Explore every episode of the podcast The Trainee to ECT Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| S5 E9: Inclusion with Hannah Lawrence | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:34:41 | |
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/ulyhg Twinkl EAL: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/7vzcc | |||
| S5 E8: Starting Your Primary or Secondary Teaching Placement | 24 Sep 2025 | 00:33:45 | |
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/qc1i4 Twinkl Beyond: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/ci9gt | |||
| S5 E7: Preparing for Your ECT Year One | 21 Aug 2025 | 00:22:54 | |
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/okts9 Seating Plan Resource: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/fig40 Evidencing the Teachers' Standards: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/lq82m | |||
| S5 E6: Wellbeing for Trainee Teachers and ECTs | 29 Jul 2025 | 00:35:36 | |
In this episode, Simeon is joined by Twinkl's National Wellbeing Lead, Beck Dawson. They discuss wellbeing challenges for trainee teachers and ECTs as well as offering wellbeing tips and resources. Simeon's summer blog 🔗 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/v8301 Becky's blog on boundaries 🔗 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/hmatn Mind resources 🔗 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/rnau9 | |||
| S5 E5: Achieved QTS but Haven’t Found a Position for September… Now What? | 26 Jun 2025 | 00:23:08 | |
In this episode, Simeon and Ashleigh go over the many options open to teachers who haven't found a full-time teaching position yet or don't want one. Twinkl Free Trial 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1lr2bs Twinkl Supply Team 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1isfv5 Twinkl Tutors Team 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/skoe1 | |||
| S5 E4: The Expectations and Realities of a Teacher Training Year with Katie | 14 May 2025 | 00:30:24 | |
In this episode, we'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/1fi6ck Free Trial 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/qhz6p | |||
| S5 E3: Job Hunting Step by Step | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:31:01 | |
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/hflm3 Job Hunting Mega Pack: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1jpost Mock Interviews: https://forms.gle/qfuN6uq4HthreZbc7 Personal Statement Feedback: https://forms.gle/r6zScgPfZSPuFxaw8 | |||
| S5 E2: EAL Strategies for Trainee Teachers and ECTs with Helen Bodell | 14 Mar 2025 | 00:20:14 | |
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 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/mmru0 EAL homepage https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/128z6c Free trial https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/xsd7c | |||
| S5 E1: Building Positive Relationships with Students (with Jack - How to be a Teacher) | 06 Feb 2025 | 00:25:01 | |
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/1dsmnh Positive Relationships CPD: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1ehr1e Jack's Blog: https://jackwatson1807.substack.com/p/diary-of-a-teacher | |||
| S4 E13: Thriving Over the Holidays | 12 Dec 2024 | 00:23:46 | |
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 E12: Plan a Lesson With Us | 01 Nov 2024 | 00:26:47 | |
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/11uptd Lesson Plan Template https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1hvfsy Objectives https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/nv53m National Numeracy Charity schoolsandfamilies@nationalnumeracy.org.uk | |||
| S4 E11: Breaking Down Barriers - SEND and the Labour Manifesto | 01 Oct 2024 | 00:28:54 | |
In this episode, Simeon and Ashleigh are joined by Hannah Lawrence from the Twinkl SEND segment. We discuss Labour's manifesto promise to 'break down barriers and shatter the class ceiling' 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 E10: Setting Yourself up for Success | 30 Aug 2024 | 00:29:49 | |
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 E9: What to Do over Summer | 24 Jul 2024 | 00:25:57 | |
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's blog on what to do over summer 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/7c7wv Blog on getting ready for September 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/c6tlj | |||
| S4 E8: Looking back on Your Teacher Training Year With Mr H | 25 Jun 2024 | 00:24:57 | |
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 🔗👉https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/y9j0m Follow Mr H here: TikTok - @mrhallahan Instagram - @cianhallahan | |||
| S4 E7: Report Writing | 24 May 2024 | 00:29:55 | |
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 E6: Pursuing Tutoring with Susie from Twinkl Tutors | 25 Apr 2024 | 00:32:45 | |
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! 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/yc5bv Launching your business with confidence 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/9x23k Free Taster Pack 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/19jj34 Twinkl Tutors podcast page 🔗👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/aqiwf Personal Statement Feedback Form 🔗👉 https://forms.gle/GRfSkftFhqsmth3b7 | |||
