The Mindfulness for Learning Podcast

In this episode, Sophie Smith-Tong sits down with Ruth Lue-Quee to explore why play is still so often viewed with suspicion, despite overwhelming evidence of its importance in children's development. Together, they discuss Ruth's Parliamentary Play Is Learning campaign and the work being done to put play at the heart of education policy. Ruth also shares her immediate thoughts on handwriti...

In this episode, Sophie speaks with author and former teacher Caro Giles about her book Unschooled and her family's journey through Emotional Based School Avoidance (EBSA). We explore the realities of school-related distress, why neurodivergent children are often misunderstood, and how mainstream education can fail those who need flexibility most. Caro shares the emotional reality of leaving the s...

In this episode, Sophie is joined by speech and language therapist and author of Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice for Speech and Language Therapists , Ruth Jones, for a conversation about supporting communication and language development in schools today. Sophie and Ruth discuss the value of in-house speech and language therapists, the challenges of working with overstretched staff, and the balan...

In this episode, the podcast welcomes Jo Clayton and Natalie Lauren , the writer and producer behind the upcoming short film Unauthorised Absence . "From lived experience to national action, Jo’s script inspires empathy & change for SEND children & families harmed by education policy" In their first podcast interview, they discuss how the project first came to life, what initiall...

In this episode, Sophie is joined by Andrew Cowley for a timely and insightful discussion on schools, mobile phones, and mental health. They explore the ongoing debate around mobile phone use in schools, including recent updates from the Education Secretary and Ofsted’s increasing focus on how schools manage phone policies. The conversation looks at what these expectations mean in practice, what i...

Sophie is joined by someone whose work has shaped the emotional landscape of countless children, families, and educators. Lulu Luckock is an education advisor and trainer specialising in Social and Emotional Learning in primary schools, and a counsellor supporting families, individuals, couples, parents, adolescents, and children. With over 35 years of experience in primary education - and as a mo...

In this episode, Leslee shares with Sophie, her frustrations with slow-moving education reform, the lack of focus on children’s holistic and emotional development, and the undervaluing of the early years profession. They also explore her transformative Think Equal programme — a global initiative launched in 2016 that’s already reaching over 582,000 children across the world, with an ambitious miss...

The final episode of our Autonomy Mini-Series! Sophie is joined by the incredible Greg Bottrill. This is a conversation that goes beyond the usual — they dive straight into the heart of educational change. From questioning things like pen licenses and rigid seating rules to exploring the power of play, true autonomy, and something even more profound - reconnecting with the educator’s inner child....

In this episode, Sophie is diving into child autonomy with an approach that Headteacher, Tina Farr says is not "progressive or maverick". We’re talking practical changes that put children at the heart of learning - like flexible seating options, OPAL play, and true curriculum freedom. Sophie and Tina explore how these ideas work in school, the challenges of balancing them with accountabi...

In this episode, Sophie is joined by Laura Henry-Allain MBE - an international award-winning early education specialist, writer, and children's media creator. Laura is the brilliant mind behind the much-loved JoJo and Gran Gran on CBeebies, where she works as creator and associate producer. She’s also the Vice-President of The British Association for Early Childhood Education and works as a co...

In this episode, Sophie is joined by the talented restaurant critic, writer, and Good Food Guide columnist, Jimi Famurewa. Jimi and Sophie share a unique connection, having both attended the same secondary school in the suburbs, and together they dive into their experiences. The conversation delves into a powerful topic from Jimi's book Settlers , where he addresses the pressures Black African...

In this episode, we’re joined by inspiring guest—Headteacher Annabelle Kapoor, who shares her insights on what it truly means to run a school in today’s ever-evolving educational landscape. From funding pressures to policy shifts, the role of a school leader has never been more complex. But amidst the challenges, Annabelle champions something powerful: autonomy. Learn more about us at Mfl HQ: www....

In this episode Kamalagita and Sophie explore Kamalagita's book 'The Mindful Teacher's Handbook'. They chat about the changing landscape of mindfulness and the power of mindfulness to manage some of the larger challenges in education including the SEND crisis. https://www.crownhouse.co.uk/the-mindful-teachers-handbook https://mindfulnessinaction.co.uk - Breathworks - www.breathwork...

