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Deputy HeadteacherA Deputy Headteacher works in close partnership with the Head, using their leadership skills to support all aspects of the school's work. The Deputy also needs to be a skilled practitioner, to enable them to lead curriculum development and raise standards. Team building, motivation and staff development are also important aspects of the role. Many of our articles deal with these issues, so there is a lot here to interest Deputy Headteachers and those who aspire to this wide ranging role. A day in the life of an extended schools manager | Deputy HeadPlanning, coordinating, managing, sustaining, networking and facilitating; these are all key aspects of an extended school manager's role. Fran Shelley discusses these different aspects of her role as extended schools manager at Downside Middle School in Newport Wraparound childcare provision | Deputy HeadHow effective is wraparound childcare provision in addressing issues in areas of deprivation? Therese Allen, head at Mychall Primary in Birmingham, dicusses why it plays such a key role in her school "Fitness to teach": a guide to the law for education providers | Deputy HeadYour teaching staff must have the health and physical capacity to teach, but in assessing this you must make sure you comply with disability discrimination rules, says Yvonne Spencer Extended schools: after-school and holiday provision | Deputy HeadAs an extended school, Chesnut Lodge School in Halton provides inclusive after-school and holiday provision for children with additional needs and mainstream children. Heather Austin, their deputy head, explores why it has been a success Is it time for community schooling? | Deputy HeadWhy have previous attempts at community schooling largely failed? Pam Woolner from the Centre for Learning and Teaching at the University of Newcastle discusses, and sets out possible implications for the current initiative Workplace stress: protect staff and avoid litigation | Deputy HeadEmployers looking to prevent and defend claims of stress, and employees who are suffering from stress at work, should make time to read the complex litigation involved, urges Tamara Ludlow Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006: impact on information sharing | Deputy HeadIf you work with children or vulnerable adults, there are difficult decisions regarding when to disclose sensitive information. Chris Webb-Jenkins examines the impact of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 on this issue Taking achievement to new heights | Deputy HeadAt some schools, individual cases of underachievement can be masked by overall good performance. Liz Allen tells how her school in Bromley overcame this by redesigning its whole approach to teaching and learning Raising achievement by transforming learning | Deputy HeadIn a bid to help students raise their achievement and know success, the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust initiated Raising Achievement Transforming Learning (RATL). David Crossley explains the school-to-school mentoring scheme which allows teachers to learn from the success of others Teachers share their thoughts on the TLA | Deputy HeadCan the Teacher Learning Academy double the number of teachers it has enrolled by 2011? What are the benefits of signing up? Four teachers describe their involvement with the academy Bullying is on the increase, say young people | Deputy HeadChildren's views on bullying are discussed in a new report, which sends a clear message that adults must be careful not to ignore or inadvertently encourage bullying How to handle allegations against a member of staff | Deputy HeadIf a child makes a vague allegation is it OK to ask questions? How should an allegation against a member of staff be treated? Jenni Whitehead discusses some of the concerns facing managers when coping with these issues Empowering teaching assistants to raise standards | Deputy HeadMuriel Thomson tells how she has transformed the way support staff are used at Brixham College, Devon, bringing wide-reaching benefits across the school From compliance with the curriculum to creativity in the classroom | Deputy HeadWith a more creative and flexible secondary curriculum on the horizon, Rebecca Patterson and Debra Kidd explore what it could mean for CPD Every Child Matters: challenges and opportunities for CPD | Deputy HeadWhat impact will Every Child Matters have on CPD in schools? According to Steven Coombs and Mike Calvert, it will be huge; and schools need to be ready Secondary school partnerships: the role of governors | Deputy HeadSchools and colleges that work in partnership provide a better offer to their students, make faster progress and improve their performance, says Robert Hill Virtual learnings environments for extended learning | Deputy HeadVirtual learning enviroments (VLEs) can support delivery of the extended schools core offer, explain deputy heads Paul Ainsworth and Josephine Smith Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006: how it will affect your school | Deputy HeadChris Webb-Jenkins walks you through the new vetting and barring regime, which comes into effect in autumn 2008 M-level degrees: what can teachers expect? | Deputy HeadAcademic or obscure, instrumental or professionally liberating? CPD Update editor Cliff Jones asks what we can expect the new Master's degrees for all teachers to look like Extended schools: learning from the past | Deputy HeadThe idea of extended schools has a long history, says Pam Woolner, and we can learn from ideas that have been tried in the past Historic abuse claims become easier to manage | Deputy HeadA key judgement means claimants need prove only abuse − not employer's negligence. But this could be good news for schools writes Dai Durbridge Helping hands: making best use of TAs | Deputy HeadTo allow full use of teaching assistants, curriculum managers need to ensure both TAs and teachers have the support they need. This involves quality line management and a clear understanding of how to plan for effective learning, Lynn Maidment explains Assisting the assistants: CPD for teaching assistants | Deputy HeadAre schools rising to the challenge of CPD for the whole workforce? Elizabeth Holmes investigates what schools need to do to ensure everyone receives professional development Improving teacher effectiveness with NLP | Deputy HeadHow can neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) be used to support teaching and learning? Richard Churches, principal consultant for National Programmes at CfBT Education Trust and a doctoral researcher in the School Management of Surrey University, explores Learning from our European neighbours' education systems | Deputy HeadOur European neighbours do education differently - with different starting ages, reading levels, varied approaches to the curriculum and assessment, extremes of class size and funding. What can we learn? Dave Weston shares his experience Building a curriculum for confidence and responsibility | Deputy HeadStaff at Park View Community School, Chester-Le-Street, describe how introducing a competence-based curriculum has enabled students and teachers to begin a learning journey A digital environment can raise school performance | Deputy HeadHeadteacher Simon Uttley explains how he transformed a 'notice to improve' school to one of international status with 'exceptional leadership' with