School life unpacked

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.

Send us Fan Mail A new law on mobile phones in schools is sparking big conversations. In this episode of School Life Unpacked , Natasha breaks down what the changes actually mean for schools, pupils, and parents. Blending research with real-life parenting, she explores screen use, attention, and balance, helping you make sense of the shift and what it means for your child’s everyday school experie...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of School Life Unpacked , Natasha explores the reality of family routines, why they matter, why they fall apart, and how to find a balance that actually works. From bedtime battles to post-holiday resets, this honest conversation blends real-life parenting with research, helping you create flexible routines that support your children without adding pressure to ever...

Send us Fan Mail Struggling to manage screen time without daily meltdowns? In Part 2, we move from theory to real life, sharing practical ways to reduce screen use, handle tantrums, and create routines that actually work. Learn how to use screens intentionally, not constantly, and find a balance that supports your child’s development without adding pressure to your day.

Send us Fan Mail New UK screen time guidance is sparking big debate—but what does it actually mean for real families? In this episode, we break down the rules, the science behind them, and why early screen habits matter more than ever. From brain development to attention spans, this is a clear, honest look at screens, kids, and modern parenting.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of School Life Unpacked, we explores the emotional and practical sides of school transitions. From managing anxiety to building confidence, looking at simple, supportive strategies to help children move up school years with ease. With real-life reflections and helpful tips, this episode is a reassuring guide for parents navigating change alongside their children.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of School Life Unpacked , we revisit the conversation around school readiness and what it really means for children starting Reception. With growing concerns that many children are not fully prepared, we explore current realities, break down what schools are really looking for, and share simple, practical ways parents can support their child’s development with conf...

Send us Fan Mail What does anxiety look like in children, and how can we recognise it early? In this episode with Sarah Ferguson, an art therapist we explore the subtle signs of childhood anxiety and what our children may be trying to tell us. We discuss practical ways parents can respond, support emotional expression, and learn alongside our children as we build safer, calmer spaces together.

Send us Fan Mail Join us for a thoughtful conversation with a retired school English teacher as he shares how he inspired reluctant older pupils to rediscover the joy of reading. We explore practical ways to nurture a love of books in young children, and how families and educators can sustain that curiosity, confidence, and lifelong reading habit into the teenage years and adulthood.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of School Life Unpacked , we break down the Government’s SEND White Paper reform and what it means for families. From proposed changes to EHCPs to the introduction of Individual Support Plans, we explore the new tiered system, funding commitments, and the concerns parents are raising about legal protections and long-term impact on primary school children.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we chat with Lauren Eve, a passionate KS2 teacher about practical ways to keep children reading. From nurturing a love of books in the early years to making stories exciting and accessible, we explore simple, effective strategies to spark curiosity and build confident, enthusiastic young readers for life.

Send us Fan Mail Primary school testing can feel bigger than it really is. In this episode of School Life Unpacked  we gently unpacks phonics checks, times tables tests and SATs, exploring what they measure, what happens if children don’t meet the expected standard, and how much they truly matter. A warm, research-informed conversation to help parents support their children with confidence, perspe...

Send us Fan Mail Breakfast club is often seen as a solution for working parents, but it’s so much more than that. In this episode of School Life Unpacked explores how free breakfast clubs can reduce financial stress, increase access for families in need, and ensure every child starts the school day fed, settled, and ready to learn.

Send us Fan Mail This episode of School Life Unpacked , explores the growing conversation around mindful and intentional parenting. From understanding children’s behaviour as communication to balancing compassion with clear boundaries, this episode unpacks what it means to parent with awareness, purpose, and connection, while letting go of perfection and embracing growth for both parents and child...

Send us Fan Mail This episode is a gentle reminder for parents and caregivers that self-care is not selfish, it’s essential. We explore how nurturing yourself supports your children, why a self-regulated parent creates safety, and how small, realistic moments of care protect your mental health. Because when you care for yourself, you teach your children that they matter too.

Send us Fan Mail Australia has taken bold steps to restrict social media should the UK follow? In this episode, we explore the arguments for and against banning social media, examining its impact on mental health, free speech, and society. Is regulation enough, or is a full ban the future? Join the debate and decide for yourself.