In this episode, host Paul Hazzard talks to panellists, Lucy Neuburger, John Gibbs, and Dr Shauna McGill. Together they tackle the key issues of; school readiness, the gender gap in STEM and teenagers’ career aspirations.Should Schools Be Ready for Children, or Should Children Be Ready for School?The conversation begins with the controversial concept of school readiness. With government expectations that 75% of five-year-olds should be “school ready,” concerns are raised about how realistic this target is. Shockingly, only one in three children are reportedly meeting this expectation.The panel critiques the lack of a clear definition of school readiness and the risk of applying a deficit model that labels children as “not ready.” John argues that the focus should be on schools adapting to meet the needs of all children, rather than expecting children to fit a rigid mould. Shauna and Lucy emphasise the societal factors at play, including poverty, overstretched parents, and the decline of early intervention services like Sure Start.In contrast, European countries like Finland and Norway, where children start school at seven or eight, offer a more flexible and play-focused early learning environment. The panel suggests the UK could learn from this child-centred approach.Why Aren’t More Girls Choosing STEM?The discussion turns to the gender gap in STEM careers and subjects. Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and maths careers. Shauna shares her sister-in-law’s experiences as one of the few women in civil engineering, highlighting the challenges of working in male-dominated environments.Lucy points out the outdated image of engineering — hard hats and construction sites — that can deter girls from considering it as a career path. She urges schools to do more to celebrate female role models in STEM and break down stereotypes. Encouraging young girls by showcasing diverse career paths and success stories is key to changing perceptions.The panel also calls for gender-inclusive workplaces where female engineers and scientists feel valued and supported. Providing mentors and visible role models is essential to inspire the next generation of women in STEM.Teenage Career Aspirations: A Positive OutlookIn a refreshing turn, the panel discusses recent survey results showing that “teacher” ranks third among teenagers’ most desired jobs, alongside doctors and vets. The optimism doesn't end there — 85% of teenagers believe they can achieve their dream careers, with nearly half attributing their success to hard work.Shauna views this as a positive reflection of the influence of inspiring teachers. The fact that teaching is seen as a respected career choice suggests that many students have had positive educational experiences.John encourages educators to nurture students’ ambition and resilience. Lucy adds that schools must continue providing meaningful careers education, ensuring young people are aware of realistic pathways to success.Final ThoughtsThis episode leaves educators with plenty to reflect on. Are we doing enough to ensure schools are inclusive and adaptable? How can we challenge outdated gender stereotypes in STEM? And most importantly, how can we continue to inspire and guide students towards fulfilling careers?To learn more about these and other topics and to hear more engaging discussions, check out:🔗 Website🔗 Spotify🔗 Instagram🔗 Bluesky🔗 X (Twitter)#leadership #education #teacher #school #schoollife #inspiration #support #podcast #video