help from a sophisticated digital environment Examining senior leadership roles | Deputy HeadAnalysing how critical leadership roles are being performed in your school can be a worthwhile exercise, says Richard Bird, former headteacher and now legal consultant to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) SEAL: good for teachers, schools and students | Deputy HeadThe responsibility of SEAL and the development of emotional intelligence ultimately lies with the school, argues headteacher Neil Berry, and can have a real impact on school improvement Health and safety at a school event | Deputy HeadHealth and safety is not only essential, it can also be a very useful planning tool if approached sufficiently far in advance of a school event How to reinvigorate your G&T provision | Deputy HeadDeputy headteachers Paul Ainsworth and Josephine Smith consider how school leaders can reinvigorate their G&T programmes so they are an integral part of their school's success School business managers: utilise your advanced fundraising skills | Deputy HeadBusiness managers and bursars are ideally placed to help their schools develop more robust approaches to fundraising, argue Paul Ainsworth and Josephine Smith Effective target setting for school improvement | Deputy HeadHeadteacher Kim Sparling explores how targets in schools can be used most effectively An inside look at an Ofsted inspection | Deputy HeadWould you like to be a fly-on-the-wall at your own Ofsted inspection? Paul Williamson, assistant head of Greenbank High School, shares the insights he gained from doing just that How to tackle a bad Ofsted report | Deputy HeadWhat is your next step if you're given a poor Ofsted report? Angela Youngman discusses this, and talks to one headteacher who took over a school in the 'notice to improve' category Indicators, targets and the decline of education? | Deputy HeadSetting targets is no way to improve educational standards, argues former headteacher and now legal consultant to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), Richard Bird A different approach: teaching through the arts | Deputy HeadGallions Primary School teaches the entire curriculum through the arts, with fantastic results. Co-heads Paul Jackson and Emma McCarthy explain how it's done Governors and performance management | Deputy HeadMichele Robbins asks what issues arise most frequently in governor training sessions, and looks at how governors are responding to changes in performance management In search of solutions for excluded pupils | Deputy HeadRecent government legislation has created new opportunities for multi-agency working in addressing and reducing exclusions from schools, says headteacher Neil Berry Growing leaders in your governing body | Deputy HeadIs there a lack of leadership initiative in your governing body? David Marriott looks at the importance of leadership development for governors The implementation of SEAL | Deputy HeadWhat can be achieved by SEAL over three years? Educational psychologist Cate Summers takes a look at results in the London Borough of Westminster RTIs: what can you expect? | Deputy HeadHeadteacher Kim Sparling shares her school's experience of the revised reduced tariff inspection, and explains why she found it less stressful than the previous framework Self-evaluation forms: going departmental | Deputy HeadAnne Clarke, principal of Benton Park School, discusses the value of departmental SEFs The Children's Plan: raising emotional literacy | Deputy HeadWhat does the Children's Plan have to say about shaping up a more emotionally literate education system? The road to a creative curriculum | Deputy HeadPirates, munchkins and football; can you think of interactive ideas to make your lessons more creative? David Morley explains how themes like this can allow you to plan and take ownership of your curriculum, particularly with themed creative events Extended services across a cluster | Deputy HeadSome of the key success factors in the development of extended schools provision across a cluster are discussed by Dave Dunkley, headteacher at Coleshill Heath Full Service Extended School in Solihull, and Ruth Shand, lead officer for extended services at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Working with parents to raise additional funds for your school | Deputy HeadThe parental fundraising team is a fanstastic resource. Paul Ainsworth and Josephine Smith look at how to maximise the work it does Reviewing your school complaints procedure | Deputy HeadMichael Segal explains why a clear school complaints procedure is vital Effective management and deployment of support staff | Deputy HeadEffective management of support staff depends on a set of basic systems being in place. Ruth Bradbury looks at how to build teams, define roles and establish effective performance management Evaluation of the full service extended schools initiative | Deputy HeadColleen Cummings examines the evaluation of the the DCSF full service extended schools initiative and some implications for extended schools Support for all: extended and outreach services | Deputy HeadHeadteacher Bernadette O’Brien describes the core themes of extended provision at Priory School and Sports College The new codes for admissions and appeals explained | Deputy HeadIt is vital to know the new changes to the law — especially if your school is its own admissions authority, writes Ingrid Sutherland Enhancing the contribution of business and finance staff through ECM | Deputy HeadThe contribution of support staff to student achievement must be recognised and promoted, says Paul Ainsworth Children's stress and anxiety | Deputy HeadIs the pressure of school life too much for young children? Roger Smith investigates Investing in e-books for children | Deputy HeadEnsuring that all pupils can read by the time that they leave primary school is a priority for headteachers across the country. Ben Barton looks at how new technology might make this easier Making transitions easier | Deputy HeadStarting and changing schools are big transitions. Former headteacher Lynn Cousins shares advice on handling these and less common times of change that children experience Providing difficult feedback to staff: What to say and how to say it | Deputy HeadDeputy headteacher David Morley examines how best to provide feedback, how to prepare for it and how to train others to do it International links for leadership and learning | Deputy HeadThere is a great deal that schools in difference countries can learn from each other about the problems and successes that different approaches to integrating ethnically diverse pupils into schools can offer, says headteacher Neil Berry Legal basics for teachers: Structure and responsibilities of governing bodies | Deputy HeadMark Blois provides an update and overview on governing body structure and the complex demands made of governors - and possible changes on the horizon Teaching religion: the duty to be impartial | Deputy HeadWhat are the legal restrictions on how we should teach religious studies in school? Elective home education: parental rights and constraints | Deputy HeadHeadteacher David Dixon takes a close look at the philosophy behind elective home education, enshrined in a recent consultation document on guidelines to cover this parental option 'Racism' challenge to exclusion decision | Deputy HeadWhen is exclusion for serious misconduct justified, and how careful