In this episode, we chat with Jo, an adopter and home educator, about the unexpected journey she and her partner took to support their son's well-being. After witnessing the impact mainstream school had on their child, Jo made the courageous decision to step away from the traditional system and embrace home education. She shares their honest, heartfelt story from the challenges they faced early on to the research that guided their decision. Jo offers valuable insights,...

In this episode, we explore the growing presence of Artificial Intelligence in our everyday lives especially in classrooms and at home. Joined by Lisa and Jason, we discuss how AI can support children's learning, how parents can use it safely, and how to help kids think critically about what they see online. Packed with practical advice and clear insights, this episode is a must-listen for any parent navigating the digital world.

We’re thrilled to be joined in this episode by one of our amazing adopters, Raun. With over 15 years of experience as a SENDCO and senior schoolteacher, Raun brings a wealth of insight from both an educational and personal perspective. After stepping away from teaching to adopt, Raun returned to work in education this time supporting families by writing EHCPs and working with a local authority. Raun talks about what the role of a SENDCO really involves, how families can seek help from ...

In this episode, Leigh is joined by Lisa and Jason, to talk about school avoidance, why it happens and what parents and schools can do to support children. We hope this episode helps anyone listening to think a bit deeper about school avoidance and maybe generated some ideas of how parents or schools could help young people. If you have any questions or you think you could do with some support then please don’t hesitate to contact us at education@adoption-focus.org.uk

In our latest episode Leigh, Lisa and Jason are discussing reduced timetables. These are used for several reasons, health needs, mental health needs and sometimes due to behaviour. Leigh, Lisa and Jason talk about what they are, when should they or shouldn't they been used and how you can help manage things with school. We'd love to hear what you thought about this episode or if you have a topic, you'd like us to explore, you can get in touch here: Email our podcast team on education@...

Leigh, Lisa and Jason discuss how you can improve your child's self-esteem and find alternative ways to encourage them not to feel shame. They talk about the types of behaviours shame can manifest into, how shame can make your child feel and react and how best to advocate for your child at school to help combat feelings of shame. We'd love to hear what you thought about this episode or if you have a topic you'd like us to explore you can get in touch here: education@adopti...

In the latest edition of our podcast Education in Focus, Leigh, Lisa and Jason discuss unstructured break time in school. The unpredictable nature of play times and break times can often be stressful for some children. In this episode, the team talk about what you as parents can ask your school to do to help. The idea for the topic for this episode came from one of our listeners. If you have any suggestions or requests for specific topics we'd love to hear from you. Email our podcast team ...

During this episode Leigh, Lisa and Jason talk about Pupil Premium Plus, what it is, what it's for and how you can apply for it. If you've adopted with Adoption Focus and would like to speak about your experiences, please email us at podcast@adoption-focus.org.uk. If you have any requests for podcast topics you’d like us to cover, we'd love to get those too.

In this episode we are joined by our linking and matching officer Alex, who previously worked as a teacher, SENCO and assistant head. Alex, Leigh, Lisa and Jason focus on Special Education Needs and Disabilities; what that means and how you as parents can advocate for your child and help school to support them. https://www.kids.org.uk/sendiass-home/

In this episode Leigh, Lisa and Jason discuss the best way to prepare for a meeting at school so that you can get the best support for your child/children. If you have any topics you'd like us to discuss please contact us on podcast@adoption-focus.org.uk

In this episode we discuss trauma informed schools with our guest speaker Hayley, the headteacher at Spen Valley High. At Spen Valley High School they believe strongly in ethical leadership and whatever barriers there are to learning, they aim to support their students so they can remain in school, engaged in their learning and achieving well. During the episode we explore what trauma informed schools are, what makes them different, how they work with families and what benefits they h...

Episode 11 of our Education in Focus podcast discusses promoting good school and parent relationships. Leigh, Lisa and Jason chat about how as parents we can build a team around our children in an education setting, what part attachment plays and how you can advocate for your child to help them have a positive experience.

In this episode Leigh, Lisa and Jason discuss all those transitions that can happen before, during and after the school day that your child may need support with.

Many events in schools can be lots of fun on the face of it but can be sources of anxiety for our children. From Halloween to Mother's Day to Christmas it is always a good idea to look out for these kind of events at school, be prepared and ask for more details so you can support your child. In this episode Leigh, Lisa and Jason will talk about what those triggers might be and how you can help your child still be included and enjoy them.

Our Schools Social Care Service helps children and families cope with social and psychological problems that may arise at school, at home, or in the larger community. We can provide your school with a flexible and adaptable service to meet the needs of each school. Our skilled social care workers will work with pupils to eliminate barriers to learning. The aim is to ensure that every child has the chance to fulfil their potential by reducing levels of education failure, ill health, substance ...

Getting ready for your child to head back to school, move up a school year or start a new school can be overwhelming. In this episode Leigh, Jason and Lisa discuss lots of ways to help your child feel confident and ready for the new school year. We'd love to hear what you think of Education in Focus. Drop us an email at education@adoption-focus.org.uk if you have any feedback or suggestions.

Many children and young people find it easier to talk to their peers about issues they're experiencing before they talk to family members or professionals. Because of this, there has been an increased drive to develop peer-based initiatives and programmes to help children and young people access help and support. An education setting is the ideal place to facilitate this. In this episode Leigh, Lisa and Jason will discuss what these initiatives may involve and how they can help your child.

In this episode of the Education in Focus Podcast Leigh, Lisa and Jason discuss end of year transitions; what is usually involved, how you can prepare and support your child, and what kinds of conversations you can have with school to make transitions as smooth as possible. We hope you enjoy this episode. Don't forget, if you have any ideas for topics or would like us to discuss an issue that is important to you, let us know at education@adoption-focus.org.uk.

In this episode our education expert Jason is joined by Mandy, a primary school teacher and parent of two adopted children. She’s had some challenging times, just like any other parent of adopted children. During this episode Jason and Mandy discuss issues that can surface as adopted children grow up and enter their teenage years.

Did you know pupils in the UK are amongst the most tested pupils around the world? In this episode Leigh, Jason and Lisa discuss what tests children face during both primary and secondary school and how, as parents you can support them. We really hope you enjoy this podcast. Don’t forget you can contact us at any time with your suggestions, contributions or questions at education@adoption-focus.org.uk