On this episode of Mind the Gap, Jon Hutchinson and Emma Turner are joined by Chris Such, primary educator and author ofThe Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading and his newest book,Primary Reading Simplified. Chris returns to discuss his latest book, which moves beyond research principles to offer a concrete model for reading instruction. Together, they explore the challenges of teaching reading beyond phonics, the importance of fluency practice, and the pitfalls of small-group guided reading. Chris challenges the assumption that comprehension can be taught through isolated question types, emphasizing instead the role of fluency and language knowledge in understanding text. He says, "The idea that we can shortcut reading development by drilling comprehension questions is a fundamental misconception." Reflecting on reading pedagogy, Chris highlights the power of whole texts over extracts and the importance of meaningful discussions in developing young readers. The discussion concludes with a call to rethink primary reading instruction: prioritizing fluency, rich classroom talk, and a love of literature.

Christopher Such is a primary school teacher, school leader, teacher educator and consultant who has worked in schools since 2006. As part of Ambition Institute's learning design team, he co-designed their National Professional Qualification in Leading Literacy (NPQLL). He has contributed to the initial teacher training programmes for Teach East, Torch SCITT and Ambition Institute, focusing on reading instruction and mathematics pedagogy. In his work as an education consultant, he has worked with schools, multi-academy trusts, English hubs and wider organisations to develop teachers' understanding of reading and implement approaches to evidence-informed classroom teaching that prioritise meaningful experiences with texts. His first book, The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading, is required reading on many initial teacher training programmes and higher education courses. He is the author of the education blogPrimary Colour, and he can be found on social media platforms@Suchmo83.

Emma Turner FCCT is a school improvement advisor, education consultant, trainer and author. She has almost three decades of primary teaching, headship and leadership experience across the sector, working and leading in both MATs and LAs. She works nationally and internationally on school improvement including at single school level and at scale. She has a particular interest in research informed practice in the primary phase, early career development, and CPD design. Follow Emma on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Jon Hutchinson is a former assistant headteacher of Reach Academy Feltham and is now a Director at the Reach Foundation. He has taught across primary and secondary and HE. In his spare time, Jon runs ⁠⁠⁠www.meno.acacdemy⁠⁠⁠, a platform with free videos to support primary teachers to build their subject knowledge. Follow Jon on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jon_hutchinson_⁠⁠⁠ or Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠@jonhutchinson.bksy.social⁠⁠.

This podcast is produced by Haringey Education Partnership. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/

On this episode of Mind the Gap, Emma and Jon reflect on a year of transformation in education and discuss the insights gained from their fascinating guests. This annual roundup dives into critical topics such as the growing recognition of Early Years education, flexible working in leadership, and the evolving challenges in recruitment and retention across the profession.Emma shares her delight at seeing Early Years gaining prominence, with voices like Julian Grenier, Dan Wuori, and Liz Pemberton championing the importance of play, lived experiences, and robust early education practices. Jon brings his perspective on the flexible working debate, emphasizing the need for bespoke approaches that prioritize sustainable career models for educators. Together, they discuss Emma Sheppard’s contributions on balancing parenthood and teaching, the nuanced challenges facing leaders in the education sector, and how these align with new government initiatives.The episode also revisits pivotal moments, like Leora Cruddas’s vision of schools as civic anchors and Aziza Ajak’s call for context-driven leadership development. As they look ahead, Emma and Jon encourage a collaborative and evidence-informed approach to shaping the next generation of educational leaders and addressing the complexities of modern schooling.