must a headteacher be in excluding a pupil? Guy Claxton's character curriculum for the learning age | Deputy HeadGuy Claxton invites debate on his eight character strengths and virtues for the learning age Behind the buzzwords: Creating partnerships | Deputy HeadAnn Briggs, professor of educational leadership at Newcastle University, examines the issues surrounding the current policy drive towards creating 'partnerships' Learning outside the classroom: examining the school grounds | Deputy HeadDavid Storrie describes a course on learning outside the classroom that has allowed teachers to critically examine their school grounds The power to search: a gift to schools? | Deputy HeadRichard Bird, former headteacher and now legal consultant to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), looks at the wisdom of using the power to search in schools and concludes that there are often better options Alternative pathways into the world of work | Deputy HeadHeadteacher Brian Rossiter outlines his experience of seeking to take advantage of the variety of alternative qualifications available to boost his school’s headline statistics, while at the same time preparing individual pathways into the world of work for his students Facing the challenges of HR management | Deputy HeadHeadteacher Neil Berry takes a look at the vital part that human resource management plays in a school leader’s working life School uniform policy and religious belief | Deputy HeadHow can a school best strike a balance between its uniform policy and its pupils' right to manifest their religion or belief? Legal basics for teachers: pupils in care | Deputy HeadYvonne Spencer looks at a broad scheme to improve outcomes — and explains its effect on local authorities and schools Community learning in action | Deputy HeadProviding an extended schools service with a community learning centre brought about unexpected synergies for Mitchell High School. Shaun Morgan describes the changes From personalised to person-centred | Deputy HeadMichael Fielding, professor at London’s Institute of Education, argues that we need to think a lot harder about what we mean by personalised learning if current developments are to engage people actively in their learning Providing 'value for money' secondary education | Deputy HeadKim Sparling, headteacher of Oldfield School in Bath, explores the concept of 'value for money' in a secondary school context and outlines some suggestions on ways to achieve it All in the name of duty: seeking sponsorship | Deputy HeadDough balls and garlic bread...why does an assistant head find herself negotiating event sponsorship on a Saturday and why are schools having to attract sponsorship to gain specialist status in the first place? Achieving a fully inclusive school: Brampton Manor | Deputy HeadHeadteacher Neil Berry explains how Brampton Manor in East London – described by Ofsted in December 1999 as having 'serious weaknesses' – was turned into the fully inclusive, successful school it is today Learning from business leadership - Jack Welch | Deputy HeadJack Welch became one of the best-known business leaders in the world when, in the 20 years between 1981 and 2001 he turned round the fortunes of General Electric in America, adding four hundred billion dollars to its share value. Here former head Gerald Haigh looks at how his principles can be applied to leadership in schools The secrets of engaging parents | Deputy HeadAnne Clarke, principal of Benton Park Technology College, shares her thoughts on the problems of engaging parents in secondary schools Making school a safer place | Deputy HeadPatrick Ferguson, headteacher of De la Salle Humanities College, Liverpool, looks at the important role effective security plays in school improvement How to gather and manage personal data in your school | Deputy HeadData protection law sets firm boundaries around what information you can collect. Educators retain excessive data at their peril, writes Simon White Effective use of primary school data | Deputy HeadWe live in a data-rich age where almost every aspect of childhood is quantified! School improvement partner, Dave Weston, helps you see the wood from the trees Leading CPD in schools | Deputy HeadAlison Kitson, programme leader in CPD at the TDA, discusses the kinds of questions that you might wish to ask if you were beginning to draw up a role specification for a leader or director of professional learning Coping with stress: situations and contexts | Deputy HeadIn his final piece on living with the 21st century’s number one killer, Steve Mynard, editor of Primary Headship, considers the cognitive dimension – the way we perceive and relate to stressful situations What happens when the headteacher is away? | Deputy HeadThe headteacher is absent: every deputy head's nightmare or a chance to show your true potential? David Morley looks at what to do when a headteacher is away from school 'for a short while' or 'for the foreseeable future' How green is your school? | Deputy HeadClimate change is in the headlines every day. What are schools doing about this issue? Angela Youngman looks at the Eco-Schools programme Improving teaching and learning | Deputy HeadRoger Smith considers tried and tested ways of improving teaching and learning and a few new ones Confiscation, retention and disposal of pupils' property | Deputy HeadSeizure of personal effects can interfere with pupils' human rights, so you need to make sure it's done lawfully, writes Ingrid Sutherland Trust schools: the benefits, the law and the future | Deputy HeadThe option to collaborate with outside partners is under-used — but it offers benefits that educators would be wise to take note of, as Richard Gold explains Learning federation case study | Deputy HeadMartin Ainsworth, headteacher of Wellfield Business and Enterprise College and chairperson of South Ribble Learning Foundation explains how group working has helped 14 educational establishments reduce isolation and increase effectiveness Is your SLT brittle, blocked, blended or blind? | Deputy HeadThe advantages of having a ‘blended’ senior leadership team are explained by Ray Chatwin and Maggie Turner, directors of school leadership and management training specialists SISU Professional Heads welcome flexibility of the new Key Stage 3 curriculum | Deputy HeadEducation writer and former head Gerald Haigh talks to Dr Keith Bothamley, deputy head (curriculum) at Horsforth School, and Richard Brown, principal of Minsthorpe Community College in Wakefield, about the new KS3 curriculum The Key Stage 3 review | Deputy HeadPrimary headteacher David Dixon applauds many of the changes that the Key Stage 3 review heralds, arguing that many of them will bring about practices already embedded in the best primary schools Identity, religion and uniform | Deputy HeadHeads must know, but not exceed, their powers when it comes to decisions on school dress, says Richard Bird, former headteacher and now legal consultant of the Association of School and College leaders (ASCL) Engaging effectively with outside agencies | Deputy HeadHeadteacher Anne Clark looks at why it is so important for schools to establish effective links with outside agencies Leading authentically | Deputy HeadJohn Jackson looks at a new approach to leadership that puts the emphasis on integrity Case study: bringing about school improvement | Deputy HeadRoger Whittall, Headteacher, The Westwood School, Coventry