In this episode, host Becky Dawson sits down with Kieran Smith, founder of SEMH Education and an experienced Education Officer in youth justice, to explore practical approaches for supporting children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Kieran shares his journey from mainstream teaching to specialist settings, offering unique insights into how educators can bridge the gap between these environments to improve student outcomes. The conversation focuses on a whole-school approach to wellbeing, the necessity of trauma-informed practices, and the vital role of multi-agency collaboration in supporting our most vulnerable learners.

Kieran discusses the reality of high-pressure environments, such as classrooms with high EAL and SEMH populations, and provides tangible strategies for behaviour management through regulation and pacing. Educators can expect to learn how to design a school day that prioritises mental health and student agency, moving away from rigid structures toward flexible, relationship-focused education. This episode is a must-listen for teachers looking for "nuggets" of wisdom to help co-regulate with pupils and reduce classroom crisis points.

• Pacing the school day for regulation: Alternating high-demand and low-demand lessons ensures that both students and staff remain regulated and ready to learn.
• The "wasted time" paradox: Investing 10 minutes in regulation breaks—such as box breathing, sensory activities, or calm transitions—saves significant time by preventing crises later.
• Proactive identification of Stage One behaviours: Spotting a child's unique "micro-signals" (like tapping a pen or stretching) allows for early intervention before an escalation occurs.
• Designing "Soft Landings": Creating a 15–30 minute window at the start of the day for check-ins and low-pressure activities supports children coming from difficult home environments.
• Multi-agency puzzle building: Collaborating with social care, police, and health professionals via email chains or meetings is essential to create a full picture of a child’s needs.
• The value of specialist experience: Mainstream teachers should consider "testing the waters" in specialist SEMH settings to rediscover autonomy and learn advanced regulation techniques.

00:05 - Introduction - Becky Dawson introduces Kieran Smith and the SEMH Education Substack.

01:33 - Kieran’s Journey - Moving from a class of 36 in Wrexham to specialist SEMH settings.

09:55 - Specialist vs. Mainstream - Discussing the freedom, autonomy, and flexibility found in alternative provision.

11:46 - The Birth of SEMH Education - Why Kieran started writing his newsletter to capture teaching tips.

13:52 - Biggest Challenges for Educators - Mental energy, micro-decisions, and environmental stressors in the classroom.

17:42 - Designing an SEMH-Friendly Day - Pacing, regulation breaks, soft landings, and calm transitions.

26:41 - Multi-Agency Collaboration - The importance of shared information and tapping into local authority resources.

33:14 - Top Tip: The Six Stages of Crisis - How to identify and act on "Stage One" behaviours to prevent escalation.

Connect with us: If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast and leave us a rating or review to help other educators find these important conversations. For feedback, questions, or to share the brilliant work you are doing in your setting, email us at: teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

In this episode, host Becky Dawson is joined by Kemi Omijeh, a psychotherapist, supervisor, and children's mental health expert with over 15 years of experience. Kemi shares her professional journey from teaching to therapy and discusses the vital necessity of supervision for educators to prevent burnout and improve practice. The conversation explores moving beyond performative actions toward genuine equity, anti-racism, and culturally informed practice to foster a true sense of belonging for all students and staff.

This deep dive addresses the systemic barriers that prevent school leaders from implementing wellbeing support and the "what about me-ism" that often hinders progress in diversity and inclusion. By focusing on behaviour management through a lens of wellbeing and psychological safety, Kemi explains how schools can transition from rigid equality to nuanced equity. Whether you are a senior leader or a classroom teacher, this episode provides the vocabulary and framework to begin a radical change in how your school handles professional growth and identity.

• The Transformational Power of Supervision: Supervision is not about accountability or "checking up" on staff; it is a vital space for slowing down, reflecting on practice, and supporting professional wellbeing.
• Moving Beyond Performative Anti-Racism: Schools must move past posters and policies to active, curious engagement with lived experiences, recognizing that anti-racism is a continuous journey rather than a destination.
• Equity as a Systemic Responsibility: Equity is not a "tick-box" add-on for minorities; it is a relationship-based approach that benefits the entire school community by fostering emotional intelligence and belonging.
• Culturally Informed Practice: Shifting from "cultural competence" to "culturally informed practice" acknowledges that understanding different cultural norms is an ongoing collaborative process rather than a static qualification.
• The "Lifeguard" Analogy for Privilege: Understanding that while we all "swim" in the same systemic waters, our proximity to privilege dictates how we must dive in to support others and challenge structural barriers.

