Detention Diaries

Keywords

education, SEND, inclusion, teacher burnout, mental health, school leadership, education reform, SEND crisis, education crisis, teacher wellbeing, child mental health, safeguarding, policy, school improvement, inclusive practice

Summary

In this episode of Make it Make SENDs, I sit down with Lorraine Petersen OBE — former CEO of nasen, headteacher, and one of the most respected voices in SEND and inclusive education.

We explore the current state of education and ask the big question: are we facing a SEND crisis… or an education system that isn’t built to support everyone?

Lorraine shares her journey through education, offering deep insight into the pressures schools are facing today — from rising SEND demand and stretched resources to teacher burnout and the growing mental health needs of both staff and students.

This conversation goes beyond the headlines, unpacking what’s really happening in schools right now, and more importantly, what needs to change. Lorraine speaks with clarity and honesty about how we can build a system that is more inclusive, humane, and sustainable — for both young people and the adults supporting them.

If you’re a teacher, leader, SENDCO or parent trying to navigate the complexity of modern education, this episode will leave you thinking differently about what’s possible.

Key Takeaways

•  “We don’t just have a SEND crisis — we have a system that isn’t designed for everyone.” 
•  “You cannot separate inclusion from the wellbeing of teachers.” 
•  “If we want better outcomes for children, we must first support the adults in the system.” 

Support the Show

Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.

👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com

to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.
 👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com
to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

Keywords

education, leadership, school culture, discipline, inclusion, Welsh education, head teacher, student engagement, academic rigor, mentorship

Summary

In this conversation, Alun Ebenezer shares his journey in education, discussing the importance of creating a positive school culture, maintaining high standards, and the challenges faced in the Welsh education system. He emphasizes the need for discipline, mentorship, and community engagement while addressing the balance between inclusion and academic rigor. Alun also reflects on his aspirations for systemic change in education and the importance of resilience in students.

"Discipline and high standards are crucial."
"Attendance is a collective responsibility."
"Inclusivity must be balanced with discipline."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Early Life
03:13 Teaching Journey and Leadership Development
05:57 The Importance of School Culture
09:12 Establishing Fulham Boys School
12:03 Addressing Societal Issues and Role Models
14:54 Discipline and Standards in Education
17:58 Challenges in the Welsh Education System
21:06 Strategies for Improvement in Education
25:24 Transforming School Culture
27:27 Improving Attendance Strategies
30:27 Inclusivity and Exclusion in Education
32:53 Meaningful Inclusion and Equity
34:55 Addressing Repeat Offenders
36:56 Challenging Labels in Education
38:50 Future Aspirations in Education
40:53 The Need for Systemic Change
42:34 Lessons in Leadership
44:48 Advice for Head Teachers

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.
 👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com
to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

