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Following Ofsted’s consultation on its new inspection framework in early 2025, and its limited rollout later last year, the new framework has been fully in place for school inspections across England since January 2026. Throughout this period, NAHT has consistently challenged the framework and highlighted the risks it poses to school leaders. Working both publicly and behind the scenes, the union has secured several…
We spoke to Dan Tingle from the National Grid about how he found the recent inspection under the renewed framework, Joel Dalhouse the lead inspector, and Denise Olander, Ofsted's Deputy Director of post-16 education, training and skills. Cait Mellow Hello everybody, and welcome to another episode of Ofsted Talks, the Ofsted podcast. I'm hosting the podcast this time. My name is Cait Mellow and I'm the Head of…
Emma Harrison, ASCL Business Leadership Specialist talks to Heena Dave, Co-founder, Climate Adapted Pathways for Education (CAPE) and Paul Edmond, Chief Financial Officer, Heart Academies Trust about sustainability and climate change. www.ascl.org.uk/podcasts/brunch
In the midst of a teacher retention crisis, this episode asks how primary schools can keep hold of their teaching staff, especially their early career teachers. With more than 114,000 teachers having quit teaching for reasons other than retirement in the last three years, our expert panel discuss general principles for creating a school environment that encourages teachers to want to stay. We talk about pay, equity…
Recent research suggests that nearly three million schoolchildren in the UK have experienced hygiene poverty in the past year. This means everyday essentials such as shampoo, toothpaste and laundry detergent have become unaffordable for their families. The consequences are significant: hygiene poverty can affect confidence and the ability to learn, and in some cases lead to children avoiding school altogether. And…
In this episode, co-hosts Alex Quigley and Corinne Settle (EEF’s Teaching and Learning Specialist) discuss the implementation of metacognition strategies. Experts and practitioners from various phases and subject areas join us to unpack these approaches, exploring what they look like in practice and the impact they have on learners. Guest speakers: Dr Beverley Jennings (EEF Programme Manager) Tom Colquhoun (Director…
With the education sector facing an unprecedented recruitment and retention crisis, former head of science Jagdeep Pabla felt it was time to celebrate the often-unseen work of school leaders who create cultures where people can thrive over long and fulfilling careers in the classroom. By ‘holding a mirror up to those changing the narrative’, she set out to recognise the practices that are sustaining and strengthening…
Want to know more about Ofsted's renewed education inspections? In this episode, Lee Owston (National Director, Education), Lee Elliott (Assistant Regional Director, North East, Yorkshire and Humber), Jayne Coward (Deputy Director, Early Years) and Andrea Dill-Russell (Senior HMI, Further Education and Skills) explore the key changes to education inspections and what Ofsted is hearing on the ground from our pilots…
This episode considers what an inclusive primary school looks like and how we can create a culture of inclusion that enables every pupil to thrive regardless of starting points. We interview two experienced educators and discuss how we can support all learners, no matter their background and barriers to learning. We talk about how to create the right ethos and culture of belonging and family in our schools, including…
Thinking about becoming an apprentice? Is someone you know looking to their future? In this episode we look at apprenticeships, focusing on the North West of England and speak to an apprentice at the University Hospitals of Liverpool group. Hi everyone, and welcome to this edition of Ofsted Talks. I'm Briony Balsom and this time we're exploring all things apprenticeships. I'm joined here today by Lynn Masterson…
Head teacher Patrick Cozier talks to NAHT assistant general secretary James Bowen about the calm approach to school leadership he has developed over 24 years as a school leader. Patrick explores the importance of acknowledging the feelings that come with school leadership, coping with paranoia, maintaining optimism, leading your own way, and much more – sharing an approach that helped him evolve from being a new…
December 2025 Emma Harrison, ASCL Business Leadership Specialist talks to Melanie Moffatt, ASCL Pensions Specialist to discuss all things pension related. www.ascl.org.uk/podcasts/brunch
In this episode, we discuss how primary schools can maximise the impact of our staff team to deliver excellent SEND provision, with our panel offering a range of innovative ideas and approaches. Our three experienced guests begin their discussion with nine quick ideas and go on to develop these during the podcast, considering how the impact of our SEND staffing can be optimised to ensure we support our most…
In this episode, co-hosts Alex Quigley and Katie Luxton (EEF’s Senior Programme Manager), dive into what effective professional development looks like in 16–19 settings. They're joined by Evidence Partnership colleagues to unpack the latest evidence, share practical tips on putting this into practice, and highlight what’s making a real difference in their setting. Guest Speakers: Mandy Senior (Assistant Principal…
Join Rowena Hicks, an experienced teacher and deputy head, as she shares her experience of burnout – a challenge faced by so many school leaders. You’ll hear Rowena talk about the role of self-reflection, core competencies, micro changes and psychological safety, and offer practical suggestions for schools to transform their approach to burnout and bring about better outcomes for students. Rowena is facilitating…
