection of trauma, technology, and wellbeing. This episode moves beyond the common scaremongering around screens to look at the evidence-based science of how digital spaces impact a child's nervous system. Cath discusses the vital importance of co-regulation and meaningful conversations in supporting young people's mental health in an increasingly virtual world.

• The "Digital City Park" Metaphor: View the internet as a public space where adults must assess the environment and risks rather than just focusing on the "time" spent there.
• Cyber Trauma is Real Trauma: Online harms produce visceral, physiological responses in children—such as anxiety and nightmares—that are just as significant as physical-world events.
• Move Beyond "Screen Time": Focus on the medium and the interaction (the people and content) rather than the physical property of the device or the clock.
• Therapeutic Power of Gaming: Meeting children in their digital world—like playing Fortnite or using digital sand trays—can break down power hierarchies and help them express complex emotions.
• Conversations over Bans: Strict bans often drive children to "secret" or darker spaces; an open, non-shaming dialogue is the best tool for safeguarding.

Sharing is Caring

Cath Knibbs recommends the following resources for parents and professionals:

• The Cyber Trauma Book Series by Cath Knibbs: Academic and practical guides on understanding online harms and sexual exploitation.
• Managing Your Gaming and Social Media Habits: A practical book with chapters specifically designed for parents and adolescents to resolve digital habits.

Don't forget to follow us on your podcast platform and give us a rating and review to help more educators find these crucial conversations. Share your thoughts, comments, questions, or brilliant work by emailing the team at teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

Chapters

• 00:01 - Introduction – Meeting Cath Knibbs and defining the "middle lane" approach to tech.
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• 02:13 - Redefining Mental Health – Why "health" and "regulation" are better lenses than nebulous labels.
• 06:12 - What is Cyber Trauma? – Understanding the impact of graphic content and physiological dysregulation.
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• 09:33 - The Myth of Communal Tech – Challenging the history of "personal" devices and the taxonomy of research.
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• 12:25 - Trauma: Virtual vs. Corporeal – Why online trauma is unique due to its repeatability and reality.
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• 21:17 - Gaming as Therapy – Using Xbox, PS, and Fortnite to build rapport and observe attachment patterns.
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• 30:12 - The Problem with "Screen Time" – Using the "Digital City Park" and "Shopping Centre" metaphors to assess risk.
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• 38:23 - The Danger of Bans – Why age-based restrictions can play into the hands of online perpetrators.
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• 42:32 - Technological Hope – Celebrating the "technological geniuses" of the next generation and finding parental compassion.
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• 49:09 - Sharing is Caring – Recommendations for age-appropriate digital conversations.