Music, Inclusion, and Empowerment with Kate Campbell Green

Join us in this insightful episode as Kate Campbell Green shares her journey through music education, inclusion, and advocacy. We explore how music can be a powerful tool for social change, personal growth, and transforming educational spaces. Discover practical strategies to make music truly inclusive and inspiring at all levels.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Kate Campbell Green's journey
 02:23 - Setting the tone: Covid, new year, and purpose of the Make It Make Sense podcast
 03:03 - Why understanding my autistic daughter enhances my work in education
 04:00 - The broad role of music services in schools and misconceptions
 05:38 - How music education addresses disengagement and fosters belonging
 06:36 - The significance of authentic venues like Stoller Hall and Band on the Wall
 09:02 - Early musical influences and pathways from DJing to education
 10:33 - Growing up autistic and ADHD: challenges and the role of music as sanctuary
 13:13 - The power of creative process and improvisation in music learning
 16:04 - Deep dive into inclusive music education: frameworks and mental models
 18:19 - The four Rs of inclusion: rapport, resilience, representation, reflection
 22:21 - The culture of music departments as safe spaces
 23:02 - Is education truly inclusive? Challenges and personal reflections
 25:26 - Insights from Dr. Shelley Moore on inclusive practices worldwide
 28:41 - The pitfalls of segregation versus genuine inclusion
 31:23 - The physiological and neurological impact of music on neurodiverse learners
 33:45 - How improvisation and creative frameworks foster belonging
 36:43 - Building trust and relationships in disengaged learners
 38:07 - The emotional weight and reward of nurturing young people through music
 43:21 - The impact of engagement in real-world performance venues
 48:39 - How Tameside Music Service creates opportunities for all young people
 55:18 - The significance of spaces like Stoller Hall for young performers
 62:37 - The role of PGCEI and professional development in advancing inclusive practice
 66:35 - Practical tips for teachers: mindset, respect, and embracing complexity
 68:37 - The leaky pipeline: strategies to support long-term musical journeys
 75:44 - Envisioning the future: joined-up pathways and careers in music
 76:54 - The need for holistic, continuous music learning from cradle to career
 79:55 - Why creativity and improvisation are skills machines can't replicate
 80:48 - Reflection: the people behind music education give us hope
 81:16 - If policy makers listened: Just give us the money & trust educators
 82:23 - Balancing life and work: personal anecdotes from Kate
 86:31 - What's next: new projects, stewardship, and supporting local music ecosystems

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.
👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com
to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.
 👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com
to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

Keywords

progressive masculinity, mental health, emotional literacy, young men, education, intersectionality, digital culture, positive masculinity, misogyny, teacher training


Summary

In this conversation, Mike Nicholson discusses his journey from being a teacher to founding Progressive Masculinity, a program aimed at creating safe spaces for boys and men to explore their identities. He emphasises the importance of breaking down barriers, understanding intersectionality, and addressing mental health issues among young men. The discussion also touches on the impact of digital culture, the challenges of misogyny, and the role of educators in promoting positive masculinity. Mike shares insights on empowering young men and the need for systemic changes in education to support their development.

Subscribe to Detention Diaries on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode Leave a review – it massively helps the podcast reach more educators Join the Detention Diaries community for blogs, videos, podcasts and teacher banter: www.detentiondiaries.com

Where real teachers, real stories, and real conversations happen.

Takeaways

Boys and men often want to talk but lack safe spaces.
Intersectionality is crucial in understanding masculinity.
Digital culture significantly impacts young men's identities.
Mental health discussions should be age-appropriate and accessible.
Challenging misogyny requires a nuanced approach.
Educators must listen to boys' concerns without judgment.
Self-reflection is essential for educators working with boys.
Boys need to feel cared for to engage meaningfully.
Creating spaces for boys can lead to positive outcomes.
Empowering young men involves providing them with tools to express themselves.



 sound bites

"What does it mean to be a man?"
"We need to promote aspirational masculinity."
"Self-reflection is an uncomfortable exercise."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Progressive Masculinity
02:57 The Journey of a Teacher to Facilitator
05:56 Breaking Down Barriers: Engaging Young Men
09:01 Understanding Intersectionality in Masculinity
12:03 The Impact of Digital Culture on Young Men
14:56 Addressing Mental Health and Emotional Literacy
17:54 Challenging Misogyny and Toxic Masculinity
21:00 The Role of Educators in Promoting Positive Masculinity
23:56 Future of Masculinity Programs
26:53 Empowering Educators and Young Men
30:02 Conclusion and Future Vision

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.
 👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com
to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

In this episode of Detention Diaries, Dan sits down with Ross McGill, the founder of Teacher Toolkit — one of the UK’s most influential platforms supporting teachers with practical strategies, wellbeing insights, and real classroom solutions.

Ross shares his journey from classroom teacher to education thought-leader, the challenges facing schools today, and his honest views on workload, burnout, policy, and what truly needs to change in education. It’s a candid, inspiring, and refreshingly real conversation about teaching in modern Britain.

Find Ross & Teacher Toolkit:

 Website & resources: https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk X (Twitter): https://x.com/TeacherToolkit Training & CPD: https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/training

Enjoyed the episode?

