In this episode, Lisa is joined by one of our adopters to talk about their positive, personal experience around birth family contact. Their discussion covers the benefits and challenges of contact, preconceptions, worries and what their children's experiences were like. Adoption Focus adopters with queries or concerns about contact can speak to our…

In our latest episode Leigh, Lisa and Jason are discussing reduced timetables. These are used for several reasons, health needs, mental health needs and sometimes due to behaviour. Leigh, Lisa and Jason talk about what they are, when should they or shouldn't they been used and how you can help manage things with school. We'd love to hear what you t…

In this episode, Leigh is joined by adoptee, poet, writer, African drummer, and public speaker Michelle “Mother” Hubbard. Michelle shares her experience of transracial adoption, exploring her heritage, finding her birth family and forming her own identity. Michelle is performing her show “Did I mention I’m adopted?” at the Nottingham Playhouse on F…

Leigh, Lisa and Jason discuss how you can improve your child's self-esteem and find alternative ways to encourage them not to feel shame. They talk about the types of behaviours shame can manifest into, how shame can make your child feel and react and how best to advocate for your child at school to help combat feelings of shame. We'd love to hear …

For this episode we are joined by Janette who was adopted as a young child. She talks about what adoption means to her, how it has impacted her life positively and what it was like growing up knowing she was adopted. If you've adopted with Adoption Focus and would like to speak about your experiences, please email us at podcast@adoption-focus.org.u…

In the latest edition of our podcast Education in Focus, Leigh, Lisa and Jason discuss unstructured break time in school. The unpredictable nature of play times and break times can often be stressful for some children. In this episode, the team talk about what you as parents can ask your school to do to help. The idea for the topic for this episode…

In this episode Leigh talks to Natalie about the adoption process, early permanence and contact between siblings. "They were amazing brothers straight away. You see them together and think well, that's just how it was meant to be." "Being open to that help, support and advice and note being embarrassed to ask for it, to us is massive." "It is amazi…

During this episode Leigh, Lisa and Jason talk about Pupil Premium Plus, what it is, what it's for and how you can apply for it. If you've adopted with Adoption Focus and would like to speak about your experiences, please email us at podcast@adoption-focus.org.uk. If you have any requests for podcast topics you’d like us to cover, we'd love to get …

We were so lucky to be joined by Jodie who adopted a brother and sister with her partner through Adoption Focus. Jodie talks about the highs and lows of their journey through the adoption process and how proud she is of the bond her children now have. If you've adopted with Adoption Focus and would like to speak about your experiences, please email…

In this episode we are joined by our linking and matching officer Alex, who previously worked as a teacher, SENCO and assistant head. Alex, Leigh, Lisa and Jason focus on Special Education Needs and Disabilities; what that means and how you as parents can advocate for your child and help school to support them. https://www.kids.org.uk/sendiass-home…

In this episode, Lisa speaks to Nathan who adopted his children with Adoption Focus 10 years ago. Nathan reflects candidly on his journey as a single adopter, covering areas including expectations versus reality, challenges faced, achievements, triggers, enjoying family life, and his pride in his children as they grow up into teenagers. If you've a…

We were so lucky for Adoption Focus’ Laura to be joined by Judd and Matt one of our Adoption Focus same sex couples for a fantastic podcast episode about their adoption journey, the adoption support they are receiving and parenting with PACE. If you would like to find out how to access our fantastic adoption support or if you’d like any more inform…

In this episode Leigh, Lisa and Jason discuss the best way to prepare for a meeting at school so that you can get the best support for your child/children. If you have any topics you'd like us to discuss please contact us on podcast@adoption-focus.org.ukAf Adoption Focus

In this episode Leigh talks to Sophie, an adoptee and one of our panel member's. She talks to us about panel and her personal experiences of adoption including the importance of life story work and supporting our families with contact.Af Adoption

In this episode we discuss trauma informed schools with our guest speaker Hayley, the headteacher at Spen Valley High. At Spen Valley High School they believe strongly in ethical leadership and whatever barriers there are to learning, they aim to support their students so they can remain in school, engaged in their learning and achieving well. Duri…

