School life unpacked

Send us Fan Mail As schools embrace phone-free days, are we giving children something valuable back, or simply moving the problem elsewhere? From primary school playgrounds to teenage friendships, we explore screen time, concentration, cyberbullying and the impact of technology on childhood. What does the research tell us, and how can parents and schools help children build healthier relationships...

Send us Fan Mail Half term is here, but does a school holiday really need to be filled with activities, days out and endless entertainment? Natasha unpacks the pressure parents face, the exhaustion children can carry at the end of term, and why rest, play and slower days matter. Perhaps half term isn't about doing more, but giving the whole family time to recharge, regroup and reconnect.

Send us Fan Mail We spend years learning about life, but nobody really teaches us how to be parents! In this episode of School Life Unpacked, we explore how our own childhoods shape our parenting, why we sometimes repeat old patterns, and how we can learn from our mistakes. Discover why parenting isn’t about being perfect, but about understanding our children, growing together and learning as we g...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a child is trying their hardest but still struggles to read and spell? In this episode of School Life Unpacked, we explore dyslexia, the signs parents might miss, the impact of late identification and how it affects children’s confidence. We also ask whether dyslexia-friendly classrooms are enough and why every child deserves the right support to thrive.

Send us Fan Mail Persistent absence is one of the biggest challenges facing schools and families, but behind the numbers are children facing very different barriers. In this episode, we explores what persistent absence actually means, who is most affected, why children may struggle to get through the school gates, and what schools, parents and communities can do together to help children reconnect...

Send us Fan Mail Friendship can seem like something children should just know how to do, but what actually is friendship, and can we teach children how to make and maintain it? In this episode, we explores the science behind friendship, from early play and perspective-taking to empathy, conflict, boundaries and rejection. We also ask why friendship can be difficult for grown-ups too and what our c...

Send us Fan Mail Teachers spend their days caring for, supporting and encouraging our children  but who is taking care of them? In this episode, Natasha speaks with Shireen Ayub from the National Education Union about teacher wellbeing, workload, stress, burnout and why some teachers leave the profession. We explore what schools, leaders and the wider education system can do to better support staf...

Send us Fan Mail How often do we ask our children, “How was school?” only to hear “Fine”? But what if sometimes our children communicate through behaviour rather than words? In this episode, we explores what might sit beneath tears, anger, withdrawal, reluctance and those everyday “I don’t know” answers, and how parents can listen, notice patterns and gently open the door to deeper conversations.

Send us Fan Mail Tia showed no obvious signs of autism as a child, but after reaching crisis at senior school, the decision was made to explore whether autism could be behind what she was experiencing. In this honest conversation, Tia and her mum share their journey through diagnosis, changing perceptions and understanding, and how discovering the answers ultimately brought them closer together.

Send us Fan Mail The uniforms are ready, the shoes are bought and the school bags are packed… but are our children emotionally ready for September? In this episode, we explores the excitement, anxiety, sadness and uncertainty that can come with returning to school, and shares simple ways parents can support their children through the transition without expecting everything to be perfect.

Send us Fan Mail As the summer holidays come to an end, we explore something we don’t always talk about enough, endings. How can we help children navigate goodbyes, change and transitions without rushing them towards the next exciting chapter? We unpacks why it’s okay to feel sad, excited and uncertain all at once, and how acknowledging endings can help children build resilience.

Send us Fan Mail Are we putting too much pressure on our children to achieve, compete and keep up? From school results and sports to friendships and social media, childhood can sometimes feel like a race. In this episode, Natasha explores where that pressure comes from, what UK research tells us about children’s wellbeing, and how we can celebrate progress without turning childhood into a competit...

Send us Fan Mail Summer is supposed to be full of sunshine, laughter and family memories but behind the smiles, many parents are carrying a hidden load. In this episode of School Life Unpacked , I explore the financial pressures, emotional demands and mental load that often come with the school holidays, while reminding parents that children don’t need a perfect summer, they simply need connection...

Send us Fan Mail As summer holidays begin and the familiar cry of “I’m bored!” echoes around our homes, should we really be rushing to fix it? In this episode, we explores why boredom isn’t something to fear but an opportunity for creativity, independence and resilience. Discover what the research says and how giving children space to be bored could be one of the greatest gifts we give them.

Send us Fan Mail What happens when education is built around systems instead of children? In this thought provoking episode of School Life Unpacked , Natasha is joined by autistic advocate Tia and autism specialist Sarah Bell to explore why wellbeing, relationships and genuine inclusion should sit at the heart of education. Together, they discuss what needs to change so every child feels seen, und...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of School Life Unpacked , we explore how to support children through the end-of-year school transition. We discuss the emotions that come with change, practical ways to build confidence, celebrate growth, maintain wellbeing over the holidays, and prepare for a positive start to the new school year. Packed with tips for parents and educators alike.

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring conversation, Kasia shares the story behind The Hang Out Venue and how a simple idea grew into a thriving community hub for families. We explore the challenges and rewards of social entrepreneurship, the impact of creating meaningful connections, balancing business with family life, and her vision for the future. A powerful story of purpose, people, and community...

Send us Fan Mail The UK government has announced plans to ban children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms. But what exactly is being proposed, when could it happen, and how might it affect families? In this episode of School Life Unpacked, we explores the facts, the concerns, and the bigger questions about childhood, wellbeing and growing up in a digital world.

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode, we speak with Jayne Clark-Denyer, founder of Organically Epic, about transforming a personal family challenge into a successful purpose driven business. Jayne shares her entrepreneurial journey, the realities of balancing family life with business growth, lessons learned through setbacks, and practical advice for parents considering launching their own v...

Send us Fan Mail SATs, phonics screenings and multiplication checks are over for another year, but what impact do they have on our children? In this episode of School Life Unpacked , Natasha reflects on her own family’s experiences and explores the growing conversation around exam anxiety in primary schools. Together, we’ll unpack the research, the realities and how we can better support children.

Send us Fan Mail As warmer weather and lighter evenings arrive, sleep can become a challenge for many families. In this episode of School Life Unpacked , we explores the science behind sleep, why it’s essential for children’s learning, behaviour, emotional wellbeing and physical development, and how sleep difficulties can sometimes be mistaken for other challenges. A fascinating look at one of chi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of School Life Unpacked , Natasha unpacks what PSHE, Relationships Education, and Health Education actually mean in primary schools. Exploring government guidance, parental rights, online safety, wellbeing, and modern childhood, this balanced conversation helps parents understand what children are really being taught and why these lessons have become such an import...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore how technology is being used in early years settings to support children’s learning, creativity, and digital literacy. Beth, an Early years setting guest shares how technology can be introduced safely and responsibly while following recommended guidelines. We discuss balancing screen time with play, promoting online safety, and helping young children de...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of School Life Unpacked , Natasha explores the growing debate around play-based learning and formal education in Reception classrooms. From phonics and school readiness to outdoor play, child development, and academic pressure, this episode unpacks what young children really need to thrive and asks whether England’s education system is expecting too much, too soon.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of School Life Unpacked , Natasha breaks down what Ofsted really is and how it impacts schools, teachers, and families. From inspections and ratings to the growing criticisms and upcoming changes, this episode explores the full picture, helping parents understand what Ofsted reports mean, and why they’re only one part of choosing the right school for your child.