Episode 1: Jack Keen – Journey of Riverview
In this episode of Golden Talk, Head of School Jack Keen reflects on the journey of The Riverview Academy and the leadership vision that has shaped its culture. Having joined the school eight years ago, Jack witnessed its transition from two separate schools into one unified academy as he describes the challenge of merging two cultures and the commitment to creating a single, coherent identity centred on belonging for every child from Reception to Year 6. This led to the creation of The Riverview Way, a behaviour and culture framework rooted in core values, shared language, and celebration.
Episode 2: Charlotte Casey – SEND/Inclusion
In this Golden Talk episode, we explore inclusion, belonging, and the lived experiences of children and families within today’s SEND landscape with Charlotte Casey, Headteacher of Culverstone Green Primary School.
She reflects on the moments that shaped her commitment to inclusive education, beginning with an inspirational teacher from her own childhood and early teaching experiences supporting pupils with significant needs. She discusses what “difficult days” mean for families, highlighting how simple disruptions or emotional overwhelm can create barriers before a child even reaches school.
Episode 3: Leon and Rebecca – SEND/Inclusion and Belonging
In this episode of Golden Talks, Temple Hill Primary Academy Headteacher Leon Dawson and Assistant Head for Inclusion Rebecca Crouch discuss what inclusion and belonging look like in practice.
Drawing on years of experience within the school community, they discuss how belonging sits at the heart of their approach to education. For them, inclusion means ensuring every child feels welcomed, respected and supported, regardless of their starting point.
Episode 4: Fliss Walsh- SEND/Inclusion
In this episode of Golden Talks, we speak with Fliss Walsh, Deputy Head and Inclusion Lead at The Riverview Academy, about the meaning and importance of SEND and inclusion in schools today.
Fliss shares what a typical morning looks like in her role, talks about her journey into inclusion, her passion for working closely with teachers and teaching assistants, and why building trust with parents is central to effective SEND support.
Episode 5: Terri Hickey – Belonging
In this episode of Golden Talks, we are joined by Terri Hickey, Operations Manager at The Riverview Academy, to discuss the theme of belonging and the powerful connections schools can build within their communities.
Terri shares her unique journey from being a pupil at Riverview to becoming a key member of the school’s leadership team.
Episode 6: Julia and Keeleigh from Oakfield – SEND/Inclusion
This episode of Golden Talks brings together Julia McCluskey and Keeleigh Jackson from Oakfield Primary Academy to discuss SEND, inclusion, and the power of belonging in education. They reflect on their professional journeys and the experiences that inspired them to focus on supporting children with additional needs.
They discuss how Oakfield prioritises wellbeing, communication, and individualised support so that every pupil feels valued and understood.
Episode 7: Kerry – ToBe Heartsafe
In this special episode of Golden Talks, we speak with Kerry Milliken, co-founder and director of the not-for-profit organisation ToBe Heartsafe.
Kerry shares the powerful story behind the organisation, which was created following the tragic loss of a young man to sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS), an undiagnosed heart condition.
Episode 8: Clare and Lucia – Tobe Heartsafe
In this episode of Golden Talks, we are joined by Claire and Lucia from the ToBe Heartsafe team as they deliver CPR training sessions at The Riverview Academy.
Claire and Lucia explain how their medical backgrounds and close connection to the organisation’s mission drive their passion for educating communities about heart health and emergency response. They also discuss the positive impact of the ongoing partnership between ToBe Heartsafe and Golden Thread schools, ensuring more children and families are prepared to act in an emergency.
Episode 9: Clare and Jackie – Belonging
In this episode of Golden Talks, we are joined by Clare and Jackie from West Hill Primary, who share a unique perspective on the school they once attended as pupils and now serve as staff members. The conversation explores their earliest memories of West Hill, the teachers who inspired them, and the traditions that have shaped the school community over many decades.
Through heartfelt stories and reflections, Clare and Jackie show why West Hill remains such a special place for all and discuss how their experiences as former pupils influence the way they support and teach children today.
Episode 10: Hannah and Sharon – Belonging
In this episode of Golden Talks, we hear from two colleagues at very different stages of their careers who share one powerful connection – their journey began as pupils at Temple Hill. Sharon reflects on more than 30 years working at the school in a variety of roles, from classroom support to site management, and describes how the sense of pride, community and belonging has remained constant since her own school days.
Episode 11: Alisha and Sophie – Belonging
This episode of Golden Talks explores how early school experiences can inspire lifelong careers in education. Alisha and Sophie share their stories of attending schools within the Golden Thread community before returning years later as staff members.
Episode 12: Alex – Belonging
In this episode of Golden Talks, we hear from Alex, a teacher at Fleetdown Primary Academy whose journey into education began as a pupil at one of the trust’s schools. Alex reflects on the teachers and experiences that shaped his childhood and inspired him to pursue a career in the classroom.
He shares how small acts of kindness and recognition from staff left lasting impressions and helped him develop confidence and a sense of belonging.
Catch up on Series 1 from the links below or on the website!
You can also listen to The Golden Talks podcast on Apple, Spotify and Amazon.
*When Bank Holidays fall, new episodes will drop on Tuesdays!
