Pivotal Podcast

JUST FOR KIDS LAW exists to help children and young people overcome all the difficulties they face, from problems at school and issues with immigration status to trouble with the police. They work with and for young people to ensure their legal rights are respected and promoted, and their voices heard and valued. Last time, … Continue reading Why young people need lawyers Just For Kids – Part 2 – PP258 →

JUST FOR KIDS LAW exists to help children and young people overcome all the difficulties they face, from problems at school and issues with immigration status to trouble with the police. They work with and for young people to ensure their legal rights are respected and promoted, and their voices heard and valued. Aika Stephenson and Shauneen … Continue reading Why young people need lawyers Just For Kids – PP257 →

Kiran began her career in inner-city London, as an English teacher in schools serving the most deprived postcodes in the country.  After five years on the frontline, Kiran left to work in education policy, searching for solutions to the rising number of vulnerable children who fall through the gaps.  Kiran was working at Social Mobility … Continue reading How Kiran Gill is continuing to make ‘The Difference’ in PRUs and AP PP256 →

This week, a new presenter to the Pivotal Podcast, Cathy Duncan, spoke to the Scottish former football star, Kris Boyd. After a very successful career, Kris now works to help improve the mental health of those in need. Kris grew up in the South Ayrshire village of Tarbolton and started his senior football career with … Continue reading How Kris Boyd moved from scoring goals to supporting children’s mental health – and why it matters PP255 →

This week, Lynsie Monro speaks to Harrow International School Hong Kong‘s Deputy Head of Lower School (Pupil Wellbeing), Serena Clark. Serena is an award winning mentor and the recipient of outstanding leadership judgements from Ofsted in 2014 and 2018. With extensive experience of delivering the highest professional standards of educational and parochial care, she has … Continue reading How to maximise lockdown learning with Serena Clark PP254 →

Mark Bocker picks the brains of Wellness champion, Adrian Bethune this week. Adrian Bethune is a Healthy Body and Mind Leader and Teacher at a primary school in Hertfordshire. He was awarded a ‘Happy Hero’ medal at the House of Lords on the UN International Day of Happiness in 2013, and has been on stage … Continue reading Why wellbeing is more important than curriculum coverage with Adrian Bethune PP253 →

This week, Mark Bocker speaks to Shahana Knight, Childhood Trauma and Mental Health Specialist. Shahana is the Founder and Director of TPC therapy Ltd. A mental health service for children and young people. She manages a large team of play therapists who work with vulnerable children in schools, adoption, fostering and homicide across the UK. She … Continue reading What are Therapeutic Schools and why should all schools follow this pattern? Shahana Knight explains. PP252 →

This week, new presenter Lynsie Monro speaks to Dr Harry Hope about how he has led his Primary School through the opening stages of the Coronvirus emergency. It’s a fascinating interview and Harry shares a huge amount about his approaches and stresses what he thinks is most important for everyone to remember at times like … Continue reading Dr Hope – Learning Packs before Six Packs – PP251 →

This week, Huw talks to the amazing Baby J about the alternative provision in Derby he runs called Baby People. We use the term ‘inspirational’ a lot but Baby J is definitely an inspiration to the many young people who have benefited from what he has achieved. Baby J is an established record producer who … Continue reading Baby J and the Baby People – UK’s first Hip Hop school! PP250 →

This is a compilation episode with clips from the following episodes: Sarah Wild on girls and autism…it’s not just a boy thing – PP159 Autistic? Genius! with Tom Bowes – PP192 Do we know enough about Inclusion? Tara Elie speaks to Emma Brown – PP204 Emma Brown is back! Listener Questions on Autism – 210 … Continue reading What all teachers should know about Autism and learning – PP249 →

