In this episode of In This Together, host Becky Dawson joins Phil Jones—secondary school leader and Chair of the National Association for Pastoral Care in Education (NAPCE)—to explore shifting education from rigid exam results to holistic personal growth. Phil shares insights on adapting pastoral systems to a changing world, the importance of compassionate leadership, and how schools can build inclusive environments. Whether you're refining your pastoral strategy or strengthening staff-student relationships, this conversation offers actionable advice for all education leaders.

• Making learning relevant and meaningful for young people is the single biggest challenge and responsibility facing modern pastoral care systems.
• Pastoral care acts as an essential safety net, empowering pupils to take risks, build resilience, and develop as complete human beings rather than just exam candidates.
• Every staff member plays a pastoral role, as everyday interactions and morning greetings set the emotional climate for student behavior management and engagement throughout the day.
• Proactive guidance over simple prohibition, such as teaching safe technological habits rather than outright banning devices, equips children for life beyond the classroom.
• Prioritising educator wellbeing is fundamental, as high-quality pastoral care and strong school relationships are impossible without supporting the mental health and sense of belonging of the staff.

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Explore our amazing Leaders resources here → https://www.twinkl.co.uk/r/dslxw

Questions Inspectors May Ask Pastoral Support Staff Leaders Resource → https://www.twinkl.co.uk/r/10m026

Attend the National Associaltion of Pastoral Care in Education - Book tickets here https://tinyurl.com/NAPCE2026

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Got feedback, questions, or a story to share? Reach out to the team at teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

00:00 - Introduction - The primary challenge for pastoral care systems in modern education.

00:26 - Welcome & Guest Introduction - Becky Dawson introduces Phil Jones and his extensive background with NAPCE.

01:41 - Phil’s Journey in Education - Early experiences in coaching, discovering a passion for teaching, and joining NAPCE.

06:26 - The Core Purpose of NAPCE - History of NAPCE, research-informed practice, and moving beyond an exam-only focus.

10:47 - Pastoral Care as the Foundation - Why effective pastoral systems underpin overall academic achievement and school culture.

13:11 - Every Educator Has a Pastoral Role - How small daily interactions from all staff impact student behaviour management and wellbeing.

16:03 - National Awards & Annual Conference - Celebrating pastoral unsung heroes and driving radical change through shared best practice.

21:35 - Current Challenges in Pastoral Leadership - Bridging accountability, parental engagement, and creating coherent school structures.

24:00 - Conformity vs. Student Agency - Preparing young people for a changing world by fostering critical thinking over mere compliance.

29:07 - Defining Authentic Care in Schools - Moving beyond quick fixes to build meaningful relationships and life-long skills.

33:14 - Collaborative Cultures & Staff Wellbeing - The necessity of team-wide approaches and protecting teacher wellbeing to sustain quality care.

37:15 - Connecting with NAPCE & Final Takeaway - How to join the network, access resources, and reflect on the true purpose of education.

In this episode, host Becky Dawson is joined by Lisa Lea-Weston, drama therapist, clinical supervisor, and founder of Talking Head Supervision. Together, they explore who takes care of the people whose job it is to take care of everyone else, unpacking how professional supervision acts as a vital backbone for sustaining staff wellbeing and school leadership. Lisa shares her expert insights on creating confidential, reflective spaces where educators can reconnect with their purpose, process emotional labor, and step out of survival mode. The discussion highlights how adult wellbeing directly trickles down to create a safer, more compassionate environment for children.

• Understanding Professional Supervision: A confidential, professional conversation about who you are and how you are at work, helping educators reflect deeply on relationships with pupils and school culture.
• The Power of Adult Nervous Systems: When leaders and teachers access reflective space to re-regulate, it prevents burnout and allows them to respond to children with empathy and patience rather than exhaustion.
• Preventing Isolation in Leadership: Senior leaders carry immense confidential weight alone; robust supervision offers a safe container to process emotional labor and vulnerability.
• Dispelling Common Myths: Supervision is not a performance check, a quick chat, or crisis care; it requires qualified, clinician-led guidance delivered regularly.
• Embedding Reflective Practice Safely: Implementing supervision requires organizational trust and experienced supervisors to avoid unsettling the school system.

00:00 - Introduction - Becky Dawson introduces host goals and welcomes guest Lisa Lea-Weston.

01:34 - Defining Supervision - Lisa explains what supervision is and how it differs from counselling or coaching.

03:27 - The Origin of Talking Heads - Lisa shares her background as a therapist and launching supervision in education.

07:02 - Playfulness, Curiosity, and Purpose - How supervision re-engages leaders with creativity and play.

08:37 - Trickle-Down Impact on Children - Why adult nervous system regulation transforms pupil outcomes.

13:19 - Overcoming Isolation in Leadership - The emotional weight on headteachers and the need for offloading spaces.

15:17 - What Robust Supervision Looks Like - Busting myths around qualifications, frequency, and accountability.

21:37 - Navigating Systemic Dynamics - Managing multi-staff supervision while preserving trust and safety.

24:36 - Barriers and Mandating Supervision - Why high-quality supervision infrastructure must precede policy changes.

28:23 - How Supervision Transforms Culture - How leaders model reflective practice and active listening.

31:48 - Supervision vs. Crisis Support - Distinctions between acute crisis care and long-term supervision.

33:40 - Takeaway for Tomorrow - Lisa’s core advice on human connection during challenging times.

34:39 - Closing and Announcements - Info on Twinkl's supervision roundtable and subscription details.

Follow the podcast and leave a rating or review on your preferred platform! If you have thoughts, questions, or want to share your work, email teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

Find out more about Lisa’s work here:

• https://www.talkingheadsupervision.co.uk/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-lea-weston-9a101b1a/

Want to learn more about supervision? Join our Roundtable with Lisa Lea Weston (Talking Head Supervision Ltd), Kemi Omijeh (We Are Akoma), Faye McGuinness (Education Support), and Jo Taylor (Constellation Psychology). 3rd December 4 pm - Book your place here: https://tinyurl.com/SupervisionRoundTable