Headteacher Update Podcast: Attendance: Working towards 94%

The Schools White Paper includes plans for an attendance target of more than 94%. In this episode, we talk best practice for reducing pupil absence and consider how primary schools might meet this ambitious goal. We speak to two experienced school leaders about the initiatives that have worked in …

Headteacher Update Podcast: What makes a great headteacher?

In this episode we ask two experienced school leaders one simple question – What makes a great headteacher? – and see where the conversation goes. Our two guests enjoy a wide-ranging discussion about what a great headteacher looks like from the perspective of each of the key stakeholders in the sc…

Headteacher Update Podcast: How to improve teaching in your primary school

In this episode we discuss how we can improve the quality of teaching across the primary school, with practical advice and insights for school leaders. We begin by discussing the role of the curriculum in improving teaching quality, including the importance of inclusion and oracy. We focus too on …

Headteacher Update Podcast: How to keep your teachers

In the midst of a teacher retention crisis, this episode asks how primary schools can keep hold of their teaching staff, especially their early career teachers. With more than 114,000 teachers having quit teaching for reasons other than retirement in the last three years, our expert panel discuss …

Headteacher Update Podcast: What does an inclusive primary school look like?

This episode considers what an inclusive primary school looks like and how we can create a culture of inclusion that enables every pupil to thrive regardless of starting points. We interview two experienced educators and discuss how we can support all learners, no matter their background and barri…

Headteacher Update Podcast: SEND staffing in primary schools

In this episode, we discuss how primary schools can maximise the impact of our staff team to deliver excellent SEND provision, with our panel offering a range of innovative ideas and approaches. Our three experienced guests begin their discussion with nine quick ideas and go on to develop these …

Headteacher Update Podcast: Preparing for the new Ofsted school inspection framework

This episode dissects the revised Ofsted inspection framework, setting out actions that school leaders can take now to prepare and offering expert insights and tips. Our panel has extensive experience of Ofsted inspection, and they break down the key changes that schools should be focused on and h…

Headteacher Update Podcast: Dealing with parental complaints

This episode offers advice for school leaders on how they can handle parental complaints, including de-escalation tips and dealing with vexatious complaints. With NAHT research showing a rise in parental complaints and vexatious complaints, this episode is packed full of useful tips and practical …

Headteacher Update Podcast: Environmental work and carbon reduction in primary schools

This episode looks at environmental work across the primary school, including how we can reduce our carbon emissions and integrate climate education into the curriculum. We look at where school leaders can begin when it comes to reducing carbon emissions across the primary school, including creati…

Headteacher Update Podcast: Effective school routines

This episode looks at a range of routines, systems and protocols that can help you to create a calm and efficient primary school environment – with lots of practical ideas to adapt and adopt. Our panel of school leaders discuss a range of evidence-based ideas for useful school routines that help t…