The dark days of winter... Stress and mental health difficulties can be harder to handle during the dark winter nights. How can we support our staff?
STEM: Why we should do more tinkering How can we foster creativity, open-mindedness and resourcefulness while still working towards key academic outcomes. The Royal Academy of Engineering says the answer is to tinker. Rhys Morgan explains
What can schools do about pollution? We are finding out more about the impact of poor air quality on our children, especially in urban areas. But what can schools do to protect their pupils and to raise awareness? Suzanne O’Connell reports
Assessing English language proficiency: Why and how Recent research shows the importance of effectively assessing the English language proficiency of EAL learners. Katherine Solomon looks at the findings and offers practical advice for primary schools
Vulnerable pupils: Parent-school meetings In Headteacher Update this year, Daniel Sobel will be tackling common problems and questions when it comes to supporting vulnerable pupils in school. In his first article, he looks at the challenges and secrets to successful parent-school meetings
Behaviour & inclusion: Rules vs expectations Rules are necessary in games, but in relationships they are counterproductive. Headteacher Ryan Kilby explains why traditional approaches to behaviour can never be inclusive
The therapeutic teacher Continuing her regular series, expert Shahana Knight advises schools on supporting the emotional and mental health of children and staff, offering easy-to-implement and cost-effective activities. Here she focuses on therapeutic teaching skills
Computing: Resources, ideas, advice The move from ICT to computing continues to challenge schools, especially those relying on non-specialist teachers. Fiona Aubrey-Smith looks at some useful resources and offers three steps to help move your computing curriculum forwards
Case study: A culture of positivity, respect and innovation In moving Tottington Primary School from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘good’, headteacher Stephen Holden and his team have focused on creating exactly the right culture to support staff innovation and raise pupil outcomes
When a young person opens up to you... When a child opens up about a mental health issue, responding in the right way is crucial. Caroline Hounsell from MHFA England offers five tips for primary school staff
Spotting and tackling child sexual exploitation Spotting potential child sexual exploitation is a key part of safeguarding work. Suzanne O’Connell provides a summary of what CSE refers to, how you and your staff might identify it, and what positive actions a primary school can take
Tackling childhood obesity – the view from Ofsted A recent Ofsted review into schools’ role in tackling the child obesity crisis has led to a confusing report that criticises and dismisses our efforts, while offering schools few useful recommendations, says Suzanne O’Connell
Case study: Therapeutic provisions in a special school setting Drawing on their work at a special school in Barnet, Jessie Ellinor and Lola Alvarez-Romano explain the therapeutic provisions on offer, advocating support and wellbeing for children and their families
Protecting your roll by promoting your school Following research showing the hardships faced by rural and isolated primary schools, Imogen Rowley offers further advice on promoting your school to increase your pupil roll
Shared Education: A strong partnership Catholic Mount St Michael’s and the controlled Randalstown Central Primary School have been working in partnership for 14 years, proving that the shared education movement in Northern Ireland can work. Fergus Cooper spoke to the schools’ principals about the partnership
School trip tips: Effective planning and organising Gill Harvey offers her advice on planning and running educational and safe school trips, including tips for schools that decide to work with a tour operator or other provider
Relationships and health education The consultation over proposed guidance for statutory relationships education and health education has closed. John Rees looks at how schools might begin preparing for these vital new subjects
ID verification in schools ID verification for safer recruitment and to prevent other criminal activities is an essential responsibility in schools. Dave Verma offers some quick advice
Teaching essential skills Is it possible for schools to adopt a whole-school approach to essential skills while still meeting curriculum demands? Tom Ravenscroft says it is
Inclusion, equality and the law There are a range of statutory requirements that all schools must meet to ensure the inclusion of children and young people with disabilities and SEN. Navin Kikabhai looks at what the law requires and offers best practice advice
School Profile: Opportunities for all… Last November, Christ Church CE School was judged outstanding across all areas. Emma Lee-Potter looks at the school’s vision and values, the key aspects of their practice and their advice regarding Ofsted inspection
LGBT: Common questions Equality and diversity consultant Adele Bates answers some of the questions she is commonly asked by teaching staff in primary schools
Staff wellbeing: Showing your vulnerability Julian Stanley talks about the importance of schools leaders showing vulnerability and the positive impact this can have on staff
Supporting speech, language and communication needs The recommendations from the Bercow: Ten Years On review can help primary schools to ensure that pupils’ speech, language and communication needs are properly supported. Mary Hartshorne explains
New year, new roles, new networks As the new year begins, the importance of having supportive professional networks around you is clear. Fiona Aubrey-Smith gives us some suggestions
