Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers, diving into the topics that shape classroom life. Each episode explores one big question with educators and experts, offering practical ideas, honest discussion, and fresh perspectives.
Podcast Overview
Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers, diving into the topics that shape classroom life. Each episode explores one big question with educators and experts, offering practical ideas, honest discussion, and fresh perspectives.
Language
πΊπ²
Publishing Since
11/26/2025
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Recent Episodes
April 30, 2026
What's the difference between teaching puberty and sex education?
<p>What actually needs to be taught in primary RSE - and whatβs optional?</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Primary Focus, we tackle one of the most commonly misunderstood areas in primary education: the difference between puberty education and sex education.</p><p><br></p><p>Because theyβre often blurred together, it can create confusion for schools, staff, and parents - especially when it comes to what is statutory in RSE and what isnβt.</p><p><br></p><p>Together, they unpack:</p><p>- What must be taught in primary schools</p><p>- What schools can choose to include</p><p>- How the science curriculum overlaps with RSE</p><p>- Why parents sometimes misunderstand their right to withdraw</p><p>- What age-appropriate sex education actually looks like in Year 5/6</p><p>- How to build staff confidence when teaching sensitive topics</p><p><br></p><p>Learn more about our panel:</p><p>π Rebecca Jennings - RSE Consultant for Schools, RAISEhttps://www.raiseeducation.org.uk/</p><p>π Russell Stanley - PSHE/RSHE Consultant, Health and Wellbeing in Schools LTDhttps://www.schoolhwb.co.uk/</p><p>π ZoΔ Higgins - RSE & PSHE Lead, Kapow Primary</p><p><br></p><p>The episode also explores practical classroom strategies, including:</p><p>- Using correct scientific vocabulary (and why it matters)</p><p>- Creating safe discussion spaces with clear ground rules</p><p>- Handling tricky questions with confidence</p><p>- Whether to teach in mixed or single-sex groups</p><p><br></p><p>In this video:</p><p>00:00 - Introductions</p><p>01:12 - Defining Puberty vs. Sex Education</p><p>04:13 - School Policies and Parent Engagement</p><p>07:02 - Foundational Learning in Key Stage 1</p><p>08:17 - Using Correct Terminology</p><p>14:43 - Teacher Preparation and Confidence</p><p>19:14 - Helping Pupils Feel Comfortable</p><p>26:52 - Grouping Strategies (Single-sex vs. Mixed-sex)</p><p>30:37 - Final Advice and Conclusion</p><p>primary RSE, puberty education, sex education primary, statutory RSE, PSHE primary, RSHE UK, teaching puberty KS2, year 5 RSE, safeguarding schools, teacher podcast UK</p>
April 16, 2026
Why does parent communication in RSHE matter more than ever?
<p>In this episode of Primary Focus, we explore the updated RSHE guidance for 2025 and beyond, and what upcoming changes mean for primary schools. We look at how schools can build transparent, trusting relationships with parents while delivering a clear and confident RSHE curriculum.</p><p><br></p><p>Experts Rebecca Jennings and Russell Stanley break down:</p><p>- what RSHE actually means in practice</p><p>- the legal right for parents to view RSHE curriculum materials</p><p>- how RSHE supports safeguarding in primary schools</p><p>- practical strategies for communicating sensitive topics with confidence</p><p><br></p><p>Learn more about our panel:</p><p>π Rebecca Jennings - RSE Consultant for Schools, RAISEhttps://www.raiseeducation.org.uk/</p><p>π Russell Stanley - PSHE/RSHE Consultant, Health and Wellbeing in Schools LTDhttps://www.schoolhwb.co.uk/</p><p>π ZoΔ Higgins - RSE & PSHE Lead, Kapow Primary</p><p><br></p><p>π Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers and school leaders.New episodes released fortnightly!</p><p><br></p><p>π© Get practical RSHE guidance and new episodes straight to your inbox:https://2ev7d5.share-eu1.hsforms.com/28FIbNjIeQN2kU3h4RF0mLg</p><p><br></p><p>In this video:</p><p>00:00 - Introductions</p><p>01:36 - New legal rights and curriculum transparency</p><p>02:43 - Key updates: Digital safety and personal hazards</p><p>04:56 - How RSHE supports school safeguarding</p><p>08:10 - Formal consultation vs. everyday engagement</p><p>11:00 - Giving parents a voice in the curriculum</p><p>13:06 - Taking the "awkwardness" out of sex education</p><p>16:31 - Tips for the classroom: "Ask-it baskets" and ground rules</p><p>18:42 - Building staff confidence and using consistent words</p><p>20:15 - Running successful parent meetings</p><p>23:03 - Agreed vocabulary as a "safety net"</p><p>25:01 - Making the curriculum work for your school</p><p>27:57 - Closing the loop with Parent FAQs</p><p>29:56 - Final advice for schools right now</p><p><br></p><p>RSHE 2025 | RSHE guidance | RSHE curriculum | what is RSHE | what does RSHE stand for | primary school RSHE | UK RSHE 2026 | RSHE statutory changes 2026 | Parental engagement</p>
March 19, 2026
Media Literacy: What is it and how do we prepare children?
