Jessie Ware, School readiness, Katriona O'Sullivan, Autism support

This episode of BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour explores three powerful themes: the growing crisis of school readiness in England and Wales, the emotional and practical support available for autistic individuals and their families, and the deeply personal journey of resilience and self-worth through the lens of author and lecturer Dr. Katrina O'Sullivan. The programme opens with a discussion on the government’s new campaign to ensure children are equipped with basic life skills before starting reception class, highlighting challenges such as toilet training, communication, and independence. BBC education reporter Kate McGough and Felicity Gillespie from Kindred Squared emphasize the importance of early family-school collaboration and share practical resources like the startingreception.co.uk guide. The conversation then shifts to autism support, with Victoria Jackson and Dr. Georgia Pavlopoulou from Autism Central discussing the vital role of peer-led, non-clinical online support for parents, carers, and autistic individuals across England. The episode concludes with a moving interview with Jessie Ware, who reflects on her new album Superbloom, her family life, and her evolving relationship with ambition and vulnerability. Finally, Dr. Katrina O'Sullivan shares her raw memoir Hungry, detailing her childhood of abuse, poverty, and trauma, and how her relentless hunger for connection and achievement shaped her life—while ultimately advocating for self-acceptance and the right to be 'big' in body, voice, and spirit. The episode closes with a powerful message: healing begins when we stop shrinking and start being seen.