In this episode, educator Joy Mbakwe joins the SLT Podcast for an honest and powerful reflection on identity, representation, and the realities of teaching while Black. Joy shares how her classroom experiences exposed deep inequalities and how she teaches her students the lesson she had to learn early: “You don’t get to be unlikable.”

We talk about what it means to advocate for change when self-preservation and fear often stand in the way, and why being the only Black voice in the room doesn’t automatically make you an advocate. Joy challenges ideas around curriculum and culture, arguing that “Shakespeare won’t save these Black children” — true empowerment starts with self-knowledge and community.

In one full-circle story, she recalls being told she’d never make it as an English teacher, only to be praised years later by the same mentor who doubted her.

🎧 A grounded, emotional conversation on race, resilience, and the power of representation in schools.

👥 Hosts: Ziggy Moore & Rena Johnson

What does it take to lead a school for nearly 20 years? In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Cozier — headteacher, leadership coach, and co-vice chair of Show Racism the Red Card.

Patrick shares the philosophy behind his Calm Leadership approach, the reality of headship, and why resilience, humility, and honesty matter now more than ever. We also dive into funding cuts, staff support, and the urgent push to embed anti-racism into the curriculum.

💬 “Leadership isn’t about knowing everything — it’s about creating the right conditions for people to thrive.”

📘 Guest: Patrick Cozier – Headteacher & Co-Vice Chair, Show Racism the Red Card

👥 Hosts: Ziggy Moore & Rena Johnson

We sat down with Kemi Oluyinka, educator and co-author of Black in Schools, to explore the rising trend of Black teachers relocating from the UK to the UAE. In this candid episode, Kemi shares her personal journey of over 300 job rejections, her leap of faith to the Middle East, and why she believes more teachers are choosing sanity and safety over surviving the UK system.

From salaries and utility allowances to cultural differences and career progression, we unpack the real reasons educators are making the move — and what life is really like on the other side.

🎧 If you’ve ever considered teaching abroad, this one’s for you.

📚 Follow Kemi at @blackteachersnetwork on Instagram

📘 Book: Black in Schools

💬 Hosted by the SLT Team

In this powerful episode, we sit down with author, community organiser, and education leader Kemi Oluyinka to discuss the heart behind the Black in Schools anthology and her journey building the Black Teachers Network UK.

From surviving SLT roles to the impact of early role models, Kemi shares candid reflections on identity, leadership, and the challenges Black educators face in the UK school system.

💬 “I didn’t realise the impact she had on me until I started writing the book.”

Whether you’re an ECT, school leader, or simply someone passionate about equity in education—this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

📱 Follow the Journey:

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Join Our WhatsApp Community → ‎https://chat.whatsapp.com/LiTpC4FbUA2CqWHP1Mcrwz

#BlackInSchools #SLTPodcast #BlackTeachersNetwork #EducationLeadership #SeriousLeadersTalking

In this Q&A episode, we’re joined again by Nana Otrit from SEN Bytes to tackle some of the big questions parents and teachers are facing right now:

• Is an apprenticeship a good fit for a teen who isn’t academic?

• What if you don’t agree with the college your local authority has named for your child with SEND?

• Why is work experience getting harder to secure—and what can parents do?

• How do you support low-attaining SEND students without losing hope?

  
  

We also explore how to know if a child is truly ready for the workplace, the hidden impact of resilience, and why preparation should start long before Year 11.

This is an honest, practical conversation for parents navigating big decisions—and for educators trying to support them.

💬 “Any progress is still progress. And any preparation is better than none.”

✅ Listen & Subscribe:

Spotify: SLT Podcast

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Hosted by Rena Johnson (Deputy Head, SENCO, DSL) and Ziggy Moore (Assistant Headteacher & Founder of Moore Education).

#SLTPodcast #ParentingQandA #SENDSupport #Apprenticeships #EducationLeadership #SeriousLeadersTalking

In this episode, we sit down with Nana Okyere from SEN Bytes—Preparing for Adulthood Team Manager and SEND consultant—to unpack the real story behind EHCPs.

We explore why many parents feel let down by the system, how schools use (or misuse) funding, and the government’s controversial plans to narrow or replace EHCPs altogether.

Nana also shares his journey from TA to local authority panel chair, offering grounded insights into what needs to change—now.

