Pink Custard: The Teachers' Podcast

Ever noticed how one, small but heartfelt comment of praise or affirmation can change your mood for the better in an instant? Or, conversely, how a throwaway jibe or negative word can derail you all day? That's the power we have over one another in school and in life. In this episode we discuss how language impacts wellbeing and how the culture of language in schools may be having a bigger impact than you realise.

We delve deeper into the evolving roles and responsibilities of schools in meeting the needs of their communities. We look for the possible solutions and ways of juggling these conflicting demands in order to "keep the main thing the main thing".

Like it or not, schools have become the ‘first responders’ not just to pupils’ needs, but families and communities as a whole. Safeguarding, medical, financial, housing, diet, personal safety, hygiene, family dispute, relationship breakdowns… Schools seem to be at the forefront of support in ways that we wouldn’t have imagined 15 years ago. But why? What’s changed? Join us as we take a very honest look at what it means to be ‘more than just a school’.

Ho, ho, ho! Its the final episode of 2025! In this episode, we discuss the much-loved tradition of the School Nativity. We debate the virtues and pitfalls of putting on a show and the value and importance of performance. We also reflect on our own memories of being in school nativities - fish on sticks, aliens, falling off stage and overcoming the nerves.

Following publication of the Teacher Wellbeing Index Annual Report (read a summary here), we wanted to explore and discuss some of the key statistics and really unpick what it is, at the moment, that's making our wonderful profession feel so challenging.

Join us as we explore the delicate balance of building positive relationships with parents as primary school teachers. While these connections can enrich the educational experience, we also tackle the challenges and complexities that came come with them.

WE'RE BACK! Welcome to Season 2 of Pink Custard: The Teachers' Podcast! Ever noticed how the enthusiasm of the summer holidays and the resolve to "make this year different..." soon seems to evaporate when the 'To Do List' explodes, the nights get darker and real life takes over? It happens to us all! Join us at the start of a new academic year, as we reflect on self-care and remembering who you really are - even when things are busy!

In this episode - the last of Season One - we reflect on our own school's journey to embed relational practice as a means of supporting children to understand, manage and change their behaviour for the better... We address the scepticism and reluctance that relational practice can sometimes provoke, whilst sharing our own experience, top tips and big wins... Sit back, relax and enjoy!

In this episode, we share our school's journey to develop an inclusive, safe, welcoming and representative culture and community in which LGBT+ identities are valued, celebrated and reflected. We share personal stories, reflect on the impact of Section 28 on the education landscape in the UK and how its legacy, to this day, casts a long shadow. We're proudly representing for all LGBT+ children, families and educators... Join us!

What did you want to be when you were growing up..? A doctor? A vet? A Farmer? In this episode, we take a walk down memory lane and look back on the jobs we thought we wanted, the jobs we needed to make pocket money as teenagers, the easy jobs, the horrible jobs and... what brought us to where we are today. Put the kettle on, get comfy and join us...

In a single generation, the time children spend outside has halved - to an average of just 4 hours, total, per week. As educators, we’re often presented with the symptoms of this massive shift in childhood experience. In this episode, we explore the impact of a loss of connection with nature and how we - in school - can take learning outside the classroom more often to help children reconnect with the great outdoors and regain lost skills.

"Where did the holiday go? Is it Monday already? I'm counting down the days. Been more of a stress than a break." We all do it. In this episode, we discuss the importance of the stories we tell ourselves, the mindset we choose or allow and the importance of taking control.

All Things Bright and Beautiful, the sound of ripping velcro, the recorder band... who doesn't have a vivid assembly memory from years gone by? In this episode we ask, "Is there still a place for assemblies?" Join us for our fortnightly chinwag and remember to follow, rate and comment!

Everyone who knows us, knows we like to talk! But do we always remember the 'co' in communicate? In this episode we discuss the art and science of communication within a school community. Is there a right way and a wrong way to communicate? What does "hard to reach" really mean? And of course... keep listening for your fortnightly serving of Lumpy Custard!

In this episode we look back on our memories of the primary school teachers who made a lasting impression on us. Like all good Disney movies, there were heroes, villains, sidekicks, double acts and a whole host of others... Do we have the space, the time or the freedom to really let our personalities shine through in our classrooms today? Listen in for our very own, "happily ever after"...

Job hunting? Trying to secure your first teaching job? From searching the adverts, to touring the school, to making your application form stand out from the crowd and making a great impression at interview, we cover it all in this week's episode. Having read hundreds of applications for teaching posts over the years and having carried out countless recruitment processes, Lucy and John share the tips and tricks of the most successful candidates.

Building trust is at the heart of every current and aspiring school leader's mission, but... It's not always easy! In this episode, we discuss how to develop trust within a school community in order to lead change authentically.

Behaviour... It's a lot. Though we want to dedicate many future episodes to how we support children, this one is ABOUT THE TEACHERS. Join Lucy and John as they discuss behaviour through the eyes of the educator.

Recently published statistics reveal that 33% of qualified teachers leave our profession within the first five years. That has to change. If you're new to teaching, or early in your career - this week's episode is for you. We share our experiences, offer some advice, share tips and ideas we've learned along the way and remind you just how valuable it is to strike a balance and be kind to yourself.

Join us for the very first episode of our fortnightly podcast about all things education! In this episode, we reflect on our own journey through the UK education system as pupils of the eighties and nineties and now as teachers and school leaders. What lessons have we learned? What are the standout moments? Highlights? Low points? How do we feel about education now and in the future? Whether you're new to teaching, an experienced teacher, a school leader or, frankly, anyone who wants to know what goes on behind the school gates... you're very welcome here! Instagram: @pinkcustardpod Facebook: pinkcustardpodcast