| S4 E5: Working With Other Adults With Jack (Diary of a Teacher) | 27 Mar 2024 | 00:41:39 | |
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/1ds3mm Jack's blog: 🔗👉 https://jackwatson1807.substack.com/ | |||
| S4 E3: The Realities of Teaching with Ketrina (@teacherteresauk) | 27 Feb 2024 | 00:46:00 | |
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's TikTok 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@teacherteresauk Ketrina's Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/teacherteresauk/ Tips on Work-Life Balance resource👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1f69w9 | |||
| S4 E2: The New Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) | 31 Jan 2024 | 00:15:15 | |
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's article: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/125e5t Amy's update: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1ig7r1 The guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/initial-teacher-training-and-early-career-framework More from us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S4 E1: Lesson Observations | 18 Jan 2024 | 00:28:02 | |
Ashleigh is back! In this episode, she and Simeon discuss lesson observation and share tips to help you feel prepared and confident. More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S3 E12: Planning | 28 Nov 2023 | 00:42:09 | |
Ashleigh's back! In this episode, she and Simeon discuss the different types of planning, how to plan from scratch, how to adpat plans, and they share some planning top tips. Skills map:https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/example-map-skills-progression-t-g-1676630338 Books list: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/book-list More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S3 E11: The Importance of the Arts in Teaching with Sam Cairns | 01 Nov 2023 | 00:22:46 | |
In this episode, Simeon is joined by Sam Cairns from Art Fund to discuss the importance of the arts in teaching. We share tips for getting the most out of museum visits and ways you can create more opportunities to explore the arts in your teaching. https://www.artfund.org/teacher-art-pass More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S3 E10: Behaviour Management 2023 | 03 Oct 2023 | 00:30:55 | |
In this episode, Simeon is joined by Mitisha and our new team member, Harriet. We discuss common behaviour management concerns and scenarios and share our best tips to help you feel confident managing behaviour. Tackling Low-Level Behaviour resource: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/tackling-low-level-behaviour-t-tp-1638796383 Twitter: @TraineeTwinkl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwinklTraineeTeachers More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S3 E9: Starting Your Teacher Training with the Twinkl Trainee and ECTs Team | 30 Aug 2023 | 00:31:40 | |
In this podcast, Simeon is joined by fellow team members Hannah and Mitisha to discuss common questions and concerns for those starting teacher training and offer our best advice and tips for success. Our teaching term Wiki can be found here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/teaching-wiki More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S3 E8: Getting Ready for September as an ECT | 29 Jul 2023 | 00:33:13 | |
In this episode, Simeon in joined by special guests, Dan and Molly, from the Twinkl KS2 Team. They share their best tips for getting ready for September as an ECT in any year group as well as some special tips for those in key stage 2. You can join the Twinkl KS2 team's Facebook group here 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/twinklks2 More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S3 E7: AI in Teaching with Jon Park | 01 Jul 2023 | 00:29:23 | |
In this episode, Simeon is joined by Jon Park from Twinkl Digest. Jon outlines ways AI might impact teaching and how it could help trainee teachers and ECTs. You can read Twinkl Digest here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/news More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S3 E6: Supply Teaching | 01 Jun 2023 | 00:21:38 | |
In this episode, Simeon talks to Lowenna Janssens (Mrs_J_primary on TikTok) about her experiences with supply teaching. She's offers some great tips and gives her insights on the positive aspects of starting your career with supply teaching. More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S3 E5: Job Hunting Tips | 26 Apr 2023 | 00:25:00 | |
In this episode, Simeon brings together our best job hunting tips from previous episodes into one super episode to help you feel more confident on your job hunt. Teacher Interview Questions: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/teacher-job-interview-questions-for-trainee-teachers-and-ects-t-tp-2682042 Job Hunting Mega Pack: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/job-hunting-mega-pack-for-trainee-teachers-and-ects-t-tp-2683339 Executive Summary: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/executive-summary-t-tp-2679737 Personal Statement Writing Tips: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/personal-statement-writing-tips-for-teaching-positions Personal Statement Feeback Form: https://t.co/37kzS0SPux More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S3 E4: Sustainable Teaching with Sam Kendall | 26 Mar 2023 | 00:34:04 | |
