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
Addressing secondary traumatic stress Secondary trauma occurs when the act of supporting a traumatised young person becomes traumatic in itself – and it is a danger that teachers should be aware of. Darren Martindale advises
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
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
Battling the stress of leading Teacher Wellbeing Index has revealed just how stressed many school leaders are. Julian Stanley looks at what must change
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
Case study: Making mental health a priority in Morecambe The mental health and wellbeing of pupils and families has become a priority for primary schools, nowhere more so than at Morecambe Bay Primary. Emma Lee-Potter finds out about their work
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
The dark days of winter... Stress and mental health difficulties can be harder to handle during the dark winter nights. How can we support our staff?
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
Behaviour & inclusion: Rules vs expectations Rules are necessary in games, but in relationships they are counterproductive. Headteacher Ryan Kilby explains why traditional approaches to behaviour can never be inclusive
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
Relationships and health education The consultation over proposed guidance for statutory relationships education and health education has closed. John Rees looks at how schools might begin preparing for these vital new subjects
ID verification in schools ID verification for safer recruitment and to prevent other criminal activities is an essential responsibility in schools. Dave Verma offers some quick advice
LGBT: Common questions Equality and diversity consultant Adele Bates answers some of the questions she is commonly asked by teaching staff in primary schools
Preparing for statutory relationships and health education The government has finally published its draft guidance for the new subject of relationships and sex education – and has also set-out plans for statutory health education. Lucy Emmerson advises schools on how to begin preparing 1 comment
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
