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The Power of Oracy in Primary Education – some practical suggestions for leaders and teachers
Featuring insights from Claire Sealy In primary education, oracy is far more than simply helping children to speak confidently; it is a fundamental skill that underpins learning, literacy, wellbeing and future success. Through purposeful talk, pupils develop their vocabulary, deepen their understanding, strengthen their reasoning and learn how to collaborate effectively with others. High-quality oracy […]
Navigating Ofsted Inspection – Framework, Practice and Leadership Reflections
We recently brought together system leaders from across Warwickshire for a powerful and insightful session exploring the Ofsted inspection framework. The session combined two complementary perspectives: Jane Smith*, former primary headteacher and current Ofsted Inspector, providing a detailed walkthrough of the revised framework and inspection methodology Claire Baker*, offering a candid, first-hand reflection on her […]
Six Essential Takeaways for Primary Teachers to Support SEND Pupils
Supporting pupils with SEND is one of the most important and most complex responsibilities in schools as schools face rising numbers of pupils with SEND, increasingly complex needs, stretched budgets, and limited specialist capacity. These are all a reality many leaders and SENCos are navigating daily and staff are having to juggle resource more than […]
Practical Principles for Primary School Leaders Supporting Disadvantaged Pupils
Across the country, some children from low‑income households thrive academically and socially, while others struggle to feel included, confident and successful. The difference is rarely about labels, funding lines or single interventions. It is about culture, clarity and the quality of everyday practice. This article distils evidence‑informed thinking into clear, concrete themes that school leaders […]
How to simplify the School Improvement Plan – some practical suggestions for leaders
This content is derived from a recent Senior Leaders Network session delivered by Nick Hart. Introduction For many school leaders, the School Improvement Plan (SIP) is both essential and exhausting. It is the document that captures ambition, accountability and direction. It is scrutinised by governors, referenced in inspection, and used to align teams around shared […]
Neurodivergent-Friendly Schools: From Inclusion to Belonging
by Dr Pooky Knightsmith Every student deserves to feel they belong at school—but for neurodivergent students, the default school environment often gets in the way. From sensory overwhelm to unclear routines, small barriers can add up, affecting learning, confidence, and wellbeing. This blog shows how small, practical changes can make a big difference. There are […]
Artificial Intelligence – some essential tips for school leaders
Artificial Intelligence is quietly transforming the UK’s classrooms, making lessons more personalised, interactive and efficient. From apps that adapt to each child’s learning pace, to tools that reduce teachers’ admin workload, AI is helping schools focus on what matters most – nurturing curiosity, creativity and confidence. The tips identified below are an extract of the […]
Supporting Demand Avoidance Learners in Class
by Dr Pooky Knightsmith As awareness of demand avoidance grows, schools are increasingly recognising the limits of conventional behaviour and motivation frameworks for some learners. When anxiety-driven demand overload sits beneath behaviour, approaches rooted in compliance, rewards and sanctions are unlikely to succeed. This blog examines how adopting a low-demand, high-trust approach can support demand-avoidant […]
Practical Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms
by Dr Pooky Knightsmith Increasingly, schools are feeling the growing demands of supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as classrooms become more diverse and teachers are asked to meet a wider range of needs than ever before. Creating truly inclusive learning environments can feel challenging, particularly within the constraints of busy timetables, […]
