If you’re a Headteacher, or you aspire to be one, take a look at our articles that deal with different aspects of school leadership. We have case studies of leadership vision, energy and innovation. Our headship updates focus on a range of topics, including strategic direction, team building, developing positive partnerships, school improvement and more. Scroll down to browse the list.
Deputy 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 and not simply a bolt-on
Business managers and bursars are ideally placed to help their schools develop more robust approaches to fundraising, argue Paul Ainsworth and Josephine Smith
Early Years Update looks at the National Healthy Schools Programme and the key issues it aims to address
Headteacher Kim Sparling explores how targets in schools can be used most effectively
Have you ever been attracted by the financial freedom of academies but wondered what the drawbacks are? Gary Dawson guides you through the issues
Discover how to manage the dynamics of a balanced and well-organised childcare team
Invite your pupils to become published music critics with the Bachtrack Young Reviewer programme
Would 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
Last year 12 sixth-form teachers applied to TEAM (The European-Atlantic Movement) to take part in a sponsored study trip to America to deepen and broaden their knowledge of US politics, government and culture. One of them shares his experience
What 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
Setting 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
Gallions Primary School teaches the entire curriculum through the arts, with fantastic results. Co-heads Paul Jackson and Emma McCarthy explain how it’s done
Michele Robbins asks what issues arise most frequently in governor training sessions, and looks at how governors are responding to changes in performance management
Recent government legislation has created new opportunities for multi-agency working in addressing and reducing exclusions from schools, says headteacher Neil Berry
Is there a lack of leadership initiative in your governing body? David Marriott looks at the importance of leadership development for governors
What can be achieved by SEAL over three years? Educational psychologist Cate Summers takes a look at results in the London Borough of Westminster
Headteacher 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
Can individual governors really make a difference? Joan Sallis looks at how and why governors should get under the skin of their school
Anne Clarke, principal of Benton Park School, discusses the value of departmental SEFs
What does the Children’s Plan have to say about shaping up a more emotionally literate education system?
Roger Smith considers ways in which headteachers can help their staff make the most of their careers
Have you taken ownership of your curriculum yet? David Morley examines how to break free, particularly with themed creative events
The role of family link workers is to encourage parents’ participation and interest in school life. Fiona Taylor shares her school’s experience in the benefits of developing this role
In early years especially, boys should not be forced into a “girl-like” model of learning, explains Steve Mynard
Angela Youngman explores the problem of achieving maximum security in schools whilst maintaining a pleasant environment
The new guidance on restraining pupils is essential reading. Jenni Whitehead discusses the powers it gives and some of the dilemmas it poses
The NLE programme, which provides additional leadership to schools in difficulty, is now in its second year. Crispin Andrews meets an NLE headteacher and discusses the role his school is playing
A number of resources are available when funding school grounds improvements, explains Gill O’Donnell
Some 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
The parental fundraising team is a fanstastic resource. Paul Ainsworth and Josephine Smith look at how to maximise the work it does
Michael Segal explains why a clear school complaints procedure is vital
Effective 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
The rulings of two recent legal cases indicate that a pupil’s attitude and application will now be key in assessing educational negligence claims, writes Mark Blois
Colleen Cummings examines the evaluation of the the DCSF full service extended schools initiative and some implications for extended schools
The support of a school business manager can make all the difference to your next Ofsted inspection, explains Nina Siddle
Early Years Update looks at the opportunities available for practitioners to gain Early Years Professional Status
The Children’s Plan was launched by Ed Balls in December 2007, but what are the government’s objectives for this initiative?
In the first of new series on managing people, Early Years Update looks at the distinction between leadership and management
Headteacher Bernadette O’Brien describes the core themes of extended provision at Priory School and Sports College
It is vital to know the new changes to the law — especially if your school is its own admissions authority, writes Ingrid Sutherland
Ruth Bradbury considers the relationship and boundaries between the roles of school business manager and teaching and learning leader
The contribution of support staff to student achievement must be recognised and promoted, says Paul Ainsworth
Is the pressure of school life too much for young children? Roger Smith investigates
Ensuring 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
Starting and changing schools are big transitions. Former headteacher Lynn Cousins shares advice on handling these and less common times of change that children experience
Angela Youngman looks at some innovative ideas to get children moving
Deputy headteacher David Morley examines how best to provide feedback, how to prepare for it and how to train others to do it
A £7bn programme will transform 8,000 primary and special schools over the next 15 years. Crispin Andrews looks at some of the innovative projects being planned in the pathfinder schools
Anne Humble describes the benefits to be gained for nursery schools from participating in the Eco-Schools scheme
School governor and former headteacher Peter Downes takes the long view on what ‘local management’ set out to achieve 25 years ago and where he believes it has gone partially wrong
While measuring school performance is important, it is vital that the data used is properly understood and that the broader picture is not lost, says headteacher Peter Kent
The advantages of being part of a local authority where all schools have specialist status are enormous, as education writer Crispin Andrews found out when he spoke to headteachers in one of them – Plymouth
There 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
Mark Blois provides an update and overview on governing body structure and the complex demands made of governors – and possible changes on the horizon
What are the legal restrictions on how we should teach religious studies in school?
