Detention Diaries

Detention Diaries

Welcome to Detention Diaries — a podcast, blog, and teacher community built with heart, humour, and a healthy dose of realism. We discuss all things education, get involved and join the community at detentiondiaries.com. 

  1. APR 7

    Make it Make SENDs #6: From SEND Crisis to System Reform: Lorraine Petersen OBE on What Must Change

    Keywords education, SEND, inclusion, teacher burnout, mental health, school leadership, education reform, SEND crisis, education crisis, teacher wellbeing, child mental health, safeguarding, policy, school improvement, inclusive practice Summary In this episode of Make it Make SENDs, I sit down with Lorraine Petersen OBE — former CEO of nasen, headteacher, and one of the most respected voices in SEND and inclusive education. We explore the current state of education and ask the big question: are we facing a SEND crisis… or an education system that isn’t built to support everyone? Lorraine shares her journey through education, offering deep insight into the pressures schools are facing today — from rising SEND demand and stretched resources to teacher burnout and the growing mental health needs of both staff and students. This conversation goes beyond the headlines, unpacking what’s really happening in schools right now, and more importantly, what needs to change. Lorraine speaks with clarity and honesty about how we can build a system that is more inclusive, humane, and sustainable — for both young people and the adults supporting them. If you’re a teacher, leader, SENDCO or parent trying to navigate the complexity of modern education, this episode will leave you thinking differently about what’s possible. Key Takeaways  “We don’t just have a SEND crisis — we have a system that isn’t designed for everyone.”  “You cannot separate inclusion from the wellbeing of teachers.”  “If we want better outcomes for children, we must first support the adults in the system.” Support the Show Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class. 👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community. Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation. Support the show Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.  👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community. Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

    1h 23m

  2. MAR 13

    Detention Diaries #6 Alun Ebeneezer - Creating a Culture of Discipline in Schools

    Keywords education, leadership, school culture, discipline, inclusion, Welsh education, head teacher, student engagement, academic rigor, mentorship Summary In this conversation, Alun Ebenezer shares his journey in education, discussing the importance of creating a positive school culture, maintaining high standards, and the challenges faced in the Welsh education system. He emphasizes the need for discipline, mentorship, and community engagement while addressing the balance between inclusion and academic rigor. Alun also reflects on his aspirations for systemic change in education and the importance of resilience in students. "Discipline and high standards are crucial." "Attendance is a collective responsibility." "Inclusivity must be balanced with discipline." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Early Life 03:13 Teaching Journey and Leadership Development 05:57 The Importance of School Culture 09:12 Establishing Fulham Boys School 12:03 Addressing Societal Issues and Role Models 14:54 Discipline and Standards in Education 17:58 Challenges in the Welsh Education System 21:06 Strategies for Improvement in Education 25:24 Transforming School Culture 27:27 Improving Attendance Strategies 30:27 Inclusivity and Exclusion in Education 32:53 Meaningful Inclusion and Equity 34:55 Addressing Repeat Offenders 36:56 Challenging Labels in Education 38:50 Future Aspirations in Education 40:53 The Need for Systemic Change 42:34 Lessons in Leadership 44:48 Advice for Head Teachers Support the show Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.  👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community. Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

    55 min

  3. FEB 27

    Make it Make SENDs #5 : Music and Inclusivity - is it even possible? with Kate Campbell-Green

