Joining the Dots

Episode 14 with Caroline Allams

In this lively and thoughtful episode, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop are joined by educator and co-founder of Natterhub, Caroline Allams. Together, they dive into the evolving challenges and opportunities in education, especially around digital safety, parental engagement, and the impact of technology on both learning and wellbeing. Caroline shares her journey from early years teaching to EdTech entrepreneurship, and the trio explore how we can better prepare children for the digital world. Topics range from phonics fatigue and curriculum overload to the need for experiential, inquiry-led learning and equipping children with "power skills" to thrive in today’s world.

🎧 Key topics discussed:

• The relevance and limitations of the current education system

• Online safety, digital behaviours and the parent-teacher-child triangle

• Distractions of technology and its effect on early years development

• The case for cross-curricular, experience-led learning over box-ticking

• Reflections on phonics, assessment pressures and reading enjoyment

• Natterhub’s mission and its free cross-curricular tools for schools and families

🔗 Find out more:
Visit www.natterhub.com or connect with Caroline Allams on LinkedIn to explore free resources and school sign-ups.

Episode 13 with Hugh Viney

In this episode, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley sit down with Hugh Viney, founder and CEO of Minerva’s Virtual Academy (MVA) — one of the UK’s fastest-growing online schools. From launching with just four students in 2021 to educating over 1,100 full-time learners globally, Hugh shares MVA’s unique hybrid model blending 60% asynchronous and 40% synchronous learning.

💡 Topics include:

• The founding vision of MVA and its rapid growth

• Supporting neurodivergent learners and those with mental health challenges

• The power of mentoring and building real community in a virtual setting

• Redefining the role of teachers and improving retention

• Globalisation, soft skills, and preparing students for the future

• The potential of online BTECs, international hubs, and MVA Hybrid for schools

• Rethinking school holidays, curriculum, and flexible education pathways

Hugh’s message is clear: it’s time to provide genuine choice in education.

🌐 Learn more about MVA: www.minervavirtual.com

Episode 12 with Paul Glossop

In this episode of Joining the Dots, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop sit down with Paul Glossop from the University of Derby to explore the growing cracks in our education system, especially around attendance, SEND provision, and the rigidity of traditional pathways. From rising parental disillusionment to the potential of online schools, they tackle big questions about relevance, access, and the future of learning. Together, they examine how policy, practice, and perspective all need to shift if we’re serious about making education work for every learner.

Topics Covered:

• Why the post-COVID “bums on seats” mindset is failing many young people

• The rise of online and hybrid schooling as lifelines for SEND and school-refusing students

• How parental trust in the system is eroding—and what that means for attendance

• Should education funding follow the child? Exploring the case for a school voucher model

• Curriculum relevance, cultural representation, and why some learners feel invisible

• Reimagining success: from qualifications and UCAS points to skills, creativity, and AI-proof learning

Episode 11 with Professor Mick Waters

Rethinking the Purpose of Education 

In this episode of the Joining the Dots podcast, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop sit down with the legendary Professor Mick Waters—renowned curriculum expert and co-author of About Our Schools—to ask the big questions shaping education today.

💡 What is the true purpose of schooling in the 21st century?
📉 Are PISA rankings driving the wrong kinds of change?
⚖️ How can we restore agency to teachers—and maybe even students?

From the historic roots of curriculum design to the growing calls for “open schools” and global qualifications, the trio explore the tension between national policy and classroom reality. Mick shares candid insights on political meddling, the erosion of trust in the profession, and why it’s time to reimagine what childhood and youth should look like in today’s society.

🔥 Topics include:

• The national curriculum: prescriptive or protective?

• The rise (and risk) of data-driven accountability

• Micro-credentials, soft skills, and the future of assessment

• Lessons from Wales, the Netherlands, and the open school movement

• Why we need a national conversation on childhood itself.
  
