Transforming behaviour management is key to supporting teacher wellbeing and improving student outcomes. In this episode of In This Together, host Becky Dawson sits down with Dr Laura Oxley, a postdoctoral researcher in psychology and education, to discuss moving beyond rigid punishment systems like detentions. They explore how persistent sanctions fail at-risk students and examine how proactive, relational alternatives can reshape school culture.

The conversation delves into the emotional labour required by educators and the systemic changes leaders must make to prevent burnout and boost staff retention. Dr Oxley highlights practical frameworks including restorative practice, collaborative problem-solving, and tailored support for students with complex needs. School leaders will gain actionable insights on reducing administrative burdens and building supportive, reflective spaces for staff.

• Break the sanction cycle: Traditional detentions often fail to change persistent challenging behaviour for at-risk students.
• Protect teacher wellbeing: Relational behaviour management requires emotional labor; leaders must support staff wellbeing to prevent burnout.
• Reduce administrative burden: Streamlining behaviour logging and report-writing frees up energy for effective teaching and learning.
• Implement tailored strategies: Adopt restorative practice and collaborative problem-solving tailored to individual student needs rather than blanket policies.
• Prioritise peer support and recovery: Psychological detachment, clear boundaries, and informal staff support build capacity for managing complex behaviour.
• Foster reflective leadership: Creating spaces for educators to discuss challenges and seek help enhances staff retention and school culture.

00:00 - Introduction - Becky Dawson introduces Dr Laura Oxley and the episode focus on behaviour management and wellbeing.

00:46 - Background in Education - Dr Oxley shares her journey from teaching assistant to postdoctoral researcher.

02:08 - The Sanction Cycle - Why traditional punishments like detentions fail to create positive behaviour change.

04:12 - Barriers to Radical Change - Research insights on funding, resources, and leadership perspectives.

06:05 - Behaviour and Staff Wellbeing - Examining the emotional labor of educators and its link to staff retention.

07:56 - Wellbeing Frameworks - Applying job design, job crafting, and recovery processes in education.

10:18 - Relational Behaviour Approaches - Implementing restorative practice and collaborative problem-solving.

12:50 - Complex Needs and Understanding - Strategies for supporting students with callous-unemotional traits through playful learning.

15:37 - Reflective Supervision - The value of creating safe spaces for staff to reflect on classroom challenges.

17:15 - Key Takeaways for Leaders - Essential guidance on seeking support and fostering connection in school communities.

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In this episode of In This Together, host Becky Dawson is joined by former deputy head, Senco, and educational consultant Rowena Hicks to tackle the critical topic of school staff wellbeing and burnout. Rowena shares her personal experience with extreme stress, exploring how high-achieving, conscientious educators often push themselves to the brink. Together, they discuss practical strategies to reclaim joy in teaching, protect mental health, and foster psychological safety across school leadership and staff teams.

Discover actionable approaches to education leadership, workload reduction, and positive culture change in schools. Rowena introduces her "5 Minutes to Thrive" concept, demonstrating how tiny habit changes and leveraging personal strengths can transform workplace stress into sustainable energy. Whether you are a teacher, assistant head, or senior leader, this conversation offers vital insight into balancing professional dedication with personal wellbeing, proving that caring for yourself is essential to supporting young people.

• Recognise the warning signs of burnout: High achievers and conscientious staff often ignore stress symptoms, making early intervention and self-awareness essential.
• Implement tiny habits: Whole-school wellbeing does not require massive overhauls; consistent 5-minute practices build trust and psychological safety.
• Leverage personal strengths: Aligning daily tasks with core values like kindness and problem-solving boosts motivation and productivity.
• Prioritise authentic leadership: Open, vulnerable communication from school leaders models healthy risk-taking and reduces cognitive overload.
• Streamline bureaucracy: Utilizing tech solutions and flexible working arrangements helps eliminate unnecessary workload and restores joy to teaching.

00:00 - Introduction - Becky Dawson introduces Rowena Hicks and the importance of educator wellbeing.

00:52 - Rowena's Journey in Education - Overcoming severe burnout and transitioning from deputy head to wellbeing advocate.

05:28 - Identifying Symptoms of Overload - Physical, cognitive, and emotional impacts of chronic stress in school environments.

07:19 - 5 Minutes to Thrive - Small daily habits that create sustainable culture change and psychological safety.

09:42 - The Power of Personal Strengths - How leaning into core values can boost motivation and manage giant to-do lists.

12:31 - Authenticity & Values in the Classroom - Being true to yourself as an educator and creating space for creativity.

16:05 - Leadership Wellbeing & Psychological Safety - How senior leaders can model vulnerability, pause, and reduce team stress.

24:45 - Bringing Joy Back to Teaching - Reducing bureaucracy, leveraging tech, and treating staff as human beings.

30:52 - Final Thoughts & Summary - Wrapping up key takeaways and contact details.

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In this episode of In This Together, host Becky Dawson sits down with Jonathan Harper FRSA, an award-winning social entrepreneur and founder of CanTeam. Together, they explore how school spaces can be transformed after hours to foster community dining, boost student agency, and nurture whole-school wellbeing. Jonathan shares how opening school canteens strengthens relationships between families, schools, and local communities.

The discussion dives deep into social action, practical leadership skills for young people, and overcoming the challenges of secondary school engagement. By placing students at the heart of hosting and organizing, schools can unlock untapped potential and improve outcomes for everyone.

• Community dining as a wellbeing hub: Opening school canteens after hours builds trust, companionship, and strong community links.
• Empowering young leaders: Involving students directly in hosting and running events develops vital real-world leadership and employability skills.
• Secondary school connection: Bridging the gap between parents and secondary schools creates meaningful touchpoints for family engagement.
• Accessible whole school nutrition: Providing appealing, stigma-free nutritious meals fosters healthier habits for young people and families.
• Intergenerational relationships: Bringing local residents and students together breaks down social barriers and enhances community cohesion.
• Unlocking existing school assets: Reimagining underutilised spaces transforms schools from academic facilities into vibrant community centers.

00:00 - Introduction - Becky Dawson introduces the episode, host context, and guest Jonathan Harper.

01:30 - The Genesis of CanTeam - Jonathan shares his background in social action and the Grenfell Tower response that inspired community dining.

05:56 - Overcoming Secondary School Challenges - Exploring how to break down barriers, engage secondary students, and reconnect parents.

11:27 - Operational Models and Staff Involvement - Testing different delivery methods and looking forward to sustainable community hub models.

12:43 - Nutrition, Wellbeing, and Student Agency - Why accessible, appealing food combined with student leadership creates real impact.

20:42 - Inspirational Examples from Across the UK - Student-led dining projects in Bognor Regis, Brighton, and Durham.

24:37 - Intergenerational Connection and Cathedral Thinking - The power of bringing older residents into school canteens and bold leadership vision.

27:18 - Key Takeaways and Closing - Practical action points for school leaders and podcast sign-off.

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