00:00 - Introduction - Becky Dawson introduces Kemi Omijeh and her background in mental health and education.

01:34 - From Teaching to Therapy - Kemi discusses her career path and why she shifted from the classroom to therapeutic support.

04:36 - The "Gym" Analogy for Supervision - Why educators feel they are "too busy" for the very thing that helps them sustain their careers.

07:06 - Accountability vs. Process - Defining what professional supervision actually looks like in practice compared to management.

09:24 - Systemic Barriers in Schools - Exploring why leaders and governors struggle to fund or prioritize supervision.

12:13 - Understanding Equity and Belonging - How to view equity as a benefit for every child and staff member, not just a minority.

16:59 - Active Anti-Racism - Moving beyond 2020's performative trends toward radical change and curiosity.

27:17 - The Journey vs. The Destination - Why schools shouldn't stop the work just because they've "ticked a box".

34:40 - Culturally Informed Practice - A deep dive into widening the lens to recognize different norms and cultural identities.

41:13 - Navigating "What About Me-ism" - How to acknowledge specific celebrations like Ramadan while maintaining community cohesion.

In this episode of In This Together, host Becky Dawson sits down with Alan Fazakerley, a highly respected expert in psychoeducational support and comprehensive sex education. With over 30 years of experience, Alan discusses his unique approach to supporting children and young people with vulnerabilities, such as autism and acquired brain injuries, using tailored communication tools. The conversation explores the critical need for early, accessible education on healthy relationships and personal boundaries to safeguard vulnerable learners.

Alan challenges the misconceptions surrounding sex education for students with disabilities, emphasizing that withholding information only increases their vulnerability. He provides practical strategies for teaching complex concepts like consent through visual aids and safe/not-safe scenarios. Educators will gain valuable insights into integrating RSE across the curriculum and fostering a school-wide culture of respect and bodily autonomy.

• Challenging the "Perpetual Child" Myth: Parents and educators must overcome the misconception that vulnerable children will not grow up to have sexual feelings or relationships; withholding knowledge "disables" them further.
• Teaching Consent via Safety: Since consent is a complex, shifting concept, it is often more effective to teach vulnerable learners to distinguish between "safe" and "not safe" situations.
• Adapting Communication Styles: Utilizing visual aids like "green thumbs up" and "red thumbs down" allows non-verbal students or those with cognitive challenges to effectively communicate boundaries.
• Intimate Care as a Learning Opportunity: Routine personal care should be used as a practical time to teach privacy, the right to say "no," and respect for one's own body.
• A Modular Spiral Curriculum: RSE should start early in a non-sexual way—focusing on body parts and privacy at age five—and gradually increase in detail as students reach puberty.
• Whole-School Integration: Rather than being an isolated subject, relationship education should be woven into all areas, from math to sports, to normalize conversations and reduce shame.

00:01 - Introduction - Becky Dawson introduces Alan Fazakerley and his background in psychoeducational support.

01:20 - Alan’s Journey - The history of Alan's independent work in sex education since the 1990s.

03:33 - Defining Vulnerability - Discussion on communication as the common denominator across various disabilities.

04:33 - Major Misconceptions - Addressing the negative messages and lack of aspirations often given to parents of children with disabilities.

06:20 - Teaching Consent - Why consent is the hardest concept to teach and how to simplify it for safeguarding.

10:00 - Visual Communication Tools - Using symbols and "thumbs up/down" to support non-verbal communication.

14:04 - Privacy and Intimate Care - The importance of teaching bodily autonomy during personal care routines.

16:32 - Assessing Sexualized Behavior - Differentiating between sensory exploration, internet influence, and potential trauma.

19:59 - The Impact of the Internet - Educating vulnerable young people on online risks and predatory interactions.

26:14 - Educator Blind Spots - Overcoming the "fear of the ton of bricks" from parents and building teacher confidence.

32:03 - The Spiral Curriculum - Advice for schools on delivering age-appropriate, continuous RSE.

35:27 - CPD and Specialist Roles - The need for investment in staff training and a whole-school approach.

Connect with Us

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a rating or review! We’d love to hear your thoughts or questions—email us at teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

Host Becky Dawson is joined by Charlotte Rowley, a primary school principal, and Tracey Lees, an assistant head, to discuss their book, Wellbeing Wins for Teachers. The episode explores the urgent need to centre staff wellbeing as a prerequisite for student success, particularly in deprived areas where schools act as a vital haven. They share insights on moving beyond tokenistic gestures toward a culture of authentic support, professional boundaries, and retention-focused leadership.

