Incels: Safeguarding implications for primary schools We must not assume that the incel phenomenon only has implications for secondary safeguarding practice – primary schools must be alert too. Elizabeth Rose considers how we can respond to this new and rapidly emerging threat, offering practical advice and reassurance
Could you spot the signs and symptoms of burn-out? The pandemic has heightened the pressure facing school leaders and teachers, making burn-out a clear and present danger. Wellbeing trainer and author Ross McWilliam looks at spotting the signs
One-to-one tutoring: Dos & don’ts Many schools are implementing small group or one-to-one tutoring programmes as part of their Covid recovery work. This article asks tutors at the Kemnal Academies Trust for their dos and don’ts of effective tutoring provision
Safeguarding: Spotting the signs of domestic abuse Sadly, some children returning to school after Christmas will have been victims of domestic abuse. Elizabeth Rose considers what this could look like, the signs and symptoms staff might see and practical ways to respond
Attendance: Where do primary schools stand? Managing attendance has been one of the trickiest issues of the pandemic as schools struggle to balance the health concerns of a nation with the need to educate our children. What problems do we still face and what lies ahead?
The chronicles of a therapeutic classroom: The pupils arrive... After months of planning and a hectic half-term makeover, Shahana Knight‘s vision for a therapeutic classroom environment is about to be unveiled and put to the test by excited year 3 children...
Case study: Developing an Early Help offer in response to Covid Given the impact of the pandemic on families and children’s lives, work is on-going in Lambeth to revisit and revamp intervention and support via the Early Help offer. Headteacher Laura McPhee explains
Refocusing on Prevent: Five actions to take now It feels like work on the Prevent Duty has gone quiet during the pandemic. Justin Reilly says now is the right time for schools to rejuvenate their focus on Prevent and offers five actions we can take
Anti-Bullying: How can we teach kindness? What has been the impact of lockdowns, self-isolation and remote learning for our pupils? Julaan Govier and Gemma Hennessey noticed less tolerance, patience and willingness to collaborate. So, they set about teaching their pupils to ‘be kind’...
Behaviour: Check yourself before tackling flashpoints Changing the way we deal with behaviour incidents will help children build strong foundations for their learning, says Viv Trask-Hall
From September to September: A annual plan for safeguarding development Taking a strategic approach to safeguarding development will help designated safeguarding leads to meet statutory requirements, develop best practice, and manage workload. What does this look like in practice? Elizabeth Rose explains
Resignations and retirement: A looming leadership crisis? There are real fears that the added pressure of Covid-19 will drive many more headteachers to quit. Suzanne O’Connell looks at the barriers we face to headteacher retention and recruitment
The chronicles of a therapeutic classroom: Makeover day! This year, childhood trauma expert Shahana Knight is working to transform a year 3 classroom into the ultimate therapeutic space. This diary chronicles the project. This time, work begins on transforming the physical classroom environment...
Suicide: How to support during crisis moments Supporting someone – a student or colleague – who is suicidal may feel daunting, but you can make a difference with some small actions. Dr Pooky Knightsmith explains
Five ways schools can commit to good staff mental health As mental health awareness increases in the wake of the pandemic, Sophie Howells looks at five areas of school life where we can make our commitment to wellbeing evident for all staff
How would you respond? Dealing with pupils who can’t settle In her articles this year, Shahana Knight spotlights common behaviours or classroom scenarios, looking at why they might occur and how we can respond therapeutically. This time, she looks at the pupil who is unable to settle and is distracting others...
Taking a step back from burn-out... Burn-out is not inevitable. As a school leader, how do you take care of yourself? Frances Robertson urges you to avoid burn-out by making time to reflect and step back from the chaos...
SEND & safeguarding: Effective practice The increased vulnerabilities of children with SEND mean that safeguarding must remain a constant focus for all school staff. Sara Alston advises
Animal therapy: Down on the school farm From lambs to donkeys to pigs, the animals at York House School are helping pupils to adopt and model positive behaviour. Head Jon Gray explains why all schools should consider ‘animal therapy’
The chronicles of a therapeutic classroom: The vision begins to form This year, childhood trauma expert Shahana Knight is working with a primary school to transform a year 3 classroom into the ultimate therapeutic classroom. This diary chronicles the project. This time, she sketches out her initial plans…
Mental health, safeguarding & child protection: Three key considerations The links between safeguarding, child protection and mental health are extensive, multi-layered, and complex – what should we be doing to keep children safe? Elizabeth Rose advises
Sexual harassment: The role of RSE in responding to Ofsted’s review The shockwaves of Ofsted’s review of sexual harassment and abuse in schools can still be felt. Schools are now responding. Lucy Emmerson looks at the role of effective RSE as part of this response
A six-step guide for new mental health leads The emerging role of designated or senior mental health lead in schools has become even more vital in light of the impact of the pandemic. Wellbeing expert Kelly Hannaghan discusses effective practice for those taking on this new position and six steps for success
The chronicles of a therapeutic classroom: He said yes! This year, childhood trauma expert Shahana Knight is working with a primary school to transform one of its year 3 classrooms into the ultimate therapeutic classroom. This monthly diary will chronicle the project, the ups and downs, and the lessons learned
Self-care isn’t selfish: How to look after yourself Looking after yourself is not selfish – in fact it is a vital part of being able to perform at your best as a teacher or school leader. As a new school year begins, Sophie Howells reminds us all to prioritise self-care
