In This Together

Find out more about our Leader Resources https://www.twinkl.co.uk/r/m8jyb Mental Health Behaviour and Attendance Resource https://www.twinkl.co.uk/r/129pkb How to Manage Staff Attendance https://www.twinkl.co.uk/r/19bew1 Find out more about Stephen’s work here: Website https://hsa.harbourlearningtrust.com/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephentlogan/ 6 Quick things about attendance: https://www.independentthinking.co.uk/resources/six-quick-things-on-attendance/ Description In this episode of In This Together, host Becky Dawson sits down with Stephen Logan, the proud principal of Healing Academy in North East Lincolnshire, to explore a refreshing, human approach to school attendance. Moving away from the rigid data chase that often leaves leaders feeling pressured, Stephen explains how his philosophy of care, inclusion, and standards helps rebuild engagement from the ground up. They discuss shifting from compliance to curiosity, the profound impact of quality first teaching, and the systemic challenges surrounding educational funding and outreach. This deep dive offers valuable insights for school leaders looking to implement sustainable behaviour management and foster genuine community well-being. By prioritizing human relationships over percentages, educators can understand the root complexities of severe absence—such as mental health and family context—and create a school environment where young people truly feel they belong. Takeaways Human connection as an attendance driver: Prioritize meaningful, daily interactions with students and staff over immediate compliance checks to build momentum and psychological safety. Quality first teaching builds belonging: Getting students through the door is only half the battle; an engaging curriculum and excellent classroom delivery create the intrinsic motivation for them to return. Ditch the silver bullets and fads: Avoid wasting public funds on quick-fix motivators or exclusive rewards like prom bans, focusing instead on inclusive strategies and robust careers education. The systemic need for targeted funding: True outreach and bridging work with disadvantaged families require sustainable financial resource to employ dedicated pastoral staff. Lead with brave, value-driven actions: Educational leaders must remain courageous, staying obsessed with empathetic processes rather than just the final data outcomes. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction - Becky Dawson introduces the podcast and guest Stephen Logan, principal of Healing Academy. 01:05 - Stephen's Journey to Leadership - Discovering a passion for serving others and entering principalship through a relational lens. 01:50 - The Pressure of Attendance Data - Addressing the systemic scrutiny leaders face and shifting focus to human relationships. 02:40 - Driving Momentum Through Connection - How simple morning greetings and trusted adults uncover the root causes of absence. 06:34 - Defining True Belonging in Education - Combining a house system, joy, and quality first teaching to inspire curiosity. 11:04 - Empathy Over Compliance - Why chasing figures fails and how understanding unique family context changes the dynamic. 14:33 - The Flaw of Reward Fads & Prom Bans - Evaluating inclusive attendance policies versus exclusionary quick fixes. 16:48 - Systemic Accountability and Funding - The crucial need for financial resource to support pastoral staff and outreach. 21:02 - Igniting Curiosity Through Careers - Embedding career strategies early to help students see purpose in school. 21:59 - Takeaways for Tomorrow & Outro - Final leadership advice on being brave, and how to connect with the podcast. We want to hear from you! If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow the podcast and leave us a rating and review on your preferred platform. It helps other educators find these vital discussions on wellbeing. Have thoughts, questions, or brilliant practice to share from your own setting? Drop us an email at [email protected].

In this episode of In This Together, host Becky Dawson is joined by Jessica Parker and Gemma Fieldsend—co-founders of Cogspark and authors specialising in trauma-informed practice and mental health education. The conversation explores what trauma-informed approaches look like in education, moving beyond theory into practical, whole-school implementation. Together, they unpack common misconceptions around behaviour management, discuss the necessity of adult wellbeing and boundary setting, and share actionable insights for school leaders seeking to create safe, relational environments. Takeaways Felt safety and relationships form the foundation of learning, emotional regulation, and student agency rather than being secondary considerations. Maintaining clear boundaries alongside a compassionate mindset ensures psychological safety without removing structure or expectations. Adult wellbeing and nervous system regulation must be prioritised to enable staff to remain calm, reflective, and effective in their practice. Curiosity over certainty allows educators to consider underlying causes of behaviour rather than jumping to rapid judgements. Amplifying pupil voice provides critical feedback on whether whole-school trauma-informed strategies are genuinely felt by students. Calls-to-Action Please follow the podcast and leave a rating or review to help other educators find these vital conversations. We would love to hear your thoughts, feedback, or setting updates! Contact the team at: [email protected]. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction - Becky Dawson introduces guests Jessica Parker and Gemma Fieldsend. 02:22 - What is Trauma-Informed Practice? - A quick summary of the core principles of trauma-informed approaches in education. 03:36 - Writing the Book - The motivation behind bridging the gap between theory and school-wide systems. 11:36 - Multi-Disciplinary Perspectives - Bringing mental health, NHS, and classroom experience together. 16:14 - Common Misconceptions - Challenging myths around trauma histories, behaviour management, and boundaries. 20:35 - Supporting Staff and Adult Wellbeing - Why whole-school approaches must start with the adults' nervous systems. 26:04 - Curiosity, Bias, and Reflection - Overcoming personal biases and avoiding the danger of certainty. 33:15 - Key Messages for Leaders - Essential takeaways regarding relational practice, culture, and felt safety. 39:30 - Actionable Steps for Tomorrow - Practical ideas on evaluating systems and listening to pupil voice. 43:00 - Conclusion and Resources - Final thoughts, calls-to-action, and closing comments. Connect with Becky's Socials and Content: https://linktr.ee/beckydawsonwellbeing 📌 Subscribe to @twinklresourcesofficial for more resources, discussions, teaching ideas, and wellbeing support. 🎉 Explore our amazing Leaders resources here → https://www.twinkl.co.uk/r/dslxw Buy their book here: https://tinyurl.com/TraumaInformedSchoolsBook