Benita is Founder of Place2Be and a qualified counsellor. Benita was CEO for 20 years until 2014 when she stepped down and was appointed life time President and continues to support the organisation enthusiastically through her role as President. Benita received an OBE for Services to Children and Families in 2007; was awarded an Honorary … Continue reading Why we should get our Heads Together in APlace2Be to tackle child mental health issues – with Dame Benita Refson DBE – PP248 →

Rachel Lofthouse is Professor of Teacher Education in the Carnegie School of Education. She has a specific research interest in professional learning, exploring how teachers learn and how they can be supported to put that learning into practice.  Rachel joined Leeds Beckett University in July 2017, and has established the Research and Practice Centre ‘CollectivED: … Continue reading Coaching, Mentoring – what’s the difference? Rachel Lofthouse explains – PP247 →

Gavin is a truly motivational speaker. His inspiration for what he does comes from where he started out his career—primary school teaching. He is a firm believer that we as adults can be every bit as inspired by young children as they can by us grown-ups. Gavin transports his audience back to when they were … Continue reading Give Yourself Permission To Be Playful at Christmas – and At Any Time! Gavin Oattes – PP246 →

This week, Tara was invited onto Voice of Islam Radio to take part in a programme about the link between exclusions and crime, including knife crime. About Voice of Islam Voice of Islam Radio is a new Digital DAB 24hr radio station which offers news, views, discussion and insight on Islam’s Perspectives on the world … Continue reading Tara talks exclusions and crime on Voice of Islam Radio – PP245 →

This week, Mark talks to Kirstie Mackey from Barclays Life Skills which provides: Tool tips and learning resources for you to help yourself or to support you in the development of others For students, educators and parents, the scheme provides City and Guilds approved activities and resources covering a huge range of work/life topics. https://barclayslifeskills.com/ … Continue reading Kirstie Mackey – Barclays Life Skills – for life! PP244 →

This week, Tara speaks to three guests about Maths in the classroom and how technology can help or hinder learning. Dr Christian Salas (below centre) is a Maths Lecturer from Waltham Forest College, Stephen Farmer (below left), is Headteacher at Cranbrook Education Campus and Dan Sandhu (below right), is from Sparx Maths. The conversation goes … Continue reading Technology in the Maths Classroom – helpful or harmful? PP243 →

This week, Mark speaks to Mary Meredith, Head of Inclusion at Lincolnshire County Council. In an engrossing and detailed conversation, they cover many different areas of behaviour in English schools – what’s going well, what’s going badly and what should happen in the future. Mary’s in-depth knowledge of research combined with her enormous personal, practical … Continue reading Behaviour Problems in England with Mary Meredith PP242 →

This week, Kevin and Ollie speak to the talented Blair Minchin, a primary school teacher based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Blair has been teaching for 5 years, having previously worked in law, practising in commercial litigation. He says he ADORES his job and has a real passion for developing pupil voice inside the classroom and out. … Continue reading Do you think vlogger Blair Minchin is ‘bad’? PP241 →

Mark has 37+ years’ experience in special, PRU and mainstream education; most recently as a headteacher of a small specialist (ASD/SEMH) residental school and a headteacher of a large pupil referral unit (PRU). Prior to headship, Mark also held positions including Director of Inclusion; Lead Behaviour Professional, Senior Teacher, Head of PE and Classroom Teacher. … Continue reading Mark Bocker – from Head of PE to Pivotal Principal Trainer – PP240 →

Tara Ellie enjoyed speaking to David Miller this week. David is from Glasgow’s Kelvinside Academy which opened Scotland’s School of Innovation, the first of its kind in the UK, in September 2019. “This is a must for Scotland if it is to continue to punch above its weight in the global economy during these challenging … Continue reading Innovation is the name of the game – with David Miller PP239 →

In a great fun episode this week, Tara meets ‘The Jungle Master’ and ‘Kiosk Keef’ AKA Chris and Lewis from Hillcrest Early Years Academy in Lincolnshire. Chris and Lewis are both Key Stage 1 teachers and they make what they describe as ‘fun phonics videos’. The origins of the approach were in a whole-school phonics focus … Continue reading Phonics Fun in the Jungle! PP238 →

