🎧 In this special season finale, Jack and Mo take a breath and look back on everything Season 1 has offered — the guests who’ve inspired us, the conversations that lingered long after recording, and the unexpected ways the podcast has taken root in people’s lives.
👟 From thought tickles to meal deals and Matrix confessions, it’s a warm, human episode full of laughter, learning and honest reflections on what it means to create spaces of belonging in education.
💬 We talk openly about Ofsted, shame, curiosity, and connection. We also look ahead to Season 2 — the guests we’re excited to invite, the stories we want to hear, and the voices we’re still curious to include.
❤️ This one’s a love letter to the listeners, guests and communities who’ve joined us on this journey. Thank you for being here. We can’t wait for what’s next.
What do spy disguises, UNO cards and critical thinking have to do with supporting care-experienced young people?
In this thoughtful conversation with values-driven leader Janelle Brindle, we explore the messy, human realities behind the systems that shape young people’s lives. From supported accommodation to school exams, we reflect on the disjointed transitions at 16 and 18—and what happens when services work in silos.
We talk about what really builds belonging, and why connection often starts in the small, quiet places. Like a lunchtime game of UNO. Or the space to fail safely in a creative subject. Or the moment someone says, “I’ve got you”.
💬 Why creativity isn’t a ‘nice to have’—it’s an essential part of care.
🎲 What UNO cards can teach us about presence, play and trust.
👂🏽 Why listening with genuine curiosity can change a young person’s future.
This episode is a gentle but urgent reminder that relationships shape outcomes—and that being a champion for a child is never wasted work.
In this heartfelt conversation, Jack and Maureen are joined by Arti Sharma, CEO of Nurture UK, and Dr. Suus-anna Harskamp, an educator and inclusion specialist, to explore why a nurture-led approach in education isn’t a ‘nice to have’—it’s essential.
Together, they reflect on what it really means to embed nurture as a whole-school ethos. From the six principles that underpin Nurture UK's approach to the impact on student wellbeing, learning, staff retention and community connection—this episode is rich with lived experience, practical insights and powerful reminders of what matters most in our schools.
Whether you’re new to the idea of nurture or already a passionate advocate, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and reconnected to the heart of inclusive education.
🎧 Topics include:• The six principles of nurture and how they shape practice• Why nurture is not an ‘intervention’ but a foundational approach• The ripple effect on staff wellbeing, student connection and school culture• What secondary schools gain from adopting a nurture lens• Practical ideas you can try tomorrow to build connection
🍎 “Nurture is not rocket science. But it takes time, commitment and a belief that all children—and all adults—deserve to feel safe, seen and supported.”
What if the shame a child carries isn’t about what they’ve done, but about who they think they are?
In this deeply moving episode, Jack and Maureen are joined by psychotherapist and former teacher Meg Hughes for an honest conversation about shame in school systems, the weight it places on children, and what it really takes to create environments where young people feel seen, heard and accepted.
Meg shares powerful stories from her work in schools, explores the difference between guilt and shame, and reflects on how adults can either unknowingly reinforce shame or gently help to unpick it. Together, they ask: how can we create schools that don’t just respond to trauma, but actively reduce the conditions that produce it?
This one will sit with you long after you’ve listened.
🛑 A quick heads up: this episode contains a small section of strong language around the 55-minute mark, kept in for authenticity.
This week we’re joined by the brilliant Paul Bray, behaviour consultant, safeguarding trainer, and author of Providing Relationships and Sex Education for Special Learners. Paul shares his personal journey from school exclusion to school leadership, and what ignited his passion for inclusion.
Together, we explore:• the difference between inclusion and belonging• what it means to feel seen in school and society• the power of identity, relationships and student voice• why small acts of reflection can lead to big change
Expect stories of community drama groups, bath-time rituals, the Black Nod, and a powerful reminder that being a good teacher starts with being a good human.
Whether you’re a leader, teacher or just curious about how we build spaces where everyone belongs, this one’s for you.
In this episode of A Culture of Curiosity, we dive into the heart of inclusive practice with Dan Tresman, founder and CEO of Light Years Education. Together, we explore where inclusion really lives in a school, not in the policies or paperwork, but in the daily, intentional decisions that shape how children feel, learn and belong.
Dan shares the story behind founding a school rooted in relational practice, where even the paint on the walls and the placement of a sensory tent are chosen with young people’s needs at the centre. We talk about how schools of all shapes and sizes can build spaces of calm, safety and connection — and why inclusion must be more than a buzzword.
From ‘success plans’ to soft-start mornings, this conversation offers real, grounded examples of how schools can walk the walk when it comes to supporting children with SEND and social, emotional and mental health needs. We also reflect on what inclusion means in the context of the proposed changes to Ofsted’s inspection framework and how we keep the focus on what matters most: relationships, voice and belonging.
This one’s for every educator who’s ever asked: What would it take for our school to feel like home for every child?
In this episode of A Culture of Curiosity, hosts Jack Pattinson, a belonging and inclusion specialist, and Maureen Brettell, a leadership coach and SEN expert, dive into the heart of inclusive education, connection, and the importance of curiosity.
Through candid conversations about their personal journeys, shared experiences, and the power of authentic relationships, they explore how schools can foster a culture where every child belongs.
Join us as we discuss the magic of professional connections, the significance of shared shoes—metaphorically—and the everyday curiosity that keeps us learning. Plus, enjoy light-hearted moments, and discover how curiosity fuels personal and professional growth.
Whether you're an educator, school leader, or passionate supporter of inclusive education, this episode offers insights, inspiration, and a reminder that building genuine connections can transform our schools and ourselves.
In this episode of A Culture of Curiosity, hosts Jack Pattinson, a belonging and inclusion specialist, and Maureen Brettell, a leadership coach and SEN expert, dive into the heart of inclusive education, connection, and the importance of curiosity.
Through candid conversations about their personal journeys, shared experiences, and the power of authentic relationships, they explore how schools can foster a culture where every child belongs.
Join us as we discuss the magic of professional connections, the significance of shared shoes—metaphorically—and the everyday curiosity that keeps us learning. Plus, enjoy light-hearted moments, and discover how curiosity fuels personal and professional growth.
Whether you're an educator, school leader, or passionate supporter of inclusive education, this episode offers insights, inspiration, and a reminder that building genuine connections can transform our schools and ourselves.
We're so excited to finally be able to share our podcast with you. We'll be chatting to practitioners from a huge array of specialisms and expertise, all sharing their thoughts, work and practice on all things belonging and inclusion.
We hope this podcast will offer you some food for though, validation of great practice and areas you might want to develop. These are honest conversations, with real people. We hope you'll enjoy the episodes to come.
Episode One, 'We Are Connected' will be available to listen to, soon!