At times the collaborative partnership process for SENCOs and senior leaders in schools can be challenging and time consuming. Rita Cheminais looks at how to establish effective partnerships, and describes a new ECM self-evaluation tool that will help to strengthen partnership working
Headteacher 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
Headteacher Anne Clarke reveals how her personal experience of taking a risk as a headteacher led to success and highlights why risk taking is often vital to school improvement
Schools, colleges and early years settings are seen as having a major role to play in the plans and policies set forward in this new document
Lindsey Wharmby puts cost prediction and risk assessment under the spotlight
School data is an exceptionally valuable asset and schools are not doing enough to safeguard it. Mark Hoyland talks us through the issue
Steve Mynard, editor of Primary Headship, considers the practicalities of helping young children to develop higher-order questioning skills
Ofsted is using the five ECM outcomes as key points in primary school inspections. Dave Weston looks at how schools are supporting the outcomes and gives advice on preparing for inspection
When is exclusion for serious misconduct justified, and how careful must a headteacher be in excluding a pupil?
Who gets the final say in deciding when a statement of SEN comes to an end? David Ruebain, Chris Barnett and David Wolfe unravel a complex new case
A headteacher was fined £12,500 after a boy died at school. What does this mean for educators? Hazel Padmore investigates
While academies have some characteristics of maintained schools, they retain independent status in law. So which rules apply? Richard Gold clarifies
Guy Claxton invites debate on his eight character strengths and virtues for the learning age
Ann Briggs, professor of educational leadership at Newcastle University, examines the issues surrounding the current policy drive towards creating ‘partnerships’
David Storrie describes a course on learning outside the classroom that has allowed teachers to critically examine their school grounds
Richard 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
Steve Smith, former deputy headteacher at a technology college and now business development director for education at ICT specialist Ramseys, looks at the technological challenges and opportunities that extended service schools present
Headteacher 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
Headteacher Neil Berry takes a look at the vital part that human resource management plays in a school leader’s working life
Pauline Holbrook, national inclusion coordinator for the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, talks to SENCO Update about the nature and role of specialist SEN schools and gives advice on how to make the most of the expertise within them and the services they provide
A raft of small changes add up to important new duties for all parties to the exclusion process. Ingrid Sutherland runs through what you need to know, in part two of this series
How can a school best strike a balance between its uniform policy and its pupils’ right to manifest their religion or belief?
Having found himself in a governors’ free-for-all on the subject of homework, Roger Smith describes that experience and shares his own thoughts and that of researchers on the subject
Former headteacher Bob Jelley remembers a time when ‘school trips’ were a lot more straightforward
We tend to take questioning skills for granted; they certainly seem to develop quite readily in young children. Steve Mynard, editor of Primary Headship, explores the reasons why we might choose to guide our children towards higher-level questioning skills
A consultation document from the DCSF seeks views on proposals for regulations to ensure that SENCOs are qualified teachers with a defined role in the leadership and management of the school
Yvonne Spencer looks at a broad scheme to improve outcomes — and explains its effect on local authorities and schools
The genuine occupational requirement defence to a discrimination claim allows schools to set conditions on whom they employ. Tamara Ludlow explains
Providing an extended schools service with a community learning centre brought about unexpected synergies for Mitchell High School. Shaun Morgan describes the changes
Michael 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
Principal Ian Johnson describes how an extended school day and a high level of community involvement are central to the strategy for raising achievement at The Marlowe Academy in Ramsgate
The importance of producing accurate and attractive promotional material about your school or setting
Kim 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
It can be daunting and isolating for children with few English language skills to start a new school. Education writer Dorothy Lepkowska reports on a new programme designed to help them achieve their potential
Creating and delivering productive links between business and the school curriculum can benefit everyone’s future, argues headteacher Martin Ainsworth
Headteacher Neil Berry describes his experiences of being on both sides of the SIP process and concludes that the New Relationship has improved LA and school accountability
As part of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) initiative initiative it is recommended that schools work with a managed service provider to procure, manage, maintain and refresh their ICT infrastructure and equipment. Steve Smith explores ICT outsourcing and highlights the potential cost savings
Paul Howells considers the changing nature of recruitment in our schools, and encourages you to consider how you can best save time while also getting best value
Dough 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?