In this episode Sophie and Adrian introduce and explore autonomy in education. They discuss why autonomy is vital for wellbeing, the challenges we face with autonomy in the current system and speak about ways we might approach change.  This episode was edited by Ben Corbett

Kate Parish is a qualified primary school teacher, mindfulness and neuro-linguistic practitioner as well as an emotional freedom technique practitioner, trained in understanding mental health, understanding autism, challenging behaviour, life coaching and is a growth mindset advocate with over 20 years’ experience working within the education and training sector. In this episode Kate and Sophie ta...

Bounce Together is “A game-changing digital platform for measuring and continually monitoring wellbeing and mental health in your school.” In todays educational landscape we are challenged by the increasing mental health crisis with wellbeing becoming more and more focused on. In this episode Sophie speaks to Katie O'Brien, Head Of Marketing and Communication at Bounce Together who explains why it...

If you are wanting to know why it is so important that we reflect upon our school culture and make changes to ensure that every single person in the school community feels seen and heard then listen to this episode. Sophie talks to KS2 Teacher & Equalities Lead, Sarah DeSilva. They explore LGBTQ+, gender, race, ageism and on top of that chat Taylor Swifts new album and the current RSE curricul...

Sophie speaks to Steve Waters, Founder/CEO of Teach Well Toolkit. Steve supports schools to build a culture of staff and pupil wellbeing and mental health. He also edited Cultures of Staff Wellbeing and Mental Health in Schools - a book full of positive case studies and reflections. In this episode they talk about the huge job of embedding a wellbeing culture in schools whilst managing the many ch...

SHARE MY STORY - A place to share your EBSA stories. - https://padlet.com/sophiemsmith/share-my-story-mindfulness-for-learning-u34ma7lm47ale2x Have you seen the new government campaign regarding school attendance? If not then take a look - many have named it the parent blaming campaign - a child happy and smiling with a variety of slogans one of which stating "this morning he was worried about sch...

Sophie takes Rae away from her book writing (yes a new one is coming out in Autumn 2024!) to chat play, child development, the myth of earlier is better and childhood screen time. Rae Pica has been an early childhood education consultant since 1980 and is internationally known as a speaker, online course creator, and author (Rae has written 22 books!). As a consultant, Rae has shared her expertise...

Amongst many other things, Ellise Hollie Hayward is a motivational speaker and disabilities correspondent  @JillDandoNews . She has found her passion in supporting those working in education to do better when it comes to inclusion, following her own experiences of mainstream education with cerebral palsy. During this episode Ellise offers practical tips on how to listen to the individual when stri...

Greg Bottrill chats to Sophie about the mountain of nonsense that is schemes, data, robots and outcomes. If you want to feel energised and ready to fight for play and childhood then this is the episode for you. Find Greg here - www.canigoandplaynow.com/ Find Nanny Sharz here - www.instagram.com/nannysharz/ Read Rob Hopkins, "From What Is to What If:Unleashing the Power of Imagination to Creat...

For this episode we are joined by author of Write to the Core , Laura Bean. Laura is a writing specialist and educational wellness consultant. As stated on her website Mindfulliteracy.com she been developing the Write to the Core curriculum, which integrates social-emotional learning with reading and writing. This work promotes self-reflection, empathy, compassion, and creativity, while addressing...

“What if the way you are currently teaching Maths is actually preventing your children from making great progress?” This is the opening question on Karen Wilding's website. Sophie talks to Karen, Founder of EYmaths about shifting perspectives on the way we approach maths. They explore why so many of us say “I am bad at maths” and discuss what this might do for someones wellbeing and self-estee...

“Teachers don’t return, they are paid less when they do return; they are less likely to progress in leadership positions” this is a quote about the motherhood penalty from the new book 'A guide to Teaching, Parenting and Creating Family Friendly Schools' by the MTPT project. The Maternity Teacher Paternity Teacher Project was founded in June 2016 by Emma Sheppard . Following the birth of h...