    Music, Inclusion, and Empowerment with Kate Campbell Green Join us in this insightful episode as Kate Campbell Green shares her journey through music education, inclusion, and advocacy. We explore how music can be a powerful tool for social change, personal growth, and transforming educational spaces. Discover practical strategies to make music truly inclusive and inspiring at all levels. Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Kate Campbell Green's journey  02:23 - Setting the tone: Covid, new year, and purpose of the Make It Make Sense podcast  03:03 - Why understanding my autistic daughter enhances my work in education  04:00 - The broad role of music services in schools and misconceptions  05:38 - How music education addresses disengagement and fosters belonging  06:36 - The significance of authentic venues like Stoller Hall and Band on the Wall  09:02 - Early musical influences and pathways from DJing to education  10:33 - Growing up autistic and ADHD: challenges and the role of music as sanctuary  13:13 - The power of creative process and improvisation in music learning  16:04 - Deep dive into inclusive music education: frameworks and mental models  18:19 - The four Rs of inclusion: rapport, resilience, representation, reflection  22:21 - The culture of music departments as safe spaces  23:02 - Is education truly inclusive? Challenges and personal reflections  25:26 - Insights from Dr. Shelley Moore on inclusive practices worldwide  28:41 - The pitfalls of segregation versus genuine inclusion  31:23 - The physiological and neurological impact of music on neurodiverse learners  33:45 - How improvisation and creative frameworks foster belonging  36:43 - Building trust and relationships in disengaged learners  38:07 - The emotional weight and reward of nurturing young people through music  43:21 - The impact of engagement in real-world performance venues  48:39 - How Tameside Music Service creates opportunities for all young people  55:18 - The significance of spaces like Stoller Hall for young performers  62:37 - The role of PGCEI and professional development in advancing inclusive practice  66:35 - Practical tips for teachers: mindset, respect, and embracing complexity  68:37 - The leaky pipeline: strategies to support long-term musical journeys  75:44 - Envisioning the future: joined-up pathways and careers in music  76:54 - The need for holistic, continuous music learning from cradle to career  79:55 - Why creativity and improvisation are skills machines can't replicate  80:48 - Reflection: the people behind music education give us hope  81:16 - If policy makers listened: Just give us the money & trust educators  82:23 - Balancing life and work: personal anecdotes from Kate  86:31 - What's next: new projects, stewardship, and supporting local music ecosystems Support the show Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class. 👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community. Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation. Support the show Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.  👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community. Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

    1h 32m

  4. FEB 12

    Detention Diaries #5 - Redefining Masculinity: What does it really mean to be a man?

    Keywords progressive masculinity, mental health, emotional literacy, young men, education, intersectionality, digital culture, positive masculinity, misogyny, teacher training Summary In this conversation, Mike Nicholson discusses his journey from being a teacher to founding Progressive Masculinity, a program aimed at creating safe spaces for boys and men to explore their identities. He emphasises the importance of breaking down barriers, understanding intersectionality, and addressing mental health issues among young men. The discussion also touches on the impact of digital culture, the challenges of misogyny, and the role of educators in promoting positive masculinity. Mike shares insights on empowering young men and the need for systemic changes in education to support their development. Subscribe to Detention Diaries on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode Leave a review – it massively helps the podcast reach more educators Join the Detention Diaries community for blogs, videos, podcasts and teacher banter: www.detentiondiaries.com Where real teachers, real stories, and real conversations happen. Takeaways Boys and men often want to talk but lack safe spaces. Intersectionality is crucial in understanding masculinity. Digital culture significantly impacts young men's identities. Mental health discussions should be age-appropriate and accessible. Challenging misogyny requires a nuanced approach. Educators must listen to boys' concerns without judgment. Self-reflection is essential for educators working with boys. Boys need to feel cared for to engage meaningfully. Creating spaces for boys can lead to positive outcomes. Empowering young men involves providing them with tools to express themselves.  sound bites "What does it mean to be a man?" "We need to promote aspirational masculinity." "Self-reflection is an uncomfortable exercise." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Progressive Masculinity 02:57 The Journey of a Teacher to Facilitator 05:56 Breaking Down Barriers: Engaging Young Men 09:01 Understanding Intersectionality in Masculinity 12:03 The Impact of Digital Culture on Young Men 14:56 Addressing Mental Health and Emotional Literacy 17:54 Challenging Misogyny and Toxic Masculinity 21:00 The Role of Educators in Promoting Positive Masculinity 23:56 Future of Masculinity Programs 26:53 Empowering Educators and Young Men 30:02 Conclusion and Future Vision Support the show Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.  👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community. Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