Headteacher 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
Jack 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
Anne Clarke, principal of Benton Park Technology College, shares her thoughts on the problems of engaging parents in secondary schools
Patrick Ferguson, headteacher of De la Salle Humanities College, Liverpool, looks at the important role effective security plays in school improvement
Legal Surgery answers a question about exclusion of a violent pupil who has SEN
Amid a deluge of new discipline and behaviour provision, the updated exclusions guidance has taken effect. Ingrid Sutherland outlines the changes
Data protection law sets firm boundaries around what information you can collect. Educators retain excessive data at their peril, writes Simon White
Michael Segal reports a case of local authority proceedings to obtain care orders for three young siblings
We 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
Steve Mynard, editor of Primary Headship, urges us to make reading our biggest priority
Jenni Whitehead examines the new procedures for allegations against staff, which have been in force since January 2007
Alison 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
Some people think that children under five are too young to express opinions, but Sara Bryson and her colleagues found ways of ensuring that babies and children were at the heart of the decision-making process
Early Years Update looks at the importance of environmental wellbeing in supporting the five outcomes of Every Child Matters
In this third article on marketing and promotion, Early Years Update looks at creating a range of promotional material to make potential customers aware of the services you provide
In 2003, Le Rocquier school had no ICT strategy, no ICT replacement programme, no staff ICT training programme…but by 2007 that had all changed, and ICT is now integral to teaching and learning throughout the school, writes John McGuinness
Chris Comber from Leicester University offers curriculum managers exclusive insights into the findings, outlining key factors to integrate ICT throughout teaching and learning
Safeguarding Children in Education and Safer Recruitment in Education came into force in January 2007. Jenni Whitehead looks at some of the most common confusions expressed by readers in the year since its publication
In 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
Climate change is in the headlines every day. What are schools doing about this issue? Angela Youngman looks at the Eco-Schools programme
Former headteacher and current chair of governors Mike Walton argues that a closer relationship between parents and governors will benefit the whole school community
Roger Smith considers tried and tested ways of improving teaching and learning and a few new ones
Which is more important — a pupil’s right to privacy, or the public interest in education?
Seizure of personal effects can interfere with pupils’ human rights, so you need to make sure it’s done lawfully, writes Ingrid Sutherland
Wireless technology is useful, but raises health concerns. Vicky Lapins looks at schools’ obligations for safer use
The 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
In this second article on marketing and promotion, Early Years Update, looks at how to use market research to find out more about the customers who use your services
Martin 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
The 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
Mo Laycock, Headteacher, Firth Park Community Arts College describes the effective model of governance which has contributed to three Ofsted results of ‘outstanding’ leadership at the school
Rather than see governors as a nuisance to be endured, schools instead should be working with them as an invaluable source of help and advice, argues Colleen Arnold of the National Governors Association
Education 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
Primary 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
Heads 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)
Headteacher Anne Clark looks at why it is so important for schools to establish effective links with outside agencies
John Jackson looks at a new approach to leadership that puts the emphasis on integrity
Small schools have limited resources and some funding streams can be very restrictive. Paul Ainsworth describes how one group of schools is seeking to overcome these problems
Brin Best explains why your school’s fundraising work will not be truly effective unless it is underpinned by a clear vision and strategy
There is no easy solution to the problem of supply cover costs, but more effective management can reduce negative impacts. Ruth Bradbury shares her advice
Roger Whittall, Headteacher, The Westwood School, Coventry explains the school improvement strategies that have raised attainment and standards at his school
School improvement partner (and former headteacher) Trevor Arrowsmith explains what the role involves, how schools can benefit and what difference the initiative has made
An Emergency Protection Order (EPO) authorises a local authority to remove a child to accommodation provided by the local authority and keep him there
Linda Bartholomew and Cathy Kennedy describe their initiative to capitalise on the links which health visitors can create between early years providers and families
Franz Atkinson describes a whole-school approach adopted by a small rural primary school
Jenni Clarke discusses the important role early years practitioners can play in helping young children to develop good eating habits
