Head-to-Head Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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

Striving for Excellence

Hear from Sally Appadu, Deputy Headteacher at Lillian-De-Lissa Maintained Nursery School as she celebrates their development journey, striving for excellence. Sally reflects on her inspection experience, on the crucial importance of a shared vision, an embedded whole school approach and effective systems for her context.

A great listen for any Headteacher and Leadership Team.

More than just PE lessons – how considered, connected and impactful is your PE curriculum?

Hear from the team at Haytor View Primary School and Nursery, Newton Abbot, as they share the development of a whole school community strategy for Physical Education, Health and Well-Being.

Are you working on ways to connect your school curriculum?                                                                        Hear from Jane Weatherston, Early Years & Key Stage 1 Phase Leader at Plympton St. Mary CE Infants and St Christopher’s Multi Academy Trust EYFS, and Chris Murray, Maths Lead, as they share their journey to connecting mathematics teaching and learning in the Early Years with Key Stage One and beyond!                                                                                                                                                                                                 

A ‘not to be missed’ episode for any Primary Headteacher and School Leader.

Does your vision and strategic approach enable and empower everyone?

Listen to Emily Morris, Headteacher at Eastway Primary School, as she shares some of her most impactful school development initiatives. Hear about an overhaul to the school curriculum, nurturing leaders of learning, successfully engaging with families and much more as Emily reflects on her school’s development journey. An insightful listen for any Headteacher and Leadership Team.

Worried about Ofsted inspection stories that you’ve heard?

Listen to Emma Johnson, Headteacher at Ravenshead Primary School, as she and her colleague Alex Sutcliffe take us through their inspection experience. Sharing insights into the professional conversations, discussions and some of the processes, as well their personal reflections and top tips.

A must listen episode for any Primary School Headteacher expecting ‘the call’.

Is your whole team confident in articulating your ‘3 I’s’?

Listen to James Marshall, Headteacher at St Peter’s Primary Academy as we explore his inspection experience. James notes the value of professional conversations as a crucial underpinning support for his team and subject leader, Sophie Wood, shares her involvement in deep dives. An invaluable listen for Primary Heads and School Leaders.

Are you in the ‘inspection window’, expecting ‘the call’?

Hear from Ryan Cousins, Headteacher at Kilnhurst Primary Academy as he shares his reflections about his Ofsted inspection and explains the processes. His colleague, Karen Mapin, also joins us to share a detailed insight into her deep dive experience.

A ‘not to be missed’ episode for any Primary Headteacher and School Leader.

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!