explains the school improvement strategies that have raised attainment and standards at his school Helping young children understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle | Deputy HeadFranz Atkinson describes a whole-school approach adopted by a small rural primary school What's new about personalised learning? | Deputy HeadIs personalised learning really all that new? Roger Smith investigates Coping with stress: school leaders | Deputy HeadTime is a strictly limited resource – we all have 168 hours in a week. The fact that some people seem to manage to get things done and have time to relax is not down to how they manage their time – it is down to how they manage themselves, argues Steve Mynard Creating your professional development portfolio | Deputy HeadMany school leaders don’t have professional development portfolios. David Morley looks at the benefits of creating one for yourself and the pitfalls to avoid Key Stage 3 curriculum review | Deputy HeadBrian Rossiter, headteacher of Valley School, Worksop, North Nottinghamshire, offers his take on the KS3 curriculum review Developing 'citizenship-rich' schools | Deputy HeadSchool leaders need a national strategy for citizenship education if they are to build on the excellent practice of those who have grasped citizenship as a tool for school transformation argues Tony Breslin, chief executive of the Citizenship Foundation Vertical tutoring and the personalisation agenda | Deputy HeadHeadteacher Peter Kent and deputy Annabel Kay describe how vertical tutoring has moved them towards the extended, cross-age family ethos that they seek to develop within their school Expectations of governors | Deputy HeadJoan Sallis considers the relationship between the headteacher and governor, and explores mutual expectations and issues of respect Students as partners in learning | Deputy HeadTeacher and trainer Michelle McGrath argues that the emphasis on students as partners in their learning is a fundamental challenge to the current model of teaching and will require significant shifts in attitudes at all levels in schools Educational equalities: raising the stakes | Deputy HeadSchools can develop strategies to improve fairness and freedom, says Diane Bebbington Discipline: changes to the law reflect tough times for staff | Deputy HeadGet set for a raft of changes to legislation and guidance — including rules on use of force, searching and confiscation, writes Ingrid Sutherland Searching pupils for weapons | Deputy HeadHeadteachers have new powers to screen search pupils for offensive weapons and they can delegate them to staff. Jenni Whitehead looks at recent draft guidance explaining how the new powers will operate Constructivism | Deputy HeadEveryone seems to be a constructivist these days, but what do people mean by 'constructivism' and what are the implications for education? Your responsibilities for administering medicines (part two) | Deputy HeadSpecial needs consultant Patti Turner details the actions you need to take to ensure your school is fully meeting the medicinal needs of all children Making the most of school profiles | Deputy HeadYour school profile communicates essential information to parents. Roger Smith gives tips on how to present that information in a positive way Coping with stress: the long-term impact | Deputy HeadWhat is the impact of long-term stress on your physical and mental wellbeing? Steve Mynard, editor of Primary Headship, reports The rise of the career of a deputy headteacher | Deputy HeadDavid Morley, a deputy headteacher for the last five years, examines the challenges facing deputy heads in the 21st century, how the role of deputies has changed in recent years and why fewer deputy heads are moving on to headship Self-harm: offering young people support | Deputy HeadJessica Peters of the charity YoungMinds lays some common myths about self-harm to rest and explains how schools can support the young people it affects Coping with stress: the physical and mental effects | Deputy HeadTeaching regularly features in the top five most stressful occupations. Former headteacher Steve Mynard explains how to harness the positive effects of stress and prevent it causing physical and mental burnout Developments in child protection – movement of progress? | Deputy HeadThe Bichard report has been followed by a flurry of legislation and statutory guidance. Richard Bird looks at what’s changed and what still needs to happen in the world of child protection Risk management: are you still doing it? | Deputy HeadRecognising and minimising risk in the school environment is a vital part of a headteacher’s management role, says former head Roger Smith Primary assembly guidance part three: preparation | Deputy HeadGerald Haigh concludes his series on primary assemblies by giving some tips on preparation, along with some advice on how to deliver an unplanned assembly Primary assemblies guidance part two: the assembly leader | Deputy HeadGerald Haigh continues his three-part series on primary assemblies by looking at the role of the assembly leader Primary assemblies guidance part one: values | Deputy HeadGerald Haigh begins a three-part series on primary assemblies by looking at values Promoting Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) | Deputy HeadJudith Harwood, senior regional adviser on the secondary strategy for school improvement, reports on the breadth of the pilot work being undertaken in secondary schools to promote Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL). Spreading SEBS in Gloucestershire | Deputy HeadHeather Clapp, until recently a behaviour and attendance adviser in Gloucestershire, presents thoughts and reflections on one authority’s experiences of engaging with the pilot programme for Social, Emotional and Behavioural Skills (SEBS). Children’s Hospices call for schools to dive in this Autumn | Deputy HeadThe Association of Children's Hospices (ACH) – the national voice for children's hospice services – asks schools to celebrate 25 years of children's hospice care through the Butterfly Swimathon. Playground fights: duty to contact parents | Deputy HeadCould the school be held liable for negligence if it doesn't tell parents after an incident? Health services in extended schools: new legal liability? | Deputy HeadWhat are the legal implications of greater collaborative working between education and health care professionals, asks Amelia Newbold High-quality environments for learning | Deputy HeadPractitioners need to consider the way that space and resources can be used to encourage children’s investigations. Pat Brunton and Linda Thornton explain Dealing effectively with complaints | Deputy HeadHow do you respond if a parent starts complaining about your setting or your staff? Steve Mynard advises that you start with prevention Observing classroom assistants | Deputy HeadHow can you make judgements about the performance of your assistants when they are in the room working alongside a teacher/ practitioner? Kevin Bullock provides one solution Global citizenship in school | Deputy HeadAs the world in which we live comes closer together in some ways and further apart in many, Margaret Collins suggests ways in which we in schools can help to make it a better place Coping with stress: the body's responses | Deputy HeadBeing more aware of mind and body is the key to managing stress says Steve Mynard Your responsibility for administering medicines | Deputy HeadDoes your school have an effective policy on the administration of medication to children? Special needs consultant Patti Turner looks at some of the problems that can arise and the ways to avoid them Learning mentors improve behaviour | Deputy HeadThis article examines the role of the learning mentor and how they can be deployed in the school for the benefit of the whole learning community. David Morley reports How inclusive is your school? | Deputy HeadVision into Practice – Ensuring Every Child Matters is a self-evaluation tool for inclusive learning. Trish Lowson, school link officer for Inclusive Learning at Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council, explains Working with the media | Deputy HeadSchools' relationships with the media are increasingly important. Brian Rossiter, headteacher of Valley School, Worksop, North Nottinghamshire describes his approach Students as researchers: making a difference | Deputy HeadThe contribution of students as researchers (STARS) to students’ learning and to school development can have numerous benefits. David Lucas and Dr Margaret Wood recount their experience at Deptford Green secondary school 18 months of the new relationship with schools | Deputy HeadWhat affect has the new relationship with schools (NRwS) had to date on schools and school improvement? Headteacher Trevor Bailey takes a critical look at its impact Networking for whole-school improvement - case study | Deputy HeadIn 2003, Blackburn with Darwen’s secondary schools decided to apply to become one of the National College for School Leadership’s (NCSL) Networked Learning Communities (NLCs). John Westwell, Des Callaghan, Joanne Emberton and Jenny England describe the background to that decision and how the Leading into Learning NLC has developed into a major force for professional development and improved attainment in Blackburn with Darwen. Making connections: networking to improve teaching and learning | Deputy HeadBarbara Spender outlines the benefits for students that can come from schools collaborating with each other in a formal partnership where staff give mutual support and share resources Looked-after children: new law improves education rights | Deputy HeadSchools will have to be more aware of these particularly vulnerable children when they review policy and practice, writes Ingrid Sutherland Legal basics for teachers: Charities Act 2006 update for independent schools | Deputy HeadProving public benefit will be essential if you want to retain tax exemptions, write William Colacicchi and Mark Blois Extended services call for a rethink of occupier's liability | Deputy HeadAs schools open their doors to new categories of visitor, they must take an audit of risk and danger on the premises, writes Sarah Freeston. Speaking school finances: Should managers become heads? | Deputy HeadCan - and indeed should - someone from a background other than teaching become a school leader? Join this growing debate Community cohesion - will history help? | Deputy Head‘Community cohesion’ is now a legal obligation on school governors and we must make the best of it, says Richard Bird, former headteacher and now legal consultant to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL). He asks how teaching of history could contribute to this objective. Managing your image | Deputy HeadWorking to promote a positive image for your school can be a powerful tool for school improvement and can provide a focus for staff efforts on many fronts, argues Brin Best, education writer and director of Innovation for Education Ltd. Secrets of a high achieving school | Deputy HeadKim Sparling, headteacher at Oldfield School in Bath, analyses the ingredients of her school's high achievements Supporting low-attaining schools | Deputy HeadSue Pidgeon, National Strategies primary senior regional adviser, and Karen Jarmany, National Strategies primary regional adviser, explain how the Intensifying Support Programme works to raise standards in low-attaining schools. Fundraising: a force for change | Deputy HeadFundraising should be seen as a powerful means of school improvement, rather than an isolated activity carried out by the Parent Teacher Association, argues Brin Best, education writer and director of Innovation for Education Ltd How inclusive is your school? | Deputy HeadTrish Lowson, school link officer for inclusive learning at Calderdale metropolitan borough council, introduces Vision into Practice – Ensuring Every Child Matters, a self-evaluation tool for inclusive learning. Risk management - are you still doing it? | Deputy HeadRecognising and minimising risk in the school environment is a vital part of a headteacher’s management role, says former head Roger Smith. The evolving role of the headteacher | Deputy HeadDavid Dixon adds his voice to the debate about the role of the headteacher in today's schools and suggests that ‘fast-track’ and non-teaching heads may be the poorer for missing out on the daily detail of school life Making medical consultations work | Deputy HeadMalcolm Rigler and David Loshak outline strategies to improve young people’s health. Managing sickness absence | Deputy HeadRuth Bradbury outlines the cost of staff absence to schools and explains how a range of practical measures can help staff to maintain a better attendance record for the benefit of themselves and the school. The work-life balance of heads | Deputy HeadPat Barnes, education consultant and former head, urges headteachers to take a fresh look at their work-life balance. Male teachers: role models in the classroom | Deputy HeadBob Jelley argues that success is essential since, for many youngsters, a teacher may be one of the most significant male role models in their lives. When can a bullied child stay off school? | Deputy HeadQ - SOMETIMES a child suffers so badly from bullying that parents keep her at home. But is this legally justified? Engaging parents: developing equal partnerships to support learning | Deputy HeadA Case Study: Anita Brown, Deputy Headteacher, Ponteland Community High School, Northumberland. Counselling: a powerful but limited tool | Deputy HeadCounselling is often touted as a solution to challenging behaviour and as a way of meeting needs that are beyond the scope of a school’s pastoral care mechanisms. But is it? Adrian King, independent health education consultant and qualified counsellor looks at what it can realistically deliver. School excellence and Investors in People | Deputy HeadWorking to meet the standards laid down by Investors in People (IIP) is an effective way of raising standards and improving staff morale, argues former head Roger Smith. Pupil registration: the new regulations and guidance | Deputy HeadNew rules call for closer cooperation between local authority and school, giving increased protection to children at risk, writes Ingrid Sutherland. School visits abroad: invaluable to pupils and staff | Deputy HeadHeadteachers Anne Clarke and Annabelle Guyver analyse the benefits that trips abroad bring to participating pupils and to the staff leading them. Tackling the modern languages crisis | Deputy HeadAt the end of last year, Sir Ron Dearing’s interim Languages Review was published. Headteacher Jim Donnelly looks at what he had to say and the suggestions for a way forward New headship: taking on the role | Deputy HeadBringing school and community expectations into line with national priorities and targets