A podcast from Twinkl, designed to help trainee teachers and ECTs (NQTs) go into the classroom feeling confident. Ashleigh and Simeon are your hosts on a mission to help you navigate the highs and lows of beginning a career in teaching.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/10/23/9/d0b5a50c-c195-4dd3-8212-b71b71e55db2_s5_e9_inclusion.mp3

In this special episode, Simeon is joined by Hannah Lawrence, the Twinkl SEND segment manager. She shares ways trainee teachers and ECTs can break down barriers and adopt inclusive practice in their classrooms.Twinkl SEND: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/ulyhgTwinkl EAL: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/7vzcc

S5 E9: Inclusion with Hannah Lawrence

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/9/24/12/107f4175-e5ff-4b25-9661-d1cbe13287a5_g_your_primary_or_secondary_teaching_placement.mp3

In this episode, Simeon and our new team member Gloria go over what you can expect when your begin your teaching placement in a primary or secondary school.Free trial: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/f9y62 Placement packs: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/qc1i4Twinkl Beyond: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/ci9gt

S5 E8: Starting Your Primary or Secondary Teaching Placement

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/21/11/ab315994-f7a7-46c2-a676-0795f4a1b73b_s5_e7_preparing_for_your_ect_year_one.mp3

In this episode, Simeon looks at ways to feel prepared and ready for your ECT induction and offers his tips along the way.Free Trial: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/okts9Seating Plan Resource: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/fig40Evidencing the Teachers&#39; Standards: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/lq82m

S5 E7: Preparing for Your ECT Year One

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/7/29/14/0d1477d8-55d7-412f-b1d6-4afafadcba02_or_trainee_teachers_and_ects_with_becky_dawson.mp3

In this episode, Simeon is joined by Twinkl&#39;s National Wellbeing Lead, Beck Dawson. They discuss wellbeing challenges for trainee teachers and ECTs as well as offering wellbeing tips and resources. Simeon&#39;s summer blog 🔗 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/v8301 Becky&#39;s blog on boundaries 🔗 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/hmatnMind resources 🔗 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/rnau9

S5 E6: Wellbeing for Trainee Teachers and ECTs

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/6/26/10/dc552e6f-a3ef-4cd4-b833-3d3b14b040e0___t_found_a_position_for_september__now_what.mp3

In this episode, Simeon and Ashleigh go over the many options open to teachers who haven&#39;t found a full-time teaching position yet or don&#39;t want one. Twinkl Free Trial 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1lr2bs Twinkl Supply Team 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1isfv5Twinkl Tutors Team 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/skoe1

S5 E5: Achieved QTS but Haven’t Found a Position for September… Now What?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/5/14/8/1f2fcbb7-f3a4-483d-9c19-6bbbb00b8317_tions_and_realities_of_a_teacher_training_year.mp3

In this episode, we&#39;re joined by Katie, a highly organised and motivated trainee teacher undertaking a paid SCITT route that also offers a PGCE and QTS. We discuss what an average week looks like and Katie shares her advice on many aspects of training, including staying on top of your workload.Routes into Teaching Resource 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1fi6ckFree Trial 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/qhz6p

S5 E4: The Expectations and Realities of a Teacher Training Year with Katie

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/1/11/acfb3a72-abd0-4b78-b194-757c87d19e38_s5_e3_job_hunting_step_by_step.mp3

In this episode, Ashleigh and Simeon go through the job hunting process step by step, offering their tips and advice along the way.Free trial: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/hflm3Job Hunting Mega Pack: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1jpostMock Interviews: https://forms.gle/qfuN6uq4HthreZbc7Personal Statement Feedback: https://forms.gle/r6zScgPfZSPuFxaw8

S5 E3: Job Hunting Step by Step

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/3/14/10/619304d5-7132-4875-bdde-0ebd35f6718f_eal_strategies_for_trainee_teachers_and_ects.mp3

In this special, collaborative episode, Simeon is joined by Helen Bodell from the Twinkl EAL team. They discuss way trainee teachers and ECTs can support children with EAL.Trainee EAL resource <a href="https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/mmru0" rel="nofollow">https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/mmru0</a>EAL homepage <a href="https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/128z6c" rel="nofollow">https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/128z6c</a>Free trial https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/xsd7c

S5 E2: EAL Strategies for Trainee Teachers and ECTs with Helen Bodell

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/2/4/15/ae658def-60e8-4bdc-8498-7a83b70258d6__building_positive_relationships_with_students.mp3

In this episode, Simeon is joined by returning guest Jack from How to be a Teacher to discuss the best ways to build positive relationships with students and the impact this can have.Free trial: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1dsmnhPositive Relationships CPD: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1ehr1eJack&#39;s Blog: https://jackwatson1807.substack.com/p/diary-of-a-teacher

S5 E1: Building Positive Relationships with Students (with Jack - How to be a Teacher)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/12/12/13/2deede8b-6e21-413e-82c4-f89557ae1e0d_s4_e13_thriving_over_the_holidays.mp3

In this episode, Simeon and Ashleigh discuss ways to finish the term on a high and recharge over the festive period.Twinkl Free Trial: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1a9jzf ECT Festive Checklist: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/iwkgn

S4 E13: Thriving Over the Holidays

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/11/1/11/8dba7f5d-d221-4ccc-80ce-f7e97906c527_s4_e12_plan_a_lesson_with_us.mp3

In this episode, Simeon and Ashleigh go through the process of planning a lesson and offer tips along the way.Free Trial https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/11uptdLesson Plan Template https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1hvfsyObjectives https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/nv53m National Numeracy Charity schoolsandfamilies@nationalnumeracy.org.uk

