Teachers Talk Radio

One million children referred for mental health support - Anxiety the main reason: Points of View

One in every ten children in England was referred to mental health services last year, with anxiety now the single biggest reason. Referrals have almost doubled since 2018, suspected autism referrals have risen by nearly 50% in just one year, and more than 60,000 children are waiting over two years for support. So what is driving this dramatic rise? Is there genuinely a growing mental health crisis among children and young people, or are we simply getting better at recognising conditions that have always existed? Are schools expected to fill the gaps left by overstretched health services? And what role do social media, smartphones, Covid, family life, poverty, SEND pressures and the education system itself play? Join the discussion as we explore one of the biggest challenges currently facing education, healthcare and families. What do you think? Is this a genuine mental health emergency or does the conversation need to change?

Juggling balls in teaching?: The Sunday Breakfast Show with Phin

We talk the fine balancing act and how to come out ok, just ok. Not to be missed. A mental health hour that is needed more than ever.

What Makes Teaching in Korea Rewarding: The Sunday Social

In this week's show, Claudia Tumba and Martin Sketchley have a chat about English Language Teaching in South Korea.

Is prom attendance a right of passage for all students?: Points of View

Is prom attendance an absolute rite of passage, or is it a privilege to be earned? On todays Points of View, we are looking into one of the most hotly contested debates in school communities. With many schools using "No-Go lists" linked to attendance and behavior to decide who gets a ticket, we ask: is this a fair accountability tool, or does it unfairly penalize our most vulnerable students? Join the conversation, share your staffroom experiences, and call in to tell us where you stand! On the panel: Lucy Trimnell, JP, Rae Whitehouse and Carl Smith.

Left Behind in Plain Sight - Why White working Class pupils Are Falling Behind: The Morning Break with Carl Smith

Carl takes us through the evidence for why white working class pupils are so behind other groups in society and what effect this is having on our society. He then explores the solutions and how we must take a more intelligent approach to supporting and holding schools to account in white working class communities so we can bring about real change.

Is it cooler: The Sunday Breakfast Show with Phin

Do outside variables make a difference inside? We talk stress and the regular features.

Too hot to Learn? Heatwave hits UK schools: Points of View

As temperatures continue to soar across parts of the UK and Europe, schools are once again facing difficult decisions about how to respond to extreme heat. Should schools remain open regardless, adapting through shorter days, relaxed uniform rules and additional water breaks? Or are heatwave closures a sensible response to genuine health and safety concerns, particularly in older buildings not designed for sustained high temperatures? Listen back to this bumper two hour Points of View. 
On the panel: Tom Rogers, Liz Webb, Alun Ebenezer, Rich Walkden, Alistair Wood, Maud Waret, Kit Marie Rackley, JP. 

When it's sunny is it better?: The Sunday Breakfast Show with Phin

We talk sun and mental health. Join in!

What do governments get wrong about young people and why?: The Friday late show with Dave Brown

Dave chats with youth political activist Kole Gjikolaji on a range of topics concerning youth political voice including AI in schools, taxation of private schools, equality in education and the school curriculum could be adapted to get more young people politically engaged. 

Starmer's Education Report Card - Pass or Fail?: Points of View

Keir Starmer has resigned so for this edition of Points of View, we examine Labour's record on education after two years in government. When Labour came to power, it promised to recruit more teachers, tackle the SEND crisis, improve attendance, reform Ofsted, raise standards and restore confidence in the education system. But how much progress has actually been made? Have teachers noticed meaningful change in their classrooms? Are schools better funded? Has workload improved? What has happened to behaviour, attendance and recruitment? And have Labour's policies addressed the challenges facing pupils with special educational needs and disabilities? Join us as we assess the government's education record, explore the successes and failures of the past two years, and ask whether Labour has delivered on its promises to schools, teachers, parents and pupils. On the panel are four current UK teachers - Liz Webb, Rachel Gilyeat, Maud Waret and making his POV debut - Ollie Bayliss.