Description

Positive psychology practitioner and school leader Melanie Gentles joins Becky Dawson to explore how evidence-based wellbeing can transform school cultures. This episode delves into the science of flourishing, moving beyond "fluffy" concepts to practical applications that support both staff and pupils. By prioritizing character strengths and authentic human connection, Melanie demonstrates how schools can move from simply performing to truly thriving.

Listeners can expect an insightful deep dive into Positive Education, a proactive framework that provides tools for navigating challenges while building resilience and happiness. Melanie discusses the "third wave" of positive psychology, focusing on how community, culture, and systems underpin individual wellness. The conversation highlights the vital link between staff wellbeing and pupil outcomes, emphasizing that educators must experience these interventions themselves to create truly safe and supportive environments.

Take Aways

• Prioritise Staff First: Wellbeing initiatives must start with staff; when educators experience positive psychology interventions personally, they can more authentically model and teach them to pupils.
• Leverage Character Strengths: Identifying and using signature strengths (via the VIA survey) increases engagement, boosts energy, and helps both adults and children move from "languishing" to a state of flow.
• Shift to Strengths-Based Feedback: Moving away from a deficit model to strength-spotting builds pupil confidence and fosters a growth mindset.
• Embed Wellbeing in the Curriculum: Schools can weave wellbeing science into existing subjects—like exploring character emotions in English or data on sleep hygiene in Maths—rather than seeing it as a time-consuming "add-on."
• Foster Systemic Autonomy: School leaders should move away from micromanagement and "yoga and cake" solutions, instead creating coaching-led systems that allow staff to work within their areas of strength and interest.

Don't forget to follow us on your podcast platform and give us a rating and review to help more educators find these crucial conversations. Share your thoughts, comments, questions, or brilliant work by emailing the team at teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction – Meet Melanie Gentles, positive psychology practitioner and school leader.

01:19 - The Journey to Positive Psychology – From educational psychology aspirations to discovering the science of flourishing.

04:53 - The Power of Positive Education – Why wellbeing is a proactive tool, not just a reaction to crisis.

06:06 - Debunking the "Happy" Myth – Understanding that positive psychology isn't about being happy all the time.

07:52 - Discovering Character Strengths – Exploring the 24 universal strengths and the VIA Survey.

10:14 - Beating Languishing – How using strengths helps educators find "flow" and avoid burnout.

12:21 - Strength-Spotting in the Classroom – Practical ways to name and praise character in pupils.

15:51 - A Science of Wellbeing Curriculum – Lessons from Australia’s Geelong Grammar and the PERMA model.

19:32 - Making Time for Wellbeing – Creative ways to embed wellbeing into a packed school timetable.

24:40 - Advice for School Leaders – Moving beyond "cake" to systemic autonomy and coaching.

Evelina Dzimanaviciute, an organizational development consultant and founder of Elite Mind, joins host Becky Dawson to bridge the gap between latest academic research and practical applications in schools. This episode explores how neuroscience and behavioral science can transform staff performance, self-regulation, and mental health. The discussion dives deep into managing stress through ancient wisdom and modern data, reimagining the school environment to boost resilience, and the critical importance of aligning individual values with organizational purpose.

Translating complex science into tangible school improvements, Evelina explains the "Wellbeing Compass" and why educators often hit burnout by failing to listen to their bodies. The conversation challenges traditional views on therapy and coaching, offering a proactive toolkit for building internal resourcefulness. Whether you are a headteacher looking to improve staff retention or a teacher seeking immediate stress-relief tools, this episode provides a roadmap for a healthier, purpose-driven career in education.

• Box Breathing as a Diagnostic Tool: Beyond simple relaxation, use the "box" method to identify which "energy" (Water, Air, Fire, Earth) you lack based on which part of the breath is hardest to hold.
• Environmental Boundaries and Neuro-Anchoring: Avoid "contaminating" spaces; eating lunch in a classroom keeps the nervous system in a high-performance state rather than allowing it to enter "rest and digest" mode.
• The Resilience of Purpose: True purpose isn't just about feeling good; it serves as a "North Star" that provides the resilience needed to sacrifice and keep going during difficult times without burning out.
• Biophilic Design in Schools: Recreating natural environments by bringing in plants, natural light, and fresh air is essential for aligning our biological rhythms with our work life.
• Building Internal Resourcefulness: Shift away from "passive" labels like "anxious" or "depressed" toward skill-based wellbeing that focuses on habits, financial management, and physical strength.

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Get in Touch: Share your wellbeing stories or questions with us at teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

00:00 - Introduction - Becky introduces Evelina and the intersection of science and performance.

