Teachers Talk Radio

Ofsted consultants, social media bans and rules vs relationships - What is the next educational spat?: The Twilight Show with Tony Harwood

On the Twilight Show, host Tony and guests Yannick Berland and Zoe Enser discuss current issues facing schools: the new Ofsted framework and how it accounts for context, the debate over a social media ban for under-16s, and the role of Ofsted-style consultants. They examine the balance between relationships and classroom management, trust intervention, and the high-stakes nature of inspections, sharing practical reflections from inside schools.
The conversation highlights tensions between accountability and context, concerns about student wellbeing and technology, and the challenges leaders face when choosing external advice. The episode invites teachers to contribute their experiences and join future discussions.

Suspensions, holiday fines and behaviour policies: The Late Show with Tom Rogers

In this show, Tom Rogers is joined by practising headteacher Rich Warkden for a wide-ranging and honest discussion about some of the most contentious issues facing schools right now.
They unpack the government’s proposals around suspensions and internal exclusions, questioning whether keeping pupils on site during suspensions is realistic, properly funded, or blurs the line between education and childcare. The conversation explores parental responsibility, behaviour policy, staffing pressures, and whether schools are increasingly being asked to fix problems rooted in wider society.
The discussion then turns to school holiday fines, with a clear-eyed look at whether fines actually change behaviour. Drawing on real school attendance data, Rich argues that rising fines have failed to deter term-time holidays, highlights the cost-of-living pressures facing families, and questions whether holiday companies should be part of the conversation.
Mobile phones, social media, and their impact on behaviour and wellbeing also feature heavily, including reflections on school phone bans, Monday morning fallout from online activity, and whether schools have become the “fourth emergency service”.

More suspended pupils to stay in school under new government behaviour rules: Points of View

The panel (JP, Carl and Lucy) discuss the big news this week - More pupils suspended for bad behaviour will have to stay in school under supervision, rather than being sent home, in a bid to curb learning loss and reduce exposure to phones and social media. Ministers say the changes are designed to strengthen discipline while ensuring pupils continue learning during short-term suspensions, particularly for non-violent behaviour.

Vocational Education and Industry: The Sunday Social with Michael Wright

Join Michael Wright for his Sunday Lunch Show with guest David Mastrocola as they discuss the value of vocational education and how we can integrate it in industry and the workforce.

Culturally Responsive Teaching: The Twilight Show with Louise Marie

In this show, Geraldine Tandoh explains what culturally responsive teaching is, why it matters, and how teachers can build belonging through simple, practical classroom strategies. She shares research roots, examples from English lessons, and ideas like student-led culture committees and inclusive school displays.
Listeners will hear tips for welcoming students (names, greetings, registers), designing responsive lessons and culture weeks, involving student voice, and embedding these practices in ongoing professional development.

Is Edtech Worth It?: The Sunday Late Show with Toby Doncaster

In tonight's show, I talk with Aileen Wallace about the benefits and pitfalls of using Edtech in the classroom. Is it all bells and whistles or does edtech have a point in teaching, learning and assessment?

What's for Brunch?: The Breakfast Show with Phin

We talk how to mindfully bring news into the classroom and those tibetan bells to help with your Sunday reset!

Early Career Teacher Entitlement - Great Expectations: The Twilight Show with Tony Harwood

Authors Tanya Ovenden-Hope and Holly Kirkpatrick join Tony to talk about their new book Early Career Teacher Entitlement: Great Expectations. Their book sets out the journey of the Early Career Framework so far, and comes highly recommended. It is available now via the Hachette Learning website.

How To Get Korean Students Talking: The Sunday Social with Martin Sketchley and Claudia Tumba

Martin and Claudia host a lively conversation with Min Hee Park, an English educator and performance-based learning specialist with 25 years of experience. They explore her journey from starting as a middle-school tutor to leading English theatre projects and teaching filmmaking to young learners.
Key takeaways include practical strategies to get Korean students speaking, using storytelling, reading, music, performance and video, cultural factors that affect classroom participation, and tips for managing parents and classroom dynamics.

Ban or Protect? Teachers Debate Social Media for Under-16s: Points of View

Teachers Talk Radio hosts Rae, Liz, Carl and Lucy debate the House of Lords vote to ban under‑16s from social media, weighing harms to mental health, addiction and attention against potential benefits like support for isolated young people.
The show explores parenting, school responsibilities, regulatory challenges, algorithmic risks, and practical ideas for implementation and exemptions.