Teaching has evolved into a role that often overlaps with social services and mental health expertise, creating a high-pressure environment that contributes to significant early-career attrition. This conversation highlights the importance of "wellbeing wins"—small, actionable changes that empower practitioners and protect their mental health. By role-modelling boundaries and advocating for flexible working, especially for women in leadership, schools can create a sustainable and joyful professional climate.

• Centring staff wellbeing to support students: You cannot "pour from an empty cup," and maintaining a well, invigorated staff is essential for delivering high-quality education and pastoral care.
• The power of professional boundaries: Using "wellbeing wins" to set limits, such as out-of-office replies and clear communication about capacity, is a professional responsibility, not a sign of weakness.
• Authentic support vs. tokenism: Moving beyond "cake and yoga" to systemic changes like providing time, realistic deadlines, and a culture that allows for honest mistakes without fear.
• Empowerment over micromanagement: Staff wellbeing flourishes when educators feel valued and are given the agency to grow professionally rather than being "caught out" by monitoring processes.
• Retention through flexible working: Addressing the "leaky pipeline" of women aged 30–39 by implementing practical solutions for working parents, such as flexible start times for the school run.

00:00 - Introduction - Becky Dawson introduces guests Charlotte Rowley and Tracey Lees.

01:38 - Drivers for Entering Education - Personal inspirations and the desire to impact young minds.

02:55 - The Crisis in Teacher Retention - Discussing workload, mental health, and current profession statistics.

06:22 - The Changing Face of Teaching - How the role now extends into social work and healthcare.

07:41 - Wellbeing Wins for Teachers - The concept behind the book and using "icons" to structure support.

12:14 - Establishing Healthy Boundaries - Advice on saying "no" and role-modelling balance for colleagues.

18:37 - Moving Beyond Tokenistic Wellbeing - Why time and trust are more valuable than staff room treats.

24:40 - Reframing "Support Plans" - The need for genuine collaboration rather than punitive monitoring.

27:03 - Women in Leadership - Challenges regarding motherhood, flexible working, and the glass ceiling.

35:57 - Closing Thoughts - Final reflections on the importance of empathy in the profession.

Get Involved: We would love for you to follow us on your preferred podcast platform and leave a rating or review to help other educators find these vital conversations. For feedback, questions, or to share the brilliant work happening in your school, email us at: teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk

Find out more about Charlotte's work here:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-rowley-8461271bb/

Find out more about Tracey's work here:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-leese-813209151/

Their book is Wellbeing Wins for Teachers https://www.routledge.com/Well-being-Wins-for-Teachers-What-We-Can-Learn-from-Iconic-Individuals/Leese-Rowley/p/book/9781032529110

In this episode, host Becky Dawson sits down with Emilie Warren, an attachment play trainer and Director of Little Fox Education, to explore how play can transform child development and learning. Emilie discusses the fundamentals of attachment theory and introduces "attachment play" as a versatile tool for building safety, trust, and connection in educational settings. The conversation addresses the challenges of a demanding curriculum and highlights how shifting from consequences to playful interactions can effectively support behaviour management and student wellbeing.

The discussion delves deep into practical strategies for educators, emphasizing that play is not just for early years but is a vital communication tool through secondary education. By reframing play as a targeted intervention rather than a "reward" to be earned, teachers and TAs can co-regulate with students to reduce dysregulation and anxiety. Emilie advocates for a cultural shift in education where play is recognized as a powerful, measurable vehicle for both academic outcomes and adult wellbeing.

• The Essentials of Attachment Play: A specific type of play that fosters secure attachments by helping children feel safe and protected through laughter and connection.
• Play as Behaviour Management: Moving away from bribery or consequences toward playful interventions can de-escalate dysregulated behaviour and build long-term trust.
• Universal Accessibility: Attachment play can be done by "anyone, anytime, anywhere," utilizing simple tools like puppets, clapping games, or "silly" interactions to break tension.
• Regression for Progression: In secondary settings, allowing older students to engage in "younger" play can support their secondary period of attachment and emotional growth.
• Adult Wellbeing Benefits: Integrating play into the school day reduces stress for educators, as laughter and joyful connection provide a natural tension release for adults too.
• Overcoming Institutional Barriers: Addressing the "fear of play" and the lack of time in the curriculum through training and "pocket-sized" playful strategies.

Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please follow us on your preferred platform and leave a rating or review to help other educators find these vital conversations.

