School life unpacked
Podcast Description: Welcome to School Life Unpacked, the podcast designed for parents and caregivers navigating the ever-evolving world of education. Hosted by Natasha, alongside a diverse lineup of expert guests, we delve into the challenges, triumphs, and unexpected moments of school life. Each episode is packed with actionable insights, expert advice, and empowering stories to help you feel more confident, informed, and connected as you support your child's educational journey. Tune in for a blend of practical tips and inspiring conversations, tailored to guide you through the ups and downs of school life.
Episodes
48 episodes
"Big Feelings, Big Changes: Helping Our Children Navigate School Transitions”
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 46
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6:10
School Readiness Revisited: What Every Parent Needs to Know
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 45
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7:35
"Drawing Out the Worries: Understanding Anxiety in Children.”
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 practi...
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Season 1
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Episode 44
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47:07
Reading reflections
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 fa...
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Season 1
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Episode 43
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58:53
SEND Reform Explained: Breaking Down the Government’s New White Paper.
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 s...
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Season 1
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Episode 42
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7:41
Title: “Raising Readers: Inspiring a Lifelong Love of Books”
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 strategi...
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Season 1
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Episode 41
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45:01
More Than a Score: Understanding SATs and Primary Assessments
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 40
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8:08
Why Free Breakfast Clubs Matter for Every Family
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 nee...
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Season 1
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Episode 39
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5:03
Parenting With Purpose: What Mindful and Intentional Parenting Really Means
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 unpa...
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Season 1
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Episode 38
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8:44
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
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 o...
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Season 1
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Episode 37
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6:20
Should the UK Ban Social Media? Lessons from Australia
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,...
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Season 1
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Episode 36
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8:55
Helping Our Children Handle Change When We’re Still Learning How
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. Practic...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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8:56
EHCPs Explained: What Families Really Need to Know
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 di...
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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44:22
Feeding Kids Right: Fuelling vs. Filling Explained
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 33
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39:19
Personal Trainer, nutritionist and mother
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 32
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38:07
Frank McEvoy "Reflections of a Headteacher: What’s Different, What’s the Same"
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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47:55
Miss Keeble Returns: Progress, Surprises & School Spirit
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 hav...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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43:01
Achieve, thrive & flourish.
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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36:56
“Dolly and Bear- Nursery”
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 confiden...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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50:56
Title: Beyond the Blazer: The Real Cost of School Uniforms
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 ou...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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8:38
“Top Tips for Talking”
"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, ...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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36:29
"Raising a Fit Family”
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 buil...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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1:03:32
“Falling Behind at School: What It Really Means and How to Help”
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,...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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8:31
"Fuelling Futures: The Power of Nutrition from Childhood Onward"
"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, empowe...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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54:47
Early Mental Health: Foundations for Lifelong Well-Being
"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 maint...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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1:04:47