Reading starts long before children enter the classroom. In this episode of the Leading With podcast, Laura Brogan speaks with early years educator and Phun Phonics creator Jasmeen Basi about the brain science behind early reading.

They explore neuroplasticity, play based phonics, dyslexia, and why the early years are a critical window for developing reading skills, confidence and access to the wider curriculum. A practical and insightful conversation for educators and parents supporting children from birth to five.

How do we help pupils move beyond memorising formulas and start thinking like mathematicians?

In this episode of Leading With, host Pete Mattock is joined by Dr Tom Crawford, mathematician, public engagement lead at the University of Oxford, and creator of Tom Rocks Maths.

Tom shares insights from his viral GCSE maths experiment, his work with Oxford and Cambridge admissions, and his experience as a numbers expert on Countdown. Together, they explore how problem solving really develops, why confidence matters more than speed, and how teachers and leaders can improve engagement in maths across their school communities.

This episode offers practical ideas for school leaders and maths leads, including building a positive maths culture, tackling maths anxiety among pupils and parents, and using real world contexts to make maths meaningful and accessible.

Perfect for headteachers, senior leaders, and maths leaders looking to strengthen confidence, engagement, and problem solving in mathematics.

This episode of the Leading With podcast explores how school leaders can use AI as a thinking partner rather than a replacement, focusing on its real impact on teacher workload, assessment, leadership decision making and the future shape of education

Join John Cripwell, National Education Lead for Primary Maths at Twinkl, and Stuart Parker-Tyreman, Twinkl’s Chief Education Officer, as they explore what truly closes the attainment gap.

Drawing on decades of leadership across PRUs, special schools and multi-academy trusts, Stuart explains why pupil premium alone won’t shift long-term outcomes, how belonging underpins attendance and behaviour, and why schools cannot tackle disadvantage alone.

A concise, insightful listen for leaders focused on sustainable change.

Join Twinkl's National English Lead, Nicola Romaine as she speaks with Kiran Satti, Deputy Principal and Curriculum Lead for Early Reading at Oasis Community Learning, about how early reading can transform outcomes for disadvantaged children. Discover why belonging, language play and safe relationships matter long before phonics, and how culture sits at the heart of closing the attainment gap.

This episode explores community partnerships, reading for pleasure and the human side of early literacy. Perfect for leaders who want to build equitable reading cultures and give every child the chance to thrive.

What happens when eight thousand children walk into an arena, look up and realise they are part of one choir? The impact reaches far beyond the music- it touches confidence, culture and the kind of aspiration schools work hard to build every day.

Twinkl National Arts Lead Karen Stretch and CEO of Young Voices, Ben Lewis, explore explore the essential role teachers play, the widening gap in arts access, and why large scale cultural experiences can change expectations for pupils who need it most. Ben also reflects on what strong culture looks like, how leaders can protect it, and why joy and playfulness matter just as much as rigour.

An inspiring listen for school leaders interested in culture, creativity and the transformative impact of meaningful arts education.

What happens when we keep adding to the curriculum, but nothing ever gets taken out? Stuart Parker-Tyerman unpacks why the “curriculum bag” is close to bursting and what leaders can do about it.

What if the biggest barrier to maths success is not ability, but anxiety? Dr Thomas Hunt shares two decades of research into how emotions shape mathematical learning and what school leaders can do about it.

Are schools spending too much time on assessment that does not actually improve learning? Tracey Baxter shares practical advice for science leaders on how to make assessment purposeful, confidence-building and efficient.

What does effective phonics look like and how can schools bring parents on the journey? In this episode of Leading With…, Laura Brogan speaks with Amy McElhatton, one of the UK’s leading phonics consultants and the educator behind The Phonics Fairy. They discuss common misconceptions, why books must match sounds, the role of parents, and what leaders can do to support every child to succeed.