This episode dissects the revised Ofsted inspection framework, setting out actions that school leaders can take now to prepare and offering expert insights and tips. Our panel has extensive experience of Ofsted inspection, and they break down the key changes that schools should be focused on and how best we can respond. We highlight key aspects of the revised framework, including the implications of the new…
Four years ago, Carr Mill Primary School in St Helens, Merseyside, embarked on a new whole-school approach to mental health that has delivered some remarkable results. Overcoming hurdles such as low attendance, limited aspirations and a lack of trust among families, the school has experienced a 75% decrease in referrals to tier three mental health services, improved attendance, fewer persistent absences, and much…
In this episode, co-hosts Alex Quigley and Kirsten Mould talk to EEF’s Senior Policy Manager, Natalie Ohene, about the findings of a research project investigating how schools in England allocate spending on their Pupil Premium statements. They then discuss approaches to sustaining your Pupil Premium strategy with school leaders. Guest Speakers: Natalie Ohene (EEF Senior Policy Manager), LinkedIn Lisa Wise…
This episode offers advice for school leaders on how they can handle parental complaints, including de-escalation tips and dealing with vexatious complaints. With NAHT research showing a rise in parental complaints and vexatious complaints, this episode is packed full of useful tips and practical advice for school leaders. Our three experienced panellists describe what they are seeing on the ground in terms of rising…
September 2025 Emma Harrison, ASCL Business Leadership Specialist talks to Tiff Harris, ASCL Primary and Data specialist and Rob Gould from Barker, to discuss the latest round of school-based nursery application phases. www.ascl.org.uk/podcasts/brunch
In this edition, ASCL SEND and Inclusion Specialist Margaret Mulholland speaks with Elizabeth Harris, Headteacher at Monega Primary School and Katie Ives,SENCO, Monega Primary School about the work done over the last few years to improve and strengthen inclusive teaching and learning in their schools. www.ascl.org.uk/podcasts/send
In the wake of the tragic death of 15-year-old Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who died in 2016 from an allergic reaction to sesame seeds in the dough of a baguette, her parents founded the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. It campaigned for changes to food labelling laws and works to raise awareness about food allergies. In October 2021, Natasha’s Law was implemented in the UK, requiring full labelling of ingredients on…
September 2025 Emma Harrison, ASCL Business Leadership Specialist talks to Emma Searl, Chief Finance Officer at The New Guild Trust who won the National SBL of the Year at the School Business Services awards. www.ascl.org.uk/podcasts/brunch
This episode looks at environmental work across the primary school, including how we can reduce our carbon emissions and integrate climate education into the curriculum. We look at where school leaders can begin when it comes to reducing carbon emissions across the primary school, including creating a Climate Action Plan and ideas for some quick wins. Our guests include experts from the National Education Nature Park…
In this episode, colleagues from the National Day Nurseries Association join Ofsted to discuss the report into the importance of the first two years of a child's life: Getting it right from the start: how early years practitioners work with babies and toddlers - GOV.UK Briony Balsom Hello everyone, and welcome to this edition of Ofsted Talks. I'm Bryony Balsam, and this time, we're focusing on early years, on…
How can you effectively manage conflict? What qualities define great leadership? In what ways should schools implement artificial intelligence? In this episode, you'll hear insights from Chris Packham CBE, Jaz Ampaw-Farr, Darren Coxon, Liz Robinson and Jill Berry as they explore these questions and discuss issues central to education and leadership. This is the second of our special episodes bringing you…
In this episode, co-hosts Alex Quigley and Kirsten Mould discuss the EEF’s newly updated guidance on deployment of teaching assistants. They are joined by expert Gary Aubin who discusses the role of TAs in supporting children with SEND, followed by practitioners who reflect on effective TA deployment in their settings: Gary Aubin (EEF SEND Associate, co-author of the Deployment of Teaching Assistants Guidance Report…
This episode looks at a range of routines, systems and protocols that can help you to create a calm and efficient primary school environment – with lots of practical ideas to adapt and adopt. Our panel of school leaders discuss a range of evidence-based ideas for useful school routines that help the school day to run smoothly – whether that be in the classroom, corridors or playground. We look specifically at…
In this episode, we explore the art of decision-making, the importance of ‘botheredness’, the dynamics of people-pleasing, and much more. Join us to hear unique insight for school leaders from Olympic gold medal-winning rower Ben Hunt-Davis, NAHT president Rachel Younger, Hywel Roberts, Astrid Korin and Maggie Farrar, and others. They spoke to the School Leadership Podcast at the Inspiring Leadership Conference 2025.…
In this episode, host Alex Quigley and the EEF’s Literacy Specialist, Chloe Butlin, discuss the importance of subject-specific talk across the curriculum. They are joined by experts and practitioners from different phases and subject areas: Shareen Wilkinson (Education Adviser and Author, and Executive Director of Education, LEO Academy Trust) X: @ShareenAdvice BlueSky: @mrswilkinson.bsky.social LinkedIn…
