The Mindfulness for Learning Podcast

The final episode of our Autonomy Mini-Series! Sophie is joined by the incredible Greg Bottrill. This is a conversation that goes beyond the usual — they dive straight into the heart of educational change. From questioning things like pen licenses and rigid seating rules to exploring the power of play, true autonomy, and something even more profound - reconnecting with the educator’s inner child. Because finding true autonomy in teaching often begins with rediscovering that sense of wonder we once had, peeling back the layers of expectation, and letting our authentic selves guide our practice.And here’s something special - Greg has written the foreword for Sophie's upcoming book, Teacher Autonomy. His insights here are nothing short of transformative, and this episode might just change the way you see education.Discover Greg - https://www.canigoandplaynow.com/Learn more about Mindfulness for learning - Mindfulnessforlearning.comThis episode was edited by Ben Corbett.

In this episode, Sophie is diving into child autonomy with an approach that Headteacher, Tina Farr says is not "progressive or maverick". We’re talking practical changes that put children at the heart of learning - like flexible seating options, OPAL play, and true curriculum freedom. Sophie and Tina explore how these ideas work in school, the challenges of balancing them with accountability, and why letting go of total control can make these changes actually doable. Get ready for an exciting, idea-packed conversation that could transform your practice. Connect with Tina Farr and St Ebbes. Learn more about Mindfulness for learning - Mindfulnessforlearning.comThis episode was edited by Ben Corbett.

In this episode, Sophie is joined by Laura Henry-Allain MBE - an international award-winning early education specialist, writer, and children's media creator. Laura is the brilliant mind behind the much-loved JoJo and Gran Gran on CBeebies, where she works as creator and associate producer. She’s also the Vice-President of The British Association for Early Childhood Education and works as a consultant across major brands in children’s media, television, and publishing - championing inclusion, racial equality, and diversity.In this conversation, Laura shares her inspiring journey from a school-leaver with no qualifications to a powerful voice in education and media. We dive into the realities of navigating the current education system, the vital importance of play, especially outdoor play, and her insights into the ongoing SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) crisis. Plus, she gives us a glimpse into her exciting upcoming projects.Laura asked us to share that she experiences verbal dyslexia, which may shape how she communicates in parts of the conversation. We're grateful for her openness and insight.

In this episode, Sophie is joined by the talented restaurant critic, writer, and Good Food Guide columnist, Jimi Famurewa. Jimi and Sophie share a unique connection, having both attended the same secondary school in the suburbs, and together they dive into their experiences. The conversation delves into a powerful topic from Jimi's book Settlers, where he addresses the pressures Black African families face to perform academically and how systemic biases and structural barriers can impact a child's sense of autonomy. Additionally, Jimi introduces his new book Picky , a deep exploration of identity and eating. Discover Jimi Famurewa - https://www.jimifamurewa.com/Find Jimi on Instagram - instagram.com/jimfamishedFind our more about us at Mindfulness for learning - https://www.mindfulnessforlearning.com/This episode was edited by Ben Corbett.

In this episode, we’re joined by inspiring guest—Headteacher Annabelle Kapoor, who shares her insights on what it truly means to run a school in today’s ever-evolving educational landscape. From funding pressures to policy shifts, the role of a school leader has never been more complex. But amidst the challenges, Annabelle champions something powerful: autonomy.Learn more about us at Mfl HQ: www.mindfulnessforlearning.comFind Annabelle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabellekapoor/Instagram: @draytonparksch and @annabellekapoorcoachingWebsite: www.annabellekapoorcoaching.comThis episode was edited by Ben Corbett.

In this episode Kamalagita and Sophie explore Kamalagita's book 'The Mindful Teacher's Handbook'. They chat about the changing landscape of mindfulness and the power of mindfulness to manage some of the larger challenges in education including the SEND crisis. https://www.crownhouse.co.uk/the-mindful-teachers-handbook https://mindfulnessinaction.co.uk - Breathworks - www.breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk - MYRIAD project - https://myriadproject.org/ - Women's Hour - Is the SEND system working for children with special educational needs and disabilities? - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0022ss7 Mindfulnessforlearning.com This episode was edited by Ben Corbett.

In this episode Sophie and Adrian introduce and explore autonomy in education. They discuss why autonomy is vital for wellbeing, the challenges we face with autonomy in the current system and speak about ways we might approach change. This episode was edited by Ben Corbett

Kate Parish is a qualified primary school teacher, mindfulness and neuro-linguistic practitioner as well as an emotional freedom technique practitioner, trained in understanding mental health, understanding autism, challenging behaviour, life coaching and is a growth mindset advocate with over 20 years’ experience working within the education and training sector. In this episode Kate and Sophie talk about The Mind Gig (https://www.themindgig.com/ ), how it came to be and explore how their courses are effectively supporting children in primary education.  Find out more about Kate Parish and The Mind Gig: https://www.themindgig.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-parish-0404a8256/ Find out more about us: https://www.mindfulnessforlearning.com/ This episode was edited by Ben Corbett

Bounce Together is “A game-changing digital platform for measuring and continually monitoring wellbeing and mental health in your school.” In todays educational landscape we are challenged by the increasing mental health crisis with wellbeing becoming more and more focused on. In this episode Sophie speaks to Katie O'Brien, Head Of Marketing and Communication at Bounce Together who explains why it's vital to find surveys that fit the unique needs of different schools or communities and who can interpret the data and explore  trends or patterns. Mindfulness for learning (https://www.mindfulnessforlearning.com/) Bounce Together ( https://www.bouncetogether.co.uk/) This episode was edited by Ben Corbett.