In this episode of In This Together, host Becky Dawson sits down with Rob Webster, Visiting Research Fellow at the Institute of Life Course Development at the University of Greenwich. With over two decades of research in special educational needs and the school workforce, Rob addresses the crucial role teaching assistants play in holding together school communities and student wellbeing. The conversation tackles the systemic challenges facing TAs—such as workload, deployment, professional recognition, and inadequate school funding—while exploring how school leaders can actively value and support this essential workforce. Takeaways Teaching assistants as essential school infrastructure: TAs function as the "mortar in the brickwork" of schools, directly driving pupil wellbeing, classroom management, and overall operational stability. The impact of improper deployment: Utilising TAs for routine class cover to manage teacher shortages disrupts targeted SEN interventions, heightens TA workload stress, and undermines professional relationships. Cultivating professional standing and recognition: School leaders can drive cultural change through simple, low-cost actions like public celebrations, inclusion in team meetings, and explicit daily gratitude. Targeted training and professional development: Addressing TA CPD gaps with tailored, in-house opportunities boosts confidence, improves retention, and creates clear pathways for those seeking career progression into teaching. Understanding the TA workforce: Leaders must proactively engage with TAs to map out their skills, identify training needs, and understand their specific workplace challenges to build a supportive environment. To help us reach more educational leaders, please follow the podcast and leave us a rating and review! We’d love to hear your thoughts, feedback, or success stories—reach out to our team at [email protected]. Connect with Becky's Socials and Content: httpslinktr.eebeckydawsonwellbeing 📌 Subscribe to @twinklresourcesofficial for more resources, discussions, teaching ideas, and wellbeing support. 🎉 Explore our amazing Leaders resources here → httpswww.twinkl.co.ukrdslxw Share this with your TAs! CPD content https://www.twinkl.co.uk/r/1ghp74 TA Weekly Toolkit https://www.twinkl.co.uk/r/ecxpn Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and National Teaching Assistants Day - Becky Dawson introduces the episode, celebrates UK National Teaching Assistants Day, and outlines the focus on support staff. 02:01 - Rob Webster's Career and Research Background - Rob shares his journey from primary, secondary, and specialist TA to spending two decades researching inclusion and the TA workforce. 03:17 - The Critical Role of TAs in Pupil Wellbeing - Discussion on how TAs support student mental health and key findings from Twinkl's survey of over 3,000 educators. 05:00 - TAs as the "Mortar in the Brickwork" - Exploring how schools rely on support staff to function and the retention risks linked to low pay and workload pressure. 11:45 - The Challenges of TA Deployment and Class Cover - An analysis of how deploying TAs to cover teacher absences impacts SEN provision, intervention groups, and TA wellbeing. 21:13 - Elevating Professional Standing and Culture - Practical, low-cost strategies for school leaders to recognize, appreciate, and signal the value of teaching assistants. 28:23 - Addressing CPD Gaps and Professional Growth - The importance of accessible training, conducting regular check-ins, and leveraging TA expertise to foster long-term retention. 37:51 - Final Takeaways and Wrap-Up - Key actionable advice for school leaders to get to know their TA workforce, followed by closing podcast details and resources.

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. Takeaways 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. 📌 Enjoying the show? Please follow the podcast and leave us a rating or review to help other educators find these crucial conversations! 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 Connect with Becky's Socials and Content: https://linktr.ee/beckydawsonwellbeing Got feedback, questions, or a story to share? Reach out to the team at [email protected]. Chapters 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. Takeaways 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. Chapters 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. Join the Conversation 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 [email protected]. 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