Emma Turner FCCT is a school improvement advisor, education consultant, trainer and author. She has almost three decades of primary teaching, headship and leadership experience across the sector, working and leading in both MATs and LAs. She works nationally and internationally on school improvement including at single school level and at scale. She has a particular interest in research informed practice in the primary phase, early career development, and CPD design. Follow Emma on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Jon Hutchinson is a former assistant headteacher of Reach Academy Feltham and is now a Director at the Reach Foundation. He has taught across primary and secondary and HE. In his spare time, Jon runs ⁠⁠⁠www.meno.acacdemy⁠⁠⁠, a platform with free videos to support primary teachers to build their subject knowledge. Follow Jon on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jon_hutchinson_⁠⁠⁠ or Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠@jonhutchinson.bksy.social⁠⁠

This podcast is produced by Haringey Education Partnership. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/

On this episode of Mind The Gap, Emma Turner and Jon Hutchinson are joined by Liz Pemberton, renowned as "The Black Nursery Manager" and a transformative voice in early years education. Liz reflects on her journey from managing family-run nurseries to establishing her anti-racist training and consultancy company. She delves into the significance of cultural safety, psychological safety, and her pioneering "Four Es" framework for embedding anti-racist practices in educational settings. Together, they explore how educators can foster belonging, challenge racial biases, and create joyful, inclusive spaces for all children. Liz also discusses her experiences navigating societal resistance, tackling "culture wars," and the importance of professional love in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This thought-provoking conversation emphasizes the power of intentional practice, collective action, and unlearning in shaping equitable early education.

Liz Pemberton is an award-winning educator, trainer, and advocate for anti-racist practice in Early Years education. She managed a Birmingham-based nursery that became a community hub, emphasizing anti-racist pedagogy and belonging through her "Four Es" framework. A qualified secondary teacher and lecturer with a Master’s in Early Childhood Studies, Liz has influenced countless educators, parents, and policymakers through her training, writing, and social media presence. Recognized for her contributions, Liz’s accolades include being named one of Serendipity Institute’s 100 Black Women Who Have Made a Mark and winning multiple awards for her commitment to equity and education. Check out her website https://www.theblacknurserymanager.com/

Emma Turner FCCT is a school improvement advisor, education consultant, trainer and author. She has almost three decades of primary teaching, headship and leadership experience across the sector, working and leading in both MATs and LAs. She works nationally and internationally on school improvement including at single school level and at scale. She has a particular interest in research informed practice in the primary phase, early career development, and CPD design. Follow Emma on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Jon Hutchinson is a former assistant headteacher of Reach Academy Feltham and is now a Director at the Reach Foundation. He has taught across primary and secondary and HE. In his spare time, Jon runs ⁠⁠www.meno.acacdemy⁠⁠, a platform with free videos to support primary teachers to build their subject knowledge. Follow Jon on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠@jon_hutchinson_⁠⁠ or Bluesky ⁠⁠@jonhutchinson.bksy.social⁠

This podcast is produced by Haringey Education Partnership. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/

On this episode of Mind the Gap, Jon Hutchinson and Emma Turner are joined by Leora Cruddas, CEO of the Confederation of School Trusts. Leora shares her journey from teaching in apartheid-era South Africa to becoming a leading voice in educational policy and academy trust leadership. Together, they explore the evolution of academy trusts, the importance of stable leadership, and the challenges of teacher recruitment and retention. Leora highlights the role of trusts as civic anchors, emphasizing their capacity to foster collaboration and serve as pillars of community well-being. She says, "The point at which we start making decisions on behalf of our children from the vested interests of adults is the point that our education system will start to fail." Reflecting on her role, Leora underscores the need for educational leaders to balance stability with innovation, as well as the need for trust leaders to tell adopt a narrative around trusts that focuses on the moral purpose of education. The discussion concludes with a compelling vision for the future of education: building systems that prioritize public trust, equity, and human flourishing.

Leora Cruddas is the founding Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts – the national organisation and sector body for school trusts in England. She has advised successive governments and sits on several Department for Education advisory bodies. She was recently the vice chair of the Head Teacher Standards Review Group, a member of the external advisory group for the Schools White Paper, SEND National Implementation Board and the Regulatory and Commissioning Review. Prior to founding CST, she was Director of Policy and Public Relations for the Association of School and College Leaders. Leora has six years of experience as a director of education in two London local authorities. She is a visiting professor at UCL Institute of Education, and was made a CBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours. Follow her on X @LeoraCruddas.