<p>Media literacy is becoming an essential part of primary education - but what does it actually mean, and how can schools approach it with confidence?</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Primary Focus, we explore one big question: What is media literacy and how do we prepare children</p><p><br></p><p>Drawing on classroom experience and curriculum expertise, this conversation breaks down what media literacy looks like in a primary context - and how it can be embedded meaningfully without adding to workload.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, we discuss:</p><ul><li>what media literacy means (beyond online safety)</li><li>how children are engaging with content earlier than ever</li><li>simple ways to build critical thinking in the classroom</li><li>how it links across subjects like English, History and Science</li><li>practical strategies teachers can use straight away</li></ul><p><br></p><p>This episode is designed to support teachers and school leaders looking to build confident, thoughtful approaches to media literacy - helping children navigate the world around them with curiosity and care.</p><p><br></p><p>Featuring:</p><ul><li>Helen Mulley - Education Specialist and Communications Consultant</li><li>Adam Sumner - Curriculum Designer at Kapow Primary</li><li>Sarah Johnson - Senior Marketing Executive at Kapow Primary</li></ul><p><br></p><p>π Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers and school leaders. New episodes released fortnightly!</p><p><br></p><p>π© Never miss an episode - sign up to the Kapow Primary newsletter:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmNucEZoU0xaSGNYcUNRNUEyRU8wNFdmdmg3d3xBQ3Jtc0trejdiLWxDU21xWUY0aW9uQTJYS3dldTNuVG1wTWFNU0RNX3R3WUdRTG9tRGIwOWtzUS1DRldaUnB4SWcyQTdyc1pWMU5uRXFhallKLURaMzZqdTZtZVllTXVXdFptcTF3SVZMREJDQ3hzam13a3dROA&q=https%3A%2F%2F2ev7d5.share-eu1.hsforms.com%2F28FIbNjIeQN2kU3h4RF0mLg&v=Ux3suQxTDmw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://2ev7d5.share-eu1.hsforms.com/...</a></p><p><br></p><p>Content in this video:</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux3suQxTDmw">00:00</a> β Introduction</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux3suQxTDmw&t=117s">1:57</a> β Defining media literacy</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux3suQxTDmw&t=257s">04:17</a> β Media literacy within the National Curriculum</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux3suQxTDmw&t=397s">06:37</a> β Navigating the challenges of an unregulated online</p><p>landscape</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux3suQxTDmw&t=589s">09:49</a> β Identifying motivations: Algorithms, misinformation, and critical questioning</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux3suQxTDmw&t=913s">15:13</a> β Scaffolding media literacy skills</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux3suQxTDmw&t=1136s">18:56</a> β Applying critical thinking to AI-generated content and historic media</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux3suQxTDmw&t=1442s">24:02</a> β Practical classroom strategies</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux3suQxTDmw&t=1804s">30:04</a> β Final summary - key to strong media literacy</p>
8 total episodes available
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This podcast updates daily.
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This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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