Like it or not, schools have become the ‘first responders’ not just to pupils’ needs, but families and communities as a whole. Safeguarding, medical, financial, housing, diet, personal safety, hygiene, family dispute, relationship breakdowns… Schools seem to be at the forefront of support in ways that we wouldn’t have imagined 15 years ago. But why? What’s changed?

Join us as we take a very honest look at what it means to be ‘more than just a school’.

Ho, ho, ho! Its the final episode of 2025!

In this episode, we discuss the much-loved tradition of the School Nativity. We debate the virtues and pitfalls of putting on a show and the value and importance of performance. We also reflect on our own memories of being in school nativities - fish on sticks, aliens, falling off stage and overcoming the nerves.

Following publication of the Teacher Wellbeing Index Annual Report (read a summary here), we wanted to explore and discuss some of the key statistics and really unpick what it is, at the moment, that's making our wonderful profession feel so challenging.

Join us as we explore the delicate balance of building positive relationships with parents as primary school teachers.

While these connections can enrich the educational experience, we also tackle the challenges and complexities that came come with them.

WE'RE BACK!

Welcome to Season 2 of Pink Custard: The Teachers' Podcast!

Ever noticed how the enthusiasm of the summer holidays and the resolve to "make this year different..." soon seems to evaporate when the 'To Do List' explodes, the nights get darker and real life takes over? It happens to us all!

Join us at the start of a new academic year, as we reflect on self-care and remembering who you really are - even when things are busy!

In this episode - the last of Season One - we reflect on our own school's journey to embed relational practice as a means of supporting children to understand, manage and change their behaviour for the better... We address the scepticism and reluctance that relational practice can sometimes provoke, whilst sharing our own experience, top tips and big wins...

Sit back, relax and enjoy!

In this episode, we share our school's journey to develop an inclusive, safe, welcoming and representative culture and community in which LGBT+ identities are valued, celebrated and reflected. We share personal stories, reflect on the impact of Section 28 on the education landscape in the UK and how its legacy, to this day, casts a long shadow. We're proudly representing for all LGBT+ children, families and educators... Join us!

What did you want to be when you were growing up..? A doctor? A vet? A Farmer?

In this episode, we take a walk down memory lane and look back on the jobs we thought we wanted, the jobs we needed to make pocket money as teenagers, the easy jobs, the horrible jobs and... what brought us to where we are today. Put the kettle on, get comfy and join us...

In a single generation, the time children spend outside has halved - to an average of just 4 hours, total, per week. As educators, we’re often presented with the symptoms of this massive shift in childhood experience. In this episode, we explore the impact of a loss of connection with nature and how we - in school - can take learning outside the classroom more often to help children reconnect with the great outdoors and regain lost skills.

"Where did the holiday go? Is it Monday already? I'm counting down the days. Been more of a stress than a break."

We all do it. In this episode, we discuss the importance of the stories we tell ourselves, the mindset we choose or allow and the importance of taking control.