Episode 11 of our Education in Focus podcast discusses promoting good school and parent relationships. Leigh, Lisa and Jason chat about how as parents we can build a team around our children in an education setting, what part attachment plays and how you can advocate for your child to help them have a positive experience.…

In the first episode, Leigh is joined by Adoption Focus CEO Anna Sharkey. Anna gives a fascinating insight into her background and her personal and professional experiences of adoption, talks about the history and current situation with the voluntary adoption sector, and offers advice for adopters and those considering starting the process.…

In this episode Leigh, Lisa and Jason discuss all those transitions that can happen before, during and after the school day that your child may need support with.Af Adoption Focus

Many events in schools can be lots of fun on the face of it but can be sources of anxiety for our children. From Halloween to Mother's Day to Christmas it is always a good idea to look out for these kind of events at school, be prepared and ask for more details so you can support your child. In this episode Leigh, Lisa and Jason will talk about wha…

Our Schools Social Care Service helps children and families cope with social and psychological problems that may arise at school, at home, or in the larger community. We can provide your school with a flexible and adaptable service to meet the needs of each school. Our skilled social care workers will work with pupils to eliminate barriers to learn…

Getting ready for your child to head back to school, move up a school year or start a new school can be overwhelming. In this episode Leigh, Jason and Lisa discuss lots of ways to help your child feel confident and ready for the new school year. We'd love to hear what you think of Education in Focus. Drop us an email at education@adoption-focus.org…

Many children and young people find it easier to talk to their peers about issues they're experiencing before they talk to family members or professionals. Because of this, there has been an increased drive to develop peer-based initiatives and programmes to help children and young people access help and support. An education setting is the ideal p…

In this episode of the Education in Focus Podcast Leigh, Lisa and Jason discuss end of year transitions; what is usually involved, how you can prepare and support your child, and what kinds of conversations you can have with school to make transitions as smooth as possible. We hope you enjoy this episode. Don't forget, if you have any ideas for top…

In this episode our education expert Jason is joined by Mandy, a primary school teacher and parent of two adopted children. She’s had some challenging times, just like any other parent of adopted children. During this episode Jason and Mandy discuss issues that can surface as adopted children grow up and enter their teenage years.…

Did you know pupils in the UK are amongst the most tested pupils around the world? In this episode Leigh, Jason and Lisa discuss what tests children face during both primary and secondary school and how, as parents you can support them. We really hope you enjoy this podcast. Don’t forget you can contact us at any time with your suggestions, contrib…

During this episode Leigh, Lisa and Jason explore behaviour management in schools and discuss key issues such as masking, shame, anxiety and what you as a parent can do to help. We really hope you enjoy this podcast. Don’t forget you can contact us at any time with your suggestions, contributions or questions at education@adoption-focus.org.uk…

We are so excited to present to you "Education in Focus", our brand new podcast looking at all things education and adoption. This series of podcasts will explore a range of topics, some specific to adoption and the needs of our children, others more general. Don’t forget you can contact us at any time with your suggestions, contributions or questi…

In this episode, Adoption Focus training manager Leigh is joined by education experts Jason and Lisa for a detailed discussion about homework, looking at it from parents' and teachers' perspectives. We really hope you enjoy this podcast. Don’t forget you can contact us at any time with your suggestions, contributions or questions at education@adopt…

In this episode, Leigh, Lisa and Jason discuss admissions appeals; what guidance is available and where you can find it, how long it takes and what happens at an appeals hearing. Hearing about your child's school place can be such a stressful time especially if you're not offered the school you were hoping for. This episode is full of useful tips a…

As an adoptive parent where do you even start when looking for a school? In our first episode of the Education in Focus podcast, our host Leigh talks with Jason our education advisor and Lisa, who is part of the training team at Adoption Focus, to discuss how to choose a school for your adopted child. Don’t forget you can contact us at any time wit…