is just one of the many challenges facing new heads. Richard Bird, former headteacher and now legal consultant to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), charts the road to success. Managing your image | Deputy HeadWorking to promote a positive image for your school can be a powerful tool for school improvement and can provide a focus for staff efforts on many fronts, argues Brin Best, education writer and director of Innovation for Education Ltd. Energy awareness: the European connection | Deputy HeadInvolvement in European energy awareness projects can bring a multitude of benefits to the pupils and staff of schools, as well as to the planet, says headteacher David Dixon. Personalisation as a core principle | Deputy HeadHow can personalisation work in practice? Headteacher Paula Allen spoke to Bob Cox to explain how it’s done at Dorney Combined School. Family-friendly working: do you know the rules? | Deputy HeadNew maternity and flexible working rights mean employers must brush up on the law, says Derek Eccleston. Exclusion from independent schools | Deputy HeadNo matter how watertight the contract with parents, schools must implement it correctly and fairly if they want removal of a pupil to be upheld, says Mark Blois. Achieving true parental involvement | Deputy HeadReticence to engage with parents on the part of schools can be deep-seated. Teachers may not be aware of the benefits that parents can bring to the learning experience and the students may not realise that they will benefit too. Julie McGrane looks at how parental engagement can be initiated and how schools can find the forms of engagement that work best. Leaving the scene: but the play must go on | Deputy HeadRichard Bird, former headteacher and now legal consultant to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), analyses the vital role an outgoing head has to play in the succession process. Welcoming and integrating new teachers into our schools: part 2 | Deputy HeadIn the second of two articles exploring what helps new teachers feel welcome in a school, teacher Colin Smith looks at how social relations and the delivery of lessons impact on their experience. Report shows way forward for curriculum development | Deputy HeadLearners tend to have a narrow view of the relevance of the curriculum and their enjoyment of it decreases across the key stages. These are two of the key findings of an NfER review of the research on pupils’ experiences of and perspectives on the curriculum published in the UK between 1989 and 2005. Dealing with child protection issues: coping with involvement | Deputy HeadIf Jane’s story was true she had to be removed from a situation where she was at risk. But if it wasn’t true, was there a danger of making things even worse? A former teacher describes the tensions generated by the problem. Names and details have been changed to protect anonymity. Creativity in the curriculum | Deputy HeadA school with creativity at the heart of the learning process will benefit by increasing the motivation of staff and pupils, says former head, Dave Weston. In this article and case study, he shows the way to more imaginative approaches to curriculum planning. The impact of extended schools on G&T students | Deputy HeadCasterton Business and Enterprise College (CBEC) is the hub of local learning, offering 11-16 education by day and a wide range of recreational and academic activities for young people and adults in the evenings and at weekends Extended schools: what impact on G&T? | Deputy HeadWhat does ‘extended school’ mean to politicians, teachers and parents and what will it mean for more able pupils? Deputy head Paul Ainsworth explains Exclusions: the new guidance and regulations explained | Deputy HeadSchools should take note of new reporting and training requirements, as well as changes to appeal panel representation rights, says Ingrid Sutherland. Mixed messages on inclusion policy | Deputy HeadThe House of Commons Education and Skills Select Committee undertook a major review of special education in 2005-2006 and published a report that asked the government to clarify its policy on inclusive education. This article summarises the questions that the Select Committee asked, outlines the government response to these, and provides a brief analysis of this response. Getting the best from classroom observation | Deputy HeadFormer headteacher Roger Smith examines the impact of performance management guidelines – in particular the changes to classroom observation – and how they can be made to work. Exclusions: guidance and legislation from the top | Deputy HeadExclusion is now one of the main ways of dealing with extreme behaviour. Headteacher Suzanne O’Connell examines recent guidance and legislation on the subject. Laying plans for better music provision | Deputy HeadA second report from the Music Manifesto group has recommended a series of steps to improve music education at maintained schools in England A new language for learning | Deputy HeadFormer headteacher Tim Small, a member of of ViTaL Partnerships, introduces some excerpts from his colleague Ruth Deakin Crick’s new book on learning power and the effective lifelong learning inventory (ELLI). Primary teaching: will it always be a woman's world? | Deputy HeadCurrently just 15.7% of all primary school teachers in England are men, yet 83% of parents would like to see more men in primary teaching. Why so few and why so great a desire for more? Former headteacher and education writer Steve Mynard finds out… Assembly: a chance to stress your values | Deputy HeadIn recent years assembly has been squeezed by the pressures of the curriculum but its importance in demonstrating what your school stands for should not be under-estimated, says former headteacher Gerald Haigh. Communicating with parents: formal approaches | Deputy HeadCarole Farrar highlights how you can make the most of formal communications with parents. The teaching vocation | Deputy HeadThe vocational nature of teaching has been eroded by successive government initiatives and we need to take action to preserve it, says Alex Alexandrou, chair of the International Professional Development Asscociation. 2013 and the age of entitlement | Deputy HeadMuch remains to make the 14-19 vision into reality. Gareth Griffiths, 14-19 provision and attainment director at the Learning and Skills Council looks at progress in developing the diplomas and establishing collaboration between schools, FE colleges and training providers. Performance management: all change? | Deputy HeadIn November 2006, education writer and former head Roger Smith looked at the new draft performance management guidelines and what they might mean for schools. Welcoming and integrating new teachers into our schools | Deputy HeadTeacher Colin Smith, supported by fellow teacher/researchers seconded to a TLRP-funded project looking at the early professional learning (EPL) of teachers, reports on findings on what helps new teachers feel welcome in a school. The art of getting real | Deputy HeadSusannah Temple, Giles Barrow, Julie Leoni and Trudi Newton describe how teachers can use the principles of transactional analysis (TA) to build relationships that stimulate learning. Helping adults abused in childhood | Deputy HeadPete Saunders, chief executive and founder of NAPAC, describes how the charity helps survivors of abuse come to terms with their traumatic histories. Drug testing