Flexible working: A recruitment solution? The difficulties schools are having in recruiting teachers continue to dominate the headlines. The DfE wants us to consider the option of flexible working. Just how might this work?
Action research: The Centre for Inspiring Minds The teacher-led research work at ACS International Schools is supported by their very own Centre for Inspiring Minds. Dorothy Lepkowska finds out more
The trials and tribulations of being a deputy headteacher… Laura Knight is in her second deputy headship. We asked her to describe the unique aspects of the role, the skills required and the sheer range of tasks that a deputy may be required to perform
Teachers on Twitter: Is it CPD? A lot of teachers will wax lyrical about the power of Twitter when it comes to sharing resources and best practice, but what exactly should be its role in our CPD? Maria Cunningham advises
Conducting a teaching assistant audit Are your school’s teaching assistants effective? Or perhaps we should ask: do you train, deploy and manage them effectively. Daniel Sobel says that poor use of TAs can harm student outcomes. He explains how to carry out an effective audit of your TA provision 2 comments
Workload audit: Thirty questions for your school We all know that teachers work well beyond their designated hours, but just how can heads help to adjust the work/life balance for their staff? Drawing on the government’s Workload Survey and expert working groups, Suzanne O’Connell poses 30 self-evaluation questions for schools
What does a headteacher look like? The BAMEed Network is aiming to end to under-representation of BAME educators in school leadership. Co-founder Allana Gay explains more
Planning your CPD for next year Many schools are starting to plan their CPD spend for the year ahead. Maria Cunningham offers advice on effective CPD planning
Diary of a Headteacher: A tough time for recruitment The tough recruitment climate means the pressure is on when it comes to filling vacancies and interviewing candidates...
The emerging role of executive headteachers What is an executive headteacher? Karen Wespieser looks at the role and skills of the growing number of executive headteachers and outlines the strategic purpose of this emerging role
The College of Teaching The new Chartered College of Teaching is open for membership. We asked chief executive Dame Alison Peacock to explain just what it offers to primary teachers when it comes to evidence-informed practice, CPD and support
Effective roles for teaching assistants in whole-class work The teaching assistant’s role in intervention or group work is well understood, but what impact can they have on whole-class teaching and learning? Philip Hughes offers some advice
The role of teacher choice in whole-school CPD Just how important is teacher choice in your whole-school CPD programme? Bridget Clay offers some evidence-based advice and guidance
Diary of a Headteacher: The Apprenticeship Levy Like many headteachers, Tom Donohoe is facing the prospect of paying the Apprenticeship Levy...
Action research: Transformational CPD CPD, action research and family engagement have been key to transforming the fortunes of Tuxford Primary Academy. Dorothy Lepkowska explains more
Staff wellbeing: More than a ‘nice to have’ We all recognise the importance of wellbeing for both staff and pupils. Julian Stanley discusses the six danger areas for staff wellbeing and suggests engaging with your staff to ensure good wellbeing in your school
Education on show at the NEC This year’s Education Show takes place from March 16 to 18. We preview the free event, with a look at some of the CPD, exhibitors and other attractions
Middle leaders: Great teaching and CPD ?Middle leaders now have a key role in developing great teaching across their teams, which of course involves securing effective CPD – but what are the best ways to achieve this? Bridget Clay advises
Evaluating CPD provision using Guskey’s five levels Thomas Guskey’s five levels for evaluating CPD provide a strong base to ensure your school’s CPD offer is effective. Bridget Clay looks at how you might apply these principles in your school
Retention: How to keep hold of your teachers New research into retention has uncovered some of the reasons why teachers quit the profession as well as those vital ‘protective factors’ that can help a school to retain, engage and motivate their teachers. Researcher Sarah Lynch takes a look
We value pupil wellbeing – but what about our staff? Pupil wellbeing is high on many schools’ agendas, but what about our staff? Mental health expert Dr Pooky Knightsmith offers some simple steps to tackle challenges to mental health and promote staff wellbeing in your school
Getting the best out of your teaching assistants How do you get the best out of your teaching assistants? Colin McLean speaks to a Bristol primary headteacher about making your teaching assistants a key part of your school’s success
Four steps to developing teaching excellence Good teaching is vital for improving pupil outcomes, so how can you ensure your teachers are supported to be their best. Emma Espin sets out four practical strategies for unleashing excellence in teaching
The Research Mark journey Headteacher Update is a supporter of the NFER’s Research Mark accreditation. Here, Dorothy Lepkowska looks at how this initiative and other resources from the NFER can help schools on their research journey
The Standard for Teachers’ CPD A new DfE Standard for Teachers’ Professional Development has been published. Chair of the independent group of experts who put the document together, David Weston, looks at what it means for schools and teachers’ CPD