🎙️ Topics include:

• The truth about EHCP implementation

• Why some schools apply just to move students on

• SEND funding misuse

• What real inclusion looks like

• Why so many kids are out of school for years

This one’s for parents, educators, and anyone fighting for real change in SEND education.

In this episode, we’re joined by Stuart Lawrence: educator, author, public speaker, and activist as we respond to real questions from parents navigating the education system today.

With Stuart’s insight and lived experience, we explore how families and schools can work together to better support our youth, especially in communities that often feel overlooked.

#SLTPodcast #StuartLawrence #ParentQuestions #EducationSupport #YouthEmpowerment #BlackEducators #RepresentationMatters #PodcastEpisode #SENSupport #CommunityLeadership

In this special episode, we’re joined by Stuart Lawrence; educator, bestselling author, leadership consultant, public speaker, and advocate for social justice. Stuart reflects on his journey in education, the legacy of his brother Stephen Lawrence, and the role of teaching in creating long-term change for young people, particularly within Black communities.

We sit down with Stuart to explore how representation, mentorship, and community leadership can shape the next generation and why visibility in schools truly matters.

#StuartLawrence #SLTPodcast #StephenLawrence #EducationMatters #LegacyThroughTeaching #RepresentationMatters #BlackEducators #YouthEmpowerment #BreakingBarriers #CommunityLeadership

In this episode, we’re joined by Rena, a SENDCO expert, to answer real questions from parents navigating the education system with children who have special educational needs and disabilities. From securing support in schools to understanding EHCPs, we explore how families can better advocate for their children and what schools should be doing to meet their needs. A must-listen for any parent or educator wanting to make the system more inclusive.

#sltpodcast #podcast #sltpodcast #SENSupport #SENDAwareness

#SpecialEducationalNeeds #ParentAdvocacy #NeurodiverseKids #SENDCO

#EHCPJourney #InclusiveEducation #SupportingEveryChild #EducationForAll

For years, many Black parents in the UK have made the tough decision to send their children back home often to places like Nigeria, Ghana, or the Caribbean in hopes of instilling discipline, culture, and a stronger sense of identity. But does this approach actually work?

In this episode, we dive into the reality of parental exile- why some families feel it's necessary, the impact on the children who experience it, and whether this tough love method truly delivers the results parents expect.

#SLTPodcast #BlackParenting #LondonToLagos #CulturalIdentity #DisciplineOrDisplacement #RaisingTheNextGen #UKtoAfrica

In this episode, we sit down with Alison Kriel (CEO of Above & Beyond) and Elizabeth Olulari (National Education Lead for Racial Justice at the Church of England) for another Q&A session.

Tackling your biggest questions on leadership, education, and representation & sharing personal experiences, lessons learned, and advice for navigating the challenges within the system.

#SLTPodcast #EducationMatters #WomenInLeadership #QandA #BreakingBarriers #representationmatters #sltpodcast #podcast #slt #motivation

In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th, this special women-only episode of The SLT Podcast brings together three inspiring women in education.

We are joined by Alison Kriel, CEO of Above & Beyond, and Elizabeth Olulari, National Education Lead for Racial Justice at the Church of England. Together, we have an honest and powerful discussion about the realities of being women in leadership, the challenges we've faced, and the impact we're making in education.

#InternationalWomensDay #SeriousLadiesTalking #SLTPodcast #WomenInLeadership #EducationMatters #RepresentationMatters #AboveAndBeyond #ChurchOfEngland #BreakingBarriers #womenineducation

We’re back with another round of your questions! In this episode, we’re joined by legendary former headteacher Gary Phillips, who led the incredible transformation of Lilian Baylis School.

#SLTPodcast #ParentQandA #GaryPhillips #EducationMatters #PodcastEpisode #SchoolLeadership #SupportingParents #VisibleLeadership

We’re celebrating The SLT Podcast’s 1-year anniversary with a very special guest: Gary Phillips, the headteacher who redefined leadership at Lilian Baylis School. Known for turning the school around and redefining leadership with his visible, hands-on approach, his journey is one of perseverance and transformation. In this episode, Ziggy and Rena, who had the privilege of working under Gary’s leadership, reflect on his incredible impact on their careers and the education system as a whole. Former Headteacher Gary Phillips reveals the secrets behind turning an undersubscribed Lambeth school into an Outstanding success story! #SLTPodcast #1YearAnniversary #GaryPhillips #EducationLeadership #InspiringEducators #PodcastEpisode #VisibleLeadership #ukschools #slt

