Kadra Abdinasir: Punished for Learning? The Hidden Costs of School Discipline

Kadra Abdinasir: Punished for Learning? The Hidden Costs of School Discipline

From Graded by Yap Productions

December 4, 2025 · 37 min

About this episode

Kadra Abdinasir discusses the impact of school discipline policies on students and families, advocating for more supportive approaches.

Kadra shares insights from the “Behaviour and Mental Health in Schools” report, highlighting the rise of zero-tolerance policies, the increase in exclusions, and the equity challenges faced by students from lower-income families, racialised backgrounds, and those with special educational needs. We discuss the real-life impact of these policies, not just on students, but on teachers and families, and consider how trauma-informed and restorative approaches could offer a more supportive path forward. José Mario is an educator and artist, adopted from Guatemala and raised in Essex. They have a background in pastoral and safeguarding leadership in schools, having worked in London and Oxford. Their practice centres on care in education. Mario studied Fine Art at the University of Oxford and later completed a Master's in Education from UCL. Disclaimers This podcast aims to provide a balanced and research-informed discussion. Every effort has been made to include a range of perspectives. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Yap Productions or any affiliated institutions. The series includes an anonymous interview with a former…

People in this episode

Host: Katharine Birbalsingh

Guests: Kadra Abdinasir, José Mario

Topics covered

  • school discipline
  • zero-tolerance policies
  • equity challenges
  • trauma-informed approaches
  • restorative practices

Keywords

  • Behaviour and Mental Health in Schools
  • exclusions
  • lower-income families
  • racialised backgrounds
  • special educational needs

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: a Master's in Education

Places: Guatemala, Essex, London, Oxford

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