Pivotal Podcast

By Pivotal Education

Education Kids & Family

What's Pivotal Podcast about?

Case studies and advice on how to manage behaviour in your classroom

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Pivotal Podcast episodes:

09.21.2020
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...
07.08.2020
Why young people need lawyers Just For Kids – PP257
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...
05.25.2020
How Kris Boyd moved from scoring goals to supporting children’s mental health – and why it matters PP255
Former footballing star, Kris Boyd 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...
05.15.2020
How to maximise lockdown learning with Serena Clark PP254
Serena Clark, formerly of Ark Globe Academy 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...
04.18.2020
What are Therapeutic Schools and why should all schools follow this pattern? Shahana Knight explains. PP252
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...
04.10.2020
Dr Hope – Learning Packs before Six Packs – PP251
Lynsie MonroPrincipal Trainer 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...
03.11.2020
Baby J and the Baby People – UK’s first Hip Hop school! PP250
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...
02.26.2020
What all teachers should know about Autism and learning – PP249
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...
01.15.2020
Why we should get our Heads Together in APlace2Be to tackle child mental health issues – with Dame Benita Refson DBE – PP248
Dame Benita Refson DBE 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...
12.04.2019
Coaching, Mentoring – what’s the difference? Rachel Lofthouse explains – PP247
Professor Rachel Lofthouse 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...
11.27.2019
Give Yourself Permission To Be Playful at Christmas – and At Any Time! Gavin Oattes – PP246
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...
11.13.2019
Kirstie Mackey – Barclays Life Skills – for life! PP244
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...
11.06.2019
Technology in the Maths Classroom – helpful or harmful? PP243
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...
10.21.2019
Behaviour Problems in England with Mary Meredith PP242
Mary is Head of Inclusion at Lincolnshire County Council 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...
10.14.2019
Do you think vlogger Blair Minchin is ‘bad’? PP241
Blair Minchin 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...
10.08.2019
Mark Bocker – from Head of PE to Pivotal Principal Trainer – PP240
Mark Bocker: Principal Trainer 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...
09.30.2019
Innovation is the name of the game – with David Miller PP239
David Miller, Kelvinside Academy 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...
09.23.2019
Phonics Fun in the Jungle! PP238
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. The Jungle Master, Keef and friends Chris and Lewis are both Key Stage 1 teachers and they...
09.16.2019
Why Design is crucial for humanity – PP237
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...
09.09.2019
Reading? There’s an app for that – Poio with Daniel Senn PP236
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...
07.15.2019
RIP STARS battling for equality! PP235
This week, Tara Elie speaks to the truly inspirational RIP STARS: https://ripstars.net/ 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...
07.08.2019
How and why to change your culture with Maxine and Ewan from Haileybury Turnford PP234
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...
07.02.2019
End of Year Behaviour Progress with Lee Parry PP233
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...
06.24.2019
Pivotal Podcast’s Parade of Pops – 232
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*...
06.17.2019
YouTube For Teachers – and Baby Sharks! – PP231
Just one of Katie’s amazing videos This week, Tara speaks to Katie from the thriving YouTube Channel, ‘For Teachers’. Katie in Hong KongKatie on her YouTube ChannelAsk Katie! Follow For Teachers: Instagram: @ForTeachers Twitter: _ForTeachers Email: [email protected] Katie has a fascinating story...
06.10.2019
Principal Ricky Massey and ‘The Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory of Schools’! PP230
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...
06.03.2019
Dr. Todd Whitaker – (E.T.) Phone Home! PP229
In a fascinating interview, Tara Elie speaks to the influential educator, Dr. Todd Whitaker, about phone calls and how to be welcoming to parents. Todd Whitaker Dr. Todd Whitaker has been fortunate to be able to blend his passion with his career. Recognized...
05.20.2019
Matt Burton and Cerys Griffiths- Starting Secondary School – tips and resources for transitioning – PP228
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,...
05.13.2019
Charlie Taylor from Zen Educate – How to Integrate Supply Teachers – PP227
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...
04.30.2019
Jamie McDonough – play in the classroom – seriously?! PP226
Jamie McDonagh 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...
04.01.2019
Subject Teachers – Try Kamil’s EAL Tips and Tricks in your classroom! PP225
Kamil Trzebiatowski 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...
03.25.2019
Adora Svitak’s youth empowerment inspiration and Russell’s back! PP224
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...
03.18.2019
Bill Rogers Part 3 – PP223
Paul Dix and Dr. Bill Rogers 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...
03.11.2019
Bill Rogers Part 2 – PP222
Paul Dix and Dr. Bill Rogers 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...
03.04.2019
Bill Rogers Part 1 – PP221
Paul Dix and Dr. Bill Rogers 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...
02.11.2019
4 Courses, 3 Guests and a Mobile Phone – The First Pivotal Podcast Dinner Party! PP220
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...
02.04.2019
Laura McInerney Encourages Teachers to Tapp Here! PP219
Laura McInerney 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...
01.28.2019
Carrie Grant – Having children with SEN is a real ‘Boon’ – PP218
Carrie Grant 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...
01.21.2019
Introducing our new Headteacher Audio Diarist, Russell Ingleby! PP217
Russell Ingleby 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...
12.10.2018
Vic Goddard on How to Educate Essex, Ofsted, Overtesting…and more! PP215
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*...
12.03.2018
Stop, Collaborate and Listen! PP214
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...
11.26.2018
Poverty, closing more than one gap with Siobhan Collingwood – PP213
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...
11.19.2018
Criminology, Ethnicity and the School to Prison Pipeline with Ashley Mclaren – PP212
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...
11.12.2018
Pivotal Pillars Playlist – The Early Years – PP211
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...
11.05.2018
Emma Brown is back! Listener Questions on Autism – 210
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...
10.22.2018
Is your child different? Sam’s Story with Elaine Halligan – 209
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...
10.15.2018
Ruth McKay – Grass roots to open sky – 208
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...
10.08.2018
Making Sustainability Sustainable in Schools with Victoria Tait – 207
Victoria Tait is Education for Sustainability Coordinator at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge. As EfS coordinator, Victoria’s role is to ensure that sustainability is an integral part of both staff and students’ experiences and learning whilst at our University. Victoria works with...
07.16.2018
Holte School – Transforming Lives through Partnerships – PP203
Andy Oliver was appointed as an NQT at Holte School, Lozells, Birmingham in 1998. Holte was graded ‘Outstanding’ in 2009 and 2012, is an Inclusion Quality Mark Flagship School and also recently achieved the Equalities Award. Andy undertook a variety of pastoral...
07.09.2018
Clare Erasmus – Wellbeing Warriors! PP202
For Mike’s last episode of the academic year, he speaks to the remarkable Clare Erasmus who shares her insights around wellbeing – what a great end to a great year! Clare is Head of Faculty for Mental Health and Wellbeing at...