01:26 - The Science-Education Gap - Why it takes decades for research to reach schools and the mission of Elite Mind.

03:49 - Understanding the Stress Mechanism - How our "zebra" brains react to modern stressors and imagined scenarios.

06:33 - Box Breathing & Ancient Wisdom - A deep dive into the 4-count breathing technique and its neurochemical effects.

11:12 - Reimagining School Environments - The impact of physical space on teacher resilience and the danger of "blurred boundaries".

14:45 - Bringing the Outdoors In - Using natural light, plants, and grounding to improve neurobiology.

17:03 - The Wellbeing Compass - Measuring the "unmeasurable" through data and behavioral habits.

23:21 - Coaching vs. Therapy - Why combining future-oriented coaching with therapeutic self-awareness is the key to growth.

27:48 - Living and Working on Purpose - Aligning individual values with organizational strategy to prevent turnover.

32:42 - Environmental Influence & Final Thoughts - Knowing when to change a system and when to move to a new environment

Founder and CEO of BRIYM (Building Resilience in Young Minds), Charlie Hartley, and therapist Gem Powell join Becky Dawson and Laiba Sheikh to explore the true meaning of resilience within the education system. This episode delves into how schools can move from a reactive to a proactive stance by implementing a whole-school approach that supports the mental health and wellbeing of students, staff, and parents alike. The conversation challenges common misconceptions about "toughing it out," reframing resilience as a toolkit of techniques rooted in brain development and community support.

Listeners will gain insights into the vital role of professional supervision for educators, ensuring that those on the frontline of pastoral care are regulated and supported to prevent burnout. From managing anxiety through scientific understanding to the "small wins" of supporting students with emotionally based school non-attendance (EBSNA), this episode explores to steps to fostering a safe, inclusive school culture. It emphasizes that wellbeing is not an "add-on" but a necessary foundation for both living and learning.

• Resilience as a Skillset: Moving away from resilience as a "survival instinct," educators can empower students by teaching a toolbox of techniques to manage emotions and recover from adversity.
• The Power of the Proactive: Early intervention and teaching brain development (from primary through secondary) helps young people normalize their emotional experiences and anticipate changes.
• Triangulation of Support: Effective wellbeing strategies require shared understanding between students, school staff, and parents/carers to create a consistent support network.
• Essential Staff Supervision: Providing teachers and Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) with professional supervision is crucial for maintaining a regulated, healthy workforce.
• Reframing "Non-Resilience": Recognizing that rest, reflection, and even "non-resilient days" are vital components of long-term mental health and growth.

Don't forget to follow us on your podcast platform and give us a rating and review to help more educators find these crucial conversations. Share your thoughts, comments, questions, or brilliant work by emailing the team at teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

• 00:00 - Introduction - Meeting the BRIM team: Charlie Hartley and Gem Powell.
• 01:31 - Defining Resilience - Moving beyond "bad press" to a toolkit-based approach.
• 05:26 - Survival vs. Resilience - Laiba shares personal experience on the cost of "forced" resilience.
• 07:00 - Community Connection - Why resilience isn't an island but a community-based effort.
• 12:12 - Misconceptions in Schools - Is resilience just being "convenient" for the system?.
• 16:39 - The Learning Pathway - Treating emotional skills with the same patience as the science curriculum.
• 18:54 - Proactive Brain Education - Teaching students about the "supercomputer" in their heads.
• 23:02 - Staff Supervision - Why educators need a safe space to offload and regulate.
• 28:40 - Impact Stories - Finding motivation through student breakthroughs and parental feedback.
• 35:48 - Supporting EBSNA - The "massive" achievement of a student returning to school.
• 41:58 - The Magic Wand - What one change would the guests make to the education system?.
• 45:07 - Sharing is Caring - Book recommendations for further exploration

Joshua Pelled, founder and CEO of Bright Futures UK, joins Becky Dawson to discuss the profound educational and social challenges faced by young people experiencing long-term illness. Joshua shares his personal journey as a two-time cancer survivor to highlight the critical need for a dedicated support system during medical absences. This episode explores the vital role of wellbeing and belonging in ensuring students remain connected to their community and successfully reintegrate into education.

TakeAways

• Scale of the Issue: There are an estimated 279,000 young people in the UK missing significant portions of their education due to long-term illness, a figure that has risen sharply since 2018.

• Holistic Support: Effective support must move beyond just academics to include befriending and mentoring, addressing the isolation and social disconnection caused by illness.

• School Challenges: While schools are often overwhelmed, simple wins like maintaining a sense of community and timely local authority referrals can significantly improve a student's wellbeing.