If you are wanting to know why it is so important that we reflect upon our school culture and make changes to ensure that every single person in the school community feels seen and heard then listen to this episode. Sophie talks to KS2 Teacher & Equalities Lead, Sarah DeSilva. They explore LGBTQ+, gender, race, ageism and on top of that chat Taylor Swifts new album and the current RSE curriculum. Please note: this episode was recorded before the new DfE RSHE guidance was released on the 16.5.24. Discover Sarah De Silva LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-desilva-5054b743/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sarahdesilvauk/ Relevant Links https://www.theshewellintersectionalitree.co.uk (Discount code for Mindfulness for learning listeners - MINDFUL50 valid until 31.05.24) www.mildon.co.uk www.diversityrolemodels.org New RSHE DfE Guidance Learn more about Mindfulness for learning LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-smith-tong-7b3891207/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mforlearning/ X - https://x.com/mforlearning Mindfulnessforlearning.com - https://www.mindfulnessforlearning.com/ This episode was edited by Ben Corbett.

Sophie speaks to Steve Waters, Founder/CEO of Teach Well Toolkit. Steve supports schools to build a culture of staff and pupil wellbeing and mental health. He also edited Cultures of Staff Wellbeing and Mental Health in Schools - a book full of positive case studies and reflections. In this episode they talk about the huge job of embedding a wellbeing culture in schools whilst managing the many challenges we face including high stakes accountability, workload and the crowded curriculum. If you are an educator, leader, mental health and wellbeing lead then this is a must! You can also find more information about Steve and Teach Well Toolkit at teachwelltoolkit.com  Find out more about us at Mindfulnessforlearning.com This episode was edited by Ben Corbett.

SHARE MY STORY - A place to share your EBSA stories. - https://padlet.com/sophiemsmith/share-my-story-mindfulness-for-learning-u34ma7lm47ale2xHave you seen the new government campaign regarding school attendance? If not then take a look - many have named it the parent blaming campaign - a child happy and smiling with a variety of slogans one of which stating "this morning he was worried about school but look at him now." With the government refusing to look beyond sticking plasters, Sophie speaks to three parents about their child’s traumatic school experiences. PLEASE NOTE: If your family are experiencing emotional based school avoidance then please tread carefully with this episode as it may be a difficult listen. In this episode we talk about anxiety, the restraining of children, self harm and suicidal thoughts. PDA Society - https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/Square Peg - https://www.teamsquarepeg.org/Not Fine in School - https://notfineinschool.co.uk/Sunshine Support - https://sunshine-support.org/advice-and-support/EOTAS Matters - https://www.heidimavir.com/forfamiliesThis episode was edited by Ben Corbett

Sophie takes Rae away from her book writing (yes a new one is coming out in Autumn 2024!) to chat play, child development, the myth of earlier is better and childhood screen time. Rae Pica has been an early childhood education consultant since 1980 and is internationally known as a speaker, online course creator, and author (Rae has written 22 books!). As a consultant, Rae has shared her expertise with  the Sesame Street Research Department, Centers for Disease Control, the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, Nike, Nickelodeon’s Blue’s Clues, Bright Horizons, and health departments, schools, and resource and referral agencies throughout America. Discover Rae Pica - www.raepica.com Explore Rae Pica's resources - www.raepica.com/free-resource-library-opt-in/ Learn more about us at Mindfulness for learning - www.mindfulnessforlearning.com This episode was edited by Ben Corbett

Amongst many other things, Ellise Hollie Hayward is a motivational speaker and disabilities correspondent @JillDandoNews. She has found her passion in supporting those working in education to do better when it comes to inclusion, following her own experiences of mainstream education with cerebral palsy. During this episode Ellise offers practical tips on how to listen to the individual when striving for inclusive practice and also shares her own positive and negative experiences of mainstream education.  Follow Ellise on Twitter - www.twitter.com/Ellise_Hayward_ Contact Ellise via email - ellisehollie2001@icloud.com This episode was edited by Ben Corbett

Greg Bottrill chats to Sophie about the mountain of nonsense that is schemes, data, robots and outcomes. If you want to feel energised and ready to fight for play and childhood then this is the episode for you. Find Greg here - www.canigoandplaynow.com/ Find Nanny Sharz here - www.instagram.com/nannysharz/ Read Rob Hopkins, "From What Is to What If:Unleashing the Power of Imagination to Create the Future We Want" - www.amazon.co.uk/What-If-Unleashing-Imagination-Create/dp/1645020290 Mindfulness for learning - www.mindfulnessforlearning.com/ This episode was edited by Ben Corbett.

