Care Visions Talks
Care Visions Talks
Care Visions Talks is a podcast series that brings together voices from across care, education, health and community support to explore what it really means to care — and to be cared for.
The series includes two strands:
Care Visions Family Talk has two hosts: Dr Linda de Caestecker and Lucy Johnston.
Dr Linda de Caestecker, former Director of Public Health and experienced paediatrician, leads warm, accessible conversations designed for parents, carers and families. Her episodes cover topics such as childhood trauma, fostering, resilience, separation and mental health, with expert guests offering practical guidance and compassionate insight.
Lucy Johnston is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster with a long-standing commitment to social affairs, health, and children’s welfare. In her episodes, she shares powerful stories about young people in care and explores the systems that shape their lives. With a background in investigative reporting, Lucy began her career at The Big Issue before moving to The Observer and later The Sunday Express, where she is Health and Social Affairs Editor. Her work has exposed neglect in care homes, failures in mental health services, and injustices faced by vulnerable children and families.
Care Visions Professional Talk is hosted by Humphrey Hawksley, award-winning author, broadcaster and former BBC foreign correspondent. These in-depth episodes are created for those working in or studying social care, health, education and related fields. Guests include thought leaders, researchers and practitioners discussing the emotional realities, challenges and evolving practices in work with children, young people and families.
Whether you're a parent, a professional, or someone passionate about care and community, Care Visions Talks offers space to listen, reflect and learn.
Care Visions Talks
Scottish Education, Schools Today & Standards | Keir Bloomer | Family Talk
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Are standards in Scottish education falling — and what’s really behind it?
In this episode of Family Talk, Lucy Johnston speaks with Keir Bloomer, former Director of Education and one of the architects of Curriculum for Excellence.
Drawing on decades of experience, Dr. Bloomer argues that standards in Scotland have declined, pointing to international data, curriculum design, and a shift away from knowledge-based learning.
They discuss:
Whether standards are truly falling
What went wrong with Curriculum for Excellence
The impact of school absence and lockdowns
Behaviour challenges in schools
The rise in additional support needs
The role of parents, schools and government
Whether education is keeping pace with AI
A clear and thought-provoking conversation for parents, carers and professionals supporting young people.
Care Visions Talks is a UK podcast sharing conversations on parenting, fostering, care experience and supporting families.
Explore all episodes and resources:
https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk
Listen and follow:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/care-visions-talks/id1819875561
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cG6jiszfjSBvyLsFjfpre
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CareVisionsTalks
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