Pastoral issues

Supporting your pupils with medical needs

Many schools work hard to make the best provision they can for young people with medical needs, but it is not always easy. Jackie Wheatley highlights key areas of best practice, considers some of the legal requirements placed on schools, and offers her advice

Time-out and isolation under scrutiny

At the National Education Union annual conference, delegates recounted stories about school isolation rooms filled with SEND children. It seems that the use of ‘time-out’ or ‘reflection rooms’ is increasing at primary level. Suzanne O’Connell looks at this growing trend and its place in school ...

Supporting previously looked after children

Previously looked after children can present particular challenges and schools are required to have a ‘designated teacher’ in place. Darren Martindale offers us best practice advice

Getting transition right for vulnerable pupils

We all know that transition to year 7 can lead to a dip in student outcomes. Daniel Sobel speaks to Jez Piper about how we can get transition right, particularly for our most vulnerable pupils

What can schools do to lessen the impact of knife crime on pupils?

The knife crime epidemic is having a huge impact on communities and is leaving our youngest children frightened and anxious. A group of schools is now convening a summit in June to discuss the role of primary schools in reassuring and supporting pupils and their families. Fiona Aubrey-Smith reports

Three pastoral challenges: What would you do?

Inclusion expert Daniel Sobel outlines three common pastoral challenges that he comes across in schools and discusses how he would approach each situation in order to achieve positive outcomes

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

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

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

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

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

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Headteacher Update is the only magazine delivered directly to every primary school headteacher in the UK. It is published six times a year, at the beginning of each term and half-term, to keep headteachers up-to-date with everything going on in primary education.

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