Louise

Photo of the front cover of the number one bestseller 'Poor' written by Katriona O'Sullivan, which shows a young girl in a yellow shirt sleeve dress climbing up a wall and almost reaching the top.

My half term reading - 'Poor' by Katriona O'Sullivan...highly recommend 📖

Preparing for interviews: reflections from trainee and qualified EPs - edpsy.org.uk Applying for a place on an educational psychology doctorate programme (DEdPsy) can feel like a long process. Once applications are submitted, it can be both exciting and nerve-wracking being invited…

💡 Interviewing for an EP training course?

A few years ago Dan and Will asked trainee and qualified EPs for their reflections on interviewing for the course and pulled together this blog.

We hope it's useful.

Colleagues - what else?

Read here: edpsy.org.uk/blog/2022/pr...

#edpsychs

Thank you so much for sharing this blog, it is very useful! I've got my interview in a couple of weeks and it'll serve as a great place to support my prep. 😊 😅

Photo of a rainbow with grey skies behind it

Love a 🌈

Photo of a tabby cat lying in a sunny spot in her house

Weeks without any sign of the sun and today it finally makes an appearance...the cat is very happy (even if her face says otherwise) 🌞😺

I've been attending the @bpsofficial.bsky.social Careers Festival this week and it's been really inspiring. Today, I enjoyed Dr Bunn's talk 'Educational Psychology Skills in Action' reflecting on lifelong learning, adaptability, courage, humanity and connections in a world that never stops changing

Short exercise intervention helps teens with ADHD manage stress Researchers found that just three weeks of moderate-to-vigorous exercise reduced stress levels and increased cortisol in teens with ADHD. The findings provide evidence that physical activity may temporarily improve emotional regulation in adolescents facing challenges with attention and impulsivity.

Short exercise intervention helps teens with ADHD manage stress

A photograph of a red admiral butterfly

Earlier today, while worrying about one of my DEdPsych references, I went for a walk and spotted this red admiral. They're said to symbolise transformation & reassurance. 2 hours later, my reference was in. Maybe coincidence but feels like it was the universe's way of saying breathe, it'll be okay 🦋

Great to attend the BPS DECP pre-training event today! Insightful and inspiring sessions from passionate practitioners, and lovely to have the opportunity to connect and reflect with others on the same path. Feeling better prepared and even more motivated for the journey ahead!

Exercise and mental health Each year thousands of pounds are spent on medications to treat conditions such as anxiety and depression. These medications often have negative side effects. Exercise is an alternative treatment ...

Today is World Mental Health Day and so we would like to share this free course which shows why exercise can be so beneficial for your mental health
www.open.edu/openlearn/he...

A very interesting paper that investigates the lived experiences and views of young people to identify some important themes around how physical activity interventions support their mental health.

Front cover of the book The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk

Finally picking up 'The Body Keeps The Score'. It's been gathering dust on my shelf for too long. I'm excited to dive into its insights on how experiences shape learning, growth, and the mind-body connection. 📚✨🧠

Photograph of a view of the Hampshire/Surrey countryside with blue skies and a bicycle in the foreground.

Earlier today, I took myself off for an impromptu bike ride and found a lovely little quiet spot with beautiful views over the Hampshire/Surrey countryside. After a busy start to September, it was the perfect place to stop, reflect and (re)gain perspective. I feel calmer and more focused now ☀️🚲 🌿

Moderate aerobic exercise enhances the brain’s “eighth sense” Researchers found that just six weeks of moderate aerobic exercise improved mood, increased self-efficacy, and strengthened the ability to sense internal bodily signals. The study highlights a possible pathway linking physical activity and emotional health: enhanced interoception, or internal body awareness.

Moderate aerobic exercise enhances the brain’s “eighth sense”

A wooden statue of The Gruffalo, surrounded by tall trees, at the Alice Holt Forest in Hampshire, UK.

A photograph of tall trees lining a path in the Alice Holt Forest in Hampshire, UK.

A great (albeit, dare-I-say, rather autumnal-feeling) day out today with my daughters at the Alice Holt Forest, Hampshire. Lots of fresh air, decorated some fairy doors, found the Gruffalo, and admired the trees, which are just something else round here!!