Get in Touch: We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts or the brilliant wellbeing work you're doing at teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

00:00 - Introduction - Becky Dawson introduces Emilie Warren and the topic of play in education.

00:57 - Defining Attachment Play - Explaining attachment theory and the primary need for safety and comfort.

04:34 - Practical Examples - Using clapping games, puppets, and small world play to build connection.

07:32 - Behaviour Management - How playful interactions serve as an alternative to rewards and punishments.

10:44 - Advocacy and Challenges - Discussing the right to play and barriers like time and curriculum pressure.

16:11 - Measuring Impact - The difficulty of measuring wellbeing outcomes vs. academic stats.

18:23 - Top Tips for Educators - "Pocket" strategies and focusing on connection over "solving" problems.

22:34 - Play in Secondary Education - Addressing regressive play and building relationships with teenagers.

26:01 - Future Hopes - Emilie’s vision for play as an integral part of the national curriculum.

In this episode of In This Together, host Becky Dawson sits down with Chris Misselbrook, CEO of Mind First Education, to explore the vital intersection of high performance and staff wellbeing. Chris shares his powerful personal journey from hitting rock bottom with complete burnout to returning to the classroom as a more effective, happier educator. The conversation dives deep into the "Mental Fitness" framework, challenging the traditional, fear-based leadership models often found in schools.

This episode provides a roadmap for educators and leaders who want to reduce stress without sacrificing professional excellence. Chris outlines nine trainable components of mental fitness—spanning body, brain, and being—to help staff remain resilient under the unique pressures of the education sector. Viewers can expect to learn how to move from "management" to "empathetic leadership".

Takeaways

• Mental Fitness as a Trainable Skill: Unlike the static or negative connotations often linked to "mental health," mental fitness is the trainable ability to remain regulated under pressure.
• The Nine Components Framework: True wellbeing is a balance of Body (recovery, movement, nutrition), Brain (thoughts, emotions, identity), and Being (relationships, purpose, direction).
• Leading through Love vs. Fear: Many school leaders operate from a place of fear regarding Ofsted or performance data; shifting to empathetic leadership focused on "taking care of those in your charge" improves both staff retention and student outcomes.
• Combating Perfectionism and People Pleasing: Identifying as a "recovering perfectionist" allows educators to stop "faffing" with low-impact tasks and reclaim their time for genuine recovery.
• The Power of Neuro-Awareness: Utilizing "Name it to Tame it" strategies for emotions helps educators stay in the prefrontal cortex for better decision-making, rather than being stuck in a cortisol-fueled fight-or-flight state.

Enjoyed the episode? Please follow the podcast and leave us a rating or review on your preferred platform. We love hearing from our community—send your thoughts, questions, or wellbeing success stories to teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

00:00 - Introduction - Becky Dawson introduces Chris Misselbrook and the focus on staff wellbeing.

01:00 - The Road to Burnout - Chris shares his lived experience of chronic stress and his 2018 "fetal position" moment.

04:55 - Returning to the Classroom - Why Chris stayed in teaching for six years after his recovery and performed better than ever.

07:41 - Defining Mental Fitness - An exploration of the nine components across Body, Brain, and Being.

10:40 - Tools for Regulation - Using cold water therapy and breathwork to manage the nervous system.

14:30 - Identity and Perfectionism - How self-belief acts as the keystone to mental fitness and why "faffing" hurts performance.

18:30 - The Comparison Trap - Understanding the evolutionary instinct to fit in and why overworking has become a school norm.

21:14 - Leadership and Psychological Safety - Challenging the "presenteeism" culture and leading with empathy over fear.

31:44 - The Need for Leadership Training - Why being a good teacher doesn't automatically make you a good leader.

In this episode, host Becky Dawson sits down with researcher and academic Lewis Wedlock to explore the complex landscape of masculinity in education. Lewis discusses his work in bridging the gap between academic theory and the lived experiences of young men from marginalized communities. The conversation delves into the "performance" of masculinity, the importance of fostering curiosity over fury, and how educators can create safe spaces for young people to express their true selves.

Lewis shares insights from his book, Masculinity in Schools, emphasizing that supporting wellbeing for boys requires moving beyond binary labels like "toxic" or "healthy". By modeling wholeness and vulnerability, staff can help students navigate the "duality strain" between societal expectations and their authentic identities. This episode is a must-listen for educators looking to implement a more empathetic, relationship-led approach to behavior management and student development.