• The "Invisible Group": Many students facing physical or mental health challenges are missed by current SEND provisions and the EHCP process, requiring more visible and specific advocacy.

• Child-Centred Reintegration: Success is built on a personalized approach that bridges the gap between hospital, home, and the classroom to ensure no child is left behind.

If you would like to know more about the report we discussed attend the event at 10am 26th March. Register here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-impact-of-long-term-illness-on-education-in-the-uk-tickets-1983909136633

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction - Meeting Joshua Pelled and the mission of Bright Futures UK.

01:17 - Personal Journey - Joshua's experience with cancer and the disruption of his education.

03:35 - The Impact Report - Analyzing the data of 279,000 young people missing school.

06:06 - The Power of Belonging - Why staying connected to the school community is vital for mental health.

08:02 - Policy & EHCPs - Discussing the White Paper and the difficulty of accessing statutory support.

11:57 - Education & Advocacy - The hope for the report to educate decision-makers and stakeholders.

14:25 - A Child-Centred Approach - Exploring tutoring, mentoring, and befriending services.

17:41 - Advice for Schools - Practical "easy wins" for educators to support families and students.

21:15 - Looking Forward - The future of reintegration and the impact of dedicated volunteers.

Beth Smithson, an occupational therapist and Director of Lifelong Learning at Sensory Integration Education, joins In This Together to explore the profound link between sensory integration and emotional wellbeing. This episode shifts the focus from diagnosis to the fundamental human experience of how our central nervous system interprets the world to create a felt sense of safety.

The episode explores the physiological responses triggered when a student’s environment feels threatening, moving beyond simple preferences to understand the fight or flight mechanics of dysregulation. Beth highlights how hormonal changes during puberty or menopause can narrow a person's window of tolerance, making universal strategies like predictability, choice, and flight paths essential for a calm and inclusive classroom. By prioritizing co-regulation and recognizing sensory uniqueness, educators can move toward a strength-based approach that fosters a true sense of belonging and wellness for both students and staff.

For more professional development resources and in-depth training on supporting sensory needs in education, visit the Sensory Integration Education website.

Takeaways

• Sensory Safety as a Foundation: Sensory processing underpins our sense of safety; if a student does not feel safe in their body or environment, they cannot neurologically access the pathways required for learning or engagement.

• The Physiology of Dysregulation: Sensory overload triggers real physiological responses, such as increased heart rate and muscle tension, which are often misinterpreted as "bad behavior" rather than a nervous system on high alert.

• Fluctuating Thresholds: An individual's window of tolerance is not static; it is significantly impacted by fatigue, illness, and hormonal shifts like puberty or perimenopause.

• Implementing Flight Paths: Creating a designated, practiced "flight path" to a sensory-safe space allows students to remove themselves before a fight response occurs, fostering self-regulation.

• The Power of Small Adjustments: Reasonable adjustments, such as modifying a school tie or allowing a student to stand while working, can be the difference between a student being in the classroom or being excluded from school.

• Staff Wellbeing and Co-regulation: Educators must prioritize their own sensory joys and regulation to effectively serve as a co-regulator for the children and young people in their care.

Don't forget to follow us on your podcast platform and give us a rating and review to help more educators find these crucial conversations. Share your thoughts, comments, questions, or brilliant work by emailing the team at teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Beth Smithson and Sensory Integration.

01:15 - Defining sensory processing and its link to the central nervous system.

03:17 - The eight senses and the "fight or flight" safety response.

07:07 - Validating sensory uniqueness and the importance of communication.

10:33 - How anxiety and hormones (puberty/menopause) impact sensory thresholds.

15:56 - Using sensory joy and proprioception to activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

18:08 - Universal classroom strategies: Predictability, choice, and control.

20:38 - Establishing "flight paths" and sensory safety spaces in schools.

27:30 - The impact of sensory processing on relationships and school attendance.

32:18 - Building a school culture of belonging through strength-based approaches.

37:58 - Small reasonable adjustments: Uniforms, movement, and the law.

41:11 - Staff wellbeing: Sensory checks and co-regulation for educators.

Join us for a captivating conversation with Alison Waterhouse, an educational psychotherapist and founder of the Circles for Learning project. This episode explores a unique and powerful approach to wellbeing that involves bringing a parent and their young child into the classroom to foster emotional literacy and connection.

In this episode, we delve into how observing a baby’s interactions allows children to witness the living reality of relationships, emotions, and self-regulation. Alison shares how this therapeutic model helps pupils and staff alike understand attachment figures and the secure base necessary for a positive learning environment. By shifting the focus toward proactive and preventative mental health strategies, schools can cultivate a rich ethos centered on communication, empathy, and a deep sense of belonging.

