Hear how to make a good impression, how to look the part, and the story of the man who blew his chance at a job before he'd even got through the gates.

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In this episode of the Early Career Podcast from the University of Worcester, Neil reflects on his professional journey, from his early days as an ECT to joining the Senior Leadership Team.

He shares the experiences, challenges and lessons that shaped his long career in education.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Matt Lamb, reflecting on his tenure as Principal of Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form in West Bromwich.

Matt, who is also the current Mayor of Worcester (as of February 2026), visited the University of Worcester campus to take a look around and gain a deeper insight into university life.

During our conversation, he shares his experiences from the further education sector, why he believes FE is such a rewarding and dynamic career choice, and how it offers space for educators to carve out their own professional identity.

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Whether you're about to begin in a nursery, preschool, reception class, or another early years environment, it's natural to have a range of thoughts and questions as you get ready to step into the classroom.

How can I get the most out of my time here? How can I make a connection with the kids? What should I wear?!

All legitimate questions, and we're here to help.

We’re joined by Lorna Williams, Principal Lecturer in Primary Education and Course Leader for Early Years Initial Teacher Training. With her extensive experience in leading early years settings, Lorna offers valuable insights into how trainee teachers can make a meaningful contribution during their placement, benefiting both the children and the wider staff team.

If you have suggestions for future episodes or would like to submit a question, please contact us at ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk.

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Now leading a vast educational organisation that serves thousands of children, Guy reflects on his journey into teaching, the formative experiences of his early career, and the challenges of his current leadership role.

Together, Guy and Justyn explore the lasting impact of inspirational teachers, the lessons learned as an Early Career Teacher, and the power of simple, kind gestures.

Tune in for a thoughtful tangent that reminds us how a few encouraging words in a school corridor can shape a child’s future.

If you'd like to contact us you can do so on ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk

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Packed with practical tips, classroom management strategies, and reassuring insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to create a calmer, more focused learning environment.

Plus, don’t miss a special visit from the ever-popular Focus Fox!

Got an idea for a future episode? We’d love to hear from you: ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk

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It’s a rewarding path, but mixing passion with profession can bring its own challenges.

In this episode of the ECT Podcast from the University of Worcester, Rebecca Foster MBE shares her journey from PE teacher to Principal Lecturer, and offers advice for early career teachers looking to make a real difference.

With a career dedicated to inclusive sport and supporting young people, Rebecca’s insights are both inspiring and practical.

Comments/questions/suggestions? ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk

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With new government guidance requiring all schools to appoint a sustainability lead and implement a climate action plan by 2025, environmental education is becoming a key part of every teacher's role.

Edd Moore, a former University of Worcester student, has led multiple schools to national and international recognition for their environmental work. Now a consultant, he was approached by Bloomsbury to write a book packed with practical advice for teaching about the envrionment.

That's how 100 Ideas for Primary Teachers: Greener Schools was born.

In this episode he has practical, hands-on advice for things you can do in your classroom today, to turn a science, English, maths or any other lesson into an environmental masterclass.

You can pre-order Edd's book by visiting the Bloomsbury Website on this link.

Keep up to date with the latest on Edd's work and updates on his book on his LinkedIn page.

Get in touch with us on the ECT Podcast at ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk

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What to wear?! How will I get there?! What if the pupils don't behave for me?!

All perfectly fine questions, and we've got the answers!

This episode is taken from a virtual seminar we held with Gemma, our third year Primary Education student, Karen Bubb, lecturer in Primary Education and a teacher, and your regular host, Justyn Surrall.

If you'd like to get in touch with us at the pod, email ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk

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There's a panel interview, you're going to teach a lesson, you're going to have a tour, there might be a pupil interview, and it's completely understandable that you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Here, Andy Taylor, Senior Lecturer and highly experience teacher, is on hand to explain how the day is going to play out, and he has real tips for you on handling tough questions in an interview, mastering your lesson demonstration, and making sure you're putting your best foot forward when it comes to making a connection with your interviewers.

If you have any comments, suggestions or questions, you can contact the ECT Podcast from the University of Worcester.

ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk

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What to look out for in a job description, writing an application, visiting the school, interviewing, it's a challenging time.

Here, Andy Taylor, Senior Lecturer in Primary Education, breaks down the process into stages and has some advice for you when it comes to standing out from the crowd and making sure your interviews are memorable for the right reasons!

Contact us: ectpod@worc.ac.uk

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Catriona has just retired as the Head of the School of Education, and while she's planning her future, she's been speaking to us on the ECT Podcast.

Here, Catriona reflects on her journey, and has some specific advice for you if you're beginning your journey to becoming a teacher.

Contact us:

ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk

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Swaroop earned her PhD in Education at Worcester, graduating in 2006; her doctoral thesis was on the theme of using drama to enhance life skills in children with learning difficulites.

She joins your host Justyn Surrall via Teams from her home in India to talk about her time as a student at Worcester, and the importance of making a good connection with children which will last a lifetime.