Emma Turner FCCT is a school improvement advisor, education consultant, trainer and author. She has almost three decades of primary teaching, headship and leadership experience across the sector, working and leading in both MATs and LAs. She works nationally and internationally on school improvement including at single school level and at scale. She has a particular interest in research informed practice in the primary phase, early career development, and CPD design. Follow Emma on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Jon Hutchinson is a former assistant headteacher of Reach Academy Feltham and is now a Director at the Reach Foundation. He has taught across primary and secondary and HE. In his spare time, Jon runs ⁠⁠www.meno.acacdemy⁠⁠, a platform with free videos to support primary teachers to build their subject knowledge. Follow Jon on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠@jon_hutchinson_⁠⁠ or Bluesky ⁠⁠@jonhutchinson.bksy.social⁠.

This podcast is produced by Haringey Education Partnership. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/

On this episode of Mind The Gap, Jon Hutchinson and Emma Turner welcome Aziza Ajak, an influential voice in education leadership and curriculum development. Aziza shares her journey from classroom teacher to vice principal, offering insights into her impactful work on curriculum coherence and systemic equity. Together, they explore the challenges and rewards of bridging primary and secondary education, especially in all-through schools, emphasizing the need for unified leadership and consistent curricular goals. Aziza also discusses her initiatives to improve diversity in educational leadership, notably through her involvement with Mission 44 and as co-founder of 100 Black Headteachers. Reflecting on the complexities of representation and structural barriers, Aziza underscores the importance of mentorship and strategic professional development. This conversation provides an in-depth look at how purposeful collaboration and courageous decision-making can shape equitable and inclusive school environments.

Aziza Ajak is currently Vice Principal at Future Academies. She was part of the founding leadership team of a new school and has helped to establish the school as one of the best in the borough. Aziza’s recent voluntary experience includes being a trustee on the Teach First Board. Aziza also currently serves as a trustee for Mission 44 and co-founded 100 Black Headteachers. You can find out more about her and her work on her LinkedIn or follow her on X @missaaja

Emma Turner FCCT is a school improvement advisor, education consultant, trainer and author. She has almost three decades of primary teaching, headship and leadership experience across the sector, working and leading in both MATs and LAs. She works nationally and internationally on school improvement including at single school level and at scale. She has a particular interest in research informed practice in the primary phase, early career development, and CPD design. Follow Emma on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Jon Hutchinson is a former assistant headteacher of Reach Academy Feltham and is now a Director at the Reach Foundation. He has taught across primary and secondary and HE. In his spare time, Jon runs ⁠www.meno.acacdemy⁠, a platform with free videos to support primary teachers to build their subject knowledge. Follow Jon on X ⁠⁠⁠@jon_hutchinson_⁠ or Bluesky ⁠@jonhutchinson.bksy.social⁠

Aziza has published three blog posts reflecting on the topics covered in this podcast. You can view them here:

https://venturingintoschoolleadership.wordpress.com/2024/10/27/fragile-ambition-part-1/

https://venturingintoschoolleadership.wordpress.com/2024/10/30/fragile-ambition-part-2/

https://venturingintoschoolleadership.wordpress.com/2024/11/03/the-trust-to-school-relationship/

This podcast is produced by Haringey Education Partnership. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/

On this episode of Mind The Gap, Emma Turner welcomes Emma Sheppard, founder of the Maternity Teacher Paternity Teacher (MTPT) Project. Together, they explore Sheppard's journey in founding the project, starting with her own experiences of motherhood and her passion for maintaining her professional identity as a teacher. The conversation dives into the challenges working parents face in balancing their professional and parental roles, with a specific focus on the motherhood penalty in education. Sheppard discusses how her organisation provides coaching and community support to educators navigating parenthood while advocating for systemic change to better support parents in the workforce. The Emmas touch on key issues like gender equity, leadership roles, and flexible working arrangements, and emphasises the importance of empowering teachers to thrive both personally and professionally.

