Evidence into Action

Foundations for Writing Success

What helps pupils become confident, capable writers?

In this episode, hosts Alex Quigley and Chloe Butlin explore the foundations of effective writing instruction with expert and practitioner guests. Together, they unpack common misconceptions about teaching writing, discuss the relationship between reading, oral language and writing, and examine practical approaches that can support pupils to develop as writers. Joined by Clare Sealy (Head of Education Improvement for the States of Guernsey), with Helen Crowther (Executive Principal of Greetland Academy and Director of Professional Development for GHAT) & Holly Ashton (Vice Principal, The Greetland Academy), they discuss how teachers can reduce cognitive overload, use modelling effectively, and create opportunities for pupils to develop the knowledge, vocabulary and language needed for successful writing.

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Episode transcript: Foundations for Writing Success - https://d2tic4wvo1iusb.cloudfront.net/production/documents/EiA-podcast/foundations-for-witing-success_Nov-26_transcript.pdf

In this episode, Alex Quigley and Grace Coker explore problem solving in maths and why it is a priority.  

They are joined by Professor Camilla Gilmore (Professor of Mathematical Cognition at Loughborough University and Curriculum Specialist at Maths Horizons), Dr Helen Drury, (Dean of Maths Education at Purposeful Ventures and Co-Lead at Maths Horizons), and practitioners Tom Pole (Director of Tudor Grange Research School and Associate Principal at Tudor Grange Academy) and Mike Williams  (Maths lead and Year 6 teacher at Alexandra Park primary school).

Together, they draw on insights from research and the classroom to unpack what effective problem solving looks like, and why giving all pupils opportunities to tackle rich mathematical tasks is important. 

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Episode Transcript

Maths: prioritising problem solving | Evidence into Action

In this episode, co-hosts Alex Quigley and Helen Urbanowicz explore socioeconomic disadvantage in 16-19 education.

Joined by David Robinson (Education Policy Institute), Ruth Kendrick (Group Director of Teaching and Learning, New City College) and Emma Mills (Head of Teaching and Learning Development, Truro and Penwith College), they unpack what the evidence says about widening attainment and participation gaps, including the growing post-16 participation gap and what leaders can do in different contexts.

The conversation focuses on practical actions that highlight high-quality, evidence-informed teaching and professional development, remove hidden costs and structural barriers, and prioritise belonging so learners can access and thrive.

Further resources:

See here for the episode transcript - Exploring disadvantage in 16–19 settings | Evidence into Action

In this episode, co-hosts Alex Quigley and Corinne Settle (EEF’s Teaching and Learning Specialist) discuss the implementation of metacognition strategies. Experts and practitioners from various phases and subject areas join us to unpack these approaches, exploring what they look like in practice and the impact they have on learners.

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Transcript: Metacognition: Moving forward with new evidence | Transcript

In this episode, co-hosts Alex Quigley and Katie Luxton (EEF’s Senior Programme Manager), dive into what effective professional development looks like in 16–19 settings. They're joined by Evidence Partnership colleagues to unpack the latest evidence, share practical tips on putting this into practice, and highlight what’s making a real difference in their setting.

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Sign up for EEF’s 16-19 newsletter here. 

In this episode, co-hosts Alex Quigley and Kirsten Mould talk to EEF’s Senior Policy Manager, Natalie Ohene, about the findings of a research project investigating how schools in England allocate spending on their Pupil Premium statements. They then discuss approaches to sustaining your Pupil Premium strategy with school leaders. 

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In this episode, co-hosts Alex Quigley and Kirsten Mould discuss the EEF’s newly updated guidance on deployment of teaching assistants.

They are joined by expert Gary Aubin who discusses the role of TAs in supporting children with SEND, followed by practitioners who reflect on effective TA deployment in their settings:

Shareen Wilkinson (Education Adviser and Author, and Executive Director of Education, LEO Academy Trust) X: @ShareenAdvice BlueSky: @mrswilkinson.bsky.social LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shareen-wilkinson

Alex Fairlamb (Assistant Principal (Teaching & Learning) at Kings Priory School, and WAT T&L Network Lead)  X: @lamb_heart_tea BlueSky: @lambhearttea.bsky.social  Website: alexfairlamb.com

In this episode, Host Alex Quigley and the EEF’s Maths Content & Engagement Specialist, Grace Coker, are exploring why manipulatives matter in maths.

They speak to Dr Sue Gifford to discuss the research evidence around the use of manipulatives and are then joined by practitioners from both primary and secondary schools to find out the benefits of using manipulatives in their settings.

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