Tutorcast

Inside the attendance crisis: A policy expert's perspective (episode 3 of 3)

Persistent absence is a complex national issue that requires a deep understanding of both government policy and the daily reality of schools. In this episode, we sit down with Katie Carr, a Director at Public First, who brings a wealth of experience from her time at the Department for Education and her current role in public policy research. Katie discusses how the focus on attendance has shifted at a national level and what the research tells us about the challenges families face.
She shares her unique perspective as a Chair of Governors and a charity trustee to explain how policy connects with practice. Katie explores how schools can navigate high-level expectations while maintaining a focus on the well-being of their pupils. By looking at the broader strategic picture, she highlights the importance of evidence-based solutions and collaborative leadership in addressing the attendance crisis.
Music from: Audio Library  https://youtu.be/JpoEFiAJdxo
'And So it Begins' by 'Artificial Music' (Creative Commons) https://soundcloud.com/artificial-music

Inside the attendance crisis: A change-maker's perspective (episode 2 of 3)

Persistent absence is a growing crisis that affects a child's social development and future opportunities. In this episode, we talk with Ellie Costello from the advocacy organisation Square Peg. Ellie discusses why the language we use matters and explains that terms like school refusal can often place unfair blame on families.
She shares insights into the complex emotional hurdles that keep children away from the classroom and explores how schools can do things differently. From changing school start times to focusing on strong personal relationships, Ellie highlights the importance of empathy and flexibility in helping every child thrive in education.
 
Music from: Audio Library  https://youtu.be/JpoEFiAJdxo
'And So it Begins' by 'Artificial Music' (Creative Commons) https://soundcloud.com/artificial-music

Inside the attendance crisis: A school leader’s perspective (episode 1 of 3)

Growing rates of persistent absenteeism are becoming an increasing challenge for schools, and impact pupils' attainment and educational outcomes. 
In this episode, we sat down with Antonio Passarello, Deputy Head at St Matthew's Roman Catholic High School in North Manchester. Antonio shares his inspirational first-hand experience in responding to pupil absence and discusses the innovative strategies his school uses to support young people with their attendance.
 
Music from: Audio Library  https://youtu.be/JpoEFiAJdxo
'And So it Begins' by 'Artificial Music' (Creative Commons) https://soundcloud.com/artificial-music

Why literacy matters for educational equity

This episode of TutorCast explores the critical connection between literacy and educational equity with expert guest David Savill.
David, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Salford and leader of the Northern School of Writing, is spearheading the new Literacy Matters Network in Salford. We discuss how disadvantage in Greater Manchester shapes literacy outcomes and fuels the attainment gap, preventing young people from accessing the full curriculum.
Find out how local collaboration and targeted interventions, like Tutor Trust's successful reading tuition, can provide the solution to boost literacy levels and transform young people’s life chances.
Music from: Audio Library  https://youtu.be/JpoEFiAJdxo
'And So it Begins' by 'Artificial Music' (Creative Commons) https://soundcloud.com/artificial-music

Unlocking Local Potential in Salford

We’ve been working with the University of Salford since January. In this podcast, our tutors and the university share their perspectives
For this episode, Tutorcast went on the road! Our co-host Sammy Meynell was on campus at the University of Salford to discuss our ongoing partnership, which places university students as tutors in local Salford primary schools. Sammy was joined by three guests who've all been closely involved with the project: 
Lynne Barrow - Tutor Trust Project Lead and Director of Recruitment, Salford Business School
Matt Allen - Senior Lead Tutor and Lecturer in Economics, Salford Business School
Esther Mashamba - Lead Tutor and psychology student, University of Salford

A Care-experienced Perspective of Tutoring

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Emily, whose personal journey highlights the profound impact of tutoring on young people who are care experienced. This episode makes a powerful case for why quality tutoring should be a fundamental support for all young people, underscoring the urgent demand for increased funding and the potential for nationwide school tuition. 

Become a Revision Champion!

This special episode is for anyone revising for exams - and the parents and carers supporting them.
Our host Matt Hainsworth is joined by former headteacher Mark Wyss to share practical advice on building strong revision habits. They discuss how to create a realistic revision timetable, the importance of finding a strategy that works for you, and the value of working with others.
Whether exams are just around the corner or still a few months away, this episode is full of helpful tips to boost confidence and get revision on track.
 
 
Music from: Audio Library  https://youtu.be/JpoEFiAJdxo
'And So it Begins' by 'Artificial Music' (Creative Commons) https://soundcloud.com/artificial-music

The story of Tutor Trust

Find out how we grew from ambition into a proudly northern charity, collaborating with schools and colleges to transform thousands of young people's lives each year. What were the challenges, how did it grow and what have been the outcomes since the idea was first discussed way back in 2011?
Music from: Audio Library  https://youtu.be/JpoEFiAJdxo
'And So it Begins' by 'Artificial Music' (Creative Commons) https://soundcloud.com/artificial-music

A Year of Impact: Deep Dive into our Impact Report

We dive deep into the latest Impact Report. We will explore the impact of the charity’s work over the past year, sharing our innovative programmes, data-driven insights and inspiring stories of pupil success. Discover how dedicated tutors are making a real difference in the lives of young people across the north of England.
Music from: Audio Library  https://youtu.be/JpoEFiAJdxo
'And So it Begins' by 'Artificial Music' (Creative Commons) https://soundcloud.com/artificial-music

Tutor to Transformative Leader: Driving Social Change [Part Three]

Inspiring futures: Tutoring's influence on education and beyond 
Tutor Trust is a registered charity, who aims to work with young people who might otherwise be unable to access tutoring.    
With over a decade of experience, we know how to make in-school tutoring work effectively. We partner with primary and secondary schools and alternative provision providers as well as colleges across Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and Merseyside.   
Tutoring isn't just about boosting grades; it's about empowering pupils and nurturing their aspirations. By bridging the gap between privilege and opportunity, tutoring becomes a powerful tool for social change, transforming lives and reshaping futures. 
This three-part podcast series explores the far-reaching influence of in-school tutoring on pupils, tutors, communities, and the broader education landscape, as well as the profound impact of being part of the Tutor Trust community.
From personal journeys to systemic change, our episodes explore how tutoring with Tutor Trust can ignite passions, foster a commitment to educational equity, and shape career aspirations. Through candid conversations with experienced tutors and educators, we'll uncover the transformative power of tutoring and its potential to inspire a new generation of leaders. 
Episode 3: How classroom experience shapes career aspirations
In this episode, we meet Ghalib Khan, who shares how his experiences as a tutor in schools inspired him to pursue a career as a digital auditor at PwC. Learn about Ghalib's involvement in PwC's charity committee and how he uses his professional skills to contribute to meaningful social change. 
As one of our guests, Cara, eloquently stated, "So, just by understanding and acknowledging the challenges ...and just championing charities like Tutor Trust, we'll be helping to ensure that there are opportunities for students regardless of their background. And I think that current Tutor Trust tutors could be our future leaders, and they can, and they should take with them their passion for advocating for change into whatever role and career they end up in." 
Whether you're a current tutor, a prospective teacher, or simply interested in the power of education, this podcast series offers valuable insights and inspiring stories. Tune in to discover how tutoring can shape futures and make a lasting impact on society. 
Music from: Audio Library  https://youtu.be/JpoEFiAJdxo
'And So it Begins' by 'Artificial Music' (Creative Commons) https://soundcloud.com/artificial-music