Head-to-Head Podcast

Are you navigating the challenge of higher numbers of children with significant needs in your school?

Listen to Anna Wells, fresh from Headship, talk about her strategic thinking and successful improvement project to better support the needs of children with high levels of SEND in her school. Anna discusses many key points including her rationale, specific professional development, ensuring an inclusive community and she explains the journey to create a bespoke provision and a tailored curriculum to enable the success and progress of all children.

An invaluable listen for any Leader seeking practical advice or considering a similar development journey.

Are you looking to transform teaching and learning in Key Stage 1?

Listen to Jude Arkwright, Headteacher of St Michael's Primary School, as she shares her school’s journey of implementing continuous provision beyond the early years. Jude highlights how it crucially contributes to children's development and learning, the importance of a shared vision among staff, and explores the challenges of timetabling and delivering the National Curriculum. Jude also discusses the significance of focusing on key learning objectives, approaches to documenting learning and incorporating creativity into teaching.

A must listen for any Head or Leader looking to adopt continuous provision in Key Stage 1

Explore our Blog "Top 10 Tips for Continuous Provision in KS1"

Join our KS1 Roadshow 2025

Is developing effective adult interactions in the EYFS a school improvement priority?

Join Fliss James and Melissa Prendergast from Sheringham Nursery School as they discuss their development journey to successfully enable adults to embed rich, purposeful interactions in the EYFS. Learn about their research-based, evidence informed practices and the evolution of the innovative ShREC approach. Reflect this EEF tool to support impactful adult interactions and discover practical strategies for improving adult-child interactions alongside a vital offer of ongoing professional development.

A not to be missed episode for any Leader looking to secure high-quality interactions across their EYFS team!

Discover our Three part webinar on Strengthening Adult Interactions in the EYFS

Are you keen to enhance parental engagement to support children's learning?

Join Marie Beale and Emma Doran from Whitefield Primary Academy as they explore the power of parental engagement. They discuss building early relationships with parents through induction and stay and play sessions, and the significant impact of a ‘Zones of Regulation’ project in supporting children's emotions. You’ll hear about ‘Borrow Me Bags’, storytelling and family cooking clubs as tools for fostering communication and creating shared experiences.

Tune in for inspiring insights and practical ideas!

Gain Inspiration and be Enthused! 

Listen to this insightful conversation with James Cash, Head teacher at Oldfield Brow Primary School as he shares some of his school development projects from the last 16months. Starting with a renewed and strengthened vision and values for the whole school community, delving into transformative approaches to EYFS and threading key elements of this into the wider school improvement priorities. James reflects on the impact for the children, his leadership style and the school’s onward journey.

This is a great listen for any school leader – James’ passion shines through!

• Read Oldfield Brow Primary School's Case Study

Are you a School Leader interested in current Educational Research?

Hear from Phil Armstrong, Senior Education Lead at Early Excellence, as he discusses his current education doctorate journey, research and thesis. Phil shares his motivations, challenges, and rewards of his academic pursuit, provoking thought about the significance of professional identity and the pivotal role of school leaders in developing early years education. Phil’s deep knowledge and passion for supporting leaders to navigate the EYFS, with a focus on enhancing educational practices centred around the child, shines through.

Tune in for enlightening insights, sure to encourage your own self-reflection!

Ever wondered how continuous provision could transform teaching and learning Key Stage 1?

Be inspired by the impactful journey of Priory Witham Academy, who have adopted continuous provision into Year 1, then over time into Year 2 and now into KS2!                                                                School Leaders Amy and Kirsty share insights into their strong rationale, some of the challenges and the profound impact of this pedagogical approach for the children. From hands-on experiences to a carefully designed curriculum, discover the secrets behind their success and gain practical tips for implementation to unlock lasting effects on learning.

This is a ‘not to be missed’ episode for anyone thinking of introducing continuous provision into KS1!

• Discover a KS1 Roadshow event at a school near you

Are you considering taking the step into Headship? 

Hear from Sally Appadu, as she shares her journey from deliberating headship, to securing and embracing her new role as Headteacher. She reflects on the importance of being guided by strong values and ethics, developing her leadership style and nurturing professional relationships. Sally shares successes from her first term including fostering a growth mindset across her team, strengthening an effective learning environment in her setting, initiating a transition project across the local area and much more!

Tune in to gain invaluable insights and inspiration from Sally's journey into Headship!

How do you facilitate effective Early Years improvement across your Trust?

Be Inspired! Listen to Nursery World Winner for Outstanding Contribution, Helen Bingham, as she shares her experiences in her role as EYFS MAT Lead for Aspire Academy Trust. Hear how she strategically supports colleagues outside the EYFS, enables improvement in practice across the EYFS teams and consider Trust wide conversations which build a shared understanding and positive culture about EYFS.

Helen’s knowledge and passion makes this a great listen!

A Moment to Pause and Reflect

Phil Armstrong Senior Education Lead at Early Excellence joins the podcast to reflect on his own experiences through this autumn term alongside that of the schools and settings he has worked with. He shares aspects of best practice and successful school improvement, explains the educational research journey that he is currently undertaking and considers the emerging picture of what may lay ahead for schools in the new year. It’s a great end of term listen!