Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Leading With...

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.

In this episode of the Leading With Podcast, Jon Cripwell, National Education Lead for Primary Maths at Twinkl, speaks with Gráinne Hallahan, Head of Community at Teacher Tapp, about what teachers across the UK are really experiencing in schools.

Using insights from Teacher Tapp data, they explore workload, behaviour, CPD, AI in classrooms and what school leaders can learn from the real voices of teachers.

Play is not a luxury. It is the foundation.

In this episode of Leading With, Tracie Butterfill speaks with Amber Ogunsanya-William, inclusive play advocate and NSPCC Champion for Childhood, about why play builds resilience, belonging and achievement.

From growing up in an adventure playground to influencing national conversations on childhood, Amber shares why protecting play is essential if education is serious about raising standards and preparing children to be life ready, not just test ready.

What does it really take to lead phonics across more than 50 schools, without losing the joy of reading?

In this episode of Leading With, Laura Brogan, National Phonics and Early Reading Lead at Twinkl, is joined by Kali Jauncey- Childs, National Early Years and Phonics Lead at Oasis Community Learning

Together, they discuss leading phonics across a multi academy trust, embedding joy into early reading, and balancing consistency with inclusion at scale. From developing a love of reading through Book Wings to preparing for the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, this episode offers practical insight for leaders and teachers shaping early literacy.

In this episode of Leading With, Michelle Windridge, National Education Lead for School-Based EYFS, is joined by Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Ofsted, to discuss how inspection is evolving and what that means for schools.

Sir Martyn reflects on the new Ofsted framework, its focus on collaboration, inclusion and supporting improvement, particularly for the most vulnerable children. The conversation also explores early years, school readiness and the importance of professional dialogue in reducing pressure and improving outcomes.

How can school based funding support early years expansion?

In this episode of Leading With, Michelle Windridge, National EYFS Lead for Schools at Twinkl, is joined by Alex Armstrong, Headteacher, and Anna Hughes, EYFS Lead, from Bloemfontein Primary School to discuss using school based nursery grant funding to open a baby room and expand early years provision.

They share practical insight into funding, delivery challenges, and why investing early can make a lasting difference for children and families.

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.

Could the behaviour policies most schools rely on be holding back the very children who need support the most? Gareth K Thomas draws on lived experience to show how trauma-informed practice builds trust and improves outcomes.

What is school really for? In this episode of Leading With…, Sam Denno speaks with Sammy Wright, Secondary Headteacher and author of Exam Nation. Sammy, reflects on disadvantage, the exam system and the narratives shaping education today. Together they explore how markets, accountability and outdated measures can distort schools, and why leaders need to rethink the stories we tell about success, opportunity and community.

Welcome to Leading With…, a brand-new podcast created by school leaders, for school leaders. Hosted by Twinkl’s National Education Leads, this series is your space for honest conversations, practical strategies, and fresh ideas to support the realities of leadership in schools.

In this trailer, discover what you can expect from upcoming episodes. From curriculum changes and staffing to inspections, wellbeing, inclusion, and AI, Leading With… brings you expert voices and lived experiences from across the sector- all in 30-minute episodes designed to fit into your busy day.