Episode 25 - Transitions and Mental Health with Naira Wilson

Oxfordshire Teacher Training

In this episode of the Oxfordshire Teacher Training Podcast, Matthew Coatsworth sits down remotely with child clinical psychologist Dr Naira Wilson to discuss the importance of getting transitions right for children. In a first for the podcast, Matthew completes Naira's House Analogy, a reflection tool to facilitate transition. Listeners can choose between the slightly edited audio only section of the podcast, or the full-length video of Matthew and Naira completing the house analogy via zoom.
Naira Wilson specialises in childhood mental health and has worked in the NHS, in various capacities, for 20 years. She has previously worked extensively in a Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) for Oxford Health Foundation Trust. She is a guest lecturer for the Doctoral Course in Clinical Psychology at the University of Oxford and supervises other trained and in-training Clinical Psychologists and mental health professionals.

In addition to her independent practice the Little Therapy Room, Dr Wilson also works as a Clinical Psychologist for the Oxford ADHD Centre offering assessment and treatment for Autism Spectrum Conditions and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. She is a contributor to the children's science publication Whiz Pop Bang and is currently publishing a series of books for young children about emotions with Little Tiger Press.
If anyone would like to use the house analogy as a reflective tool with children, Naira has made a crib sheet available here. Do get in touch via @listentoOTT with feedback.
Links mentioned in the episode:
Mentally Healthy Schools
https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/risks-and-protective-factors/school-based-risk-factors/transitions/ (transitions)

https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/media/1906/transitions-primary.pdf (10 practical tips for school staff to help children settle when starting primary school, or to support those who change school regularly)

https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/media/1907/transitions-secondary.pdf (transition to secondary)

https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/resources/transition-to-reception-class/?page=1&IssuePageId=1311 (transition to reception class)
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