S4 E12: Plan a Lesson With Us

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/10/1/10/78930ccb-5fa3-4985-b4d0-fdeedd7fbb7f__down_barriers_-_send_and_the_labour_manifesto.mp3

In this episode, Simeon and Ashleigh are joined by Hannah Lawrence from the Twinkl SEND segment. We discuss Labour&#39;s manifesto promise to &#39;break down barriers and shatter the class ceiling&#39; and what that might mean for teachers working with children with SEND. Trainee and ECT Tutorial: Classroom routines 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/mogmt

S4 E11: Breaking Down Barriers - SEND and the Labour Manifesto

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/8/30/13/ab7d3847-e9de-470a-89bb-e63579957366_s4_e10_setting_yourself_up_for_success.mp3

In this episode, Simeon Ashleigh discuss ways to set yourself up for success whether you are beginning your teacher training or your ECT induction.Trainee Teacher Starter Pack 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/nraml

S4 E10: Setting Yourself up for Success

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/7/17/11/0730587a-29f1-4be8-9a32-1ad7cb09ee9c_s4_e9_what_to_do_over_summer.mp3

In this episode, Ashleigh and Simeon discuss ways to relax and enjoy yourself over the summer holidays, as well as a few ways to get ready for September (if you feel like it). 🤗🏖️Simeon&#39;s blog on what to do over summer 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/7c7wvBlog on getting ready for September 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/c6tlj

S4 E9: What to Do over Summer

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/6/25/11/753ddeee-19c1-4987-a6f6-cc0af043023c_g_back_on_your_teacher_training_year_with_mr_h.mp3

In this episode, we are joined by a special guest, Mr Hallahan, a TikToker and teacher who has just completed his training year. He takes the opportunity to look back on everything he learned and discuss what he loves about teaching.ECT Induction pack 🔗👉<a href="https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/y9j0m" rel="nofollow">https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/y9j0m</a> Follow Mr H here:TikTok - <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@mrhallahan" rel="nofollow">@mrhallahan</a>Instagram - @cianhallahan

S4 E8: Looking back on Your Teacher Training Year With Mr H

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/5/24/10/9b0ecd64-9da6-41c8-949c-924135754573_s4_e7_report_writing.mp3

In this episode, Simeon and Ashleigh share their best tips for writing fantastic school reports. They also play a report-based game, which you can try at home.AI report writer tool 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/6pout General report statements 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/y1bv3

S4 E7: Report Writing

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/4/25/15/82b6f84a-73dc-4f74-831c-eb91bbb6ceaa_s4_e6_pursuing_tutoring.mp3

In this epsiode, we discuss all aspects of tutoring with our lovely guest, Susie, from Twinkl Tutors. We talk about the practicalities, how much you might earn and whether it is something you can do alongside full-time teaching.Tackling Low-level Behaviour Resource 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/q9elz Everything you need to get going with tutoring! 🔗👉 <a href="https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/yc5bv" rel="nofollow">https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/yc5bv</a> Launching your business with confidence 🔗👉 <a href="https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/9x23k" rel="nofollow">https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/9x23k</a> Free Taster Pack 🔗👉 <a href="https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/free-tutors-taster-pack-t-e-2550944" rel="nofollow">https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/19jj34</a>Twinkl Tutors podcast page 🔗👉 <a href="https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/aqiwf" rel="nofollow">https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/aqiwf</a>Personal Statement Feedback Form 🔗👉 https://forms.gle/GRfSkftFhqsmth3b7

S4 E6: Pursuing Tutoring with Susie from Twinkl Tutors

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/3/27/13/4e7f06eb-bae0-4dce-a582-1159e18d461d_s4_e5_working_with_other_adults.mp3

In this episode, Simeon interviews special guest Jack from Diary of a Teacher and we discuss ways to work well with other adults, primarily TAs. Ashleigh and Simeon share their top tips too! Working with other adults resource: 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1ds3mmJack&#39;s blog: 🔗👉 https://jackwatson1807.substack.com/

S4 E5: Working With Other Adults With Jack (Diary of a Teacher)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/2/27/13/73118995-be8b-44df-92d1-64034f6d437e_s4_e3_the_realities_of_teaching.mp3

In this special episode, we are joined by Ketrina (@teacherteresauk), a TikTok teacher with millions of views, who is a fierce advocate for work-life balance. We talk about the realities of teaching in 2024, and what she does to ensure she gets free time outside of work and continues to enjoy teaching.Links 🔗Ketrina&#39;s TikTok 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@teacherteresaukKetrina&#39;s Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/teacherteresauk/Tips on Work-Life Balance resource👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1f69w9

S4 E3: The Realities of Teaching with Ketrina (@teacherteresauk)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/1/31/14/5db3cdfe-04cf-4cdb-8c0b-2ec777bb2f96_s4_e2_the_new_ittecf_framework.mp3

In this special episode, Simeon and Ashleigh are joined by Twinkl Digest writer Amy to discuss the newly announced Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF).We discuss the proposed changes and when they will come into effect so you can feel confident wherever you are on your teaching journey.Amy&#39;s article: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/125e5tAmy&#39;s update: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1ig7r1The guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/initial-teacher-training-and-early-career-frameworkMore from us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7

S4 E2: The New Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF)

A podcast from Twinkl, designed to help trainee teachers and ECTs (NQTs) go into the classroom feeling confident. Ashleigh and Simeon are your hosts on a mission to help you navigate the highs and lows of beginning a career in teaching.