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
38 episodes
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
Behind the Bill: What the Children’s Welfare and Schools Reform Means
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 s...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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10:00
Homework Uncovered: The Lessons Beyond the Page
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.
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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8:04
The Real Lessons School Teaches You (That Aren’t in Textbooks)
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 r...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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11:39
School Readiness in the UK: What Parents Really Need to Know
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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14:36
Angela Hera – Early Years SEND & Advisory Services Manager
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, ...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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23:04
Elaine Taylor-Brown — Foundations in Early Years Maths
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 ma...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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43:31
“Nurturing Positive Behaviour and Connections”
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, c...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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49:51
Sarah Bell and Ruby: “Invisible Until It’s Not: Late Autism Diagnosis in Girls”
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 pr...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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54:28
"Lily-May Byfield Unpacks Phonics: A Practical Approach to Early Reading Success"
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 t...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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27:34
Dr TAZ SYED: "Supporting Little Lives: A GP’s Role in Early Childhood Health"
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 child...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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38:47