#summerhols #AliceHoltForest #Hampshire

Good times never felt so good ❤

Our CEO, Tim Hollingsworth highlights how historic this moment is. Not only is this momentous for the Lionesses, but also for women’s sport and how much it has inspired women and girls to get involved in sport and physical activity.

Congratulations!

Lionesses European Champions 2025

No words... ⚽🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏆

#Lionesses #WEURO2025

A photograph of a canal bridge made of old brick.

Today, I went for a lovely, long walk along the Basingstoke Canal with my family. This bridge near Crookham Village always gives me Lord of The Rings vibes, and I just love it!

One-stop family hubs to be opened in all English council areas Government announces £500m project to provide single-point of access for health, education and wellbeing services

Children growing up in our country deserve the best start in life.

Building on the legacy of Sure Start, we’re opening Best Start Family Hubs in every local authority.

That’s the difference Labour makes.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

The first chance I've had all week to watch #wimbledon I do love a centre court battle on a Friday evening! It's a shame #Raducanu couldn't overcome the power of #Sabalenka in the end but it's great to see her fighting hard and playing so well again 💚💜

It was INSET Day today, or as my daughters still call it, an 'insect' day. 🐞 🦋 I think they genuinely believe their teachers go into school dressed up as their favourite bugs and learn about insects all day. 😂 I know they’ll say it the right way one day, but I like their version best. ❤️

The front cover of All That Matters by Sir Chris Hoy. The cover features a close-up photo of Sir Chris Hoy. The title appears in yellow text, with his name above it in bold white text.

Reading All That Matters by Sir Chris Hoy. This line stayed with me: “Why not aim for the gold medal instead of the bronze? Somebody has to be that person to win gold, but only if they try.” Holding onto this as I work towards my goal of becoming an EP. Feels ambitious, but someone has to get there✨

DCD: the common SEND you’ve probably never heard of Developmental coordination disorder (dyspraxia) affects as many children as ADHD but is widely misunderstood. So, what do teachers need to know about this condition?

🧠 An important read in TES today, raising awareness of DCD, a condition that affects around 5% of children but often goes unrecognised. Understanding it is vital for supporting motor, social, and emotional development in the classroom.

📰 Read more: www.tes.com/magazine/tea...

Scientists demonstrate superior cognitive benefits of outdoor vs indoor physical activity A new study suggests that where kids exercise matters: children who played basketball outside showed sharper thinking and faster reaction times than when playing indoors, hinting at a powerful brain-boosting synergy between physical activity and nature.

Scientists demonstrate superior cognitive benefits of outdoor vs indoor physical activity

Imagine an intervention that:
🧠has the potential to raise the attainment of every child in your school
🧠has the power to instantly enhance pupils’ focus, memory & problem-solving skills
🧠will boost their emotional regulation & may relieve feelings of anxiety & depression

That intervention: exercise

The Science of Motivation — The Learning Scientists Many educators struggle with student motivation and, often, it feels like something that is out of our hands. But there are things that we can do to support motivation in the classroom and to keep i...

NEW POST: "The Science of Motivation" @drcindynebel.bsky.social

www.learningscientists.org/blog/2025/6/...

#edusky

Dissertation: submitted ✅
Brain: fried 🤯
Emotions: mixed 😅
And just like that, my Masters is complete! It’s been challenging & rewarding, full of learning, reflection, & more cups of tea than I can count. Excited (& daunted!) to see what comes next. But first: cat cuddles & a well-earned nap 🐾😴

Interesting read 👇🏼

Whole-body movement play shows promise for children with autism

Small sample size but the findings in this study suggest that "physically engaging, playful activities may support both cognitive and emotional development in children with autism". 🧠

School uniforms 'no good for running around' says Exeter expert A professor says we cannot complain children are not active enough when they are dressed in uniform.

"Everyone still looks smart and cohesive, but it's much more comfortable and suitable for physical activity."

@profhelendodd.bsky.social talking to BBC Devon today about the benefits of always active uniforms.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

#ActiveUniformAlliance #MadeToMove

Timely study 🔍

Moderate levels of PA may support optimal brain function during adolescence.

"Exercise may influence adolescent mental health by shaping the way the brain processes information and coordinates between regions responsible for attention, motor skills, and emotional regulation." 🧠