School life unpacked

Send us Fan Mail Change is hard, especially when we’re navigating it alongside our children. In this episode, we explore how to support kids through transitions with empathy, resilience, and honesty, even when we don’t have it all figured out ourselves. Practical encouragement for parents learning as they go.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with a local GP to unpick the details of EHCPs and why they matter. We explore how an EHCP differs from SEN support, who it’s for, and why it can be life-changing. Most importantly, we encourage parents not to be disheartened—help, guidance, and support are available.

Send us Fan Mail Genesis Ali rejoins us to talk more nutrition. We explore how to truly fuel our children, not just fill them. We uncover hidden sugars, discuss smarter food choices, and share simple, realistic tips for building healthier family habits. A practical, eye-opening conversation for anyone wanting to nourish their home with confidence and balance.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Lee Griffith, owner of Plush Wellness, opens up about navigating life with a fussy eater—an unexpected challenge even her fitness and nutrition expertise couldn’t prepare her for. She shares honest struggles, practical insights, and reassuring hope for parents facing similar battles, reminding us progress is possible.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, retired headteacher Frank McEvoy reflects on his decades in education, sharing how schools have changed, the progress he’s proud of, the challenges that remain, and the lessons he’s carried throughout his career, while offering thoughtful insights for educators, parents, and anyone curious about the future of schooling.

Send us Fan Mail As Miss Liz Keeble enters her second year as Headteacher of St. Helen’s Catholic Primary School, she returns to discuss the school’s growth under her leadership. She reflects on new initiatives, surprising developments, and the moments that have strengthened the community, offering valuable insight into change, progress, and Catholic educational values.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Victoria Perrin from ATF shares how the charity supports young people and families to Achieve, Thrive, and Flourish. She explains ATF’s mission, its community impact, and why accessible, empowering support is vital for helping local families build confidence, resilience, and brighter futures in their everyday lives today.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we chat with the inspiring managers of Dolly and Bear Nursery about their nurturing early years setting. Discover how their child-led approach, creative learning spaces, and caring environment support children’s confidence, curiosity, and development, laying strong foundations for lifelong learning and wellbeing.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of school uniforms from a parent’s perspective examining their impact on family budgets, student expression, and school culture. We also break down the average costs, discuss whether the benefits outweigh the challenges, and consider what effective alternatives might look like.

Send us Fan Mail "Join us for an inspiring conversation with an Early Years and Childcare Improvement Teacher who shares expert insights and Top Tips for Talking . Discover how to boost children’s communication, confidence, and connection through simple, everyday interactions that make a lasting difference in early language development and family learning." https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-hap...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring chat with a professional personal trainer, life coach and mentor, as we explore how to keep your children and family healthy, active, and strong. Discover practical tips, fun fitness ideas, and expert strategies to build lasting habits that make wellness a natural part of your family’s everyday routine.

Send us Fan Mail When your child struggles to keep up at school, it can feel worrying and confusing. In this episode of School Life Unpacked , we explore how to recognise the signs of falling behind, what the data show about primary education in the UK, and how parents and schools can work together to help children catch up gently and effectively.

Send us Fan Mail "Join our guest nutritionist as we explore the lifelong benefits of good food choices, beginning in the early years and extending well beyond the classroom. Discover how balanced nutrition supports growth, learning, and long-term health, empowering children to thrive today while building strong foundations for the future."

Send us Fan Mail "Fostering good mental health from a young age lays the foundation for lifelong resilience and emotional well-being. By nurturing healthy coping skills early, individuals are better equipped to manage life’s challenges, reduce stress, and maintain balance, ultimately supporting healthier, more fulfilling lives in adulthood and older age."

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we unpack the Children’s Welfare and Schools Bill currently moving through Parliament. We break down what the bill actually says, explore its potential impact on schools, families, and children, and ask whether it strengthens safeguarding or risks creating new challenges in education and welfare.

Send us Fan Mail Grades fade, but the real lessons last. In this episode, we unpack the three things school really teaches you resilience when life knocks you down, the power of relationships that shape your future, and why your worth is never defined by test results. These are the lessons that matter long after the bell rings.

Send us Fan Mail Homework often feels like a chore, but it teaches much more than equations and essays. In this episode, we explore how homework builds discipline, responsibility, and lifelong learning habits beyond the classroom.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of School Life Unpacked , host Natasha Curtis-Igho explores what “school readiness” really means for children starting Reception in the UK. From government checklists to everyday independence skills, Natasha unpacks the expectations placed on families, why the timing often feels overwhelming, and how children’s unique development journeys shape their readiness. Wit...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we talk to a SEND Services Manager about their vital role in supporting children with special educational needs in the early years. We explore how they work with families, nurseries, and professionals to provide early support, guidance, and inclusive opportunities that help every child thrive.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re joined by an Early Years Improvement Manager to explore the vital role of maths in the early stages of a child’s development. From counting during play to problem-solving through everyday routines, we discuss how early mathematical thinking can be naturally nurtured at home and in early education settings. Tune in to hear practical tips, key insights, and wh...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the importance of nurturing positive behaviour and meaningful connections in the early years and how these foundations impact development well into later life. Discover practical strategies for encouraging empathy, cooperation, and emotional resilience in young children, whether at home, in early education settings, or in the community. Join us as we ch...

Send us Fan Mail In this insightful episode, we’re joined again by Sarah Bell an autism specialist and Ruby a remarkable young woman who received a late autism diagnosis. Together, we explore why girls are often diagnosed later than boys, the challenges this presents, and how we can improve awareness and support. Our guest bravely shares her personal journey, highlighting the impact of being undia...

Send us Fan Mail Lily-May Byfield explains phonics in depth, highlighting its role in teaching children to decode words by sounds. At her school, phonics is taught daily using structured programs like Letters and Sounds. She emphasises blending and segmenting techniques to build reading fluency. Regular assessments ensure progress, while engaging, multi sensory activities keep students motivated a...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we chat with a local GP about their role in supporting young children’s health and development. From coughs and colds to emotional wellbeing, we explore how GPs work with families, schools, and other professionals to give children the best start in their early years and school life.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, an experienced Early Years teacher shares expert tips on preparing children for Reception. From easing first-day nerves and navigating new school transitions to managing fussy eating and big emotions, gain practical, insightful advice to support your child’s smooth and confident start to school life.