revisited | Deputy HeadIndependent drug consultant, Adrian King, questions the wisdom of drug testing in schools, arguing that it undermines the support offered to pupils through effective PSHE and sends out a clear message that pupils are not to be trusted. The benefits of behaviour tracking | Deputy HeadEducation writer and former headteacher Gerald Haigh shows how ICT can be used to track pupils’ behaviour and create good, quantitative evidence on which to base action. Making learning better: listening to pupil voice | Deputy HeadMatthew Savage, assistant headteacher, George Mitchell Community School, and Dr Margaret Wood, senior lecturer, York St John University College, explore the role of student voice in evaluating and then improving the learning experience of students in the classroom. Using NPSLBA to transform behaviour and raise attendance | Deputy HeadUsing NPSLBA to transform behaviour and raise attendance. Better behaviour: lead professionals point way to whole-school improvement | Deputy HeadDaniela Sommefeldt tells how a national programme for specialist leaders of behaviour and attendance is empowering those who attend it and inspiring them to move forward to bring about whole-school improvements in their own school context. Med: How did I get involved in this? | Deputy HeadLisa Crosswood describes the benefits of a modular Masters degree in Education. Learning to be open: shaping more emotionally literate schools | Deputy HeadJames Park, director of Antidote, explains the benefits for everyone in creating and leading an emotionally literate school and shows how it can be done. New exclusion guidance brings in training | Deputy HeadThe government has updated its guidance on exclusion from schools and pupil referral units. Internet and mobile technology security | Deputy HeadEvery school has a general duty of care for all of the children in its care. This extends to ensuring children's safety on the internet. School buildings security | Deputy HeadAdvice and ideas for securing the school site and buildings, compiled by Dave Cotton, West Midlands Police Force and Nick Bason, Arson Prevention Bureau. Securing the school perimeter and buildings | Deputy HeadDave Cotton, Force Crime Reduction Officer at West Midlands Police Force, looks at security risks and gives safety advice for schools, staff and pupils. Coaching in performance management | Deputy HeadNeil Short looks at methods for supporting colleagues more effectively in the performance management process. Why your setting needs CPD | Deputy HeadSally Eaton examines the benefits of CPD and the line manager’s role in implementing it. Performance management: monitoring and review | Deputy HeadNeil Short looks at the second and third stages of the PM cycle: monitoring and review. Giving medicines to children | Deputy HeadMary Mahoney examines our responsibilities when asked to give medicine to children. Writing a behaviour policy | Deputy HeadAll policies should be discussed with those who will be involved in carrying them out and should be easy to understand so that they are not interpreted in different ways. Here we look at how to write an effective behaviour policy. Performance management | Deputy HeadFormer headmaster Neil Short examines the first stage of the PM cycle – planning. The transition from foundation stage to Key Stage 1 | Deputy HeadHelen MR Hann looks at the help and support we can provide for those children about to move into Key Stage 1. Teacher's expedition to Antarctica | Deputy HeadTeaching Expertise is delighted to announce our sponsorship of a teacher’s expedition to Antarctica, exploring how humans cope with extremes. Keeping your staff safe | Deputy HeadFaye Spalding provides an overview of your responsibilities to your staff. Managing the transition from pre-school to the foundation stage | Deputy HeadHelen MR Hann suggests strategies to help children transfer into the foundation stage. Rewards for serving safer food | Deputy HeadAngela Youngman looks at a scheme in Norwich that is raising interest around the country and two other awards that encourage good hygiene and healthy eating. Supporting new staff in the Foundation Stage | Deputy HeadThe Foundation Stage induction process can be supported by existing staff in your setting, as demonstrated at Nottingham University's Day Nursery Extended schools: extended childcare | Deputy HeadHalf of all primary schools and a third of all secondary schools are due to be open from 8am to 6pm throughout the year by 2008 The transition from home to nursery or playgroup | Deputy HeadHelen M R Hann, an experienced foundation stage teacher, looks at the practical implications of ensuring children's emotional health and wellbeing as they enter nursery or playgroup for the first time. Security advice for nurseries with outdoor play equipment | Deputy HeadIf you have equipment which is fixed or too large to be put away, what can you do to prevent the threat of damage overnight? Police Sergeant Cotton of West Midlands Police has some advice for you to follow. Welcoming new staff to your early years team | Deputy HeadWhat should be in your induction policy and how can you implement it effectively? Attachment, transitions and early emotional development | Deputy HeadJohn Cousins is a primary mental health worker, supporting children and their families. He explains what we mean by 'transitions' and how they can affect the child. Managing and accounting for funds you have raised | Deputy HeadNathan Archer, from the children’s house consultancy, guides you through the regulations relating to managing any money that you have raised from outside sources, and reminds you of the legalities surrounding local fundraising. Making music matter | Deputy HeadLeonora Davies, chair of the Music Education Council, talks to Nick Smurthwaite about the vital role of music and movement in early years development. Diets and their effect on children's behaviour | Deputy HeadHow much does food affect children’s behaviour? Mary Whiting reveals some research-based facts and offers some tips. Support childminder scheme comes to Milton Keynes | Deputy HeadJane Webb is the support childminder coordinator in Milton Keynes, employed by Milton Keynes Council and working within the childcare team at Galley Hill Education Centre in partnership with the National Childminding Association (NCMA). She recounts how her local authority set up its support childminder scheme. Effective communication and engagement | Deputy HeadCommunication is by its very nature a two-way process. Children need to have these skills if they are to particpate in shared and meaningful communications. In this Inset package, based on the need for effective communication and engagement as described in the Common Core, Roger Hurn provides information and activities to help your staff think about ways of helping children to practise and develop their communication skills. Make the most of your marketing | Deputy HeadMarketing a nursery is more than advertising and promotion. Marketing covers other activities, including the development of the nursery, market research and what prices should be charged. Whether your nursery is at the planning stage or is an existing business, you will still have to think about marketing. Joanne Taylor talks us through. When quality counts | Deputy HeadA quality assurance scheme is an ideal way to help you improve the care you offer children and families: What