What's Pivotal Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Pivotal Podcast episodes:

Why young people need lawyers Just For Kids – Part 2 – PP258

Why young people need lawyers Just For Kids – PP257

How Kris Boyd moved from scoring goals to supporting children’s mental health – and why it matters PP255

How to maximise lockdown learning with Serena Clark PP254

What are Therapeutic Schools and why should all schools follow this pattern? Shahana Knight explains. PP252

Dr Hope – Learning Packs before Six Packs – PP251

Baby J and the Baby People – UK’s first Hip Hop school! PP250

What all teachers should know about Autism and learning – PP249

Why we should get our Heads Together in APlace2Be to tackle child mental health issues – with Dame Benita Refson DBE – PP248

Coaching, Mentoring – what’s the difference? Rachel Lofthouse explains – PP247

Give Yourself Permission To Be Playful at Christmas – and At Any Time! Gavin Oattes – PP246

Kirstie Mackey – Barclays Life Skills – for life! PP244

Technology in the Maths Classroom – helpful or harmful? PP243

Behaviour Problems in England with Mary Meredith PP242

Do you think vlogger Blair Minchin is ‘bad’? PP241

Mark Bocker – from Head of PE to Pivotal Principal Trainer – PP240

Innovation is the name of the game – with David Miller PP239

Phonics Fun in the Jungle! PP238

Why Design is crucial for humanity – PP237

Reading? There’s an app for that – Poio with Daniel Senn PP236

RIP STARS battling for equality! PP235

How and why to change your culture with Maxine and Ewan from Haileybury Turnford PP234

End of Year Behaviour Progress with Lee Parry PP233

Pivotal Podcast’s Parade of Pops – 232

YouTube For Teachers – and Baby Sharks! – PP231

Principal Ricky Massey and ‘The Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory of Schools’! PP230

Dr. Todd Whitaker – (E.T.) Phone Home! PP229

Matt Burton and Cerys Griffiths- Starting Secondary School – tips and resources for transitioning – PP228

Charlie Taylor from Zen Educate – How to Integrate Supply Teachers – PP227

Jamie McDonough – play in the classroom – seriously?! PP226

Subject Teachers – Try Kamil’s EAL Tips and Tricks in your classroom! PP225

Adora Svitak’s youth empowerment inspiration and Russell’s back! PP224

Bill Rogers Part 3 – PP223

Bill Rogers Part 2 – PP222

Bill Rogers Part 1 – PP221

4 Courses, 3 Guests and a Mobile Phone – The First Pivotal Podcast Dinner Party! PP220

Laura McInerney Encourages Teachers to Tapp Here! PP219

Carrie Grant – Having children with SEN is a real ‘Boon’ – PP218

Introducing our new Headteacher Audio Diarist, Russell Ingleby! PP217

Vic Goddard on How to Educate Essex, Ofsted, Overtesting…and more! PP215

Stop, Collaborate and Listen! PP214

Poverty, closing more than one gap with Siobhan Collingwood – PP213

Criminology, Ethnicity and the School to Prison Pipeline with Ashley Mclaren – PP212

Pivotal Pillars Playlist – The Early Years – PP211

Emma Brown is back! Listener Questions on Autism – 210

Is your child different? Sam’s Story with Elaine Halligan – 209

Ruth McKay – Grass roots to open sky – 208

Making Sustainability Sustainable in Schools with Victoria Tait – 207

Holte School – Transforming Lives through Partnerships – PP203

Clare Erasmus – Wellbeing Warriors! PP202