In this episode, Simeon and Ashleigh speak with Sam Kendall from the Eden Project on their work supporting ECTs. We talk about how to have a sustainable career and ways to engage children in learning about the environment. Sam is full of interesting stories, and her tales about teaching abroad are not to be missed. Find out more about the Eden Project's work with ECTs: http://www.edenproject.com/learn/schools/teacher-training/early-career-teacher-weekends More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S3 E3: Cross-Curricular Learning | 24 Feb 2023 | 00:34:05 | |
In this episode, Ashleigh and Simeon discuss cross-curricular learning, explaining what it is and why you might want to try it in your classroom. They also interview Emily, a secondary trainee with some great ideas on using a cross-curricular approach in secondary schools. More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S3 E1: Thriving On Your Second Placement | 13 Jan 2023 | 00:23:13 | |
In this episode, Ashleigh and Simeon discuss ways you can succeed and thrive on your second placement. They share some top tips and reflect on what they learned from their second placements. Sophie's article: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/gw5km More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S2 E12: Christmas Episode 2022 | 19 Dec 2022 | 00:35:17 | |
In this episode, Ashleigh and Simeon talk about ways you can reflect and recharge over the festive season. They also challenge each other to quizzes and have a lovely interview with trainee teacher Ms Amin about her experiences this term. It's sure to put you a the festive mood! 🤗🎅🎄✨ More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S2 E11: Staying Happy in Teaching with Andrew Taylor (@MrTs_NQTs) | 29 Nov 2022 | 00:32:50 | |
In this very special episode, we are joined by Andrew Taylor of Mr T's NQTs. Andrew has over 39,000 followers on Twitter and dedicates much of his free time to answering questions from trainee teachers and ECTs. He's a lovely person and gives great advice so we were thrilled to talk to him about how to stay happy in teaching. https://twitter.com/MrTs_NQTs Digest: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/news/how-to-avoid-ect-burnout-as-you-begin-a-new-term More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S2 E10: Parents' Evenings | 27 Oct 2022 | 00:28:07 | |
In this episode, Simeon and Ashleigh share their best tips to help you have a positive experience with your parents' evenings whether you are a trainee teacher or an ECT. Digest: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/news/how-to-handle-difficult-conversations-with-parents-as-a-trainee-teacher More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S2 E9: Starting Your First Placement | 27 Sep 2022 | 00:28:33 | |
In this episode, Simeon and Ashleigh go through everything trainee teachers need to know as they start their first placements. They cover what you can expect, what the school will expect from you and share their top tips for a successful placement. Digest - Top Tips for Surviving Your First Placement: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/news/top-tips-for-surviving-your-first-placement Observing Teaching Template: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/trainee-teacher-tutorial-observing-teaching-t-tp-2660750 More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S2 E8: Your First Week as an ECT | 23 Aug 2022 | 00:19:37 | |
In this special episode, Ashleigh and Simeon give their best tips and advice to help you have a happy and productive first week as an ECT. Good luck to all the ECTs out there for your first week! More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S2 E7: What to Expect During Teacher Training | 28 Jul 2022 | 00:27:29 | |
In this episode, Ashleigh and Simeon give an overview of what you can expect on your teacher training year and offer some sage advice. More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S2 E6: Reflections and Celebrations | 24 Jun 2022 | 00:24:43 | |
In this episode, Ashleigh and Simeon discuss ways trainee teachers and ECTs can reflect on and celebrate all of their achievements at the end of the year. There is also a lovely montage of messages from the team at the end. Congratulations to all the trainee teachers and ECTs out there! More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S2 E5: Starting Your ECT Journey | 27 May 2022 | 00:38:08 | |
In this episode, Simeon and Ashleigh discuss what teachers can do to prepare if they have found a job for September and what they can do if they haven't. They also interview Alisha, a teacher who started her career by doing supply teaching. Here is the link to the episode we mentioned: https://redcircle.com/shows/267430fb-5cbe-49ff-9bb9-ec4126cfba84/episodes/6a5e1806-cd62-480e-a1ac-2fecfb6f2047?_ga=2.244877829.1041577009.1653307616-334379120.1653307616 More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| S2 E4: Mentors With Special Guest Mentor/TikToker Josh (MrA_theprimaryteacher) | 29 Apr 2022 | 00:56:05 | |