is involved? Hayley Doyle of the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) explains. Using national healthy school status to achieve the five outcomes for children | Deputy HeadColin Noble explains how achieving national healthy school status supports the new ‘whole-child’ agenda. Making personal development quantifiable | Deputy HeadThe idea of using quantitative measures to evaluate students’ personal and social development can arouse considerable anxiety. James Park, director of Antidote, argues that there is a way. Developing international citizenship through a Japanese exchange | Deputy HeadTony Cassidy, citizenship coordinator at Kirk Hallam Community Technology College, Derbyshire describes the benefits of a Japanese exchange programme. Racist bullying: preventing and dealing with incidents | Deputy HeadRobin Richardson writes in a personal capacity about DfES advice on countering racist bullying for which he acted as external consultant. Every Child Matters: how can headteachers lead change? | Deputy HeadSchools should be at the centre of professional support for children and heads should champion change, argues Nick Johnson OBE. Equality for all? | Deputy HeadDr Diane Bebbington discusses the implications of a new initiative to address inequalities. Including disabled children | Deputy HeadChanging attitudes is fundamental to achieving full inclusion argues Liz Fitzpatrick. Together We Can - an active citizenship initiative | Deputy HeadJohn Potter explores a government proposal for citizenship education. Preparing for peer mediation | Deputy HeadPeer support schemes can benefit staff and pupils. Jaci Smith describes one initiative and explains how to get started. Ofsted's report on extended services | Deputy HeadEYU draws out the key points for early years education and childcare. Communicating the change agenda in a cruising school | Deputy HeadCommunicating the change agenda in a cruising school All distributed: sharing leadership to build capacity | Deputy HeadDistributed leadership has the potential to transform schools, raising achievement and inspiring more effective practice from staff. Trevor Arrowsmith shows how. Listen up: hearing what students have to say about learning | Deputy HeadStudent voice can be a powerful tool in encouraging higher levels of engagement in learning leading to raised achievement. But many schools still have a lot to learn about making effective use of this tool in practice to bring about whole-school improvement. We uncover some of the lessons learned so far. Networking to engage student voice | Deputy HeadNetworking to engage student voice Creating an effective school | Deputy HeadCreating an effective school How has the role of deputy head changed? | Deputy HeadDeputy head Rob Bray considers how his responsibilities have changed over the years as the core function of deputy headship has developed from ‘management’ into ‘leadership’. Providing choice in good faith | Deputy HeadHeadteacher Ian Bauckham attacks some common myths about faith schools and argues that their abolition would seriously reduce parental choice as well as being detrimental to the government’s commitment to raising standards. Manx-style: a view from across the water | Deputy HeadSue Moores, headteacher of a secondary school in the Isle of Man, compares the island’s educational system with that of England and concludes that she won’t be moving back here! A personalised curriculum | Deputy HeadHeadteacher Peter Kent and deputy Annabel Kay describe how introducing a condensed KS3 programme in their school has created the opportunity for personalised learning. Blank sheet or inheritance – extended schools and the 'community schools movement | Deputy HeadRichard Bird, former headteacher and now legal consultant to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) looks at the lessons that can be learned from the community education movement to help ensure the success of extended schools. Without geography, you are nowhere | Deputy HeadWhy has geography lost its status? Dr John Hopkin, chair of the Geographical Association’s Education Committee, looks at ways in which geography can be put back on the school map Good leadership: how, where and why? | Deputy HeadSchool leadership is being reviewed by the DfES. Former head Roger Smith looks at assumptions about what makes a good leader and ponders on where the review will lead. Supply teaching: from the outside looking in | Deputy HeadWhat makes a good supply teacher? Former head Bob Jelley draws on some memories. Primary geography: is it falling off the map? | Deputy HeadGeography is the poor Cinderella of the primary curriculum. Where did it all go wrong and what can be done about making primary geography teaching higher on the agenda? Paula Richardson makes some suggestions Parents: a help or a hindrance? | Deputy HeadPat Barnes, education consultant and former head, suggests ways to manage and make the most of parental help in schools. A sporting chance | Deputy HeadNeil Short, education consultant and former head, looks at how schools are facing up to the challenge of supporting and developing sporting talent among young pupils. Meeting the needs of gifted and talented children | Deputy HeadWho are the gifted and talented children in our schools and are their needs being properly met? Former head, Roger Smith, suggests that broader definitions and greater efforts need to be made to identify and support the special needs of this group Global citizenship and healthy schools – Manchester Healthy Schools Partnership | Deputy HeadGlobal citizenship links can help increase children's and young people's knowledge of the wider world. The Manchester Healthy Schools Partnership created a close working relationship with three schools in Kabwe, Zambia. International links through the Kwathu Project – Norfolk Schools | Deputy HeadThe Kwathu Project is building international links to teach students in both the UK and Malawi about the true meaning of home – at a local, national and global level. Whole school change and human rights education – UNICEF UK reflection | Deputy HeadUNICEF UK's whole school change initiative the 'Rights Respecting School Award', has been informed by the Developing Citizenship project, as Heather Jarvis from UNICEF UK explains. Project management group – reflection from Oxfam | Deputy HeadDevelopmental projects can be complex. Oxfam's Angela Grunsell reflects on what she learned from being part of the project management group. Whole school policy review at Diss High School | Deputy HeadA review of the attitudes of the whole school towards global citizenship resulted in changes to the School Development Plan. Developing a whole-school food policy | Deputy HeadA whole-school approach to food and health is fundamental to establishing good dietary habits and an understanding of the links between good nutrition and future health. In this article Anna Denny shows how shools can support children in leading a healthy lifestyle. Working with the media to promote your school | Deputy HeadMany communities are keen to know what is happening in local schools and the profile of your school can be raised and presented in a positive light by successful use of the media. This counters a great deal of the damage done to the public view of education by more generalised central reporting, where sensationalism is the main criterion for publishing/reporting. By Linda Trapnell | ||