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

📌 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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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 teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

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

In this episode of In This Together, host Becky Dawson welcomes Seth Butcher, the founder of Future Decided, to explore a powerful approach to student aspiration and re-engagement. Seth shares his passion for helping young people establish a compelling vision for their future —a mindset shift that transcends standard testing and traditional university pathways. Together, they discuss the critical link between student motivation and school attendance, highlighting how identifying a personal "why" empowers individuals to push through significant barriers.

This episode delves into effective behaviour management and student wellbeing by challenging educators to look beyond standard intervention methods. Seth unpacks his "climbing wall" analogy of attendance, demonstrating why reducing negative triggers is only half the solution if schools fail to strengthen the "top magnet" of ambition. Through practical examples and a passion for alternative pathways, this conversation provides actionable insights for cultivating resilience and redefining what it means for every child to be wired for greatness.

• A compelling vision drives attendance: Cultivating an individualized, motivating goal allows students to develop the resilience needed to push through anxiety, social difficulties, and school avoidance.
• Strengthening the top magnet of ambition: Traditional interventions often focus solely on reducing anxiety or modifying timetables; educators must equally amplify a student's long-term aspirations and intrinsic drive.
• Redefining greatness beyond test scores: While academic qualifications remain valuable pathways, true fulfillment comes from supporting young people to find their unique lane and thrive.
• Connecting education to real-life skills: For students who value learning but struggle with the institutional structure of school, framing the environment as a practice ground for essential interpersonal and workplace skills can unlock engagement.
• A contagious mindset shift for staff wellbeing: Shifting focus toward lasting student impact reminds educators of their core purpose, boosting staff morale and transforming the wider school culture.

00:00 - Introduction - Host Becky Dawson introduces Seth Butcher and outlines the episode's focus on intentional well-being.

01:11 - The Genesis of Future Decided - Seth explains the vision behind his platform and moving away from a rigid university-for-all agenda.

03:30 - Embracing Individual Pathways - Discussing the value of technical trades and encouraging high expectations across all career lanes.

06:29 - Sparking Motivation: The Power of a Goal - A practical look at how finding a distinct personal drive makes challenging curriculum content purposeful.

08:41 - Understanding Systemic Attendance Barriers - Examining post-COVID school avoidance and why traditional intervention models fall short.

11:32 - The Climbing Wall Analogy & The Top Magnet - A breakdown of the tension between easing school challenges and building a powerful future vision.

13:50 - Engaging the School-Averse Learner - Addressing the growing cohort of students who value education but reject the traditional school layout.

15:21 - Redefining Greatness in Modern Education - Shifting away from a deficit model to focus intentionally on student potential and strengths.

17:21 - From Alternative Provision to a Brighter Future - A case study of a disengaged student discovering a legal, structured path toward a construction career.

Find out more about Seth’s work here:

Website https://www.futuredecided.com/

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethbutcher-futuredecided/

In this episode, host Becky Dawson is joined by Penny Phillips, a coach supervisor and founder of the Parent Village . Penny shares the story of how her work in local authorities evolved into a peer-led, evidence-based model that upskills parents to support one another's mental health and wellbeing . The conversation explores the vital role parents play as experts through experience and how schools can better bridge the gap between home and the classroom .

The episode delves into the challenges of navigating the education system, particularly for families dealing with social and emotional needs or a cancer diagnosis. Penny offers profound insights into why perfection in parenting is a myth and how educators can use vulnerability and "relational approaches" to build genuine trust with the families they serve . From relieving the pressure of "adulting" to supporting parents through recovery, Penny provides a roadmap for compassionate collaboration.

• Value expertise through experience: Peer-led support models recognize that parents are the fundamental relationship in a child's life and possess unique skills that should be valued and scaffolded.
• The "Armour" of interaction: Both educators and parents often approach difficult conversations with defensive "armour"; taking a bit of yours off first can invite the parent to do the same, fostering vulnerability.
• Relieving the perfectionism trap: Perfection in parenting does not exist; "good enough" parenting—being the best you can be in your current circumstances—is the goal that leaders should champion.
• Broaching support with sensitivity: Recommending parenting groups should be done through a lens of empathy and shared struggle rather than as a "tick box" or a critique of a parent's current skills.
• Humans do well when they can: Adopting the mantra that people—both children and adults—want to do well but may currently lack the capacity or support to do so changes the tone of school interaction.
• Support beyond treatment: For families "parenting with cancer," the need for school support does not end when treatment does; ongoing scaffolding is required as they navigate long-term emotional and physical impacts.

00:01 - Introduction - Becky Dawson introduces Penny Phillips and the concept of the Parent Village.

01:42 - The Birth of the Parent Village - How a peer-led parenting team grew into a digital community across borough boundaries.

04:02 - Valuing Peer Expertise - The importance of upskilling and paying parents to share their lived experiences.

06:24 - Challenges Facing Families - Discussing global factors, the cost of living, and the daily juggle of "adulting".

10:45 - The Secondary School Context - Why secondary leaders must set a tone that prioritises partnership and trusted adults over rigid rules.

14:19 - Dropping the Armour - How vulnerability and admitting you don't have all the answers can improve one-to-one parent conversations.

19:08 - Recommending Parenting Support - Tips on how to suggest courses without making parents feel like they are failing.

22:53 - The Myth of Perfection - Moving away from social media's perfect images and embracing "good enough".

26:48 - Humans Do Well When They Can - Applying Dr. Ross Green's principles to both children and "blustery" parents.

31:37 - Parenting with Cancer Project - A specialized focus on supporting families through a diagnosis and its lifelong impacts.

38:29 - Scaffolding Beyond Treatment - Why schools must continue to hold families in mind even after medical treatment ends.

40:37 - Takeaways for Tomorrow - Final reflections on relational approaches and taking off the armour.

Join the Conversation We would love for you to follow the podcast and leave a rating or review on your preferred platform . If you have thoughts, questions, or want to share the brilliant work you're doing for wellbeing, please email us at teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

Find out more about Penny’s work here:

The Parent Village: https://www.theparentvillage.org.uk/

Fruitfly Collective (parenting with cancer): https://www.fruitflycollective.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penny-phillips/