In this episode, Sophie speaks with author and former teacher Caro Giles about her book Unschooled and her family's journey through Emotional Based School Avoidance (EBSA).

We explore the realities of school-related distress, why neurodivergent children are often misunderstood, and how mainstream education can fail those who need flexibility most.

Caro shares the emotional reality of leaving the school system, what her daughters taught her about resilience, and why it's time to rethink what success, learning, and wellbeing really mean.

Learn more about Caro Giles

Buy Unschooled by Caro Giles here

@carogileswrites on Instagram. - https://www.instagram.com/carogileswrites/

Open In The Middle - Caro Giles on Substack

Learn more about Mindfulness for learning and

Sophie Smith-Tong

Mindfulnessforlearning.com

TeacherAutonomy.com

This episode was edited by Ben Corbett.

In this episode, Sophie is joined by speech and language therapist and author of Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice for Speech and Language Therapists, Ruth Jones, for a conversation about supporting communication and language development in schools today.

Sophie and Ruth discuss the value of in-house speech and language therapists, the challenges of working with overstretched staff, and the balance between professional expertise and the realities of classroom constraints. They also explore autonomy, collaboration, and consistency, and whether adapting support to context may be more effective than ideal but unsustainable approaches.

Discover Ruth Jones:

Ruth's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ruth_jones_slt/Ruth's Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RuthJonesSLT/Buy Ruth's Book here - https://www.routledge.com/Neurodiversity-Affirming-Practice-for-Speech-and-Language-Therapists-Supporting-Curiosity-Compassion-and-Conversation/Jones/p/book/9781032689326Learn more about Ruth: www.ruthjonesslt.com

Learn more about host Sophie Smith-Tong and Mindfulness for learning

Mindfulness for learning - https://www.mindfulnessforlearning.com/

Teacher Autonomy - https://teacherautonomy.com/

Sophie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mforlearning/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-smith-tong-7b3891207/

This episode was edited by Ben Corbett.

In this episode, the podcast welcomes Jo Clayton and Natalie Lauren, the writer and producer behind the upcoming short film Unauthorised Absence.

"From lived experience to national action, Jo’s script inspires empathy & change for SEND children & families harmed by education policy"

In their first podcast interview, they discuss how the project first came to life, what initially drew them to the story, and why it felt like an important and urgent narrative to tell.

The conversation explores the journey of developing the film from its earliest idea to where it is now, including the creative breakthroughs along the way, the realities of developing and funding an independent short film, and the responsibility of representing sensitive themes with care.

Jo and Natalie also reflect on why the story feels particularly timely in light of the recent SEND reform white paper, and the emotional and social impact they hope the film will have.

They share what they’ve learned about themselves through the process, who they most hope the film will reach, and what they hope the lasting legacy of Unauthorised Absence might be.

There’s also a fun moment in the episode where the team put out a call for ideas for the films title track - so have a listen and feel free to send your suggestions in the comments!

* We at Mindfulness for learning would like to thank ⁠Square Peg⁠ — a grassroots, parent-led organisation working to better understand and respond to the school attendance crisis with compassion, inclusion and collaboration at its core. Through campaigning, research, advocacy and lived experience, Square Peg continues to challenge one-size-fits-all approaches to education and amplify the voices of children, young people and families facing barriers to school attendance. Their work is helping to reshape the national conversation around attendance, wellbeing and belonging in schools.

Find out more here: https://www.teamsquarepeg.co.uk/

Find out more about Unauthorised Absence here -

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/natalielauren/unauthorised-absence https://www.instagram.com/unauthorisedabsencefilm/

https://www.facebook.com/unauthorisedabsencefilm

Find out more about Mindfulness for learning here -

https://www.mindfulnessforlearning.com/

Buy Sophie Smith-Tong's book, Teacher Autonomy Where Has It Gone and Why We Need It Back published by Routledge here - https://amzn.eu/d/0ggXV3X9

Learn more about the themes of the book here -

https://teacherautonomy.com/

This episode was edited by Ben Corbett

In this episode, Sophie is joined by Andrew Cowley for a timely and insightful discussion on schools, mobile phones, and mental health.

