How far should schools go in addressing needs that sit outside education?: The Twilight Show with Tom Rogers

Teachers Talk Radio · Apr 21, 2026 · 1h 8m · transcript

Deputy head Rachel, working in a primary school in Newham, discusses how schools are responding to needs beyond education, including poverty, food insecurity, toileting and family instability.

She outlines practical approaches - home visits, strong induction, clear behaviour policies that involve parents, pastoral teams, wellbeing programmes and community partnerships - and argues that building relationships and embedding mental health support helps attendance, learning and overall pupil wellbeing.