How can schools go beyond buzzwords and box-ticking exercises to truly support mental health, inclusion, and safeguarding? In this insightful episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker talks with Dr. Adam McCartney — educational psychologist and national training lead — about how to build school systems that don’t just function, but truly care.

From shifting away from outcome-obsessed models to embedding psychologically informed, trauma-responsive practices, Adam shares his expertise on transforming education into a genuinely nurturing environment. This is a must-listen for parents, teachers, carers, and education leaders seeking meaningful change in how we support children and young people.

The Able to Care podcast is proudly sponsored by Order your card today

• Dr. Adam McCartney’s website: rmcpsychologicalservices.com

• Connect with Adam on LinkedIn: Dr. Adam McCartney on LinkedIn (search his name directly)

• Andy Baker’s Book: Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge

1️⃣ Schools need to shift from a focus on outcomes to a focus on wellbeing, belonging, and psychological safety. 2️⃣ Collaborative, reflective practice — including supervision for teachers — is vital for sustainable systems change. 3️⃣ Parents and schools must build trusting, validating partnerships to improve outcomes for children with additional needs.

00:00 — Introduction: Moving beyond box-ticking 00:02 — Meet Dr Adam McCartney and his mission 00:06 — Why education needs a nurturing rethink 00:15 — Breaking down trauma-informed and relational practice 00:27 — The challenge of staff roles, collaboration, and defensiveness 00:39 — Building psychologically informed, restorative systems 00:51 — Parental partnerships and advocating for change 00:53 — Final reflections and how to connect with Dr Adam

✅ Gain actionable insights on transforming schools beyond buzzwords ✅ Learn practical strategies for trauma-responsive, relational, and psychologically informed systems ✅ Hear a national expert’s take on the future of safeguarding, mental health, and inclusion ✅ Feel inspired to advocate for change in your school, community, or caregiving role

If you’re a teacher, parent, carer, or education leader, this episode will challenge you to think bigger — and act braver — about supporting our young people.

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