They explore the ongoing debate around mobile phone use in schools, including recent updates from the Education Secretary and Ofsted’s increasing focus on how schools manage phone policies. The conversation looks at what these expectations mean in practice, what is realistically achievable, and the key challenges schools are facing.

The episode also dives into the world of parent WhatsApp groups, examining the benefits, frustrations, and unexpected value they bring to school communities.

Andrew shares insights from his third book, The School Mental Health Toolkit, discussing how it has evolved and introducing the core THINK framework that underpins it. They unpack how schools can use this model in practical, meaningful ways to support wellbeing, rather than as a superficial tick-box exercise.

The episode concludes with a broader reflection on what schools are getting right, what they are still learning, and why mental health and wellbeing in education is a complex, nuanced issue that cannot be reduced to simple answers. It’s a thoughtful and honest exploration of where education is now, and where it needs to go next.

Find Andrew on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cowley-8796a5133/

Buy Andrew's books here

Find out more about us at Mindfulness for learning here

and buy Sophie's book 'Teacher Autonomy' here

Sophie is joined by someone whose work has shaped the emotional landscape of countless children, families, and educators.

Lulu Luckock is an education advisor and trainer specialising in Social and Emotional Learning in primary schools, and a counsellor supporting families, individuals, couples, parents, adolescents, and children.

With over 35 years of experience in primary education - and as a mother of three adult children - she brings a rare blend of personal insight, deep professional knowledge, and heartfelt compassion to everything she does. Eleven years ago, Lulu stepped beyond the classroom to focus fully on the emotional wellbeing of young people and their families.

Her commitment to centring emotional health in education led her to train with the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence in The RULER Approach, grounded in the belief that “Emotions drive learning, decision making, creativity, relationships, and health.”

Now, through a powerful combination of education and counselling, she works to strengthen mental health, build emotional resilience, and support the adults and children who need it most.

Find out more about Lulu - lululuckock.com

Find out more about Mindfulness for learning - https://www.mindfulnessforlearning.com/

This episode was edited by Ben Corbett.

In this episode, Leslee shares with Sophie, her frustrations with slow-moving education reform, the lack of focus on children’s holistic and emotional development, and the undervaluing of the early years profession.

They also explore her transformative Think Equal programme — a global initiative launched in 2016 that’s already reaching over 582,000 children across the world, with an ambitious mission to bring social and emotional learning to every corner of the planet.

This episode was edited by Ben Corbett.

Learn more about Think Equal and Leslee Udwin

https://thinkequal.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesleeudwin/

Learn more about Mindfulness for learning and Sophie Smith-Tong

https://www.mindfulnessforlearning.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-smith-tong-7b3891207/

Buy Sophie's debut book published by Routledge

Teacher Autonomy. Where Has It Gone And Why We Need It Back

https://www.mindfulnessforlearning.com/teacherautonomybook

The final episode of our Autonomy Mini-Series! Sophie is joined by the incredible Greg Bottrill.

This is a conversation that goes beyond the usual — they dive straight into the heart of educational change. From questioning things like pen licenses and rigid seating rules to exploring the power of play, true autonomy, and something even more profound - reconnecting with the educator’s inner child.

Because finding true autonomy in teaching often begins with rediscovering that sense of wonder we once had, peeling back the layers of expectation, and letting our authentic selves guide our practice.

And here’s something special - Greg has written the foreword for Sophie's upcoming book, Teacher Autonomy. His insights here are nothing short of transformative, and this episode might just change the way you see education.

Discover Greg - https://www.canigoandplaynow.com/

Learn more about Mindfulness for learning - Mindfulnessforlearning.com

This episode was edited by Ben Corbett.

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.