The Parent-Teacher Loop
Shortlisted for an Independent Podcast Award 2025.
Three experienced teachers and mums unlock the mystery of school and school readiness. Empowering parents to maximise their children's potential in educational settings to grow to be healthy, happy and successful.
Episodes
39 episodes
Implications of the UK Social Media ban
In this episode, Olivia and Claire discuss the recent social media ban for under-16s, exploring its implications, enforcement challenges, and the broader impact on children's mental health and social skills.
How to Support Your Child Through the Year 4 Multiplication Test
This episode explores the importance of the Year 4 multiplication tables check, how it works, and how parents can support their children. It also covers strategies for effective practice and reducing anxiety around math assessments. <...
Creating a healthy balance with screen time
Olivia, Claire and Lucy explore the impact of screen time on children's attention, social skills, and learning. They offer practical tips for managing digital devices and fostering healthy habits in children.
Practical Tips for Supporting Phonics at home
Claire, Lucy and Olivia explore early childhood phonics support, teaching strategies, and preparing for phonics screening checks. They share practical tips for parents to enhance children's reading skills from nursery through to the Phonics scr...
Supporting Children with Dyslexia: diagnosis and the process
This episode features Claire, Lucy and Olivia discussing dyslexia, early signs, support strategies, and the importance of early diagnosis. Learn how teachers and parents can collaborate to support children with dyslexia effectively.
Lucy's Expert Tips on Early Potty Training
This episode explores the nuances of potty training, exploring the idea and benefits of making an early start. It emphasises the importance of routine, and confidence-building strategies. Have potty trained over 50 children, Lucy shares her ext...
Unlocking the Power of Outdoor Play
In this episode Olivia, Claire and Lucy explore the importance of outdoor play for children's development, discussing practical tips for parents and educators to encourage outdoor activities despite urban constraints and weather challenges....
How to Foster Imagination with Minimal Spending
This episode explores the importance of low-cost, creative play for children, especially during the cost of living crisis. Hosts Claire, Olivia, and Lucy share practical ideas, personal experiences, and tips for fostering imaginative play using...
Bedtime Battles: Practical Tips for Peaceful Nights
This episode explores the importance of sleep and bedtime routines for children, debunking myths and sharing practical tips for establishing healthy habits. Join us as we discuss the impact of routines on development, the influence of modern pa...
Navigating School Refusal: Insights for Parents
In this episode, the Lucy, Olivia and Claire discuss the pressing issue of school refusal, exploring its complexities, especially in the context of rising anxiety levels among children post-COVID. They emphasise the importance of communication ...
What did you do at school today?
In this episode, the Olivia, Claire and Lucy discuss the importance of communication between parents and children regarding school experiences. They explore various strategies to encourage open conversations, the significance of positive framin...
Let's discuss banning phones in schools
In this episode, the hosts discuss the pressing issue of smartphone usage in schools, particularly focusing on the implications of phones on children's learning and social interactions. They explore the idea of phone-free schools, the impact of...
The Importance of Communicating with your child's Teacher
In this episode, the hosts discuss the significance of effective communication between parents and teachers, emphasising how it can positively impact a child's educational experience. They share personal anecdotes, tips for parents on what and ...
How we can cut screen times
In this episode, the hosts discuss the challenges of managing children's screen time with guest Morwenna Lewis, a psychotherapist and parenting coach. They explore the impact of technology on family dynamics, the importance of setting boundarie...
Building Resilience and confidence in our children
In this episode, Olivia and Lucy engage with Amanda Christopherson, a Thrive Practitioner, to explore the importance of building confidence and resilience in children. They discuss the Thrive approach, the impact of adverse childhood experience...
Screentime Issues
In this episode, the hosts discuss the impact of screen time on children's development, focusing on attention spans, recommended usage, and the importance of physical activity. They share personal anecdotes and insights from their experiences a...
Encouraging your Children to Read
In this episode, the hosts discuss the importance of reading for children with James from the Rebel Reading Society. They explore the challenges children face in developing a reading habit, the impact of reading on academic success, and practic...
The Effect of Lateness and Absence on School Progress
In this episode, the hosts discuss the critical issue of school lateness and absences, exploring the emotional and academic consequences for children. They share personal anecdotes and insights on how parents can encourage consistent school att...
Why taking risks in play is important for your child's development
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the concept of risky play, emphasising its importance in child development. They explore how taking risks can build resilience, confidence, and emotional growth in children. The conversation includes p...
A guide to Infections and Vaccinations in pre-school and school aged children
In this episode, the hosts discuss childhood infections and vaccinations with Dr. Julia Kenny, a pediatric consultant. They explore the importance of vaccinations, herd immunity, and the complications associated with diseases like chickenpox an...
The Art of Successful Homework
In this episode, the Claire, Olivia and Lucy discuss the significance of homework in children's education, exploring expectations by age group, effective strategies for parents to help their children succeed, and the importance of life skills a...
The Art of good Communication- looking at Speech and Language for children
In this podcast episode, Richard Boak, a specialist speech and language therapist, discusses the challenges and developments in speech therapy today. He highlights the increasing demand for services, the importance of human interaction in langu...
The Importance of Food for Thought and Concentration
In this episode, the hosts discuss the critical role of diet in children's performance at school, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet for energy, concentration, and overall health. They share practical tips for overcoming picky eating...
'Expected levels' at Years Four, Five and Six explained
If you have ever wondered or asked your child's teacher 'Is my child where they need to be?' then this episode is for you. This week on the Parent Teacher Loop podcast, the hosts discuss learning expectations for children in Year Four, Five and...
'Expected' levels in Year 1-3 explained
In this episode of the Parent Teacher Loop podcast, the hosts discuss learning expectations for children in Year One, Year Two and Year Three, focusing on reading, writing, and maths. They delve into what parents can expect from their children ...