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Persistent absence is one of the biggest challenges facing schools and families, but behind the numbers are children facing very different barriers. In this episode, we explores what persistent absence actually means, who is most affected, why children may struggle to get through the school gates, and what schools, parents and communities can do together to help children reconnect with learning, relationships and belonging.

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Friendship can seem like something children should just know how to do, but what actually is friendship, and can we teach children how to make and maintain it? In this episode, we explores the science behind friendship, from early play and perspective-taking to empathy, conflict, boundaries and rejection. We also ask why friendship can be difficult for grown-ups too and what our children learn from watching us.

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Teachers spend their days caring for, supporting and encouraging our children but who is taking care of them? In this episode, Natasha speaks with Shireen Ayub from the National Education Union about teacher wellbeing, workload, stress, burnout and why some teachers leave the profession. We explore what schools, leaders and the wider education system can do to better support staff and retain teachers.

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How often do we ask our children, “How was school?” only to hear “Fine”? But what if sometimes our children communicate through behaviour rather than words? In this episode, we explores what might sit beneath tears, anger, withdrawal, reluctance and those everyday “I don’t know” answers, and how parents can listen, notice patterns and gently open the door to deeper conversations.

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Tia showed no obvious signs of autism as a child, but after reaching crisis at senior school, the decision was made to explore whether autism could be behind what she was experiencing. In this honest conversation, Tia and her mum share their journey through diagnosis, changing perceptions and understanding, and how discovering the answers ultimately brought them closer together.

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The uniforms are ready, the shoes are bought and the school bags are packed… but are our children emotionally ready for September? In this episode, we explores the excitement, anxiety, sadness and uncertainty that can come with returning to school, and shares simple ways parents can support their children through the transition without expecting everything to be perfect.

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As the summer holidays come to an end, we explore something we don’t always talk about enough, endings. How can we help children navigate goodbyes, change and transitions without rushing them towards the next exciting chapter? We unpacks why it’s okay to feel sad, excited and uncertain all at once, and how acknowledging endings can help children build resilience.

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Are we putting too much pressure on our children to achieve, compete and keep up? From school results and sports to friendships and social media, childhood can sometimes feel like a race. In this episode, Natasha explores where that pressure comes from, what UK research tells us about children’s wellbeing, and how we can celebrate progress without turning childhood into a competition.