    58 min

  5. FEB 5

    Detention Diaries #4 What Teachers Really Need: Ross McGill on Workload, Wellbeing & the Future of Schools

    In this episode of Detention Diaries, Dan sits down with Ross McGill, the founder of Teacher Toolkit — one of the UK’s most influential platforms supporting teachers with practical strategies, wellbeing insights, and real classroom solutions. Ross shares his journey from classroom teacher to education thought-leader, the challenges facing schools today, and his honest views on workload, burnout, policy, and what truly needs to change in education. It’s a candid, inspiring, and refreshingly real conversation about teaching in modern Britain. Find Ross & Teacher Toolkit:  Website & resources: https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk X (Twitter): https://x.com/TeacherToolkit Training & CPD: https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/training Enjoyed the episode?  Subscribe to Detention Diaries on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode Leave a review – it massively helps the podcast reach more educators Join the Detention Diaries community for blogs, videos, podcasts and teacher banter: www.detentiondiaries.com Where real teachers, real stories, and real conversations happen. Takeaways Teaching is a challenging yet rewarding profession. Mental health and well-being are crucial for teachers. The education system is evolving, but challenges remain. Ofsted plays a significant role in accountability but needs reform. Teachers possess valuable skills that can be applied outside the classroom. Retention of teachers is a pressing issue in education. Supportive school cultures can enhance staff well-being. Data collection in schools should focus on meaningful insights. Teachers should be encouraged to share their experiences and challenges. The landscape of education is constantly changing, requiring adaptability. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context of Education Challenges 08:35 The Evolution of Teach Toolkit 20:39 Personal Experiences and Their Impact on Education 32:41 Future Directions and Reflections on Influence 35:20 Government Engagement with Social Media Influencers 37:59 Teacher Workload and Retention Crisis 42:44 Rethinking Assessment and Feedback in Education 46:55 The Role of Ofsted in Education 59:29 Supporting Teacher Well-Being and Mental Health 01:06:02 The Future of Teaching and Career Longevity Support the show Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.  👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community. Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

    1h 23m

  6. 11/28/2025

    Make it Make SENDS #4 - Aiming for the Edges with Dr Shelley Moore. How inclusion REALLY works!

    In this conversation, Dan speaks with Dr. Shelley Moore about her journey in education, focusing on the importance of inclusive practices for students with disabilities. They discuss the challenges faced by the education system, the need for a shift from special education to inclusive education, and the significance of community and collaboration in fostering an inclusive environment. Dr. Moore shares her research findings and practical strategies for teachers to create inclusive classrooms, emphasizing the importance of understanding student needs and building agency. The conversation highlights the necessity of evolving Individual Education Plans (IEPs) to better support students and the overall educational community. Takeaways Inclusion is beneficial for all students, not just those with disabilities. Education systems need to evolve to meet the needs of today's diverse learners. Community and belonging are essential for student success. Teachers should start with the needs of the most vulnerable students. IEPs should focus on growth rather than fixing perceived deficits. Positive attitudes towards inclusion can transform educational practices. Flexibility in teaching methods is crucial for accommodating diverse learners. Research should guide educational decisions, not just tradition or opinion. Student agency is vital for meaningful learning experiences. Collaboration among educators, families, and communities enhances inclusion efforts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context of the Conversation 02:29 Dr. Shelley's Journey in Education 06:54 The Shift from Special Education to Inclusive Education 12:06 Understanding the Education Crisis 15:59 Research and Practical Applications in Inclusive Education 23:59 Five Key Principles for Effective Inclusion 30:41 Barriers in Education: The Role of Standardized Testing 33:12 Permissible Prejudice: Understanding Discrimination in Education 34:30 Rethinking Accessibility: The Bowling Metaphor in Education 39:47 Creating Inclusive Learning Environments: A Case Study 42:37 Empowering Student Agency: Making Choices in Learning 48:43 Navigating Standardized Testing: Strategies for Success 55:01 The Evolution of IEPs: From Medical Models to Inclusive Practices 59:32 Practical Tips for Inclusive Teaching: Small Steps for Big Change 💬 Join the Detention Diaries community If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, like and subscribe wherever you listen — and share it with someone who cares about SEND and inclusion. For more stories, interviews and a healthy dose of British classroom humour, head to www.detentiondiaries.com and sign up for updates. Follow us on socials:📸 Instagram – @detentiondiaries ▶️ YouTube – Detention Diaries 🐦 X (formerly Twitter) – @DetentionDiaries Support the show Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.  👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community. Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

