In This Together

Host Becky Dawson is joined by psychologist Purvi (Vi) Gandhi, author of The Little Guide for Teachers on Student Mental Health . They explore shifting from reactive clinical models to proactive "psychological fitness," empowering students to study their own mental health using a curriculum developed over 11 years. Vi explains how schools can act as society’s "central nervous system&#3...

Today, we are joined by the brilliant Sophie Smith-Tong, author of Teacher Autonomy: Where Has It Gone and Why We Need It Back and founder of Mindfulness for Learning. In this episode, host Becky Dawson and Sophie explore why the education system’s heavy focus on data and high-stakes accountability has led to the "infantilising" of the profession and a decline in educator wellbeing. They d...

In this episode, host Becky Dawson welcomes James Aidoo, CEO and chief storyteller at Innerscope, an organisation dedicated to applied emotional intelligence in education. James draws on his extensive background as an award-winning youth practitioner and his work in alternative education to discuss tackling complex student engagement issues. The conversation explores how coaching, emotional intell...

In this episode, host Becky Dawson talks with Chloe Fox, an educator and alternative provision lead, about the critical importance of seeing students as human beings rather than just data points. Chloe shares her personal journey from growing up in a single-parent household on a council estate to becoming a passionate advocate for inclusion after experiencing significant professional burnout. The...

In this episode, host Becky Dawson sits down with Kieran Smith, founder of SEMH Education and an experienced Education Officer in youth justice, to explore practical approaches for supporting children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Kieran shares his journey from mainstream teaching to specialist settings, offering unique insights into how educators can bridge the gap betwe...

In this episode, host Becky Dawson is joined by Kemi Omijeh, a psychotherapist, supervisor, and children's mental health expert with over 15 years of experience. Kemi shares her professional journey from teaching to therapy and discusses the vital necessity of supervision for educators to prevent burnout and improve practice. The conversation explores moving beyond performative actions toward...

In this episode of In This Together , host Becky Dawson sits down with Alan Fazakerley, a highly respected expert in psychoeducational support and comprehensive sex education. With over 30 years of experience, Alan discusses his unique approach to supporting children and young people with vulnerabilities, such as autism and acquired brain injuries, using tailored communication tools. The conversat...

Host Becky Dawson is joined by Charlotte Rowley, a primary school principal, and Tracey Lees, an assistant head, to discuss their book, Wellbeing Wins for Teachers . The episode explores the urgent need to centre staff wellbeing as a prerequisite for student success, particularly in deprived areas where schools act as a vital haven. They share insights on moving beyond tokenistic gestures toward a...

In this episode, host Becky Dawson sits down with Emilie Warren, an attachment play trainer and Director of Little Fox Education, to explore how play can transform child development and learning. Emilie discusses the fundamentals of attachment theory and introduces "attachment play" as a versatile tool for building safety, trust, and connection in educational settings. The conversation add...

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 "Menta...

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 ov...

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...

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...

In this episode of In This Together , host Becky Dawson sits down with Victoria Bagnall, an acclaimed educator, executive function coach, and author of The Neuro-Inclusive Educator . Victoria shares her journey as a neurodivergent teacher and specialist tutor, explaining how understanding the brain’s "management system" can transform classroom outcomes. The conversation delves into the cri...

Description 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 stud...

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...

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 exp...

Description Join us for a captivating conversation with Alison Waterhouse, an educational psychotherapist and founder of the Circles for Learning project. This episode explores a unique and powerful approach to wellbeing that involves bringing a parent and their young child into the classroom to foster emotional literacy and connection. In this episode, we delve into how observing a baby’s interac...

Ayse Tanyeri and Kitty Jack-Thomas from Assembly join In This Together to discuss a needs-led, holistic approach to children’s mental health. This conversation moves away from immediate medicalisation to focus on building self-esteem, self-knowledge, and self-acceptance as fundamental life skills. They explore how shifting the perspective from "fixing" a child to supporting their unique we...

Curtis Worrell, Director of Class 13, joins In This Together to discuss the transformative power of equity-focused practice and how educators can move away from deficit ideology. In this episode, Curtis shares his journey from sixteen years in youth work to founding an organization dedicated to helping teachers unpack racial and gender biases. We explore the systemic shift from compliance-based di...

Navigating the complexities of Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) doesn't have to be a source of anxiety for educators. Laura Turner joins In This Together to explore how delivering RSE with joy, laughter, and vulnerability can transform classroom dynamics and foster genuine wellbeing for both students and staff. In this episode, we sit down with Laura Turner, founder of Rabbit RSE, to discu...

Cath Knibbs, CEO of Children and Tech, consultant, and trauma psychotherapist, joins In This Together to explore the complex intersection of trauma, technology, and wellbeing. This episode moves beyond the common scaremongering around screens to look at the evidence-based science of how digital spaces impact a child's nervous system. Cath discusses the vital importance of co-regulation and mea...

Roger Mitchell, Headteacher of Ripple Primary School, joins In This Together to discuss "How do we create emotionally available schools?". Roger shares his twenty-year journey of transforming a fragmented school into an "Outstanding" setting rooted in kindness and professional generosity. This episode explores the vital shift from punitive discipline to relational practice, emphasi...

The In This Together podcast welcomes Nicola Lace, HeadTeacher, and Mia Casey, SENDCo, from Learning Partnership West CIC. They delve into the significant impact of adopting a zero-exclusion, trauma-informed methodology within alternative provision settings. Drawing on their experience at an "Outstanding" rated school, they explore how creating emotional safety and prioritizing relationshi...

Becky Dawson talks with Dr. Sue Roffey, a leading authority on pastoral care, author, and director of Growing Great Schools Worldwide, about the essential connection between well-being and achievement in education. The discussion centres on Dr. Roffey's book, Aspire to Well-being and Learning for All, and the six ASPIRE principles: Agency, Safety, Positivity, Inclusion, Respect, and Equity, wh...