How did you learn to see yourself in the first place?
I felt so inspired by this conversation with Deborah Haddon. The aim is not to criticise schools, but instead challenge something much deeper: how we learn to see ourselves in the first place. This is about asking what happens when creativity, curiosity and self-expression are nurtured… or rather slowly edited out of us.
With the recent SEND review, proposed Schools and Wellbeing reforms, and the wider political debates about inclusion and outcomes, we’re all being invited to reconsider what, how and why we learn the way we learn in schools. Are we building systems that help children become themselves, or systems that teach them how to perform a version of what’s expected? Because underneath all of it sits the same question: do we really trust the self?
In this episode, Deborah shares her self-approach philosophy and the work of the Ethereal Learning Foundation, exploring how creativity, autonomy and self-discovery can reshape learning into something far more human.
We talk about:
- The shift toward home education and what’s driving it
- Creativity as the foundation of inclusive learning
- Self-discovery, expression and meeting people where they are
- Autonomy and what it means to actually trust the learner
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About the Host:
Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector.
She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling.
Want to learn more about today’s guest? Check out their full bio and links below!
Deb Haddon has an extensive career in all aspects of education totalling 30 years. She started her journey as a Primary Teacher in an inner-city school in Leicester moving to another inner-city school in Nottingham and progressing to a Senior Leader. During this time, she developed expertise in creating appropriate, individualised learning programmes and relationship-based classroom management. Deb made the decision to leave mainstream education to set up her own business as she had the focus and passion to facilitate a holistic approach to self, enabling people to realise and fulfil their unique potential. Deb has now developed a learning foundation offering an opportunity for home educated children to access play-based and project-based activities with a focus on personal development. This is delivered through The SELF Approach, a philosophy developed and implemented over 28 years of observing young people and how they relate to self and others.
@elf_learningfoundation on Instagram
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