Teachers Talk Radio

The Panel discusses the BBC reporting that staff at two primary schools in Greater Manchester have gone on strike over claims their reports of violence and daily assaults are being ignored by senior leadership. Teachers at Lily Lane Primary School in Moston and Ravensfield Primary School have walked out following claims that pupils have been biting and kicking staff, throwing furniture and, bringi...

In their first show of 2026, Michael Wright and Jen Hurst discuss CPD, the relevancy of it for career development, effective CPD and how good CPD should be transformative, galvanise teaching staff and be focused towards improving teacher practice for the students only. 

With guest Coshia Belvet, the show explores the realities behind the holidays from the teachers’ perspectives. It highlights the need for teachers to work throughout the holidays to meet the demands of the curriculum, students’ needs and external agencies. Whether or not there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, or room for work life balanced was also discussed.

In this show of Teachers Talk Radio, host Famida Choudhary is joined by English educator Kais Saidi to explore the impact of reducing Teacher Talking Time (TTT). Together, they unpack why talking less can lead to deeper learning, stronger student independence, and more effective differentiation. A practical, reflective conversation on structure, student agency, and designing lessons where learning...

Darren explored different models of self-directed learning and considers why we should think about our own self direction as more and more CPD moves online.

We talk apathy at this time of the year and what to do to keep your motivation topped up as a teacher. How do you get through that January blues? Dodecadecompress! We talk it out here.

Tim talks to guest Daniela Schillaci, a current Head of Sixth Form and teacher of DT, to discuss all things Post 16. From the Curriculum Review and the pressures faced by Sixth Forms to the impact Sixth Form can have on the resilience of our young people. Together Tim and Daniela will look to the future and then Daniela will face the terrifying Quick-Fire Quiz.

Timea Kadar sets the scene for 2026 by spotlighting the current and emerging higher education trends worth watching. She's been digging into papers and articles from HE organisations, government, and regulatory bodies, as well as insights from mastermind groups. Join Timea and add your thoughts on what trend in higher education you think will matter most in 2026.

Tom Rogers is joined by two school leaders who have recently experienced OFSTED inspections under the new grading system. What was it like? What information would help other school leaders? What were the positives and problems with the inspections in their current form? Has anything really changed? Guests are Steve Ellis, current MAT CEO, and Simon Botten, Executive Headteacher.

In tonight's episode, Darius Lee, a primary school teacher and avid video-gamer, and I, discuss the appeal of video games. Why are they so addictive? Do young gamers do well at their studies? The answers will surprise you.

The Times report that parents whose children have moderate mental health and developmental needs are set to be stripped of their legal right to certain supports under plans being considered by ministers. Legal documents that guarantee extra support for children with special needs are to be restricted to those with the most severe and complex requirements. Under the proposals, the legal rights gran...

In the first Saturday Breakfast of 2026, Darren talks about the resorative impact of holidays and how frighteningly quickly the positive benefits can disappear.

Tom Rogers is joined by Jim Gamble to discuss the recently published and much talked about Mossbourne Safeguarding Review. He chaired the Case Review Panel, established by the City and Hackney Safeguarding Children Partnership (CHSCP), to provide oversight and scrutiny of the review.

Highly experienced and award winning advisor Ruth Swailes joins Tony to chat about the misconceptions in early years education, specifically around play and developmentally appropriate practice. With her vast experience of primary education, you can expect this to be an interesting and illuminating conversation.

Louise Marie chats to Ben Hobbis about developing future leaders.

In the last Saturday Breakfast Show of 2025, Darren talks about how we make sure our assessments are both equitable and fair.

No new year energy, no summer finish line — just Term 2. Tune in for an hour of reflection, perspective, and gentle humour about teaching when consistency matters more than caffeine (almost).

Carl chats to former General secretary of ASCL, Brian Lightman about the emergence of a new form of school partnerships known as local area based school partnerships and asks the question whether they might be an alternative to MATs for schools moving forward.

Jen Hurst interviews Michael Wright on how his neurodiversity has had an impact on his teaching, students as well as insight into how being neurodivergent is both his superpower and kryptonite!

In this show, host Famida Choudhary is joined by educational leader Surji Aboubakker to explore The Power of Wonder in literacy classrooms. Together, they discuss how to embed joy, curiosity, and connection in reading and writing, moving beyond worksheets to create meaningful, story-rich experiences. Tune in for insights on leadership, phonics, and reimagining literacy for lifelong impact.

Staff at a London academy instilled a “climate of fear” among pupils, with a drive for academic success likely to have harmed vulnerable children including those with special needs, according to a damning independent investigation. The report by Sir Alan Wood found that staff at Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy (MVPA) routinely used measures “designed to humiliate pupils”, frequently shouting at t...

In this week's show, we invite Rolade Berthier to chat about culture in the classroom.

Darren thinks about how we can make sure all children feel included when schools celebrate cultural and religious festivals.

We talk in depth about what stress looks like this close to the end of term.

Join Chris as he explores how live marking can transform feedback in the classroom. He breaks down simple, effective strategies that reduce workload and boost student progress, offering practical insights for any teacher looking to make feedback truly work