Adoption Focus - Education in Focus

In this episode of Education in Focus, we are joined by Michael. Michael is an experienced teacher, having spent the majority of his teaching career working in Early Years (Reception and Nursery).  He is also a foster parent and has some insight into the challenges and rewards of looking after children who have experienced some early life trauma.  This also informs his approach to supporting children and their families in schools. The episode explores why the early years are so important for children’s development, focusing on the role of play, relationships, emotional regulation and routine in helping children thrive.Michael shares practical, trauma-informed approaches that help children feel safe, build trusted relationships and develop confidence during their earliest years of education.If you enjoyed this episode we'd love to hear from or, if you have any topics you'd like us to discuss please email: [email protected]

In this episode, we’re talking about school trips and residentials those memorable experiences many of us remember from our own school days. But for adopted children and those with additional needs, these opportunities can come with unique challenges. Residential trips and school visits can feel daunting, but with good communication, preparation and flexibility, they can also become powerful opportunities for growth, confidence and connection. If you enjoyed this episode we'd love to hear from or, if you have any topics you'd like us to discuss please email: [email protected]

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, practical tips on supporting social development, and a moving reminder to always listen to your child. Whether you're considering home ed or simply curious, this episode is a must-listen.

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 schools, what reasonable adjustments look like in practice, and the ins and outs of Education, Health and Care Plans. You’ll also hear practical tips for navigating the EHCP process and working collaboratively with your child’s school.

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected].

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: [email protected]. 

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 [email protected]. 

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 [email protected].  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 [email protected]

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 have to their pupils. 

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 misuse, teenage pregnancy, abuse and neglect, crime and anti-social behaviour. The outstanding work of our skilled and experienced team has been transforming the lives of children and families for more than a decade.Our Schools Social Care Service can make a valuable contribution to meeting the expectations of Ofsted in your school. We can help with:Personal developmentManaging behaviourCreative approaches to student well-beingSafeguardingMeeting the needs of socially disadvantaged pupilsSupport and training for staff

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].

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 [email protected]

During this episode Leigh, Lisa and Jason explore behaviour management in schools and discuss key issues such as masking, shame, anxiety and what you as a parent can do to help. We really hope you enjoy this podcast. Don’t forget you can contact us at any time with your suggestions, contributions or questions at [email protected]

We are so excited to present to you "Education in Focus", our brand new podcast looking at all things education and adoption. This series of podcasts will explore a range of topics, some specific to adoption and the needs of our children, others more general.Don’t forget you can contact us at any time with your suggestions, contributions or questions at [email protected]

In this episode, Adoption Focus training manager Leigh  is joined by education experts Jason and Lisa  for a detailed discussion about homework, looking at it from parents' and teachers' perspectives.  We really hope you enjoy this podcast. Don’t forget you can contact us at any time with your suggestions, contributions or questions at [email protected]

In this episode, Leigh, Lisa and Jason discuss admissions appeals; what guidance is available and where you can find it, how long it takes and what happens at an appeals hearing.Hearing about your child's school place can be such a stressful time especially if you're not offered the school you were hoping for. This episode is full of useful tips and advice which could help you if you're going to appeal. Don’t forget you can contact us at any time with your suggestions, contributions or questions at [email protected]

As an adoptive parent where do you even start when looking for a school? In our first episode of the Education in Focus podcast, our host Leigh talks with Jason  our education advisor and Lisa, who is part of the training team at Adoption Focus, to discuss how to choose a school for your adopted child. Don’t forget you can contact us at any time with your suggestions, contributions or questions at [email protected] for listening!