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How learning outside improves wellbeing

How learning outside improves wellbeing

Do you have school playground memories? Did they involve climbing trees, rolling around in grass, maybe picking flowers? If so - count yourself lucky! Many children's playground experiences involve tarmac and concrete, and a significant lack of green. With more and more research coming out about the important role that nature has in supporting our mental wellbeing, combined with the worrying stat that 1 in 6 children are already feeling the effects of poor mental health - it's about time we make greenery in playgrounds a necessity, rather than a nice to have. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
March 12, 2024
When faced with deadly events, leaders react differently to their own fears and grief

When faced with deadly events, leaders react differently to their own fears and grief

During wars, natural disasters and other emergencies, when people’s death anxiety is heightened, some leaders start caring more about their own interests and welfare, while others become more considerate and committed to helping their teams. Chidiebere Ogbonnaya studied 595 leaders from workplaces in the UK, China and Pakistan. He writes that those with a positive mindset were less anxious about mortality and more focused on leading well. In today’s business world, discussions about mortality are often overlooked, even though death reminders are all around us. From global pandemics, wars, and natural disasters to personal trauma and emergencies, these events create mortality cues that affect individuals, jobs, and organisations. But what about leaders? How do they respond to these mortality cues,…
Dr Neil Thompson
March 12, 2024
Race and inclusion in secondary school art education

Race and inclusion in secondary school art education

Art is one of the only subjects that explicitly offers a space for personal exploration, where students are encouraged to respond to the world and their place within it. Art lessons are therefore a unique opportunity for students to explore their own identities, heritage and experiences, and those of others. It is vital that art education is inclusive and inspiring for all students. That’s why the Runnymede Trust and Freelands Foundation partnered to deliver Visualise, the first major research into race and ethnicity in art education. We want to ensure art education is accessible and fulfilling for all students, and that teachers are supported to deliver a broad and engaging curriculum. Our research confirms what art educators have been saying…
Dr Neil Thompson
March 12, 2024
Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Dadirri listening

Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Dadirri listening

Listening, of course, is more than just hearing. It is about paying attention to someone in a way that creates a genuine human connection. Sometimes that connection is enough to enable the person concerned to feel stronger, more confident and better supported in dealing with their difficulties. Listening is an important first step in terms of exploring potential solutions, but at times listening is enough on its own to find the strength to move forward positively. ‘Dadirri’ is a concept drawn from Australian aboriginal culture which refers to the type of listening that creates that all-important bond, listening that gives a strong and genuine message that we are concerned and that we are here to help without judgement. It could…
Dr Neil Thompson
February 27, 2024
Supporting hybrid working

Supporting hybrid working

Many employees now work in a hybrid way. Hybrid working is a flexible working approach where employees spend some of their time working in a remote location and some in office – or other – work spaces. Working in a hybrid way requires clear ways of working, planning and organising if it is to be successful. Hybrid work must be tailored to the unique needs of the individual, team, department or organisation. Exactly how to undertake hybrid working will vary from organisation to organisation, and even from team to team. The role of the line manager is key to ensuring effective ways of working. Managers are responsible for communication, performance management and collaboration within hybrid teams. Click here to read…
Dr Neil Thompson
February 27, 2024
Is society coming apart?

Is society coming apart?

Despite Thatcher and Reagan’s best efforts, there is and has always been such a thing as society. The question is not whether it exists, but what shape it must take in a post-pandemic world? In March 2020, Boris Johnson, pale and exhausted, self-isolating in his flat on Downing Street, released a video of himself – that he had taken himself – reassuring Britons that they would get through the pandemic, together. “One thing I think the coronavirus crisis has already proved is that there really is such a thing as society,” the prime minister announced, confirming the existence of society while talking to his phone, alone in a room. All this was very odd. Johnson seemed at once frantic and…
Dr Neil Thompson
February 27, 2024
Rights-based practice in the early years

Rights-based practice in the early years

With support from the Cattanach Trust, the Year of Childhood specifically focused on the Early Years Sector, namely identifying and amplifying good practice in early years settings. highlighting impact for children, families and communities. By engaging parents and carers in conversations around the importance of human rights in children’s earliest years, we identifying good practice internationally via a webinar series, and highlighted the challenges and opportunities of embedding children’s rights in the early years. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
February 27, 2024