For this episode we are joined by author of Write to the Core, Laura Bean. Laura is a writing specialist and educational wellness consultant. As stated on her website Mindfulliteracy.com she been developing the Write to the Core curriculum, which integrates social-emotional learning with reading and writing. This work promotes self-reflection, empathy, compassion, and creativity, while addressing Common Core Standards. Write to the Core - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Write-Core-Inspiring-Writers-Mindfulness/dp/1475866259 Follow Laura on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurabeanmindfulliteracy/ This episode was edited by Ben Corbett

“What if the way you are currently teaching Maths is actually preventing your children from making great progress?” This is the opening question on Karen Wilding's website. Sophie talks to Karen, Founder of EYmaths about shifting perspectives on the way we approach maths. They explore why so many of us say “I am bad at maths” and discuss what this might do for someones wellbeing and self-esteem.  Even if you think you know what you are doing when teaching maths then think again because Karen will open your eyes even further!   ⁠Find Karen on Twitter⁠ - https://twitter.com/eymaths_karen Find Karen on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eymaths_/ Find Karen on Facebook - https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/609926063189767/ ⁠Explore EYmaths website⁠ - https://www.eymaths.co.uk/ Buy your counters here! - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Learning-Resources-2-Colour-Counters-Set/dp/B00I00NFGS/ref=sr_1_21_sspa?crid=2QJ0C5NVJO8U3&keywords=maths+counters+for+kids&qid=1687462436&sprefix=maths+counters%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-21-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1 Buy your magnetic tape here! - https://www.amazon.co.uk/GAUDER-Type-B-Magnetic-Tape/dp/B07FFBWLQV/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=P68JLWX05LMU&keywords=magnetic+tape&qid=1687456169&sprefix=magentic+tape%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1 This episode was edited by Ben Corbett

“Teachers don’t return, they are paid less when they do return; they are less likely to progress in leadership positions” this is a quote about the motherhood penalty from the new book 'A guide to Teaching, Parenting and Creating Family Friendly Schools' by the MTPT project. The Maternity Teacher Paternity Teacher Project was founded in June 2016 by Emma Sheppard. Following the birth of her first child, Emma realised the lack of support for teachers who were starting families. MTPT is a UK charity that supports parent teachers and schools to develop family friendly systems. In this episode Emma kindly chats to Sophie about how educators can ensure they are being fully supported in our schools and how schools can create and make available policy and systems that are family friendly.  'A guide to Teaching, Parenting and Creating Family Friendly Schools'⁠ - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Teaching-Parenting-Creating-Friendly-Schools/dp/103204361X/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1685222789&refinements=p_27%3AEmma+Sheppard&s=books&sr=1-1 MTPT project - https://www.mtpt.org.uk/ Emma Sheppard - https://www.mtpt.org.uk/about-us This episode was edited by Ben Corbett

Alistair Bryce-Clegg was a Headteacher for 10 years, has been an EYFS consultant since 2009 and has had a positive impact on settings around the world. He supports local authorities, runs conferences and delivers key notes speeches both nationally and internationally. In this episode Alistair shares many practical tips, opinions on phonics, continuous provision, carpet time and much more! The knowledge and practical ideas he shares in this episode are absolutely achievable, based on his masses of experiences and research. Alongside being extremely knowledgable he is one of the warmest people I have come across.  This episode was edited by Ben Corbett. Relevant Links Alistair's Website - https://abcdoes.com/ Follow Alistair on Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABCDoes Follow Alistair on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/abcdoes/ Buy Alistair's books - https://abcdoes.com/books/ My First Five Years - Founded by Alistair Bryce-Clegg and Jennie Johnson - https://www.mffy.com/ Explore Mindfulness for learning - https://www.mindfulnessforlearning.com/ This episode was edited by Ben Corbett

“Our work is rooted in the ancient arts of qigong, yoga, mindfulness and meditation. When practicing these healing arts with intention, we are nurturing our heart and taking care of our wellbeing. We deepen our appreciation for the nature within us and around us.” The creators of Sea Light - Mindful Movement for wellbeing and the authors of the children's book Nature Flow chat to Sophie about their mission to get children moving.  They explore the importance of movement for our little ones, the current status of movement in the curriculum and Pamila and Neelam share their experiences of being at Fearne Cottons Happy Place in summer 2022. Happy Place - https://www.happyplaceofficial.co.uk/events/ Pamila and Neelam - https://www.sealight.life/about-3 Sea Light⁠ - https://www.sealight.life/ The Book - Nature Flow - https://www.mindfulnessforlearning.com/books?pgid=kocnc95j-d066d7b9-09d8-45b5-9b5d-796c673bf919 Find Sea Light Life on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sealight.life/ This episode was edited by Ben Corbett.