On today’s episode I speak with Simon Airey, who you may know from instagram as Simon Inclusion Teacher (formerly known as Sassy Supply). I was really drawn to Simon as his passion for inclusion and neuro-affirming practice comes through so loudly. Not always serious, though; Simon sprinkles humour into much of what he does and is sure to bring you a smile or two. In our conversation, we tackle many big questions when it comes to rethinking traditional practices in education.

Simon and I discuss:

🌸 Reframing behaviour as something to be managed or supported.

🌸 How has inclusion in classrooms changed and how can we foster inclusive spaces?

🌸 Meeting the need for movement + the outside classroom.

🌸 Burnout and the importance of self care and self-compassion.

🌸 Why does education suddenly veer away from early years practice in year one?

🌸 Being a brave educator and resisting dominant educational practices.

These are the books that Simon referred to in our discussion:

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Minding Bodies by Susan Hrach

Sensory Solutions in the Classroom by Cameron Lamp + Monique Thoonsen

With 24 years of teaching experience, Simon is passionate about ensuring all children have access to the curriculum. His strong interest in EYFS, SEND, and neurodiversity has driven him to develop provisions for open-ended play and essential life skills. Throughout his career, he has been a class teacher, subject lead, phase leader, and a member of SLT. He is currently a visiting teacher, working in schools across London.

Connect with Simon:

💫 Send him an email: simonairey4578@gmail.com

💫 Find him on Instagram: @simoninclusionteacher

💫 Tune into Simon's podcast Social Anxiety Life on Apple or Spotify (these links will take you to his episode on children with social anxiety)

Doors to The Behaviour Reset are OPEN!

If you want to be able to understand the behaviour you're seeing, decide how to respond, and adapt your approach when things don't go to plan - without constantly questioning whether you're doing behaviour "right" - click here to join us!

Doors close on October 22.

EP 10 | A Conversation on Rethinking Dominant Education Practices with Simon Airey

The Bloom Room: An Early Childhood Podcast

EP 10 | A Conversation on Rethinking Dominant Education Practices with Simon Airey