In this episode Ashleigh and Simeon discuss the role of trainee teacher and ECT mentors. We give some ideas for avoiding potential issues and advice on getting on with your mentor. We also take a look at the mentor's side of things and have a fantastic interview with our guest mentor Josh (who has over 1.4 million views on TikTok). To send us your personal statement, use the following link: https://forms.gle/taTfQWmJbZdby7sE7 More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| E2 E3: Personal Statements | 30 Mar 2022 | 00:39:21 | |
In this episode, Ashleigh and Simeon share their tips for writing personal statements and explain how you can send your statement to us for feedback. They also discuss our recent Job Hunting week and give away a free mock interview. After listening to the epsiode, you can send us your statement here: https://forms.gle/jmZgC9ih1iad6wqC6 Here is the blog we mentioned: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/personal-statement-writing-tips-for-teaching-positions The live session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBKcPm7y6tk And the free resource we mentioned: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/executive-summary-t-tp-2679737 More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 Good luck with your job hunt! 😀 | |||
| S2 E2: Starting Your Job Hunt | 25 Feb 2022 | 00:43:49 | |
In this episode Simeon and Ashleigh talk about the important first steps of your job hunting journey. They discuss where and when to start looking for jobs and how to find out if a school is right for you. They are also joined by Twinkl Digest’s Sophie, who gives her own top tips and advice on how you can feel equipped to start the process of finding that elusive first teaching position. Job Hunting Mega Pack: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/job-hunting-mega-pack-for-trainee-teachers-and-ects-t-tp-2683339 Sophie's Job-Hunting Series: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/securing-a-job-part-1-choosing-a-school https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/securing-a-job-part-two https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/securing-a-job-part-three-tackling-the-interview-day | |||
| S2 E1: Time-Saving Tips | 27 Jan 2022 | 00:38:02 | |
On today’s episode Simeon and Ashleigh discuss all of the little opportunities in the day where you can save yourself some much needed time. They are also joined by current ECT, Chloe, who gives an insight into her life at school and they play a time saving game that you can play along with at home. If you feel you never have enough time, then this is the podcast for you! More about us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| Episode 8 - The Christmas Special 🎄 | 22 Dec 2021 | 00:14:49 | |
In this fun episode, the team discuss their favourite things about Christmas in school, play a teacher-y Christmas game (which you can join in with at home) and share their top tips for recovering over the festive period. Merry Christmas! 🎄🌟 Warning: We discuss the existence of Santa Claus a little bit, so it would be best not to listen with children present. 😉🎅🏽 More from us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| Episode 7 - Differentiation Explained | 06 Dec 2021 | 00:21:48 | |
In this episode, Simeon, Hannah and new team member Donna clearly define and explain the process of differentiation. They also discuss how you can plan for differentiation and how differentiation can happen spontaneously in your classroom. More from us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| Episode 6 - Tips for Managing Low-Level Behaviour | 22 Oct 2021 | 00:42:39 | |
In this episode, Adam, Simeon and Twinkl Digest's Sophie look at common low-level behaviours you might encounter as a trainee teacher or ECT and give their tips on how to manage them effectively. More from us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| Episode 5 - Mental Health Week - Managing Workload as a Trainee Teacher | 21 Sep 2021 | 00:34:50 | |
In this very special Mental Health Week episode, we talk to Sam and Matt from the Teacher of Tomorrow Podcast (@TofTpod on Twitter) about their experiences of managing workload as trainee teachers. They give an honest account of their experiences and share what they've learned along the way. More from us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| Episode 4 - What to do if You Haven't Found a Teaching Job by September | 21 Sep 2021 | 00:28:57 | |
In this episode we are joined by several former teachers, all of whom found different routes into teaching. We discuss the various options open to you if you haven't secured a full-time teaching role for September or if you don't want one. More from us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||
| Episode 3 - The Dos and Don'ts of a Teaching Interview With Oliver Wright | 21 Sep 2021 | 00:15:24 | |
Our special guest headteacher, Oliver Wright (@Oliverslt on Twitter) returns in this episode to discuss the dos and don'ts of job interviews from a headteacher's perspective. This episode is full of valuable tips and advice. If you have a teaching interview coming up, it's highly recommended! More from us: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kfpu7 | |||