From phantom Ofsted visits to soggy chicken tikka sandwiches - anxiety in teaching shows up in ways you’d never expect. In this episode, Martin and Dan get real about the hidden stress of classroom life: the panic before lesson observations, the pressure to be perfect, and the guilt that creeps in when you lose your temper.

They share their own stories of burnout, snack drawer coping mechanisms, and the small habits that made a massive difference - from planning clothes to prepping lunch like it’s a Michelin-starred dish.

Expect humour, honesty, and more than one moment that’ll make you go: “Yep, that’s me.”

Whether you’ve ever cried on a Sunday night, lost your mind over a broken whiteboard pen, or just want to feel a bit more seen - this one’s for you.

Takeaways

• 45% of education staff reported experiencing anxiety in the past year.
• Anxiety in teaching often goes unrecognized until it becomes severe.
• Personal experiences of anxiety can lead to burnout.
• The pressure of lesson observations can exacerbate anxiety.
• Teachers often feel under constant scrutiny in their roles.
• Coping mechanisms, like snacks, are common among teachers.
• The teaching environment can significantly impact mental health.
• Anxiety can affect interactions with students, leading to frustration.
• Recognizing mental health issues is crucial for effective teaching.
• Creating a supportive environment can improve teacher wellbeing. Lesson observations can induce significant anxiety for teachers.
• Book scrutinies often lack meaningful impact on teaching practices.
• Effective planning can alleviate anxiety and improve teaching performance.
• Journaling serves as a powerful tool for self-reflection and stress management.
• Creating positive habits can lead to a more productive day.
• Removing oneself from negative environments is crucial for mental health.
• Over-planning lessons can lead to increased anxiety and stress.
• Meal prep can enhance well-being and excitement for the day ahead.
• Delegation is essential for effective teaching and reducing workload.
• Recognizing and addressing perfectionism can help mitigate anxiety. Anxiety is a common experience for educators.
• Self-care practices are essential for managing stress.
• Establishing routines can significantly reduce anxiety.
• Panic attacks can be debilitating but are manageable.
• Creative teaching methods can engage students and alleviate stress.
• Experience in teaching helps in reducing anxiety over time.
• Open communication about struggles can foster a supportive environment.
• Journaling can be a beneficial but challenging practice.
• Understanding that anxiety is prevalent among teachers is important.
• Controlling what you can is key to managing stress.

Martin and Dan dig into the quiet, creeping burnout that hits teachers before their careers have even started properly. It’s not the kids — it’s the crushing weight of school politics, policies, and pressure.

We talk:
– Why 57% of teachers have thought about leaving
– How early-career burnout is becoming the norm
– That moment you realise you’re showing up… but you’re not really there
– The hidden damage done by toxic leadership, guilt, and impossible standards
– And the absolute power of setting boundaries, knowing your rights, and finding joy again

From book scrutinies on policies that didn’t exist, to headteachers using spirit levels on displays, this is a deep dive into how the job we love ends up draining the life out of us — and what we can do about it.

Because if you’re not okay, your classroom won’t be either.

In this powerful episode, Martin Malone shares an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to face an Ofsted inspection.

From the mounting anticipation to the emotional and physical toll inspections can take, Martin opens up about the myths, pressures, and realities teachers face in the current system.

You’ll hear relatable anecdotes, raw reflections, and practical strategies to help teachers protect their wellbeing during one of the most stressful parts of school life.

The episode also shines a light on the deeper issues within the inspection system—and why trust, not fear, should be at the heart of education reform.

Whether you’ve been through an inspection recently or are anxiously awaiting one, this episode is a survival guide packed with empathy, insight, and hope.

Takeaways

• The anticipation of Ofsted inspections can be overwhelming for teachers.
• Many teachers spend significant time preparing for inspections, often leading to stress.
• Ofsted inspections can feel predetermined and not reflective of actual teaching quality.
• Teachers often feel scrutinized over minor details rather than the overall educational experience.
• Coping strategies, such as maintaining a work-life balance, are crucial during inspection periods.
• The aftermath of an Ofsted inspection can leave teachers feeling drained and in need of recovery time.
• There is a need for a more supportive and trusting approach to school inspections.
• Teachers should focus on their authentic teaching practices rather than trying to 'game' the system for inspections.
• The current Ofsted system can be seen as broken and in need of reform.
• Trusting teachers to do their jobs without excessive scrutiny could lead to better educational outcomes.