Avoiding the transition dip The transition dip is a well-known and ongoing problem in our education system. Primary head Anna Traer-Goffe reports on a transition programme undertaken with their partner secondary school and some of the lessons they have learnt.
What can schools do about mental health? New government advice highlights the route to CAMHS – but schools portray CAMHS as a service in crisis. What can we do to help pupils struggling with their mental health? Suzanne O’Connell reports.
A challenging year ahead for school food On top of the challenge of expanding free school meals to all key stage 1 children, schools now face new school food standards in January. Suzanne O’Connell looks at the challenges ahead for school food.
A focus on mindfulness Mindfulness has become a familiar term, but what does it really mean and does it have a place in our schools? Amanda Bailey discusses how mindfulness can help children in particular to grow and develop
Attachment Theory and its implications A new programme to raise awareness of the practical implications of attachment issues in schools has published a set of training materials for teachers, school leaders and governors. Dr Janet Rose and Richard Parker explain
Term-time absence How are the tighter rules surrounding parents pulling their children out of class for holidays and other events affecting schools? Amy Cook takes a look.
First aid in schools Jess Hubbard from St John Ambulance offers advice to schools that have decided to offer first aid teaching for their pupils.
Spotting and tackling low-level neglect Based on recent research evidence, Caroline Sharp offers some practical advice on how schools can identify and support pupils who are suffering from low-level neglect.
Will the FSM expansion threaten Pupil Premium? The announcement of free school meals for all key stage 1 children was greeted positively by most. However, as we draw closer to its implementation, the implications of this new legislation seem to go far beyond kitchen capacity.
Spotting and tackling low-level neglect Based on recent research evidence, Caroline Sharp offers some practical advice on how schools can identify and support pupils who are suffering from low-level neglect.
Health schools – A focus on food After the publication of the School Food Plan, new food standards are being introduced. Helen Frostick explains how her school ensures healthy eating and food education is an engaging experience for their pupils.
FGM: How can you protect your pupils? Teachers are crucial in the fight to protect girls aged as young as five from the horrors of female genital mutilation. The NSPCC’s Kamaljit Thandi offers her advice on what schools can do.
Do any of your pupils have a parent in prison? Do you know which children in your school have a family member in prison? It is more common than you would think and incarceration has implications well beyond those convicted. We investigate what schools can do.
Case study: Supporting social and emotional difficulties via the Pupil Premium Colley Lane Primary School has worked with psychologists to develop interventions for Pupil Premium children, including a Nurture Suite, and to offer training for teachers. Ahead of presenting its work at a free CPD event, Kevin Gallagher explains more
'Structured conversations' to engage parents Quality parent/carer engagement has a positive impact on pupil attainment. But it is about more than just ‘getting on’ with them and requires deeper, more meaningful links. Professor Sonia Blandford discusses the potential of 'structured conversations'
In pursuit of happiness in our schools Happiness is a fairly nebulous concept, but with the right support it can be measured to provide insights into the wellbeing of your school. We consider how this can be achieved.
Improving your pupils' mental health – two case studies Supporting children’s emotional wellbeing in primary school is vital to ensuring pupils can grow into happy and healthy adults. Two winning schools from the Resilience and Results Awards explain how they prioritise their pupils’ mental health
Beating head lice in four steps Former school nurse Christine Brown offers four steps schools can take to win the fight against head lice this September
Tackling truancy and driving up attendance Deputy headteacher Nadia Jarana explains some of the strategies her inner city school employed to help transform their attendance figures
Every school needs a bereavement policy When a bereavement affects a pupil in your school, it is vital to act quickly and appropriately. Heather Butler, the author of a new book on the subject, offers crucial advice on how both staff and pupils can be supported at these difficult times
Poverty: Just how much can schools do? The Pupil Premium is on the up, but so is child poverty. With the number of children below the minimum income standards set to grow by 400,000, can schools really bridge the disadvantage gap on their own?
When primary-aged pupils self-harm Self-harm, traditionally seen as a teenage issue, is becoming increasingly common among primary-age children. Headteacher Update looks at how schools are coping
Using ICT to support pupils with behavioural difficulties Using handheld technology can prove effective in helping pupils with behavioural, emotional and/or social difficulties, who often avoid written or literacy work because of a fear of failure. Primary ICT co-ordinator Mary Farmer explains
The shifting sands of safe-guarding Safe recruitment is a constant concern for schools and an ever-changing statutory regime and lack of guidance don’t help. With new changes in force since September and more expected this spring, Dai Durbridge offers his advice
Helping children and families in hardship As austerity continues to bite, the UK's primary schools have developed a major role in supporting struggling families in some of the country’s most disadvantaged communities. Nick Bannister looks at the inspiring work of two schools
