Taking measures to avoid permanent exclusion When the behaviour challenges presented by a pupil spiral so far out of control, there is only one solution – isn’t there? Daniel Sobel discusses how we can avoid turning to the last resort
What is behind the spike in home education? A notable spike in the number of pupils being home educated has sparked suspicions that a minority of schools are using ‘off-rolling’ practices. Suzanne O’Connell looks at the figures, recent research and the background of home education in England
In defence of the staffroom When it comes to staff wellbeing, the staffroom plays a crucial role. Kate Sarginson offers some ideas to give staff morale and wellbeing a boost
The rising tide of sensory troubles: Explosive behaviours In a three-part series, inclusion specialist Joanna Grace addresses the sensory challenges that many pupils face. In part two, she considers explosive sensory behaviours – and how not to react
Ofsted and our wellbeing Consultation over the draft Education Inspection Framework will close soon. Philippa Stobbs looks at the potential within the proposals to foster better teacher and pupil wellbeing
Three school safeguarding priorities in 2019 Three key safeguarding issues for schools in 2019 are honour-based abuse, bullying and mental health. Dawn Jotham shares her insights into these three areas and provides practical tips that school communities can implement in order to deliver best-practice safeguarding
Helping vulnerable pupils to handle the transitions of school life The challenges of the many transitions that pupils go through in school can be incredibly difficult to overcome for vulnerable young people. Nicola Marshall offers some useful strategies
Dealing with incidents of sexual assault in schools Preventing and responding to incidents of child-on-child sexual assault is a key part of safeguarding in the primary school environment. Emma Banister Dean offers a practical guide for schools and parents
Therapeutic schools: Rethinking lunch and break times 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 rethinking lunch times and your outdoor spaces
Supporting looked after children in your school Specific support for looked after children is essential if they are to thrive. Darren Martindale focuses on three key elements – the designated teacher, the Personal Education Plan, and the virtual school head
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
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
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
LGBT: Common questions Equality and diversity consultant Adele Bates answers some of the questions she is commonly asked by teaching staff in primary schools
Religion, culture and diversity Today more than ever primary schools need to adopt an interesting and creative approach to teaching issues relating to diversity and difference, argues Phil Champain
More depth and detail: The new safeguarding guidance Local Safeguarding Children Boards may be on their way out but schools will still be on the frontline when it comes to child protection. Suzanne O’Connell outlines the major changes and implications for schools of the new Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance
Children missing education: It’s time to track the vulnerable Schools are expected to follow up every absence, and yet there are thousands of children who have nobody checking up on them at all. The issue of children missing education is difficult to tackle, so what can be done to protect the vulnerable? Suzanne O’Connell reports
Behaviour management: Using reflective language Using reflective language to meet the emotional and behavioural needs of children can have a big impact on behaviour and learning. Cath Hunter advises
Pornography and other online safety issues The impact that exposure to pornography has on the lives of young people is becoming alarmingly clear – and it is increasingly becoming an issue for primary-age pupils. Stephanie Enson explores the problems and discusses preventative strategies
Will the latest safeguarding changes make a difference? Schools are on the front-line when it comes to safeguarding our children. With government guidance currently being overhauled after the Children and Social Work Act, what should schools be aware of?
Prevent: A curriculum issue? Earlier this year, a report into multi-agency Prevent work suggested that a shift in focus is needed for this agenda in schools. Author Dr David Lundie sets out his findings
How to create a mentally healthy school Creating mentally healthy schools benefits staff and pupils. Emma Mamo from the charity MIND offers her advice both to schools themselves and to staff who are struggling with a mental health problem
The Stella Project: Supporting our vulnerable learners The Stella Project has been working with professionals to provide mental health training in order to better support vulnerable learners. Clare Stafford explains more about the legacy the year-long project hopes to leave