Get in touch: ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk

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Some parents you'll see a little, some you'll see a lot, and in this episode Andy Taylor, Senior Lecturer in Primary Education, has ten pieces of advice you can start using today to help kickstart good relationships with parents and maintaining them.

From building the confidence to approach the parents on the playground to preparing for a difficult conversation, Andy and Justyn have you covered in this episode!

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for episodes you'd like to hear on the podcast then do get in touch with us: ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk

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Jacqui did her teacher training at Worcester and spent 11 years in secondary before entering the world of politics, and she has been back at the University to speak to us about her time as a teacher, and how it influenced her as she went through her career in politics.

She has some advice for new teachers, and we discuss what she's planning on doing in Government to make the lives of teachers easier.

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Struggling to connect with them? Not getting enough time with them? Worried about what they think of you?!

They're all completely normal concerns! Andy Hale is a Principal Lecturer in Primary Education and has spent a long time as a Head, and he joins Justyn Surrall to give you some advice on building and maintaining really good relationships with the SLT in your school.

Contact us: ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk

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Mr T (Andy Taylor, as he's usually known!) is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Worcester, and is also the man behind Mr T's NQT/ECT Support on X and Instagram.

There is so much you can do to improve your general wellbeing, and here Andy and Justyn discuss the ways that you can make a genuine difference to how you're feeling as an early career teacher.

Contact us: ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk

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But they can be tricky, especially if you've never really seen yourself as being particularly arty.

Kaytie Holdstock is a lecturer in primary art, and specialises in all things creative.

She has a fantastic community on Facebook which you should join for ideas to help you deliver truly fantastic art lessons, whatever your experience has been.

https://www.facebook.com/Diverseprimaryart/

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A major report called Casting Long Shadows looked at the impact of the pandemic on children, and in this very special episode, Alison Prowle from the University of Worcester explains what impact all this can have on your classroom.

Alison has an extensive background investigating the impact of childhood adversity, and has advice for you in supporting children whose first few years of life were completely different to the norm.

If you've got any questions, comments or suggestions for episodes you'd like to see covered, get in touch with us at ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk

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Teacher presence involves confidence, engagement, and how comfortable you are when you're communicating with your classroom.

Today, Justyn Surrall is joined by Dr Rachael Paige, the Deputy Head of Institute of Education has an extensive background in primary education, and has worked in teacher training since 2010, coaching a great many people in how to boost their confidence and improve delivery.

Here, we'll discuss what we mean by 'teacher presence', and there are some fantastic takeaways that you can bring into your classroom today.

Get in touch with us: ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk

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In this episode, Dr Tony Evans, the Head of a Worcestershire high school and fellow of the University of Worcester, speaks about how he holds interviews and has some key tips for you ahead of the big interview you're heading towards.

Comments, suggestions, and requests for episodes can be sent to ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk

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Alison Tugwell is the Primary SEND Lead and Module Leader for the PGCE SENDi pathway, and has around 30 years of experience in the education sector in a variety of roles.

Here, in this episode, we're talking about the challenges and rewards for an ECT in supporting children with SEND, and how best to help your pupils.

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The University of Worcester is one of the UK's biggest educators of teachers and has been praised as 'exceptional' and rated 'Outstanding' by a large team of Ofsted inspectors, and this is your chance to tap into the expertise of the University's Institute of Education.

In this podcast, we're going to explore a range of topics tailored specifically for early career teachers, looking at classroom management strategies, behaviour, supporting pupils with special educational needs, lesson planning, and so much more.

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And it's not just about the pupils!

As a teacher, you'll be used to analysing performance, and there's a danger of being over critical of ourselves. Andy Hale is a Principal Lecturer in Primary Education at the University of Worcester and has more than 30 years experience working in primary schools, half of that were as a head.

He joins your host Justyn Surrall to discuss techniques to reflect in a healthy way, and build the confidence and resilience which will form the foundation of what you project to your pupils.

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In this third episode of the ECT Podcast from the University of Worcester, we talk about building relationships with pupils and their families in those early years settings.

Lorna Williams is a Principal Lecturer in Primary Education and Early Years Initial Teacher Training, and has a passion for early years education. She has written extensively on supporting ECTs and pupils in the early years.

She's joining Justyn Surrall from the University of Worcester to talk about welcoming small children, getting to know parents and carers, and navigating your way around the staff room too!

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We're joined here by a trio of guests, each with their own unique specialism and experience.

Andy Taylor, the Mr T behind Mr Ts ECT/NQT on X, and he looks back on how his first class was a dream! Senior Lecturer Dan Whittaker, however, had a very challenging time of it.

They're joined by Dr Rachael Paige, the Deputy Head of Institute at the University of Worcester and they're discussing their experiences, how they dealt with them, and how they use those experiences to train teachers now.

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Asking for help, volunteering for additional duties, learning from the teachers around you, and making friends in the staffroom... it's a hugely exciting but also quite tricky stage of your career.

Here, Andy Taylor, Senior Lecturer in Primary Education from the University of Worcester talks about how he has supported ECTs through their induction.

Andy Taylor is the Mr T behind Mr T's NQT/ECT on X (Twitter), check out his page and join in the discussion there.

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