Supporting the National Curriculum for Design and Technology and tailored for key stages 2, 3, 4 and 5, the Design Museum offers students and educators world class design education facilities supporting a vibrant and relevant programme connected with the wider ecology of design practice, networks and communities. This week Tara speaks to Sevra Davis and … Continue reading Why Design is crucial for humanity – PP237 →

In our first episode for the new academic year, Tara speaks to Daniel Senn whose background and skills helped him to invent a new reading app called Poio which has helped more than 100,000 children aged 3-8 crack the reading code! Daniel also shares his research and views on the role of fun in education. Daniel … Continue reading Reading? There’s an app for that – Poio with Daniel Senn PP236 →

This week, Tara Elie speaks to the truly inspirational RIP STARS: Here’s how the Disabled Young Researchers describe themselves: We are a group of disabled young people aged 17 – 25 from Coventry, UK. We have been trained by Anita Franklin and Geraldine Brady (Coventry University) to be researchers. We lead our project – research … Continue reading RIP STARS battling for equality! PP235 →

This week, Tara Elie talks to Maxine and Ewan from Haileybury Turnford in Hertfordshire. It’s an excellent chance to hear all about how they have embarked on a process of culture change around behaviour and rates of exclusion – and their successes. https://haileyburyturnford.com/

Despite serious technical challenges at his school, Lee Parry managed to join Tara Ellie to discuss the progress his school has made in behaviour after adopting Pivotal’s approach. Lee is Head of Drama at Netherhall School in Cambridge and also a qualified Pivotal Instructor. Tara and Lee also discuss tips for managing behaviour at the … Continue reading End of Year Behaviour Progress with Lee Parry PP233 →

Greetings pop pickers! This is a rundown of the 10 most downloaded episodes from the podcast in the academic year 2018-19. Will your favourite make it to the top spot? In no particular order, here are the episodes featured: http://pivotalpodcast.com/221 http://pivotalpodcast.com/220 http://pivotalpodcast.com/205 http://pivotalpodcast.com/222 http://pivotalpodcast.com/223 http://pivotalpodcast.com/211 http://pivotalpodcast.com/215 http://pivotalpodcast.com/216 http://pivotalpodcast.com/206 http://pivotalpodcast.com/204

This week, Tara speaks to Katie from the thriving YouTube Channel, ‘For Teachers’. Follow For Teachers: Instagram: @ForTeachers Twitter: _ForTeachers Email: enquireforteachers@gmail.com Katie has a fascinating story – originally a teacher in Manchester, she now teaches in Hong Kong and explains to Tara some of the differences she’s discovered. Katie is also passionate about promoting … Continue reading YouTube For Teachers – and Baby Sharks! – PP231 →

This week, Kevin and Ollie speak to Ricky Massey and hear his fascinating story. As Principal of Glengormley High School in Belfast, he took over a school which was described as ‘The Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory of Schools’. Ricky explains how he approached this new role and gives lots of practical tips on how to … Continue reading Principal Ricky Massey and ‘The Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory of Schools’! PP230 →

In a fascinating interview, Tara Elie speaks to the influential educator, Dr. Todd Whitaker, about phone calls and how to be welcoming to parents. Dr. Todd Whitaker has been fortunate to be able to blend his passion with his career. Recognized as a leading presenter in the field of education, his message about the importance of … Continue reading Dr. Todd Whitaker – (E.T.) Phone Home! PP229 →

This week we’re thrilled to welcome two guests to our podcast; Matt Burton, Headteacher at Thornhill Community Academy and Cerys Griffiths, Creative Director, BBC Education. Matt is probably better known as ‘Mr Burton’ from the popular TV series Educating Yorkshire, who, inspired by watching ‘The King’s Speech’, helped pupil Musharaf Asghar with his speech and … Continue reading Matt Burton and Cerys Griffiths- Starting Secondary School – tips and resources for transitioning – PP228 →