  
  

Episode 10 with Dr Nick Jackson

In this thought-provoking episode of the "Joining the Dots" podcast,  hosts Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley chat with Dr. Nick Jackson, AI expert and co-author of "The Next Words: AI and Teachers." Diving into the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence and education, Nick challenges us to move beyond the superficial integration of AI, urging educators to fundamentally reconsider the very essence and purpose of education.

The discussion explores how AI highlights the uniquely human elements of teaching, creating urgency to redefine educational values, pedagogy, and assessment methods.

From the challenges of digital inequality and infrastructure gaps in schools, both in the UK and Australia, to practical strategies for rapidly building teacher confidence with AI, this episode calls for bold and thoughtful action.

Listen in as Nick, Al, and Matt envision a future where embracing AI not only transforms education but ensures no learner or teacher is left behind.

Also check out Nick's Book "The Next Word: AI and Teachers", which you can purchase here, and Al's new Book "The Awkward Questions in Education: The Elephants in the Room from AI to Teacher Retention" which you can purchase here.

Episode 9 with Jonny Clark

In this lively episode, hosts Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop sit down with Jonny Clark—angel investor, CEO of the not-for-profit venture firm Capital Enterprise, and a driving force across multiple UK startup scenes. Jonny shares candid views on why London-based companies often scale faster than those in the north, pointing to policy, infrastructure, and cultural attitudes as bigger factors than pure “entrepreneurial spirit.”

He explains how true innovation demands stepping away from “hustle culture” clichés and focusing on real-world needs—especially in sectors like education and manufacturing, where Jonny sees enormous potential for growth if the right support structures are in place. Al and Matt draw parallels between entrepreneurship and the education sector, pressing Jonny for insights on how schools might better prepare students for rapidly shifting job markets. Jonny raises concerns that schools may be overhyping emerging technology—especially AI—without first investing in fundamental skills and infrastructure.

Still, Jonny’s optimism shines through. He champions the idea of “venture-scale thinking” beyond just London, urging entrepreneurs anywhere in the UK to set their sights on global markets. Ultimately, the conversation spotlights the interplay between policy, culture, and technology in shaping a healthier startup ecosystem—and hints at the promising future that lies ahead if education and industry learn to innovate together.

Episode 8 With Miles Berry

The Future of Tech in Education with Miles Berry

In this thought-provoking episode, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley sit down with Miles Berry, Professor of Computing Education at the University of Roehampton and a leading voice in education, computing, and teacher training. They dive into the evolving role of technology in schools, questioning whether the current teacher training framework is fit for purpose and exploring how AI, computing, and digital skills should shape the future curriculum.

📌 Key Topics Discussed:
✅ The gap in technology training for new teachers and upcoming changes
✅ How curriculum and assessment need to evolve for a digital-first world
✅ The role of computing in education—should it be a core subject?
✅ The impact of high-stakes testing and its effect on curriculum innovation
✅ How Ofsted and policymakers influence (or hinder) tech adoption in schools

🚀 Miles shares his vision for rethinking GCSE computing, making tech education accessible and equitable for all students, and why schools should have more freedom to innovate.

A must-listen for educators, policymakers, and anyone passionate about the future of learning! 🎧✨

Episode 7 with Edmund Barnett-Ward

In this episode, Edmund Barnett-Ward joins Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley for an in-depth conversation about the state of Ofsted and school accountability in England. Edmund, known for his advocacy following the tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry, shares his insights on the flaws in Ofsted's inspection framework, its lack of independent oversight, and the pressures it places on school leaders.

Key discussion points include:

• The ineffectiveness of Ofsted's "tinkering" reforms and its continued focus on judgment rather than improvement.
• The urgent need for an independent complaints process to ensure fairness and accountability.
• The harmful impact of Ofsted's high-stakes inspections on school staff well-being.
• Alternative peer-review models that could foster supportive, context-driven evaluations rather than punitive measures.

Edmund also reflects on his background as a toy designer and his work on Doctor Who action figures, bringing a creative perspective to the discussion.

🔍 A thought-provoking conversation that challenges the status quo and calls for meaningful reform in school inspections.

🎧 Listen now to explore how we can create a more supportive and effective education system.