Emma Sheppard is the Founder of The MTPT Project, the UK’s charity for parent-teachers. A former English Teacher and Lead Practitioner, she spent twelve years teaching and leading ITT provision in schools in Hertfordshire, South London and Vietnam. She completed her Diploma in Personal Performance Coaching with The Coaching Academy in 2022 and secured her ICF ACC in 2023. Emma has held various positions of responsibility, including pastoral and curriculum roles. She has acted as line manager for the school librarian and EAL department, delivered teaching and learning training on foci including memory, homework and curriculum updates, and has years of experience as professional co-ordinating mentor for Schools Direct, Teach First and PGCE trainee pathways. Find out more about Emma and MTPT at https://www.mtpt.org.uk/

Emma Turner FCCT is a school improvement advisor, education consultant, trainer and author. She has almost three decades of primary teaching, headship and leadership experience across the sector, working and leading in both MATs and LAs. She works nationally and internationally on school improvement including at single school level and at scale. She has a particular interest in research informed practice in the primary phase, early career development, and CPD design. Follow Emma on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This podcast is produced by Haringey Education Partnership. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/

On this episode of Mind The Gap, Emma Turner and Jon Hutchinson welcome Dr. Dan Wuori, a renowned expert in early childhood education. Together, they discuss the vital role of early years development, highlighting Dan's work in policy advocacy and his social media presence, where he blends adorable videos of children with deep analysis of early development principles. Dan shares insights from his book, The Daycare Myth, and explores the significant impact of early childhood experiences on lifelong success. The conversation covers policy challenges, the economics of early care, and the importance of nurturing relationships in shaping young minds.

Dan Wuori is the Founder and President of Early Childhood Policy Solutions (a public policy consultancy focused on the needs of America's young children and their families) and Strategic Advisor on Early Childhood at the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation. Dr. Wuori joined The Hunt Institute, a North Carolina-based education policy support to the nation's governors and state elected leaders, as its founding Director of Early Learning. He continues to serve as The Institute's Senior Early Childhood Advisor. A former kindergarten teacher and school district administrator, Dan served as the Deputy Director of South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness – the state’s comprehensive, public-private early learning initiative. His newest book, The Daycare Myth: What We Get Wrong About Early Care and Education (and What We Should Do About It), sounds the alarm on critical and costly disconnects between the science of early development and the US approach to public policy. Follow him on X @DanWuori.

Emma Turner FCCT is a school improvement advisor, education consultant, trainer and author. She has almost three decades of primary teaching, headship and leadership experience across the sector, working and leading in both MATs and LAs. She works nationally and internationally on school improvement including at single school level and at scale. She has a particular interest in research informed practice in the primary phase, early career development, and CPD design. Follow Emma on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Jon Hutchinson is a former assistant headteacher of Reach Academy Feltham and is now a Director at the Reach Foundation. He has taught across primary and secondary and HE. In his spare time, Jon runs ⁠www.meno.acacdemy⁠, a platform with free videos to support primary teachers to build their subject knowledge. Follow Jon on X ⁠⁠⁠@jon_hutchinson_⁠ or Bluesky ⁠@jonhutchinson.bksy.social⁠

This podcast is produced by Haringey Education Partnership. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/

On this episode of Mind The Gap, Jon Hutchinson and Emma Turner are joined by Julian Grenier, a leading expert in early years education. Together, they discuss the foundations of early childhood learning, focusing on the crucial role of relationships and the development of coherent, supportive environments for young learners. Julian emphasizes the need for consistency in early years curricula, saying, “If we can get it right from the very beginning, we can set children on a much stronger trajectory.” The trio also explore the challenges faced by educators in the early years and the importance of community engagement in supporting children’s development. Finally, Julian shares insights from his work on the Early Years Foundation Stage and his thoughts on fostering professional development in early education.

