Leading With...

What does staff wellbeing really mean and how can school leaders create cultures where staff can thrive?

In this episode, Becky Dawson is joined by teacher, coach and author Emma Kell to explore the difference between wellbeing, wellness and "well-doing", why culture matters more than token gestures, and how leaders can support staff while protecting their own wellbeing. Together, they discuss psychological safety, boundaries, coaching conversations and the role everyone plays in creating a positive school culture.

A practical and thought provoking conversation for school leaders looking to build healthier, more sustainable workplaces.

How can schools build confidence in science, create a culture of curiosity and prepare pupils for an increasingly complex world?

In this episode, Ashleigh Morris and Sarah Hutson are joined by Professor Lynne Bianchi to explore the future of science education. Together, they discuss teacher confidence, meaningful CPD, the role of AI in the classroom, and why science must become a strategic priority for school leaders. Packed with practical insights and thought provoking ideas, this conversation is essential listening for leaders looking to strengthen teaching, learning and scientific thinking across their school

What happens when children move from Reception into formal classrooms with desks, worksheets and less play?

In this episode of Leading With, Michelle Windridge speaks to Ruth Lue-Quee about why play based learning is essential for children’s development, the “cliff edge” into Year 1, and what schools can do differently to help children truly thrive.

A must listen for school leaders and educators.

Why do so many children struggle with writing, even when they can read confidently?

In this episode of Leading With, Nicola Romaine is joined by Dr Tim Mills, lead drafter for primary English in the revised national curriculum, to unpack the research behind writing, cognitive load, sentence structure and motivation.

From handwriting and spelling to AI, working memory and why writing is actually harder than reading, this practical conversation explores what schools need to know to support confident, capable writers.

What does effective intervention actually look like in secondary maths?In this episode of Leading With, Pete Mattock is joined by guests from UCL to explore how university partnerships and structured tutoring programmes are helping schools tackle the maths attainment gap. From confidence and attainment to sustainability and implementation, this episode looks at what it really takes to make interventions work.

Your teachers are already using AI. Are you leading it or catching up?

In this episode of Leading With, Alex Russell OBE and Dr Sarah Alcock unpack what’s really happening in schools right now.

With most teachers already using AI, leadership can’t afford to sit back. This episode explores how to move from awareness to whole school implementation without losing control.

AI is already in your classrooms. It’s time to lead.

In this episode of Leading With, we unpack the phrase “not ready for phonics” and why it might be holding children back.

Focusing on Reception, we explore what strong foundations really look like, why waiting isn’t the answer, and how early identification and targeted support can close gaps before they widen.

A must-listen for school leaders and EYFS teachers looking to take a more confident, effective approach to early phonics.

In this episode, Michelle Windridge speaks with Laura Shepherd, an experienced EYFS lead and Influencer, about her recent Ofsted inspection experience.

They explore what Ofsted 2026 really looks like in practice, from leadership pressure to the realities of data, provision and professional judgement.

Laura shares honest insight into how inclusion is approached, what inspectors are really looking for, and how leaders can prepare with confidence.

A must-listen for EYFS leads, headteachers and SLT navigating inspection in today’s landscape.

What if a child isn’t “bad at maths” but struggling with something we’re not spotting?

In this episode of Leading With, Pete Mattock is joined by Rob Jennings to explore dyscalculia, a widely misunderstood learning difficulty affecting how learners understand and work with numbers.

We cover what dyscalculia is, how it differs from maths anxiety, why it’s often missed, and what school leaders can do to better support pupils and staff.

Because this isn’t about lowering expectations. It’s about removing barriers so every learner can access maths.

How do children develop a love of reading before they can even read?

In this episode of Leading With, Tracie Butterfill speaks with Jo Tregenza, President of the UK Literacy Association, about why talk, play and relationships are the true foundations of literacy in the early years.

Discover practical ways educators and families can build language rich environments, support reading for pleasure and help children make meaning from stories long before formal reading begins.