Fixing School Systems: From Trauma to True Inclusion

How can schools go beyond buzzwords and box-ticking exercises to truly support mental health, inclusion, and safeguarding? In this insightful episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker talks with Dr. Adam McCartney — educational psychologist and national training lead — about how to build school systems that don’t just function, but truly care. From shifting away from outcome-obsessed models to embedding psychologically informed, trauma-responsive practices, Adam shares his expertise on transforming education into a genuinely nurturing environment. This is a must-listen for parents, teachers, carers, and education leaders seeking meaningful change in how we support children and young people. 🎙 Sponsor: Carers Card UK The Able to Care podcast is proudly sponsored by Order your card today 📚 Resources Mentioned Dr. Adam McCartney’s website: rmcpsychologicalservices.com Connect with Adam on LinkedIn: Dr. Adam McCartney on LinkedIn (search his name directly) Andy Baker’s Book: Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge 🔑 Three Key Messages 1️⃣ Schools need to shift from a focus on outcomes to a focus on wellbeing, belonging, and psychological safety. 2️⃣ Collaborative, reflective practice — including supervision for teachers — is vital for sustainable systems change. 3️⃣ Parents and schools must build trusting, validating partnerships to improve outcomes for children with additional needs. ⏰ Episode Chapters 00:00 — Introduction: Moving beyond box-ticking 00:02 — Meet Dr Adam McCartney and his mission 00:06 — Why education needs a nurturing rethink 00:15 — Breaking down trauma-informed and relational practice 00:27 — The challenge of staff roles, collaboration, and defensiveness 00:39 — Building psychologically informed, restorative systems 00:51 — Parental partnerships and advocating for change 00:53 — Final reflections and how to connect with Dr Adam 🎧 Why Listen to This Episode? ✅ Gain actionable insights on transforming schools beyond buzzwords ✅ Learn practical strategies for trauma-responsive, relational, and psychologically informed systems ✅ Hear a national expert’s take on the future of safeguarding, mental health, and inclusion ✅ Feel inspired to advocate for change in your school, community, or caregiving role If you’re a teacher, parent, carer, or education leader, this episode will challenge you to think bigger — and act braver — about supporting our young people. 🔗 Connect with us 📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining 📲 LinkedIn: Able Training 📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast 🌐 Website: AbleHub.uk