In the first part of a series on marketing, Early Years Update looks at the vital area of creating an ‘image’ as part of marketing and promoting your organisation
Early Years Update provides a guided tour of the documents in the new EYFS package
Michael Segal investigates how far a school can intervene when divorced parents disagree over an educational matter
Kris Lines surveys this highly litigated area — and suggests a step-by-step approach to safety within the law
Cultural diversity calls for comprehensive policy. But what if it doesn’t cover the case at hand? Use common sense and consultation, says Michael Brotherton
Many of your teachers will not be science specialists. Angela Youngman has been looking at innovative approaches to the teaching of science that help encourage children’s inquisitiveness
All primary schools must have a disability equality scheme in place by December 2007. Margaret Collins offers some practical suggestions to help you meet the challenge
Is personalised learning really all that new? Roger Smith investigates
Time 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
Many school leaders don’t have professional development portfolios. David Morley looks at the benefits of creating one for yourself and the pitfalls to avoid
Cyber-bullying is on the increase and cannot be ignored, says Patrick Nash, chief executive, Teacher Support Network
Richard Bird, former headteacher and now legal consultant to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) looks at the part that the old head can play in helping the new head to be successful
Brian Rossiter, headteacher of Valley School, Worksop, North Nottinghamshire, offers his take on the KS3 curriculum review
School 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
Headteacher 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
Joan Sallis considers the relationship between the headteacher and governor, and explores mutual expectations and issues of respect
Teacher 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
Schools can develop strategies to improve fairness and freedom, says Diane Bebbington
Question: How must a local authority assess the special educational needs of a child in its area? What is the extent of the duty?
Get set for a raft of changes to legislation and guidance — including rules on use of force, searching and confiscation, writes Ingrid Sutherland
Joining forces brings benefit, but there are implications for governance, employment, and leadership, writes Mark Blois
The USA is huge and diverse but a quick glance at Sam Hughes Elementary School in Tuscon, Arizona, can give some idea of how professional development helps teachers, reports Susan Clark
Headteachers 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
Looking at the benefits and challenges of different models for providing childcare and early education service in children’s centres and extended schools
Everyone seems to be a constructivist these days, but what do people mean by ‘constructivism’ and what are the implications for education?
Special needs consultant Patti Turner details the actions you need to take to ensure your school is fully meeting the medicinal needs of all children
Kate Wall describes the main findings of the Learning to Learn in Schools Phase 3 project evaluation and looks at some of the implications for schools
Your school profile communicates essential information to parents. Roger Smith gives tips on how to present that information in a positive way
What is the impact of long-term stress on your physical and mental wellbeing? Steve Mynard, editor of Primary Headship, reports
Jessica 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
Teaching 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
The 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
Recognising and minimising risk in the school environment is a vital part of a headteacher’s management role, says former head Roger Smith
As the government increasingly recognises the importance of schools developing international links, headteacher Jim Donnelly looks at how these links can be established and what benefits they bring
No organisation can operate effectively without good quality information, provided in good time. Governors need the right sort of information, provided in an accessible format, to play their full part in effective governance. Martin Pounce reports
Schools are being advised to review their policies and practices to make sure that they are not doing anything that discriminates against pupils on the grounds of religion or belief
New guidance on behaviour and discipline in schools hit the headlines during Easter 2007 – largely because of its suggestions on the importance of rewarding good behaviour as well as punishing bad
Yeading Junior in Hayes has evolved its strategy for putting emotional health and wellbeing at the centre of the curriculum. Headteacher Carole Jones describes how
Gerald Haigh concludes his series on primary assemblies by giving some tips on preparation, along with some advice on how to deliver an unplanned assembly
Gerald Haigh continues his three-part series on primary assemblies by looking at the role of the assembly leader
Gerald Haigh begins a three-part series on primary assemblies by looking at values
Judith 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).
Heather 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).
The 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.
The CPR Learning Space is a building with a ‘wow’ factor, providing services to schools and the wider community. Jane West looks at its development
Could the school be held liable for negligence if it doesn’t tell parents after an incident?