 Subscribe to Detention Diaries on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode Leave a review – it massively helps the podcast reach more educators Join the Detention Diaries community for blogs, videos, podcasts and teacher banter: www.detentiondiaries.com

Where real teachers, real stories, and real conversations happen.

Takeaways

Teaching is a challenging yet rewarding profession.
Mental health and well-being are crucial for teachers.
The education system is evolving, but challenges remain.
Ofsted plays a significant role in accountability but needs reform.
Teachers possess valuable skills that can be applied outside the classroom.
Retention of teachers is a pressing issue in education.
Supportive school cultures can enhance staff well-being.
Data collection in schools should focus on meaningful insights.
Teachers should be encouraged to share their experiences and challenges.
The landscape of education is constantly changing, requiring adaptability.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of Education Challenges
08:35 The Evolution of Teach Toolkit
20:39 Personal Experiences and Their Impact on Education
32:41 Future Directions and Reflections on Influence
35:20 Government Engagement with Social Media Influencers
37:59 Teacher Workload and Retention Crisis
42:44 Rethinking Assessment and Feedback in Education
46:55 The Role of Ofsted in Education
59:29 Supporting Teacher Well-Being and Mental Health
01:06:02 The Future of Teaching and Career Longevity

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.
 👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com
to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

In this conversation, Dan speaks with Dr. Shelley Moore about her journey in education, focusing on the importance of inclusive practices for students with disabilities. They discuss the challenges faced by the education system, the need for a shift from special education to inclusive education, and the significance of community and collaboration in fostering an inclusive environment. Dr. Moore shares her research findings and practical strategies for teachers to create inclusive classrooms, emphasizing the importance of understanding student needs and building agency. The conversation highlights the necessity of evolving Individual Education Plans (IEPs) to better support students and the overall educational community.


Takeaways

Inclusion is beneficial for all students, not just those with disabilities.
Education systems need to evolve to meet the needs of today's diverse learners.
Community and belonging are essential for student success.
Teachers should start with the needs of the most vulnerable students.
IEPs should focus on growth rather than fixing perceived deficits.
Positive attitudes towards inclusion can transform educational practices.
Flexibility in teaching methods is crucial for accommodating diverse learners.
Research should guide educational decisions, not just tradition or opinion.
Student agency is vital for meaningful learning experiences.
Collaboration among educators, families, and communities enhances inclusion efforts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of the Conversation
02:29 Dr. Shelley's Journey in Education
06:54 The Shift from Special Education to Inclusive Education
12:06 Understanding the Education Crisis
15:59 Research and Practical Applications in Inclusive Education
23:59 Five Key Principles for Effective Inclusion
30:41 Barriers in Education: The Role of Standardized Testing
33:12 Permissible Prejudice: Understanding Discrimination in Education
34:30 Rethinking Accessibility: The Bowling Metaphor in Education
39:47 Creating Inclusive Learning Environments: A Case Study
42:37 Empowering Student Agency: Making Choices in Learning
48:43 Navigating Standardized Testing: Strategies for Success
55:01 The Evolution of IEPs: From Medical Models to Inclusive Practices
59:32 Practical Tips for Inclusive Teaching: Small Steps for Big Change

• 📸 Instagram – @detentiondiaries
  
  
• ▶️ YouTube – Detention Diaries
  
  
• 🐦 X (formerly Twitter) – @DetentionDiaries

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.
 👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com
to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

• Why so many children are struggling with speech, language and communication right now
• How early identification can change everything
• What needs to happen in policy, funding and teacher training to fix the system
• And how we can all be part of the solution — from the classroom to the kitchen table

• 📸 Instagram – @detentiondiaries
  
  
• ▶️ YouTube – Detention Diaries
  
  
• 🐦 X (formerly Twitter) – @DetentionDiaries
  
  

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.
 👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com
to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

Join me on this week’s episode of the Make it Make SENDs podcast as I chat with the remarkable Ginny Bootman — a SENDCO, former headteacher, author and champion of empathy-driven SEND education.

