Adoption Focus - Education in Focus

About Adoption Focus - Education in Focus

Education in Focus is an adoption podcast series from Adoption Focus looking at all aspects of schools and education through the lens of adoption. In each episode, host Leigh is joined by our education experts Lisa and Jason to provide advice for parents supporting adoptees as they go through their school years. They talk to a range of adopters and professionals on subjects such as homework, exams, special educational needs, promoting good school and parent relationships, end of year transitions, and choosing a school. Your family. Their future. Adoption Focus is an independent charity and one of the largest adoption agencies in the UK. Whatever your background or situation, we’re here to help you to adopt, and we’re actively recruiting. If you live in or around Central England and you’re considering adoption, our friendly, expert team would love to meet you and help you to become an adoptive family. Adopt with us. Adoption Focus - a friendly, dedicated & experienced adoption agency (https://www.adoption-focus.org.uk/)

Publisher

Adoption Focus

Category

kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 Jan 2023

Latest episode

18 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

29 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   18 Aug 2026

   Education in Focus - When School Feels Impossible: Understanding EBSA and Alternative Education

   In this episode, we explore emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), what it means for children and young people, and why language and understanding matter. Paul, a Senior Lecturer in Initial Teacher Education at the University of Derby, joins the conversation to challenge the idea that children are simply choosing not to attend school, and discusses the importance of recognising anxiety, distress, masking, SEND and a child’s need to feel safe, understood and that they belong. The co...

2. 

   23 Jul 2026

   Education in Focus - Understanding the New SEND Reforms: What Families Need to Know

   In this episode of Education in Focus, Leigh, Jason and Lisa unpack the government's proposed SEND reforms and what they could mean for children, families and schools. They explain the new four-tier support system, Individual Support Plans (ISPs), changes to EHCPs, and the increased focus on early intervention and inclusion. With a particular focus on adopted and care-experienced children, they discuss the opportunities, challenges and practical steps parents can take to prepare f...

3. 

   12 May 2026

   Education in Focus - Building Safe Foundations in Early Years Education with Michael Gilman-Hughes

   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 explores why the early years are so import...

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 12 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

11

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32