Play Time: Neurodivergence, psychological safety and creativity in the classroom

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

Author

Kieran Mackle
November 10, 2025

Play Time: Neurodivergence, psychological safety and creativity in the classroom

Good Morning!

This week’s episode explores how a new ITV show centres voice, safety and play, and why that perspective is worth our attention. I talk with the creatives behind Play Time about designing spaces where contributions feel low risk and ideas can breathe. It is not a set of classroom strategies so much as a frame for noticing: how access, tone and trust shape what people are willing to share. If you enjoy thinking about culture, inclusion and the gentle power of humour, this one rewards a slow listen.

Hope you enjoy…

Play Time: Neurodivergence, psychological safety and creativity in the classroom by Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

Episode 253: Writer-director Céin McGillicuddy and editor-writer Andy Kinnear take us behind the scenes, sharing how small production choices invite bolder contributions.

creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/kieran-mackle/episodes/Play-Time-Neurodivergence--psychological-safety-and-creativity-in-the-classroom-e3alm2u/a-ac8pksm

Recommendations

Play Time - YouTube

Thank you to everyone who shared last week’s episode. Your support genuinely makes a difference and helps more teachers join the conversation.

That’s it for this week. I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions — drop a comment wherever you listen, or just hit reply to this email.

Until next time, thanks for listening.