Charlie was the inaugural Chief Executive of the National College for Teaching & Leadership (NCTL) where he was responsible for overseeing teacher training and professional conduct. Prior to the NCTL, Charlie was the Headteacher at The Willows Special School and a DfE expert adviser on behaviour. This week, Tara Elie talks to Charlie about how … Continue reading Charlie Taylor from Zen Educate – How to Integrate Supply Teachers – PP227 →

Jamie’s website is http://letsplayuk.com/ With over 15 years experience of the sector, Jamie brings an invaluable wealth of knowledge and experience to what we do at Let’s Play. Holder of The UEFA A Licence, the most prestigious qualification available to football coaches, alongside his teaching qualifications – Jamie is a modern and innovative coach, teacher … Continue reading Jamie McDonough – play in the classroom – seriously?! PP226 →

Tara Elie talks to EAL teacher, consultant and resources creator, Kamil Trzebiatow who shares his extensive experience and expertise supporting students with English as an Additional Language in mainstream subject classes. He gives us many practical approaches to try out. Kamil’s blog has been created specifically to help subject teachers who have not had specific … Continue reading Subject Teachers – Try Kamil’s EAL Tips and Tricks in your classroom! PP225 →

Tara Elie recently spoke to the inspirational Adora Svitak. You may have seen the TED talk she gave when she was 12: Adora is now a writer, speaker, and advocate for causes including feminism, youth empowerment, and literacy. She began delivering writing workshops at local schools after publishing a collection of short stories. Later, she … Continue reading Adora Svitak’s youth empowerment inspiration and Russell’s back! PP224 →

In the final of three episodes, Paul concludes his remarkable conversation with the world’s leading authority on behaviour management, Dr. Bill Rogers. Bill Rogers is an education consultant. A teacher by profession, Bill now lectures widely on discipline and behaviour management issues; classroom management; stress and teaching; colleague support; developing peer-support programs for teachers and … Continue reading Bill Rogers Part 3 – PP223 →

In the second of three episodes, Paul continues his conversation with the world’s leading authority on behaviour management, Dr. Bill Rogers. Bill Rogers is an education consultant. A teacher by profession, Bill now lectures widely on discipline and behaviour management issues; classroom management; stress and teaching; colleague support; developing peer-support programs for teachers and developing … Continue reading Bill Rogers Part 2 – PP222 →

Paul was delighted to have the opportunity to speak at length to the world’s leading authority on behaviour management, Dr. Bill Rogers. They sat down for afternoon tea together and this is the first part of their conversation. Bill Rogers is an education consultant. A teacher by profession, Bill now lectures widely on discipline and … Continue reading Bill Rogers Part 1 – PP221 →

Tara Elie hosts the first ever Pivotal Podcast Dinner Party where three guests get to discuss the education topics of the moment: Callum Wetherill Mark Goodwin Zuzanna McClintock Join us with a beverage of your choice and see if your opinions on the courses match our guests: Starter: ‘Teachers work too many hours’ says education … Continue reading 4 Courses, 3 Guests and a Mobile Phone – The First Pivotal Podcast Dinner Party! PP220 →

Tara Elie spoke to Laura McInerney this week. Laura is a former teacher and education journalist who currently writes a regular column for The Guardian and for the weekly newspaper Schools Week. Laura begins by explaining what Teacher Tapp is. This data-focussed phone app encourages teachers to take a few seconds per day to share their … Continue reading Laura McInerney Encourages Teachers to Tapp Here! PP219 →

It was such a joy to welcome Carrie Grant onto the Pivotal Podcast this week. Carrie is married to David and together they are well known to TV audiences internationally as judges and vocal coaches, on the massively successful TV talent shows, “Pop Idol” (ITV) and the BBC flagship programme “Fame Academy”. They are current judges … Continue reading Carrie Grant – Having children with SEN is a real ‘Boon’ – PP218 →