• Five Essential Foundations: Discover the core elements that underpin mental health and wellbeing: emotional literacy, positive relationships, understanding the brain and behavior, sense of self, and skills for learning.
• The Power of Observation: Learn how bringing a baby into the classroom captivates children, encouraging them to reflect on their own feelings and appreciate how others may experience emotions differently.
• Inclusive Solution-Seeking: See how students can use these observations to develop transition policies or learning profiles, moving from distress to proactive problem-solving.
• A Whole School Approach: Understand the importance of normalising emotional literacy and providing staff with coaching and resources to create a mental health friendly environment.

Alison recommends exploring the Solihull approach through Hazel Douglas’s book, Containment and Reciprocity, alongside Scott Barry Kaufman’s sailboat metaphor for a fresh perspective on the hierarchy of needs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r4CFFJdOE0

Don't forget to follow us on your podcast platform and give us a rating and review to help more educators find these crucial conversations. Share your thoughts, comments, questions, or brilliant work by emailing the team at teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

• 00:00 – The power of peer empathy and support.
• 01:24 – Introduction to Circles for Learning and its five pillars.
• 04:33 – Why babies are the ultimate tool for engagement.
• 06:53 – Teacher training and the role of reflective coaching.
• 10:31 – Creating the right ethos through leadership and communication.
• 14:44 – Impact story: Developing a student-led transition policy.
• 20:58 – Impact story: Understanding attachment and the secure base.
• 25:03 – Student perspectives on emotional literacy and regulation.
• 26:53 – Reducing behavior incidents in mainstream and behavior units.
• 28:39 – A proactive vision for the future of the education system.
• 32:51 – Sharing is Caring: Recommendations for educators.

Ayse Tanyeri and Kitty Jack-Thomas from Assembly join In This Together to discuss a needs-led, holistic approach to children’s mental health. This conversation moves away from immediate medicalisation to focus on building self-esteem, self-knowledge, and self-acceptance as fundamental life skills. They explore how shifting the perspective from "fixing" a child to supporting their unique wellbeing profile can transform both home and school environments.

We explore practical insights into mobilising parental expertise to create a 360-degree view of a learner's needs, especially regarding sensory processing and emotional regulation. The episode highlights the importance of moving beyond formal diagnostic gatekeeping to ensure every child feels understood and included. By fostering a collaborative partnership and using non-stigmatising language, educators and families can work together to build resilience and emotional stability for every young person.

TakeAways

• Self-Esteem as a Foundation: Self-acceptance and self-knowledge are core life skills that must be nurtured early to help learners weather life’s challenges.

• Needs-Led over Diagnosis-Led: While a diagnosis can provide clarity, it should never be used to gatekeep support; identifying and meeting a child's interconnected needs should be the priority.

• The Power of "Two-Way" Conversations: Education settings can foster deeper parental partnerships by adding simple, five-minute wellbeing check-ins to parents' evenings to discuss interests and friendships rather than just academic attainment.

• Understanding Masking: Children often mask their struggles to fit in; parental insights are crucial for gaining a 360-degree view of the child’s true emotional state.

• Reframing "Difficult" Environments: Challenges like sensory overload are often systemic issues rather than a "problem" within the child; adapting the environment can help young people thrive.

• Language Matters: Moving away from clinical or regulatory language toward child-centered descriptions of strengths and needs helps break down barriers between educators and families.

Sharing is Caring

Kitty recommends the book Your Child is Not Broken by Heidi Mavir

Don't forget to follow us on your podcast platform and give us a rating and review to help more educators find these crucial conversations. Share your thoughts, comments, questions, or brilliant work by emailing the team at teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction: Meeting Ayse and Kitty and the personal origins of Assembly.

04:24 - Proactive Pastoral Care: Shifting from "repair work" to building proactive wellbeing skills.

07:01 - Beyond the Label: Balancing the value of diagnosis with a needs-led approach.

09:03 - The 5-Minute Wellbeing Check: Practical steps for broadening the conversation at parents' evening.

12:50 - Nurturing Self-Acceptance: How Assembly helps children understand their core values and qualities.

18:30 - Sensory Profiles & Systemic Challenges: Recognising when the environment, not the child, needs to change.

23:19 - Mobilizing Parental Insights: Moving from passive involvement to an active wellbeing partnership.

29:36 - Breaking the "Us vs Them" Dynamic: Using non-stigmatising language to build trust with families.

36:04 - Sharing the Responsibility: How co-regulation and communication alleviate stress for teachers and parents.

41:47 - Sharing is Caring: Recommended reading for understanding the neurodivergent experience.