Best Practice

Taking on an acting headship in a time of crisis

As if becoming an acting headteacher is not enough of a challenge – what is it like when there is a global health pandemic? Suzanne O'Connell speaks to one newly acting headteacher about her experiences and her advice to others who find themselves in an acting role

Mindfulness activities for younger children

Mindfulness is the ability to be aware of experiences as they are happening with an attitude of curiosity and kindness – a useful skill in the current climate. Claire Kelly offers five tips for introducing these ideas with younger children

NQTs: Supporting good mental health

Supporting trainee teachers with their mental health and helping them to develop good habits for the future is vital – but are we doing enough? Pearl Gibson looks at work in Essex to support new teachers

The virtual staffroom: Morale and engagement during lockdown

During lockdown, we must not neglect staff morale and wellbeing. Denise Barrows looks at how school leaders can deepen trust and connections with and between staff. She considers our one-to-one interactions and how to build a virtual staffroom environment

Safeguarding: Spotting the signs of domestic abuse

The coronavirus lockdown has led to an increase in domestic abuse and violence. Safeguarding expert Debbie Gardner looks at the role of schools in spotting the signs in a world of remote learning and national lockdown

The lockdown legacy: What will change?

Headteacher Rachel Tomlinson believes that the coronavirus shutdown will have a lasting, positive, legacy for the way her school is run. Yvonne Gandy explains

Ideas for teacher CPD during lockdown

One consequence of the Covid-19 closures for many teachers has been a reduction or at least a side-lining of their CPD. Fiona Aubrey-Smith urges schools and teachers not to neglect their CPD and instead to take their professional learning online...

Comments 1 comment

Protecting teacher wellbeing during lockdown

While we are doing all we can to support the wellbeing of our young people during the school closures, we must not forget our teachers. From financial grants to mental health support, Sophie Howells advises

Attendance: A more intelligent approach?

A system of letters and fines, with the possibility of prosecution, has been part of many schools’ attendance policy for years. With children forced to stay home and at least a slight change in Ofsted's tone, is it time to consider a new approach in the post-lockdown world?

Crisis management for school leaders

Schools and school leaders will sometimes have to deal with a crisis or emergency situation. Richard Bettsworth offers practical crisis-management advice

Keeping pupils safe online during lockdown

Online safety has become even more of a priority for schools and families during the coronavirus lockdown. Kathryn Day describes how schools can promote online safety while children are away from the classroom

Safeguarding: During and beyond the coronavirus crisis

The number of child referrals has gone down by 50 per cent. It is not surprising given that schools are one of the main referrers of safeguarding concerns. So, what is happening to vulnerable children and what can schools do to help? Suzanne O'Connell takes a look

Managing remote recruitment during the coronavirus closures

The prospect of running a recruitment round during lockdown might feel daunting. Xavier Roeseler outlines how you can adapt your current recruitment process while schools are closed, to ensure you can still find the right candidates for your school

Coronavirus: Our Angels of the North

Teachers and schools across the UK have gone above and beyond in recent weeks to support pupils and families. Sean Harris reports from the North East on some of the work being undertaken to support communities during the coronavirus lockdown

Language difficulties: Assessment and action

Given the importance of language skills, the assessment of difficulties early on is vital. SENCO Nicky Parrott discusses her schools’ approach to spotting problems and some of their interventions to improve outcomes

Sign up Headteacher update Bulletin
About Us

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.

Learn more about Headteacher update

Newsletter

Register to receive regular updates on primary education news delivered free to your inbox.