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.com

This 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/jimfamished

Find 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.com

Find Annabelle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabellekapoor/

Instagram: @draytonparksch and @annabellekapoorcoachingWebsite: www.annabellekapoorcoaching.com

This 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

- 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

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.