Edwin Talks

What does it take to build a truly supportive culture in special schools? Claire Dora OBE, Chief Executive of the National Association of Special Schools (NAS), shares insights into staff wellbeing and leadership in special education.

In this episode, Claire discusses the pressures facing staff in special schools, including stress management, neurodiversity, and the importance of self-reflection for leaders.

She highlights the need for individualised support, strong leadership involvement in wellbeing, and innovative approaches to recruitment and retention.

Claire explains how prioritising staff wellbeing in special education can lead to better outcomes for children and young people with special needs.

What does it really mean to put staff first? Jonny Uttley, CEO of TEAL, shares insights on workload, leadership, and practical ways to make teaching a sustainable profession.

In this episode, Johnny reflects on his journey into education and discusses the challenges of leading a trust, including managing workload, pupil behaviour, and creating positive working environments.

He explores the importance of supportive leadership, teacher retention, and putting staff first as a foundation for a strong school culture.

Johnny also shares practical ideas from his book, Putting Staff First, and offers thoughtful perspectives on the realities educators and leaders face today.

Exhausted but unable to switch off? Physiologist, sleep expert and author, Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, joins us to explain why insomnia is on the rise among education staff.

In this episode, Nerina discusses the importance of regulating energy throughout the day and five practical steps to help reset the nervous system for better sleep.

She also shares the idea of inner safety and why it plays a crucial role in supporting long-term wellbeing. Drawing on both professional expertise and personal experience, Nerina offers realistic, accessible strategies to help educators improve sleep, restore energy, and work more sustainably.

Dr Helen Kelly, former international school principal and expert in educator wellbeing, shares insights into the causes of stress and burnout for staff and leaders working in schools.

In this episode, Helen reflects on her journey from law into education and discusses the factors that contribute to workload pressure and burnout in schools.

She explores practical strategies for managing workload, building supportive school cultures, and prioritising self-care to support sustainability in education.

Helen also highlights the importance of community within schools and explains how strong connections can improve staff wellbeing, leadership effectiveness, and overall school culture.

Musician Mark Deeks uses music to reduce stress and improve mental health, and explains how even listening to heavy metal can have health benefits.

In this episode, Mark discusses how music can support emotional wellbeing through active engagement and through more intentional listening.

He shares his personal relationship with music, including the creation of a melody in memory of his daughter and reflects on how music can help process emotion and connection.

Mark offers practical ideas for building a more intentional relationship with music and explains how simple, everyday musical practices can support wellbeing for educators and school communities.

Simon Hart, principal of Springwest Academy in West London, explains how fostering a culture of kindness and gratitude has transformed his school.

In this episode, Simon discusses leadership approaches influenced by Buddhist principles, balancing kindness with discipline to create supportive environments for both staff and students.

He explores practical ways to improve staff retention, build meaningful connections, and sustain positive, values-led cultures in schools.

Simon reflects on why intentional kindness, clear expectations, and everyday leadership behaviours play a vital role in creating schools where people feel supported and able to thrive.

Adventurer and teacher Steve Hill, MBE, discusses how his adventures – through jungle, desert and arctic wasteland – have fuelled his passion for education.

In this episode, Steve reflects on his journey from an unfulfilled career to becoming a teacher who inspires students through extraordinary challenges, including endurance events in extreme conditions and the creation of a charitable trust.

He discusses the importance of having a clear “why”, living outside comfort zones, and embracing failure as a source of growth.

Steve explains how challenge, self-belief and service to others can strengthen wellbeing and motivation, and highlights the powerful role educators play in shaping young lives both in and beyond the classroom.

Emma Shepherd, founder of the MTPT Project, shares insights into the experiences of teacher-parents and the impact of the “motherhood penalty” in education.

In this episode, Emma draws on her research and the MTPT Project's work to explore the challenges facing teachers who are parents, including retention and attrition, as well as the need for more family-friendly policies in schools.

Emma highlights why understanding and supporting teachers who are parents is essential for building more inclusive, sustainable education systems.

Psychologist, yoga teacher and health and fitness coach Suzy Reading explains why rest is essential for educators and how it supports sustainable working in schools.

In this episode, Susie shares her framework of the eight pillars of rest and offers practical strategies for building moments of rest into the school day.

She discusses how rest supports emotional wellbeing, the role of school leaders in creating cultures that prioritise staff, and the importance of self-compassion when rest feels difficult.

Darren Hankey, principal and chief executive of Hartlepool College of Further Education, talks about how to foster staff wellbeing and a sense of belonging.

In this episode, Darren discusses creating a culture of clarity, autonomy, and belonging, and shares practical strategies for maintaining wellbeing, including sleep, diet, exercise, and expressing gratitude.

Darren highlights the powerful impact of recognising staff contributions and explains why prioritising wellbeing is essential for the success of both staff and students.