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Detention Diaries

Detention Diaries

Written by: Detention Diaries
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Welcome to Detention Diaries — a podcast, blog, and teacher community built with heart, humour, and a healthy dose of realism. We discuss all things education, get involved and join the community at detentiondiaries.com.

© 2026 Detention Diaries
Episodes
  • Make it Make SENDs #6: From SEND Crisis to System Reform: Lorraine Petersen OBE on What Must Change
    Apr 7 2026

    Keywords

    education, SEND, inclusion, teacher burnout, mental health, school leadership, education reform, SEND crisis, education crisis, teacher wellbeing, child mental health, safeguarding, policy, school improvement, inclusive practice

    Summary

    In this episode of Make it Make SENDs, I sit down with Lorraine Petersen OBE — former CEO of nasen, headteacher, and one of the most respected voices in SEND and inclusive education.

    We explore the current state of education and ask the big question: are we facing a SEND crisis… or an education system that isn’t built to support everyone?

    Lorraine shares her journey through education, offering deep insight into the pressures schools are facing today — from rising SEND demand and stretched resources to teacher burnout and the growing mental health needs of both staff and students.

    This conversation goes beyond the headlines, unpacking what’s really happening in schools right now, and more importantly, what needs to change. Lorraine speaks with clarity and honesty about how we can build a system that is more inclusive, humane, and sustainable — for both young people and the adults supporting them.

    If you’re a teacher, leader, SENDCO or parent trying to navigate the complexity of modern education, this episode will leave you thinking differently about what’s possible.

    Key Takeaways

    • “We don’t just have a SEND crisis — we have a system that isn’t designed for everyone.”
    • “You cannot separate inclusion from the wellbeing of teachers.”
    • “If we want better outcomes for children, we must first support the adults in the system.”

    Support the Show

    Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.

    👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com

    to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

    Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

    Support the show

    Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.
    👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com
    to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

    Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 23 mins
  • Detention Diaries #6 Alun Ebeneezer - Creating a Culture of Discipline in Schools
    Mar 13 2026

    Keywords

    education, leadership, school culture, discipline, inclusion, Welsh education, head teacher, student engagement, academic rigor, mentorship

    Summary

    In this conversation, Alun Ebenezer shares his journey in education, discussing the importance of creating a positive school culture, maintaining high standards, and the challenges faced in the Welsh education system. He emphasizes the need for discipline, mentorship, and community engagement while addressing the balance between inclusion and academic rigor. Alun also reflects on his aspirations for systemic change in education and the importance of resilience in students.

    "Discipline and high standards are crucial."
    "Attendance is a collective responsibility."
    "Inclusivity must be balanced with discipline."


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Early Life
    03:13 Teaching Journey and Leadership Development
    05:57 The Importance of School Culture
    09:12 Establishing Fulham Boys School
    12:03 Addressing Societal Issues and Role Models
    14:54 Discipline and Standards in Education
    17:58 Challenges in the Welsh Education System
    21:06 Strategies for Improvement in Education
    25:24 Transforming School Culture
    27:27 Improving Attendance Strategies
    30:27 Inclusivity and Exclusion in Education
    32:53 Meaningful Inclusion and Equity
    34:55 Addressing Repeat Offenders
    36:56 Challenging Labels in Education
    38:50 Future Aspirations in Education
    40:53 The Need for Systemic Change
    42:34 Lessons in Leadership
    44:48 Advice for Head Teachers

    Support the show

    Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.
    👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com
    to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

    Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • Make it Make SENDs #5 : Music and Inclusivity - is it even possible? with Kate Campbell-Green
    Feb 27 2026

    Music, Inclusion, and Empowerment with Kate Campbell Green

    Join us in this insightful episode as Kate Campbell Green shares her journey through music education, inclusion, and advocacy. We explore how music can be a powerful tool for social change, personal growth, and transforming educational spaces. Discover practical strategies to make music truly inclusive and inspiring at all levels.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Kate Campbell Green's journey
    02:23 - Setting the tone: Covid, new year, and purpose of the Make It Make Sense podcast
    03:03 - Why understanding my autistic daughter enhances my work in education
    04:00 - The broad role of music services in schools and misconceptions
    05:38 - How music education addresses disengagement and fosters belonging
    06:36 - The significance of authentic venues like Stoller Hall and Band on the Wall
    09:02 - Early musical influences and pathways from DJing to education
    10:33 - Growing up autistic and ADHD: challenges and the role of music as sanctuary
    13:13 - The power of creative process and improvisation in music learning
    16:04 - Deep dive into inclusive music education: frameworks and mental models
    18:19 - The four Rs of inclusion: rapport, resilience, representation, reflection
    22:21 - The culture of music departments as safe spaces
    23:02 - Is education truly inclusive? Challenges and personal reflections
    25:26 - Insights from Dr. Shelley Moore on inclusive practices worldwide
    28:41 - The pitfalls of segregation versus genuine inclusion
    31:23 - The physiological and neurological impact of music on neurodiverse learners
    33:45 - How improvisation and creative frameworks foster belonging
    36:43 - Building trust and relationships in disengaged learners
    38:07 - The emotional weight and reward of nurturing young people through music
    43:21 - The impact of engagement in real-world performance venues
    48:39 - How Tameside Music Service creates opportunities for all young people
    55:18 - The significance of spaces like Stoller Hall for young performers
    62:37 - The role of PGCEI and professional development in advancing inclusive practice
    66:35 - Practical tips for teachers: mindset, respect, and embracing complexity
    68:37 - The leaky pipeline: strategies to support long-term musical journeys
    75:44 - Envisioning the future: joined-up pathways and careers in music
    76:54 - The need for holistic, continuous music learning from cradle to career
    79:55 - Why creativity and improvisation are skills machines can't replicate
    80:48 - Reflection: the people behind music education give us hope
    81:16 - If policy makers listened: Just give us the money & trust educators
    82:23 - Balancing life and work: personal anecdotes from Kate
    86:31 - What's next: new projects, stewardship, and supporting local music ecosystems

    Support the show

    Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.
    👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com
    to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

    Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

    Support the show

    Enjoyed the episode? Then it’s time to join the class.
    👉 Head to www.detentiondiaries.com
    to read the blog, sign up for the newsletter, and join our online staffroom community.

    Because education doesn’t end at the classroom door — and neither does the conversation.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 32 mins
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