What are the legal implications of greater collaborative working between education and health care professionals, asks Amelia Newbold
A detailed look at how the IB has been launched in one school, by Rob Ford, Head of International Education and International Baccalaureate, The Ridings High School, Bristol
An outline of the content of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and what schools need to consider when deciding to apply to deliver the curriculum it offers. By Tristian Stobie
Practitioners need to consider the way that space and resources can be used to encourage children’s investigations. Pat Brunton and Linda Thornton explain
How do you respond if a parent starts complaining about your setting or your staff? Steve Mynard advises that you start with prevention
A useful update on the current law regarding discrimination is provided by Patti Turner
How 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
As 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
Being more aware of mind and body is the key to managing stress says Steve Mynard
The relationship between teachers and teaching assistants is a changing one. Angela Youngman investigates and offers guidance to ensure effectiveness
Does 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
This 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
Vision 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
Schools’ relationships with the media are increasingly important. Brian Rossiter, headteacher of Valley School, Worksop, North Nottinghamshire describes his approach
The 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
What 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
The pressures created by a high-performance culture made it difficult for the children at one primary school to learn and collaborate. Tamara Bibby, a lecturer at the Institute of Education in London, explains
The relationship of teachers in the workplace is an under-researched area. Educational psychologist Kairen Cullen discusses her study
We begin a series of best practice advice features with a look at the implications of a school having its own bank account
Sharon Wallwork provides comprehensive advice on dealing with a decline in student numbers. She argues that, far from being something that only schools in specific circumstances should be concerned about, all educational institutions need to assess the risks of declining numbers and the huge financial implications this can bring
In 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.
Barbara 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
Q: Can an employee who secretly taped a disciplinary hearing use the tape as evidence at a tribunal?
Schools will have to be more aware of these particularly vulnerable children when they review policy and practice, writes Ingrid Sutherland
Proving public benefit will be essential if you want to retain tax exemptions, write William Colacicchi and Mark Blois
As schools open their doors to new categories of visitor, they must take an audit of risk and danger on the premises, writes Sarah Freeston.
Can – and indeed should – someone from a background other than teaching become a school leader? Join this growing debate
An independent report compiled for the government has suggested that a number of key aspects of school governance need to be reformed.
Do you always know what messages your parents are taking away with them? Carole Farrar examines some of the messages that you may be giving out.
‘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.
Working 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.
Kim Sparling, headteacher at Oldfield School in Bath, analyses the ingredients of her school’s high achievements
Sue 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 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
Trish 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.
Recognising and minimising risk in the school environment is a vital part of a headteacher’s management role, says former head Roger Smith.
David 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
Malcolm Rigler and David Loshak outline strategies to improve young people’s health.
Sima Goldsmith considers the environmental and financial implications of the sustainable schools agenda
Ruth 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.
Nina Siddle explains how one school in East Yorkshire found widespread benefits from engaging with the Investors in People programme
Pat Barnes, education consultant and former head, urges headteachers to take a fresh look at their work-life balance.
Bob 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.
Q – SOMETIMES a child suffers so badly from bullying that parents keep her at home. But is this legally justified?
A Case Study: Anita Brown, Deputy Headteacher, Ponteland Community High School, Northumberland.
Counselling 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.
Working 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.
New rules call for closer cooperation between local authority and school, giving increased protection to children at risk, writes Ingrid Sutherland.
Headteachers Anne Clarke and Annabelle Guyver analyse the benefits that trips abroad bring to participating pupils and to the staff leading them.
At 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.
Christian Webb-Jenkins, of Browne Jacobson LLP, discusses the act.
Bringing 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.
Working 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.
Involvement 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.
How can personalisation work in practice? Headteacher Paula Allen spoke to Bob Cox to explain how it’s done at Dorney Combined School.
New maternity and flexible working rights mean employers must brush up on the law, says Derek Eccleston.
No 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.
Reticence 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.
Richard 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.
In 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.
In a recent edition of School Governor Update David Marriott explored whether there was a future for governance.
Learners 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.
A proposed change in the law would raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco. Peter Downes discusses the implications for schools.
If 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.
A 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.
Casterton 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
What does ‘extended school’ mean to politicians, teachers and parents and what will it mean for more able pupils? Deputy head Paul Ainsworth explains
Until recently G&T education was piecemeal and largely ignored in Northern Ireland. David Ryan describes the start of a strategy for G&T education at Belfast’s Education and Library Board.
QUESTION: What considerations should we apply when considering permanent exclusion of a pupil with special educational needs?
Schools should take note of new reporting and training requirements, as well as changes to appeal panel representation rights, says Ingrid Sutherland.
The 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.
Former 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.
Exclusion is now one of the main ways of dealing with extreme behaviour. Headteacher Suzanne O’Connell examines recent guidance and legislation on the subject.
Headteacher Trevor Bailey explains why Worle Community School and Westhaven Community Special School, both members of the Weston-Super-Mare Federation, have jointly entered the Trust School Pathfinder programme and what benefits he hopes becoming trust schools will bring.
Many governors’ influence in their schools falls short of the model suggested by law, regulations, training, and the perceptions of politicians and the press.
A second report from the Music Manifesto group has recommended a series of steps to improve music education at maintained schools in England
Former 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).
Currently just 15.7% of all primary school teache