Recorded live from Bett UK 2026, this episode of The EdTech Podcast brings together diverse voices exploring how AI, wellbeing, and inclusion can work together in education. Host Philippa Wraithmell speaks with Lord Jim Knight, Jon Ford and Jez Belas from YouHQ, and Patrick McGrath from Everway. Together, they discuss ethical AI use, student wellbeing, accessibility, and why human connection must remain central to education innovation.
Key Themes in This Episode
AI and the “moral panic” in schools
Wellbeing, safeguarding, and invisible learners
Neuro-inclusion and accessibility at scale
Balancing safety, agency, and technology
Lifelong access to assistive tools
Human relationships in digital learning
Why Listen to This Episode?
As schools navigate AI adoption, wellbeing challenges, and inclusion pressures, this episode offers grounded insight from policy, practice, and product design. Rather than focusing on hype or fear, the conversation explores how technology can reduce anxiety, surface hidden needs, and support neurodiverse learners—without replacing the relationships that matter most. It’s a practical, thoughtful listen for anyone shaping the future of learning.
Who This Episode Is For?
School and trust leaders
SEND, wellbeing, and pastoral teams
EdTech leaders and founders
Policymakers and system leaders
Educators seeking ethical, inclusive AI
Full Episode Description
Live from the show floor at Bett UK 2026, this episode captures real conversations about AI, wellbeing, and inclusion in education.
The episode opens with Lord Jim Knight, who challenges the growing “moral panic” around technology in schools. Rather than banning devices, he argues for a balanced approach that protects learners while preserving agency. Lord Knight explores how AI could reshape assessment through oral “viva” models, supporting lifelong learning and inclusion while keeping teachers firmly in control.
Next, Jon Ford and Jez Belas, co-founders of YouHQ, share their journey from a simple goal-setting idea to a comprehensive wellbeing platform now used in nearly 200 schools worldwide. They explain how YouHQ helps schools identify “invisible” students who may be struggling, while empowering young people to track mood, sleep, values, and personal goals. Their work highlights how wellbeing data, when used responsibly, can strengthen safeguarding and student voice.
The episode closes with Patrick McGrath from Everway, who discusses the importance of “cradle-to-grave” inclusion. Paddy explains how accessibility tools such as read-aloud, dictation, and literacy support must remain available not only in classrooms, but also in high-stakes exams and the workplace—ensuring genuine equity for neurodiverse learners throughout life.
Together, these perspectives reinforce one message: technology should remove barriers, not create them. When designed with wellbeing, inclusion, and trust at its core, AI can support education without losing its humanity.
Philippa Wraithmell is an education and digital-learning strategist based in the UAE. As the founder of EdRuption and Digital Bridge, she leads work on digital wellbeing, innovation, and evidence-informed practice. As host of The EdTech Podcast, Philippa explores how technology can elevate teaching, learning, and equitable education across the globe.
Patrick “Paddy” McGrath is Head of Education for EMEA at Everway and a global advocate for inclusive education. A former teacher, keynote speaker, and podcast host, he focuses on accessibility, universal design, and assistive technology. Paddy is a Google Certified Trainer, Apple Education Mentor, and recipient of the UK Digital Leader 100 award.
Lord Jim Knight is an education and digital policy leader and member of the UK House of Lords. He chairs and advises multiple education organisations and previously served as a government minister. Jim regularly speaks on education, technology, and inclusion, advocating for balanced policy that supports innovation while protecting learners.
Jon Ford is the founder and CEO of YouHQ, a wellbeing and personal development platform used in schools worldwide. With a background in psychology and performance science, Jon creates tools that help young people build self-awareness, resilience, and agency while supporting schools with safeguarding and early intervention.
Jez Belas is co-founder and Engagement Director of YouHQ, with over fifteen years of leadership experience in education. Trained in sports coaching and mental health first aid, Jez believes better education starts with happier children and teachers. He works closely with schools to embed wellbeing, student voice, and sustainable culture change.
#307
AI, Wellbeing, and Inclusion at Bett UK 2026
Subscribe on : iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music
Episode Overview
Recorded live from Bett UK 2026, this episode of The EdTech Podcast brings together diverse voices exploring how AI, wellbeing, and inclusion can work together in education. Host Philippa Wraithmell speaks with Lord Jim Knight, Jon Ford and Jez Belas from YouHQ, and Patrick McGrath from Everway. Together, they discuss ethical AI use, student wellbeing, accessibility, and why human connection must remain central to education innovation.
Key Themes in This Episode
Why Listen to This Episode?
As schools navigate AI adoption, wellbeing challenges, and inclusion pressures, this episode offers grounded insight from policy, practice, and product design. Rather than focusing on hype or fear, the conversation explores how technology can reduce anxiety, surface hidden needs, and support neurodiverse learners—without replacing the relationships that matter most. It’s a practical, thoughtful listen for anyone shaping the future of learning.
Who This Episode Is For?
Full Episode Description
Live from the show floor at Bett UK 2026, this episode captures real conversations about AI, wellbeing, and inclusion in education.
The episode opens with Lord Jim Knight, who challenges the growing “moral panic” around technology in schools. Rather than banning devices, he argues for a balanced approach that protects learners while preserving agency. Lord Knight explores how AI could reshape assessment through oral “viva” models, supporting lifelong learning and inclusion while keeping teachers firmly in control.
Next, Jon Ford and Jez Belas, co-founders of YouHQ, share their journey from a simple goal-setting idea to a comprehensive wellbeing platform now used in nearly 200 schools worldwide. They explain how YouHQ helps schools identify “invisible” students who may be struggling, while empowering young people to track mood, sleep, values, and personal goals. Their work highlights how wellbeing data, when used responsibly, can strengthen safeguarding and student voice.
The episode closes with Patrick McGrath from Everway, who discusses the importance of “cradle-to-grave” inclusion. Paddy explains how accessibility tools such as read-aloud, dictation, and literacy support must remain available not only in classrooms, but also in high-stakes exams and the workplace—ensuring genuine equity for neurodiverse learners throughout life.
Together, these perspectives reinforce one message: technology should remove barriers, not create them. When designed with wellbeing, inclusion, and trust at its core, AI can support education without losing its humanity.
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Special thanks to Guests :
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AI, Wellbeing, and Inclusion at Bett UK 2026
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