This week, Ollie went to speak to Headteacher of Hightown Junior, Infant and Nursery School, Russell Ingleby. Russell is going to be sending audio diary entries into the podcast over the coming months so, in this introductory episode, Ollie finds out more about Russell, his school and his philosophy around ‘The Hightown Way’. Hightown School … Continue reading Introducing our new Headteacher Audio Diarist, Russell Ingleby! PP217 →

It was great to welcome Kiran Gill onto the podcast to start our 2019 episodes. Kiran is Founder and CEO of The Difference – an organisation which is creating a new generation of school leaders, specialist in improving outcomes for the most vulnerable children. Kiran began her career in inner-city London, as an English teacher … Continue reading Kiran Gill on how to make ‘The Difference’ in behaviour – PP216 →

You will probably know Vic Goddard from the TV show, Educating Essex but in this week’s episode he talks candidly to Tara Elie about a wide range of topics including: Whether he would agree to filming in his school now His experiences with Ofsted How damaging he thinks overtesting is Tips for surviving in school … Continue reading Vic Goddard on How to Educate Essex, Ofsted, Overtesting…and more! PP215 →

Ollie Frith gives an exclusive insiders’ viewpoint on Pivotal’s Recent Instructors’ Conference this week. There are clips from some of the sessions and lots of inspiration from delegates and organisers. Ollie encourages us all to Stop, Collaborate and Listen, rather than blindly following ‘what we have always done’. The video Paul uses in his session: Tweet … Continue reading Stop, Collaborate and Listen! PP214 →

Siobhan has been  headteacher of a Primary school in Morecambe, Lancashire for 14 years. Morecambe is a coastal town with pockets of extreme deprivation from which the school’s intake is drawn.  The school has established outstanding Pastoral Support systems and makes excellent use of links with other agencies and sectors. Siobhan works as a member of the County … Continue reading Poverty, closing more than one gap with Siobhan Collingwood – PP213 →

Ashley Mclaren is a criminologist who has recently completed her Master’s thesis. Tara spoke to her about unconscious bias but Ashley has also been influenced by Dr. Karen Graham who has worked on the ‘School to Prison Pipeline’. Ashley’s thesis is entitled, ‘Black and Blue – an exploration of the work and identity as a … Continue reading Criminology, Ethnicity and the School to Prison Pipeline with Ashley Mclaren – PP212 →

Ollie Frith guides us through some of the earliest episodes of the podcast which cover aspects of the Five Pillars of Pivotal Practice: Consistent, calm adult behaviour  First attention to best conduct Relentless routines Scripted interventions Restorative follow up The episodes he refers to are: Restorative Practice – PP3 Scripted Behaviour Interventions – PP10 Managing … Continue reading Pivotal Pillars Playlist – The Early Years – PP211 →

Tara Elie  welcomes Emma Brown back shortly after her previous visit to answer some questions about autism from podcast listeners. Emma is a Practice Development Coach working in Social Care with clients who have learning disabilities and/or Autism. The answers to the questions posed are equally applicable to those in mainstream settings who come into … Continue reading Emma Brown is back! Listener Questions on Autism – 210 →

This week, Paul speaks to Elaine Halligan. The London director of The Parent Practice, Elaine has been a parenting facilitator since 2006, teaching parents in the Wimbledon and Clapham centres. She works in schools and nurseries, coordinates our corporate and business seminar programme and works with special educational needs such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia. … Continue reading Is your child different? Sam’s Story with Elaine Halligan – 209 →

Ruth McKay is Headteacher at Portobello High School, a large comprehensive in the east of Edinburgh. Ruth began her career as an English teacher and quickly moved into Guidance and Pastoral Care. Following a national secondment looking at new ways to measure progress and improvement in education, she spent time working in a local authority … Continue reading Ruth McKay – Grass roots to open sky – 208 →