🚀 In this conversation we dive into:

• Ginny’s journey from classroom to leading inclusive practice
• How empathy, trust and relationships make all the difference in SEND provision
• The current state of SEND legislation, what’s working and what still needs to change
• Practical advice for teachers, parents (like me, father of an autistic daughter) and anyone working with young people
• Ginny’s favourite strategies, time-saving hacks and what she’d change overnight if she could

📚 Check out Ginny’s work:

• Book: Independent Thinking on Being a SENDCO by Ginny Bootman (113 tips for building relationships, saving time and changing lives) – crownhouse.co.uk+1
• Ginny’s Talks & Podcast appearances – find them at her website and listen to her podcast “Follow the Empathy Road” Ginny Bootman | Follow the Empathy Road.+1
• https://thesendcast.com/category/episodes/ginny-bootman/

🌐 Join the Detention Diaries community:

• Visit: www.detentiondiaries.com (subscribe for our weekly newsletter, resources, and more)
• Instagram: @_detention_diaries
• YouTube: @Detention_Diariess
• X (formerly Twitter): @DetentionDiary

🎧 We also recommend checking out previous podcast episodes if you’re new to the show — https://open.spotify.com/show/1hbydmiXAUaX8ktaoCphaF?si=9afcba5dfe354554 . If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe and share so we can keep growing this conversation and supporting all those working in and around SEND.

Thank you for listening, and a huge thank you to Ginny Bootman for bringing her energy, insight and passion.
 Hit play, sit back, and let’s get into it.

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.
 👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com
to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

💬 Episode Description:

In the very first episode of Make it Make SENDs, I sit down with Kieran Rose — better known as The Autistic Advocate
— to talk all things autism, inclusion, and the future of education.

Kieran is one of the UK’s most respected autistic voices, a writer, trainer, and speaker who’s spent years challenging the systems that fail autistic children and their families. In this honest and powerful conversation, we explore how our schools are designed, why so many autistic pupils are being excluded or misunderstood, and what needs to change if we’re ever going to get inclusion right.

Kieran makes a bold and thought-provoking statement: “We don’t have a SEND crisis — we have an education crisis.”Together, we unpack what that means, and how teachers, parents, and policymakers can start to shift the narrative from “fixing children” to fixing the system.

This episode is real, reflective, and full of insight — a must-listen for anyone who cares about how we educate and support neurodivergent young people.

🔗 Join the Conversation:

You can explore Kieran’s work, resources, and training at www.theautisticadvocate.com
and follow him on social media @TheAutisticAdvocate.

For more reflections, blog posts, and future episodes, head to www.detentiondiaries.com
— home of the Make it Make SENDs podcast, the Detention Diaries series, and a growing community of educators, parents, and advocatesworking to make education better for everyone.

👉 Read. Listen. Join the conversation. Let’s make it make SENDs — together.

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.
 👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com
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Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

In this episode of Detention Diaries, I’m joined by Will Evans — my former PGCE mentor and now Music PGCE Lead at Manchester Metropolitan University. Will’s spent years helping new teachers survive (and sometimes even enjoy) their first year in the classroom, and in this episode, we lift the lid on what teacher training really looks like in 2025.

We chat about the changing face of education, why creative subjects like music are more vital than ever, and how to prepare new teachers for a profession that’s equal parts art, science, and chaos. Will shares his insights into training, resilience, burnout, and why so many of the best educators are also brilliant storytellers.

It’s funny, thoughtful, and just the right amount of nostalgic — two old colleagues swapping stories about lessons gone wrong, what’s changed since our training days, and what still needs to.

👉 Join the conversation at www.detentiondiaries.com
— the online staffroom where real teachers talk about real education.

Because teaching isn’t just a career — it’s a calling… with a lot of paperwork.

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.
 👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com
to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.