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.

Evelina Dzimanaviciute, an organizational development consultant and founder of Elite Mind, joins host Becky Dawson to bridge the gap between latest academic research and practical applications in schools. This episode explores how neuroscience and behavioral science can transform staff performance, self-regulation, and mental health. The discussion dives deep into managing stress through ancient wisdom and modern data, reimagining the school environment to boost resilience, and the critical importance of aligning individual values with organizational purpose.

Translating complex science into tangible school improvements, Evelina explains the "Wellbeing Compass" and why educators often hit burnout by failing to listen to their bodies. The conversation challenges traditional views on therapy and coaching, offering a proactive toolkit for building internal resourcefulness. Whether you are a headteacher looking to improve staff retention or a teacher seeking immediate stress-relief tools, this episode provides a roadmap for a healthier, purpose-driven career in education.

• Box Breathing as a Diagnostic Tool: Beyond simple relaxation, use the "box" method to identify which "energy" (Water, Air, Fire, Earth) you lack based on which part of the breath is hardest to hold.
• Environmental Boundaries and Neuro-Anchoring: Avoid "contaminating" spaces; eating lunch in a classroom keeps the nervous system in a high-performance state rather than allowing it to enter "rest and digest" mode.
• The Resilience of Purpose: True purpose isn't just about feeling good; it serves as a "North Star" that provides the resilience needed to sacrifice and keep going during difficult times without burning out.
• Biophilic Design in Schools: Recreating natural environments by bringing in plants, natural light, and fresh air is essential for aligning our biological rhythms with our work life.
• Building Internal Resourcefulness: Shift away from "passive" labels like "anxious" or "depressed" toward skill-based wellbeing that focuses on habits, financial management, and physical strength.

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Get in Touch: Share your wellbeing stories or questions with us at teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

00:00 - Introduction - Becky introduces Evelina and the intersection of science and performance.

01:26 - The Science-Education Gap - Why it takes decades for research to reach schools and the mission of Elite Mind.

03:49 - Understanding the Stress Mechanism - How our "zebra" brains react to modern stressors and imagined scenarios.

06:33 - Box Breathing & Ancient Wisdom - A deep dive into the 4-count breathing technique and its neurochemical effects.

11:12 - Reimagining School Environments - The impact of physical space on teacher resilience and the danger of "blurred boundaries".

14:45 - Bringing the Outdoors In - Using natural light, plants, and grounding to improve neurobiology.

17:03 - The Wellbeing Compass - Measuring the "unmeasurable" through data and behavioral habits.

23:21 - Coaching vs. Therapy - Why combining future-oriented coaching with therapeutic self-awareness is the key to growth.

27:48 - Living and Working on Purpose - Aligning individual values with organizational strategy to prevent turnover.

32:42 - Environmental Influence & Final Thoughts - Knowing when to change a system and when to move to a new environment

Founder and CEO of BRIYM (Building Resilience in Young Minds), Charlie Hartley, and therapist Gem Powell join Becky Dawson and Laiba Sheikh to explore the true meaning of resilience within the education system. This episode delves into how schools can move from a reactive to a proactive stance by implementing a whole-school approach that supports the mental health and wellbeing of students, staff, and parents alike. The conversation challenges common misconceptions about "toughing it out," reframing resilience as a toolkit of techniques rooted in brain development and community support.

Listeners will gain insights into the vital role of professional supervision for educators, ensuring that those on the frontline of pastoral care are regulated and supported to prevent burnout. From managing anxiety through scientific understanding to the "small wins" of supporting students with emotionally based school non-attendance (EBSNA), this episode explores to steps to fostering a safe, inclusive school culture. It emphasizes that wellbeing is not an "add-on" but a necessary foundation for both living and learning.

• Resilience as a Skillset: Moving away from resilience as a "survival instinct," educators can empower students by teaching a toolbox of techniques to manage emotions and recover from adversity.
• The Power of the Proactive: Early intervention and teaching brain development (from primary through secondary) helps young people normalize their emotional experiences and anticipate changes.
• Triangulation of Support: Effective wellbeing strategies require shared understanding between students, school staff, and parents/carers to create a consistent support network.
• Essential Staff Supervision: Providing teachers and Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) with professional supervision is crucial for maintaining a regulated, healthy workforce.
• Reframing "Non-Resilience": Recognizing that rest, reflection, and even "non-resilient days" are vital components of long-term mental health and growth.

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.

