Teachers Talk Radio

Darren looks at research into why children feel they benefit most from peer support during school transition.

Dave is joined by Dr Scott Swain to discuss his recently completed PhD on how dealing with student mental health and well being is affecting teachers' mental health, the problems this is presenting for the profession and what solutions his research points to in order to keep teachers from stress burn out.

Edmund Barnett-Ward was on the Points of View panel to discuss Ofsted’s conduct following the tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry. Have lessons truly been learned?

Schools serving the most disadvantaged communities are significantly more likely to be marked down on achievement under the current inspection framework but is that a reflection of outcomes, or a flaw in the system? New analysis from TES suggests schools with higher proportions of pupils eligible for free school meals are far less likely to receive top grades for achievement. Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, has acknowledged concerns but insists inspectors cannot ignore “disappointing outcomes” for disadvantaged pupils. Meanwhile, headteachers in these communities describe the grading as demoralising, arguing that inspections are measuring raw attainment rather than true progress and achievement. Unions have also raised concerns about a “secure-fit” approach that leaves little room to account for context. Points of View panel discusses: JP, Liz Webb, Rae Whitehouse and Jo Fox.

Tim Smale speaks with men’s coach Ryan Parke about why male wellbeing often goes unspoken, the role of hormones like testosterone, and stark suicide and health statistics for men.

They explore practical, evidence‑based strategies - diet, sleep, exercise, vitamin D, and reduced alcohol - that can improve mental and physical health, and discuss how teachers and schools can better support boys and male staff through conversations that preserve capability, teamwork and engagement.