In this episode Rena, Ziggy, and Jordan dive into a heated discussion about the politics of private schools in the UK. With the government’s proposal to add VAT to private school fees, the conversation unpacks the potential implications for students, families, and the broader education system. This debate brings contrasting views to the table: Is VAT on private schools a step toward greater equality, or does it unfairly punish parents seeking alternative education options? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of private education in the UK. #SLTPodcast #PrivateSchools #EducationPolicy #VATDebate #UKEducation #EducationMatters #PodcastEpisode #PoliticsAndEducation #blackeducators

In this episode Ziggy and Jordan are joined by special guest Sayce Holmes-Lewis, to break down the concept of respite provision- what it is, the need for it, and how Mentivity is using this innovative approach to empower young people. The conversation brings together perspectives from mainstream education and Sayce’s experience running an independent business. Together, they explore how both approaches can work to build a brighter future for students. For more information on Mentivity, visit: https://www.mentivity.com/ #education #podcast #sltpodcast #representationmatters #ukeducation #sltpodcast #slt #sayceholmeslewis #mooreeducation #mentivity #respiteprovision #blackteachers #ukschools

In this episode of The SLT Podcast, Ziggy and Jordan are joined by Sayce Holmes-Lewis, founder of Mentivity, an inspiring mentorship and alternative education service. Together, they get into the importance of providing educational role models, particularly for young people in Black communities who often lack representation in leadership and education. Sayce shares his journey, the vision behind Mentivity, the importance of family and why mentorship plays such a vital role in shaping the futures of young people. The discussion highlights the power of connection, community, and the impact one mentor can have on a generation. For more information on Mentivity, visit: https://www.mentivity.com/ #MentorshipMatters #BlackYouth #EducationalRoleModels #Mentivity #SLTPodcast #EducationLeadership #RepresentationMatters #uk #education #slt #london

In this episode, Ziggy, Rena and Jordan answer more of your questions, addressing the challenges that parents and educators face every day. Listen for advice about transitioning to secondary with SEN, navigating opposing parenting values and moving up the leadership ladder. Tune in for practical advice, relatable stories, and actionable tips for anyone navigating the complexities of parenting or education! Contact us at the_slt_podcast (to DM us on Instagram) or sltpodcasters@gmail.com and keep your questions coming for future episodes! #ParentingPodcast #EducationLeadership #ADHDParenting #ParentingQuestions #EducationMatters #SLTPodcast #ParentingSupport #ukeducation #sltpod #uk #blackteachers #qanda #education #contactus #question

In this episode, Ziggy and Rena are joined by special guest Elizabeth Olulari, who shares her passion and expertise as one of the driving forces behind the Leaders Like Us programme from the Church of England. Elizabeth- National Education Lead for Racial Justice, CEO and Coach- discusses how Leaders Like Us empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to step into leadership roles within education, breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity. Tune in to hear about the challenges and successes of running an inclusive leadership pipeline, the importance of representation in leadership, and how we can all work towards building a more equitable education system. Whether you're an aspiring leader, an educator, or simply passionate about diversity in education, this conversation is packed with valuable insights. Applications for Cohort 3 close Nov 22nd 2024. To apply, visit: https://churchofengland.tfaforms.net/4903722 Find out more about Leaders Like Us: https://www.cefel.org.uk/leaderslikeus/ To find out more, as a potential participant or host, please contact: Elizabeth Olulari: elizabeth.olulari@churchofengland.org #InclusiveLeadership #LeadersLikeUs #Education #Diversity #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #BlackEducators #SLTPodcast #uk #churchofengland #church #podcast #students #applyonline #sltpod

In this episode, Ziggy, Jordan, and special guests Johnoi Josephs—Assistant Headteacher and co-founder of 'Black Men Teach'—and Tariq Brown, Science/PE teacher and founder of 'Science with Tariq', share their personal experiences navigating the challenges and rewards of being Black male educators. From the pressures of representation to the impact they have on students' lives, they discuss what it’s really like in the classroom. Tune in for an honest and relatable conversation about the highs and lows of teaching, the importance of mentorship, and the realities of supporting the next generation of learners. For more information on Black Men Teach visit: www.blackmenteach.co.uk For more information on Science With Tariq visit: linktr.ee/sciencewithtariq #blackteachers #education #podcast #blackmaleeducators #uk #teacher #diversity #nextgen #sltpodcast #representationmatters