Julian Grenier joined the EEF as a Senior Content and Engagement Manager (Early Years) in 2024. Before joining the EEF, Julian was the headteacher of Sheringham Nursery School and Children’s Centre in Newham, East London. During this time, he also led East London Research School. Julian has also been Ofsted's Early Education lead, and Senior Early Years Adviser in Tower Hamlets. He is a trustee of the charity Thrive at Five. He has written several best-selling books about early education and care, including Putting the EYFS Curriculum Into Practice. Follow him on X @juliangenier

Emma Turner FCCT is a school improvement advisor, education consultant, trainer and author. She has almost three decades of primary teaching, headship and leadership experience across the sector, working and leading in both MATs and LAs. She works nationally and internationally on school improvement including at single school level and at scale. She has a particular interest in research informed practice in the primary phase, early career development, and CPD design. Follow Emma on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Jon Hutchinson is a former assistant headteacher of Reach Academy Feltham and is now a Director at the Reach Foundation. He has taught across primary and secondary and HE. In his spare time, Jon runs www.meno.acacdemy, a platform with free videos to support primary teachers to build their subject knowledge. Follow Jon on X ⁠⁠@jon_hutchinson_ or Bluesky @jonhutchinson.bksy.social

This podcast is produced by Haringey Education Partnership. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/

In this special season finale of Mind The Gap, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner are joined by Yamina Bibi, a dynamic deputy head teacher and author of Thriving in Your First Years of Teaching. Yamina shares her journey from a shy, introverted new teacher to an influential leader in education, driven by her passion for teaching, learning, and mentoring. The conversation highlights her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, discussing the importance of role models and networks in supporting early career teachers. Yamina emphasises practical strategies for thriving in the classroom, managing workload, and building professional relationships. The conversation also touches on the significance of coaching and the impact of positive mentorship on teacher retention.

Yamina Bibi is a Deputy Headteacher, English teacher, Coach and Consultant in London with experience of leading Teaching and Learning, Curriculum, and Mentoring and Coaching of teachers at all stages of their career. Yamina has a NPQSL and a Masters in Teaching from University College London, Institute of Education and is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. She is also a network leader for WomenEd, a global charity organisation seeking to support female teachers and leaders in education. Yamina is also the co-host of Series 1 of The #DiverseEd podcast and is a contributing writer for several educational books. Yamina regularly blogs about coaching and mentoring, school leadership, effective research informed practice at [email protected]. Follow her on X at @msybibi

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specialising in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@teacherhead⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She founded ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help retain teachers in post. Follow Emma on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This podcast is produced by Haringey Education Partnership. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/

On this episode of Mind The Gap, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner are joined by Dr. Megan Sumeracki, co-founder of The Learning Scientists. Megan shares her journey from being an educational psychology professor to co-creating The Learning Scientists, highlighting the motivation and challenges behind making cognitive science research accessible. The discussion delves into the concept of elaboration, exploring how connecting new information to existing knowledge enhances learning. They also touch on memory and aging, addressing how cognitive processes change over time and strategies to mitigate these effects. Megan provides practical suggestions for effective retrieval practices, emphasizing techniques that help students retain and recall information more efficiently. Lastly, they discuss the complexities of translating research into real classroom practices, offering insights on bridging the gap between theory and application to foster evidence-based teaching.

Dr. Megan Sumeracki is a cognitive psychologist specializing in learning and memory. She received her Masters in Experimental Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis and her PhD in Cognitive Psychology from Purdue University. She is now an Associate Professor at Rhode Island College teaching, advising, writing, and conducting research with students. She co-founded the Learning Scientists in January 2016 and is the author of three educational books, the most recent being The Psychology of Memory. Follow her on X @DrSumeracki

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specialising in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@teacherhead⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She founded ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help retain teachers in post. Follow Emma on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This podcast is produced by Haringey Education Partnership. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/