The School Can't Experience

• #36 - Happiness First Education with Hugh Viney, Minerva Virtual Academy

  In this episode, host Leisa Reichelt speaks with Hugh Viney, CEO of Minerva Virtual Academy (MVA), the UK’s fastest growing school that specifically caters to kids whose needs are not met by the mainstream school system.MVA's unique model centers on a 'happiness first' ethos, providing a blend of self-directed online learning, live lessons, mentoring, and community activities. Hugh explains how MVA caters to diverse student needs, including those facing mental health challenges and neurodivergent learners, creating an educational environment where happiness and well-being are prioritized. The conversation also touches upon the challenges and opportunities in setting up such a venture and the broader implications for the future of education.00:00 Introduction to the School Can't Experience Podcast01:28 Meet Hugh Viney: From Musician to Education Innovator03:14 The Birth of Minerva Tutors: Tutoring for Happiness05:44 COVID-19 and the Rise of Online Learning07:25 Creating Minerva Virtual Academy: A New Kind of School09:55 Navigating Bureaucracy: Accreditation and Recognition15:15 A Day in the Life of an MVA Student22:37 Exploring Online School Clubs and Activities22:59 Building a Sense of Community in Online Schools24:22 Addressing Student Safety and Belonging25:36 Supporting Neurodivergent and Mental Health Needs28:06 Challenges and Solutions in Online Education33:46 Recruiting and Training Online Teaching Staff36:53 Advice for Parents and Educators39:02 The Future of Education: Choice and Flexibility42:49 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRecommended ResourcesMinerva Virtual Academy: https://www.minervavirtual.com/Hugh on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/hugh-vineyHugh’s website & links to other social media: http://hughviney.com/ Save Victorian Parent Helpline Petition: https://www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/save-parentlineSend us a textSupport the show School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on [email protected] DisclaimerThe content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

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• #35 - Unschooling Ourselves with Esther Jones

  In this episode of the School Can't Experience Podcast, host Leisa Reichelt is joined by Esther Jones, a UK-based parent and unschooling advocate and author of The Parent's Handbook to Unschooling Yourself. Esther shares her personal journey of unschooling her three children and the principles behind the philosophy. We explore how parents can inadvertently present the biggest challenges to unschooling success,  the importance of self-compassion, and how to foster an individualised, supportive and engaging learning environment. Discover practical advice and insights on transitioning from traditional schooling to an unschooling approach, and learn about the significance of building a positive relationship with your child. 00:00 Welcome01:05 Meet Esther Jones: A Journey to Unschooling03:22 Defining Unschooling: A Philosophical Approach05:32 The Challenges and Benefits of Unschooling08:15 Navigating Parental Fears and Triggers10:45 Embracing Enoughness and Connection18:49 The Role of Curiosity and Natural Learning23:52 Mindfulness in Action24:24 Learning Through Conversations27:50 Navigating Triggers and Self-Compassion30:14 The Role of the Parent in Unschooling36:10 Transitioning from School to Unschooling42:52 Wrapping Up and ResourcesRecommended ResourcesEsther Jones’ Website - https://www.esther-jones.com/Save Victorian Parent Helpline Petition: https://www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/save-parentlineSend us a textSupport the show School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on [email protected] DisclaimerThe content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

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• #34 - NeuroWild’s Em Hammond on the problem with ‘Just Have a Go’