• 00:00 - Introduction - Meeting the BRIM team: Charlie Hartley and Gem Powell.
• 01:31 - Defining Resilience - Moving beyond "bad press" to a toolkit-based approach.
• 05:26 - Survival vs. Resilience - Laiba shares personal experience on the cost of "forced" resilience.
• 07:00 - Community Connection - Why resilience isn't an island but a community-based effort.
• 12:12 - Misconceptions in Schools - Is resilience just being "convenient" for the system?.
• 16:39 - The Learning Pathway - Treating emotional skills with the same patience as the science curriculum.
• 18:54 - Proactive Brain Education - Teaching students about the "supercomputer" in their heads.
• 23:02 - Staff Supervision - Why educators need a safe space to offload and regulate.
• 28:40 - Impact Stories - Finding motivation through student breakthroughs and parental feedback.
• 35:48 - Supporting EBSNA - The "massive" achievement of a student returning to school.
• 41:58 - The Magic Wand - What one change would the guests make to the education system?.
• 45:07 - Sharing is Caring - Book recommendations for further exploration

Joshua Pelled, founder and CEO of Bright Futures UK, joins Becky Dawson to discuss the profound educational and social challenges faced by young people experiencing long-term illness. Joshua shares his personal journey as a two-time cancer survivor to highlight the critical need for a dedicated support system during medical absences. This episode explores the vital role of wellbeing and belonging in ensuring students remain connected to their community and successfully reintegrate into education.

TakeAways

• Scale of the Issue: There are an estimated 279,000 young people in the UK missing significant portions of their education due to long-term illness, a figure that has risen sharply since 2018.

• Holistic Support: Effective support must move beyond just academics to include befriending and mentoring, addressing the isolation and social disconnection caused by illness.

• School Challenges: While schools are often overwhelmed, simple wins like maintaining a sense of community and timely local authority referrals can significantly improve a student's wellbeing.

• The "Invisible Group": Many students facing physical or mental health challenges are missed by current SEND provisions and the EHCP process, requiring more visible and specific advocacy.

• Child-Centred Reintegration: Success is built on a personalized approach that bridges the gap between hospital, home, and the classroom to ensure no child is left behind.

If you would like to know more about the report we discussed attend the event at 10am 26th March. Register here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-impact-of-long-term-illness-on-education-in-the-uk-tickets-1983909136633

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction - Meeting Joshua Pelled and the mission of Bright Futures UK.

01:17 - Personal Journey - Joshua's experience with cancer and the disruption of his education.

03:35 - The Impact Report - Analyzing the data of 279,000 young people missing school.

06:06 - The Power of Belonging - Why staying connected to the school community is vital for mental health.

08:02 - Policy & EHCPs - Discussing the White Paper and the difficulty of accessing statutory support.

11:57 - Education & Advocacy - The hope for the report to educate decision-makers and stakeholders.

14:25 - A Child-Centred Approach - Exploring tutoring, mentoring, and befriending services.

17:41 - Advice for Schools - Practical "easy wins" for educators to support families and students.

21:15 - Looking Forward - The future of reintegration and the impact of dedicated volunteers.

Beth Smithson, an occupational therapist and Director of Lifelong Learning at Sensory Integration Education, joins In This Together to explore the profound link between sensory integration and emotional wellbeing. This episode shifts the focus from diagnosis to the fundamental human experience of how our central nervous system interprets the world to create a felt sense of safety.

The episode explores the physiological responses triggered when a student’s environment feels threatening, moving beyond simple preferences to understand the fight or flight mechanics of dysregulation. Beth highlights how hormonal changes during puberty or menopause can narrow a person's window of tolerance, making universal strategies like predictability, choice, and flight paths essential for a calm and inclusive classroom. By prioritizing co-regulation and recognizing sensory uniqueness, educators can move toward a strength-based approach that fosters a true sense of belonging and wellness for both students and staff.

For more professional development resources and in-depth training on supporting sensory needs in education, visit the Sensory Integration Education website.

Takeaways

• Sensory Safety as a Foundation: Sensory processing underpins our sense of safety; if a student does not feel safe in their body or environment, they cannot neurologically access the pathways required for learning or engagement.

• The Physiology of Dysregulation: Sensory overload triggers real physiological responses, such as increased heart rate and muscle tension, which are often misinterpreted as "bad behavior" rather than a nervous system on high alert.

• Fluctuating Thresholds: An individual's window of tolerance is not static; it is significantly impacted by fatigue, illness, and hormonal shifts like puberty or perimenopause.

• Implementing Flight Paths: Creating a designated, practiced "flight path" to a sensory-safe space allows students to remove themselves before a fight response occurs, fostering self-regulation.

• The Power of Small Adjustments: Reasonable adjustments, such as modifying a school tie or allowing a student to stand while working, can be the difference between a student being in the classroom or being excluded from school.

• Staff Wellbeing and Co-regulation: Educators must prioritize their own sensory joys and regulation to effectively serve as a co-regulator for the children and young people in their care.

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 to Beth Smithson and Sensory Integration.

01:15 - Defining sensory processing and its link to the central nervous system.

03:17 - The eight senses and the "fight or flight" safety response.

07:07 - Validating sensory uniqueness and the importance of communication.

10:33 - How anxiety and hormones (puberty/menopause) impact sensory thresholds.

15:56 - Using sensory joy and proprioception to activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

18:08 - Universal classroom strategies: Predictability, choice, and control.

20:38 - Establishing "flight paths" and sensory safety spaces in schools.

27:30 - The impact of sensory processing on relationships and school attendance.

32:18 - Building a school culture of belonging through strength-based approaches.

37:58 - Small reasonable adjustments: Uniforms, movement, and the law.

41:11 - Staff wellbeing: Sensory checks and co-regulation for educators.