Detention Diaries

Detention Diaries
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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. 

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 10/31/2025

    Make it Make SENDs #1 - The Autistic Advocate. It’s Not a SEND Crisis — It’s an Education Crisis

    💬 Episode Description: In the very first episode of Make it Make SENDs, I sit down with Kieran Rose — better known as The Autistic Advocate — to talk all things autism, inclusion, and the future of education. Kieran is one of the UK’s most respected autistic voices, a writer, trainer, and speaker who’s spent years challenging the systems that fail autistic children and their families. In this honest and powerful conversation, we explore how our schools are designed, why so many autistic pupils are being excluded or misunderstood, and what needs to change if we’re ever going to get inclusion right. Kieran makes a bold and thought-provoking statement: “We don’t have a SEND crisis — we have an education crisis.”Together, we unpack what that means, and how teachers, parents, and policymakers can start to shift the narrative from “fixing children” to fixing the system. This episode is real, reflective, and full of insight — a must-listen for anyone who cares about how we educate and support neurodivergent young people. 🔗 Join the Conversation: You can explore Kieran’s work, resources, and training at www.theautisticadvocate.com and follow him on social media @TheAutisticAdvocate. For more reflections, blog posts, and future episodes, head to www.detentiondiaries.com — home of the Make it Make SENDs podcast, the Detention Diaries series, and a growing community of educators, parents, and advocatesworking to make education better for everyone. 👉 Read. Listen. Join the conversation. Let’s make it make SENDs — together. 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 22m

  6. 10/23/2025

    Detention Diaries #3: From Classroom Chaos to Campus Calm: Training the Teachers of Tomorrow

    In this episode of Detention Diaries, I’m joined by Will Evans — my former PGCE mentor and now Music PGCE Lead at Manchester Metropolitan University. Will’s spent years helping new teachers survive (and sometimes even enjoy) their first year in the classroom, and in this episode, we lift the lid on what teacher training really looks like in 2025. We chat about the changing face of education, why creative subjects like music are more vital than ever, and how to prepare new teachers for a profession that’s equal parts art, science, and chaos. Will shares his insights into training, resilience, burnout, and why so many of the best educators are also brilliant storytellers. It’s funny, thoughtful, and just the right amount of nostalgic — two old colleagues swapping stories about lessons gone wrong, what’s changed since our training days, and what still needs to. 👉 Join the conversation at www.detentiondiaries.com — the online staffroom where real teachers talk about real education. Because teaching isn’t just a career — it’s a calling… with a lot of paperwork. 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.

    2h 3m

  7. 10/16/2025

    Detention Diaries #2: Lost Boys: What Schools Get Wrong About Masculinity

    In Episode 2 of Detention Diaries, I sit down with Andy — a former mainstream teacher who went on to set up education across multiple alternative provision sites in the North West, and now works with Progressive Masculinity, helping schools rethink how they support boys. We dive deep into what’s really going on with young men in education — the ones who slip through the cracks, lash out, or just quietly disappear. We unpack the findings of the ‘Lost Boys’ report, explore the crisis of modern masculinity, and ask: how can schools help boys grow without shutting them down? Andy’s story takes us from PE changing rooms to PRU classrooms to working nationally on gender and behaviour. It’s a conversation about identity, belonging, and hope, with a fair bit of honesty (and a touch of swearing) along the way. If you’ve ever taught that student, worried about the state of boys’ education, or wondered what it really means to “man up” in 2025 — this episode’s for you. 👉 Join the conversation at www.detentiondiaries.com — the online staffroom for real talk about teaching, learning, and surviving education. 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 25m

  8. 10/09/2025

    Detention Diaries #1: From SEND to PRU: Lessons from the Edge of Education

    When mainstream can’t meet every need — what really happens inside a Pupil Referral Unit?  In this episode of Detention Diaries, I sit down with David — a former SENDCo at my school who’s now working as English Lead in a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU). He’s someone who’s lived the reality of trying to make mainstream education work for every student… and then decided to see what life was like beyond it. We talk about the truth behind alternative provision — the successes, the heartbreaks, the misconceptions — and what it’s like teaching young people who’ve already been written off by the system. David shares his honest thoughts on behaviour, inclusion, and what schools get wrong (and right) when supporting students with complex needs. Expect insight, humour, and a few moments that might make you rethink what “success” looks like in education. Oh — and maybe a little swearing. Because when you’re working in a PRU, sometimes there’s just no other word that fits. If you’ve ever worked with challenging students, tried to keep your cool during yet another “urgent” behaviour meeting, or wondered what happens after exclusion — this episode pulls back the curtain. 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 37m

  9. 10/07/2025

    Detention Diaries: Intro and Welcome

    Welcome to Detention Diaries. Stay tuned for our first episode.  Like, Subscribe, join the community. Be sound! Loads of love. Detention Diaries 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.

    5 min
  • 9 Episodes

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
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Detention Diaries
  • Show Website
    Detention Diaries