    1h 9m

  7. 11/14/2025

    Make it Make SENDs #3 - Talking About Talking: Jane Harris on Fixing the Speech and Language Crisis

    This week on Make it Make SENDs, I sit down with Jane Harris, Chief Executive of Speech and Language UK and Vice-Chair of the Disabled Children’s Partnership — two organisations at the frontline of making sure every child’s voice is heard (literally and figuratively). Jane shares what’s really going on behind the statistics:Why so many children are struggling with speech, language and communication right nowHow early identification can change everythingWhat needs to happen in policy, funding and teacher training to fix the systemAnd how we can all be part of the solution — from the classroom to the kitchen tableIt’s a hopeful, grounded conversation about the power of communication, the importance of empathy, and the small steps that can make a huge difference for children and families. 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation. 🔗 Find Jane Harris 👉 Speech and Language UK 👉 Disabled Children’s Partnership 💬 Join the Detention Diaries community If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, like and subscribe wherever you listen — and share it with someone who cares about SEND and inclusion. For more stories, interviews and a healthy dose of British classroom humour, head to www.detentiondiaries.com and sign up for updates. Follow us on socials:📸 Instagram – @detentiondiaries ▶️ YouTube – Detention Diaries 🐦 X (formerly Twitter) – @DetentionDiaries Support the show Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.  👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community. Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

    1h 8m

  8. 11/08/2025

    Make it Make SENDs #2 - Follow the Empathy Road: Educating for Inclusion with Ginny Bootman

    Join me on this week’s episode of the Make it Make SENDs podcast as I chat with the remarkable Ginny Bootman — a SENDCO, former headteacher, author and champion of empathy-driven SEND education. 🚀 In this conversation we dive into: Ginny’s journey from classroom to leading inclusive practiceHow empathy, trust and relationships make all the difference in SEND provisionThe current state of SEND legislation, what’s working and what still needs to changePractical advice for teachers, parents (like me, father of an autistic daughter) and anyone working with young peopleGinny’s favourite strategies, time-saving hacks and what she’d change overnight if she could 📚 Check out Ginny’s work: Book: Independent Thinking on Being a SENDCO by Ginny Bootman (113 tips for building relationships, saving time and changing lives) – crownhouse.co.uk+1Ginny’s Talks & Podcast appearances – find them at her website and listen to her podcast “Follow the Empathy Road” Ginny Bootman | Follow the Empathy Road.+1https://thesendcast.com/category/episodes/ginny-bootman/ 🌐 Join the Detention Diaries community: Visit: www.detentiondiaries.com (subscribe for our weekly newsletter, resources, and more)Instagram: @_detention_diariesYouTube: @Detention_DiariessX (formerly Twitter): @DetentionDiary 🎧 We also recommend checking out previous podcast episodes if you’re new to the show — https://open.spotify.com/show/1hbydmiXAUaX8ktaoCphaF?si=9afcba5dfe354554 . If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe and share so we can keep growing this conversation and supporting all those working in and around SEND. Thank you for listening, and a huge thank you to Ginny Bootman for bringing her energy, insight and passion.  Hit play, sit back, and let’s get into it. Support the show Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.  👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community. Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

    1h 10m
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About

Welcome to Detention Diaries — a podcast, blog, and teacher community built with heart, humour, and a healthy dose of realism. We discuss all things education, get involved and join the community at detentiondiaries.com. 

Information

  • Creator
    Detention Diaries
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Detention Diaries
  • Show Website
    Detention Diaries