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.

• 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.

• 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: teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

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

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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.

• 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 teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

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

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.

• 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 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.