The Parent-Teacher Loop

18 Episodes
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By: Olivia Davies, Claire Murphy & Lucy Burton

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.

The Art of good Communication- looking at Speech and Language for children
#17
Today at 9:00 AM

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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 language development, and provides insights into speech therapy milestones for children. Richard also addresses common concerns such as speech delay and stuttering and offers practical tips for parents to foster good speech and language skills in their children.

If you have any...


The Importance of Food for Thought and Concentration
#16
09/11/2025

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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, meal preparation, and creating healthy snacks and lunchboxes. The conversation highlights the need for parents to model healthy eating habits and the significance of involving children in food preparation. The episode concludes with encouraging words for parents dealing with fussy eaters...


'Expected levels' at Years Four, Five and Six explained
#15
09/04/2025

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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 Six focusing on reading, writing, and maths. They delve into what parents can expect from their children as they progress through the school system. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding individual learning...


'Expected' levels in Year 1-3 explained
#15
08/28/2025

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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 as they progress through the school system. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding individual learning paths, the significance of communication with teachers, and practical tips for supporting children's education at home.


If...


The Art of keeping children safe on the Internet
#14
07/17/2025

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In this episode, the hosts discuss the critical topic of eSafety for children, especially as summer approaches and screen time increases. They explore the implications of screen time, the importance of parental awareness, and the role of schools in educating children about online safety. The conversation highlights the dangers of smartphones and online gaming, the impact of technology on child development, and the need for open communication between parents and children. The hosts also provide practical tips for...


The Art of Keeping up Academically in the Summer Holidays
#13
07/10/2025

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In this episode, Olivia, Claire and Lucy discuss the challenges parents face during the summer holidays regarding their children's learning and development. They share personal anecdotes, explore the impact of long breaks on academic progress, and provide practical tips for keeping children engaged and learning while having fun. The conversation emphasizes the importance of balance, routine, and creative activities to ensure children do not fall behind as they transition back to school.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating...


The Art of surviving the Summer holidays
#12
07/03/2025

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In this episode, the hosts discuss strategies for surviving the long summer holidays with children, focusing on maintaining some educational skills, while also ensuring fun and engaging activities. They share personal experiences and practical tips for structuring days, encouraging reading, and incorporating creative play. The conversation emphasizes the importance of balance, flexibility, and involving children in planning their summer activities to foster independence and enjoyment.

Chapters 


00:00 Surviving the Summer Holidays
08:59 E...


The Art of dealing with Big Emotions
#11
06/26/2025

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In this episode, the hosts discuss the complexities of parenting and education, focusing on managing children's big emotions, the importance of compliance in early education, and the role of transparency between parents and educators. They explore strategies for helping children articulate their feelings and navigate hormonal changes as they grow. The conversation emphasizes the need for emotional literacy and awareness in children, while also engaging listeners for future topics. This conversation delves into the emotional development of children...


The Importance of Boredom
#10
06/19/2025

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In this episode, the hosts discuss the importance of boredom in childhood development, emphasizing how it fosters creativity, imagination, and resilience. They explore various strategies for parents to manage their children's boredom, the role of technology, and the significance of independent play. The conversation highlights the balance between structured activities and free play, ultimately advocating for boredom as a valuable learning opportunity.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Boredom
03:43 Boredom as a Catalyst...


The Art of successful transitions
#9
06/12/2025

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In this episode we welcome our first guest to the podcast: Louise is Head of Lower School and Year 7 at a grammar school and she explains the expectations for starting Grammar school. Claire, our Early Years teacher explains the expectations of starting Primary school and we talk about how to best prepare your children for those transitions.

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The Art of Building Resilience
#8
06/05/2025

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In this engaging podcast episode, the hosts discuss the multifaceted challenges of parenting, particularly focusing on the importance of resilience and play in child development. They share personal anecdotes and professional insights on how to foster resilience in children, the significance of school readiness, and the transitions children face as they grow. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents to allow their children to struggle and learn from their experiences, ultimately preparing them for future challenges.

...


School Readiness: The Art of Early Numeracy
#7
05/22/2025

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In this episode we explain what is meant by early numeracy. Claire, our Early Years teacher describes what the skills and expectations look like in the classroom. Lucy, our Childminder gives top tips on how to encourage early counting and maths skills at home and how to fit it in to busy day.

If you have any questions you would like us to answer you can find and follow us on Instagram @ParentTeacherLoop


School Readiness: The Art of early Literacy
#6
05/15/2025

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In this episode we explain what is meant by early literacy. Claire, our Early Years teacher describes what the skills and expectations look like in the classroom. Lucy, our Childminder gives tips on early reading and how to fit it in to a busy day.

If you have any questions you would like us to answer you can find and follow us on Instagram @ParentTeacherLoop


School Readiness: The Art of communication and social skills
#5
05/08/2025

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In this episode we look at the communication and social skills needed for starting school. Claire, our Early Years teacher explains what the expectation is for children starting school and Lucy, our Childminder, gives tips on how to encourage those skills in children getting ready to go to school so that they can be as successful as possible from day one.

If you have any questions you would like us to answer you can find and...


SATs and tests: How to deal with the stress
#4
05/01/2025

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In this episode we talk all about the statutory tests that children do in Primary School: phonics screening check, the Multiplications check and the SATs. Claire and Olivia, our Primary School teachers explain what the children can expect and how best to prepare for them with as little stress as possible.

If you have any questions you would like us to answer you can find and follow us on Instagram @ParentTeacherLoop


School Readiness: The Art of Potty Training
#3
04/24/2025

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This episode looks again at the school readiness checklist and in particular potty training. Claire, our Early teacher explains what is expected of your child when they start school when it comes to going to the toilet. She describes what the children can expect in class as well as how the teachers will help them. Lucy, our Nanny and Childminder then gives lots of great tips and information about how to get your children to the point where...


School Readiness: The Art of Moving for success in writing
#2
04/16/2025

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This episode looks more closely at the school readiness checklist, in particular the importance of movement and play for helping your child be successful at writing when they start school. Claire, our Early Years teacher tells us what to expect in the first year of school and Lucy, our Nanny and Childminder gives lots of great tips for encouraging movement and play.

If you have any questions you would like us to answer you can find...


School Readiness: The Art of eating, dressing and concentrating
#1
04/10/2025

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This episode looks in more detail at 3 items on the school readiness checklist: independent eating, dressing and focusing. As Primary School teachers, parents and practitioners we explain what the expectations look like in school, the impact of meeting those expectations and give tips for how to achieve them.



If you have any questions you would like us to answer you can find and follow us on Instagram @ParentTeacherLoop