  Em Hammond of Neurowild joins us for this special episode. Em, a speech therapist and illustrator, emphasizes the importance of understanding and supporting neurodivergent children, particularly in educational settings. We talk through Em’s resource called ‘Reasons Why Autistic Kids May Not Be OK With ‘Having a Go’ and why this request can be ableist, dismissive of our kids experience and ultimately traumatising. Em highlights the importance of validating children's experiences  and asking them about the best ways we can offer them support that actually helps.. 00:00 Welcome to the School Can't Experience Podcast00:26 Introducing Em Hammond: NeuroWild03:43 Supporting Neurodivergent Kids in Education05:37 Challenges with Educators and Neurodiversity07:14 The Importance of Context and Communication09:59 The 'Have a Go' Dilemma19:31 Understanding Neurodivergent Kids' Needs21:26 The Pressure of Being Perceived22:42 The Fear of Failure and Its Impact23:37 Logical and Analytical Thinking in Kids26:47 Gestalt Language Processing in Neurodivergent Kids35:27 Understanding Ableism 39:50 Resources and Support for ParentsRecommended ResourcesReasons Why Autistic Kids May Not be OK with Having a Go: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1SBA4mzbNH/Neurowild on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/NeuroWild-100087870753308Neurowild on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurowild_/?hl=enTeachersPayTeachers Resources: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/emily-hammond-neurowildSave Victorian Parent Helpline Petition: https://www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/save-parentlineSend us a textSupport the show School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on [email protected] DisclaimerThe content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

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• #33 - Listener Favourite - Monique Mitchelson

  Happy school holidays (in Australia) to all who celebrate. As a holiday special we are revisiting this popular episode, an interview with clinical psychologist Monique Mitchelson.We explore the often misunderstood concept of resilience, especially for our neurodivergent young people.Monique, who is autistic and ADHD herself, shares her journey and highlights the challenges and necessary shifts in education systems to support neurodivergent children and young people. Together, they discuss the limitations of traditional exposure therapy, the impact of sensory overload, and the importance of adopting neurodiversity-affirming practices in schools. 00:00 Welcome to the School Can't Experience Podcast00:27 Introducing Monique Mitchelson02:36 Understanding Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy05:30 Challenges of Mainstream Schooling for Neurodivergent Kids07:21 Defining and Misunderstanding Resilience11:38 Exposure Therapy and Its Limitations18:41 The Importance of a Supportive Environment25:41 Advocating for Neurodivergent Children30:58 Resources and Final ThoughtsRecommended ResourcesThe Autism CRC updated guidelines Supporting Autistic Children Guideline | Autism CRC - https://www.autismcrc.com.au/best-practice/supporting-childrenNational Autism Strategy | Department of Social Services - https://www.dss.gov.au/national-autism-strategyDr. Ross Greene - https://drrossgreene.com/Polyvagal Theory — Rhythm of Regulation Deb Dana - https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/polyvagal-theoryPolyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection: 50 Client-Centered Practices (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology): 9780393713855: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com by Deb Dana - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393713857?tag=&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1The Sensory Pyramid of Learning - Foundation for Development - DEVELOP LEARN GROW - https://developlearngrow.com/the-pyramid-of-learning/Send us a textSupport the show School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on [email protected] DisclaimerThe content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

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• #32 - How GPs can support School Can't families with Dr Kara Johns

  In this episode host Leisa Reichelt is joined by Dr Kara Johns to discuss the crucial role that General Practitioners (GPs) can play in supporting families struggling with School Can’t.Dr. Johns, a GP from South Australia, shares her personal and professional insights on handling School Can't situations. They explore the importance of building strong GP-family relationships, navigating the Australian health system, and the Medicare safety net. The episode also touches on the impact of emotional health on children's school attendance and provides practical advice for parents dealing with similar challenges.00:00 Welcome to the School Can't Experience Podcast00:27 Introducing Dr. Kara Johns01:42 Kara's Personal Experience with School Can't07:16 Understanding the Role of a GP11:22 Building a Productive Partnership with Your GP13:44 Navigating Appointment Lengths and Expectations18:45 Supporting Families with School Can't20:42 The Importance of Primary Attachment in Child Development21:41 Challenges in the School System and Parental Advocacy23:48 The Role of GPs in Supporting Families30:27 Navigating the Australian Health System39:11 Resources and Support for Families42:00 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRecommended ResourcesPossums (Neuroprotective Developmental Care) by Dr Pamela Douglas - https://possumsndc.com/Medicare Safety Net - https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare-safety-netsMedicare Mental Health Plan -  https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/mental-health-care-and-medicarePop Culture Parenting podcast - https://www.popcultureparenting.com/Developing Minds psychologists - https://developingminds.net.au/Reflect Health (ADHD Resources) - Send us a textSupport the show School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on [email protected] DisclaimerThe content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

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