Fresh Thinking from Attain

Joining Matthew this week is Stuart Douch and David Buckingham from Sompting Abbotts Prep School in West Sussex. We discuss how spending time learning about wildlife can be hugely beneficial for children, not just as a learning opportunity but also to help boost pupil wellbeing.

Joining Matthew this week is Emma Goldsmith of The Dragon School and Kate Reynolds of the Royal High School Bath GDST. We discuss school communications – how to ensure parents are always in the loop but don't feel overwhelmed by the quantity of information coming home.

Joining Matthew this week is Richard Backhouse, Principal of Berkhamsted Schools Group and Chair of HMC. Independent schools have once again found themselves in the political spotlight – we discuss charitable status and Labour's tax plans.

Joining Matthew this week is Jason Whiskerd of Brentwood Preparatory School and Irfan Latif of DLD College and a founder member of the Inclusion and Diversity Group of the Independent Schools Council. We discuss diversity, tolerance and equality in the independent sector.

Joining Matthew this week is William Goldsmith, Vice Chair of the Independent Association of Prep Schools, IAPS, and Head Master of St George's School, Windsor. In a wide-ranging interview, he discusses the pressure on schools and teachers during the pandemic and why the role of prep schools should be reimagined.

Joining Matthew this week is Paula Mortimer, Head of the Junior School at Lady Eleanor Holles in London and Mark Mortimer, Headmaster of Bryanston School in Dorset. We discuss how parents can help their children take transitions in their stride – whether it's going up a year group or moving to a new senior school.

Joining Matthew this week is Ceri Jones, Headmaster of Caterham School in Surrey and Richard Harman, Chief Executive of AGBIS – the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools. We discuss the role of governors in a school, how they shape the direction of development and how boards should reflect diversity.

Joining Matthew this week is John Towers, Headmaster of Homefield Preparatory School in Sutton and Richard Backhouse, Principal of the Berkhamsted Schools Group and Chair-Elect of HMC. We discuss the transformative effect of bursaries and how schools can work in partnership to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Joining Matthew this week is Gabrielle Solti, Vice Principal at the Grammar School at Leeds and Rob Simmons, Headmaster of St Benedict's Junior School, Ealing. What should parents do if their child tells them they are being bullied? We discuss how to assess the situation and support your child to find the right solution.

Joining Matthew this week is Rebecca Smith, Head of Stroud School in Hampshire and Terry Ayres, Headmaster of Leehurst Swan School in Wiltshire. We discuss how books enable children to escape into a world of imagination and excitement – but how can parents help their children to read more and spend less time on devices?