• Curiosity over Fury: Approach challenging conversations with a desire to understand rather than a need to condemn; it is impossible to be truly curious and furious at the same time.
• Modeling Wholeness: Educators should demonstrate that human beings are "works in progress," replacing the pressure of perfectionism with authentic human connection.
• Navigating Duality Strain: Recognize the tension boys feel between who they actually are and the performance of masculinity they feel they must project to others.
• The "And And" Approach: Schools can address the realities of harm, such as violence against women and girls, while simultaneously supporting the mental health and emotional needs of boys.
• Intention over Reaction: Move away from "knee-jerk" responses to viral trends or media; instead, build long-term, transformational culture through intentional, trauma-informed dialogue.
• Mendable Masculinity: Treat identity like tailoring—allow young people the autonomy to "mend" and adjust their understanding of themselves as they grow and evolve.

Join the conversation:

Follow the podcast and leave a rating or review to help other educators find these crucial discussions. Have thoughts or feedback? Email the team at teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction - Becky Dawson introduces Lewis Wedlock and the focus on wellbeing .

01:01 - Research vs. Practice - The balance between academic data and working with young people .

02:29 - Personal Journey - Lewis’s background in social psychology and lived experience .

05:03 - Masculinity in Schools - Discussing Lewis's book and the current educational climate .

07:53 - Modeling Wholeness - Moving beyond the "black and white" binary of "good vs. bad" .

10:04 - The Performance of Masculinity - Unpacking behavior management and "duality strain" .

13:41 - Curiosity vs. Fury - How to handle challenging ideas without shutting down dialogue .

16:39 - Advice for Non-Specialists - Tips for teachers on facilitating understanding without a script .

21:18 - Communal Invitation - Addressing harm without labeling all boys as "bad" .

28:51 - Intention vs. Reaction - Avoiding "band-aid" fixes for radical change in school culture .

32:13 - Mendable Masculinity - Reimagining the human experience as a "work in progress" .

38:33 - Embracing Humanity - The power of accountability and the relationship between staff and students .

Description

Positive psychology practitioner and school leader Melanie Gentles joins Becky Dawson to explore how evidence-based wellbeing can transform school cultures. This episode delves into the science of flourishing, moving beyond "fluffy" concepts to practical applications that support both staff and pupils. By prioritizing character strengths and authentic human connection, Melanie demonstrates how schools can move from simply performing to truly thriving.

Listeners can expect an insightful deep dive into Positive Education, a proactive framework that provides tools for navigating challenges while building resilience and happiness. Melanie discusses the "third wave" of positive psychology, focusing on how community, culture, and systems underpin individual wellness. The conversation highlights the vital link between staff wellbeing and pupil outcomes, emphasizing that educators must experience these interventions themselves to create truly safe and supportive environments.

Take Aways

• Prioritise Staff First: Wellbeing initiatives must start with staff; when educators experience positive psychology interventions personally, they can more authentically model and teach them to pupils.
• Leverage Character Strengths: Identifying and using signature strengths (via the VIA survey) increases engagement, boosts energy, and helps both adults and children move from "languishing" to a state of flow.
• Shift to Strengths-Based Feedback: Moving away from a deficit model to strength-spotting builds pupil confidence and fosters a growth mindset.
• Embed Wellbeing in the Curriculum: Schools can weave wellbeing science into existing subjects—like exploring character emotions in English or data on sleep hygiene in Maths—rather than seeing it as a time-consuming "add-on."
• Foster Systemic Autonomy: School leaders should move away from micromanagement and "yoga and cake" solutions, instead creating coaching-led systems that allow staff to work within their areas of strength and interest.

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 – Meet Melanie Gentles, positive psychology practitioner and school leader.

01:19 - The Journey to Positive Psychology – From educational psychology aspirations to discovering the science of flourishing.

04:53 - The Power of Positive Education – Why wellbeing is a proactive tool, not just a reaction to crisis.

06:06 - Debunking the "Happy" Myth – Understanding that positive psychology isn't about being happy all the time.

07:52 - Discovering Character Strengths – Exploring the 24 universal strengths and the VIA Survey.

10:14 - Beating Languishing – How using strengths helps educators find "flow" and avoid burnout.

12:21 - Strength-Spotting in the Classroom – Practical ways to name and praise character in pupils.

15:51 - A Science of Wellbeing Curriculum – Lessons from Australia’s Geelong Grammar and the PERMA model.

19:32 - Making Time for Wellbeing – Creative ways to embed wellbeing into a packed school timetable.

24:40 - Advice for School Leaders – Moving beyond "cake" to systemic autonomy and coaching.