Podcasts about Ofsted

Too many young people are getting a "desiccated" education – narrow, information-transfer schooling optimised for exams. In this episode, James and David are joined by Liz Robinson and Sarah Seleznyov of Big Education – the "feisty little multi-academy trust" behind School 21, School 360 and Surrey Square – to make the case for something bigger: an education of the head (academic learning), heart (wellbeing and relationships) and hand (creativity and skills). The conversation centres on the new book from the Rethinking School project, A Practical Guide to a Big Education: Balancing Head, Heart and Hand, edited by Sarah Seleznyov and Robert Lobatto – a collection of chapters written by school leaders and teachers who are actually doing this work, each paired with a vignette from another school and reflective questions to help you find your own way in. Not a recipe book, but an invitation to be a little bit braver. In this episode we explore: -Why pedagogy was written out of the Curriculum and Assessment Review – and why curriculum, pedagogy and assessment have to change together ("if you only pull one string in the marionette, it jerks") -England's uniquely narrow definition of curriculum and learning – and how it compares with models from around the world -What Big Education is, and what an education of the head, heart and hand actually means -The Milburn report on youth unemployment – and why the problems start in Year 1, not at upper secondary -Liz's "soapbox rant": Every Child Matters, extended schools, co-located services – and what was lost when it was all set on fire -Think systemically, act systematically: systems thinking, design thinking and vertical slice change teams Authentic leadership: vulnerability, ego, the kelp metaphor – and why Liz is learning to bring "Lizzie" to work -Being evidence-informed: why data is richer than numbers, the trouble with RCTs and the EEF toolkit, and engaging with research and in research -Interdisciplinary project-based learning – and the jaw-dropping story of the Ofsted inspector who withheld 'outstanding' because children didn't know their learning was called history -Can we teach and assess transferable competencies? And do we have to trade exam results for a broader education? (Spoiler: no) -Lessons from curriculum reform in Scotland, Wales and British Columbia – why transforming practice takes time, investment and serious professional development -Why we need revolution, not evolution About the guests Liz Robinson is co-founder and CEO of Big Education. She became a headteacher at 29, leading Surrey Square Primary in south London for many years, and created the Big Leadership Adventure. She advocates for – and models – an authentic, reflective and relational approach to leadership. Sarah Seleznyov is Strategic Project Lead at Big Education and leads the Rethinking School project. She has worked in London schools for over 25 years as a deputy head, school improvement consultant and teaching school director, and previously led research-informed leadership programmes at the UCL Institute of Education. Her research specialism is Japanese lesson study. Links Get the book: A Practical Guide to a Big Education: Balancing Head, Heart and Hand – https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/practical-guide-to-a-big-education-9781801997928/ Big Education: https://bigeducation.org The Rethinking School project (subsidised places available – get in touch!): https://bigeducation.org/rethinking-school/ Rethinking Assessment: https://rethinkingassessment.com Support the show This podcast is brought to you by Crown House Publishing. Get 20% off all titles at https://www.crownhouse.co.uk with the promo code REPOD20 (excludes bundles and existing promotions). Become a patron at https://www.patreon.com/repod or make a one-off donation at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/repod – and help us keep these conversations coming.

This week, we're revisiting a favourite from the archives, recorded back when this podcast was still called Global Ed Leaders. Shane sits down with Tom Sherrington, the former headteacher turned writer, speaker and co-author of the Teaching WalkThrus series, to trace how he built one of the biggest audiences in education from a single WordPress blog in 2012. Tom explains why he never planned any of it, how a joke Twitter handle became his brand for years, and why he still presses publish every time expecting nobody to read it.You'll hear why Tom believes the best blog posts are the honest ones, including the post about his own OFSTED experience that cost him one speaking invitation and won him another. Tom shares his view on why anonymous social media accounts don't deserve a reply, why he refuses to criticise a school from the outside, and what he'd tell a school leader starting out today. If you've ever wondered whether putting your voice out there is worth the risk, this conversation will change how you think about it.Resources & Links Mentioned:Tom Sherrington's blog, teacherhead.comTeaching WalkThrus, with Oliver CaviglioliEpisode PartnersInternational Curriculum AssociationSisiJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are 1.3 million children in this country with developmental language disorder. Most of them are sitting quietly in classrooms going unnoticed. Today, Dale is joined by Jane Harris, Chief Executive of Speech and Language UK, to discuss DLD, the SEND reforms, and what it really means to ensure no child is left behind. They discuss: - Why children with DLD are six to ten times more likely to fall behind in core subjects, and twice as likely to be unemployed as adults. - The deeply problematic link between unidentified speech and language challenges and mental health - and why referring these children to talking therapies without addressing the root cause simply doesn't work. - Why children with DLD are often invisible in classrooms, quietly masking just as autistic children do - until suddenly they aren't. - How behaviour policies are failing these children, and why over three-quarters of teachers themselves say children with speech and language challenges are being unfairly punished in schools. - The government's new oracy framework and what it could mean for identification and support - if it goes far enough. - Why augmentative and alternative communication technology is life-changing for some children, and why the current commissioning guidance is working against them.   About Jane Harris Jane Harris is Chief Executive of Speech and Language UK, an experienced and energetic charity sector leader with 15 years' experience influencing public policy, building new audiences, and increasing income for third sector organisations including the National Autistic Society, Leonard Cheshire Disability and Rethink Mental Illness. Throughout her career, Jane has focused on raising the profile of issues that impact people's lives - through influencing public policy, building new audiences and increasing income generation. She has helped to measurably change public perceptions of mental health and autism. She recently launched Voices for DLD, has been central to the SEND reform consultation with the Department for Education and partners, and has helped guide two schools to Ofsted outstanding ratings. SEND reform and speech and language challenges Transforming SEND campaign DLD resources for educators   B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe The SENDcast is powered by B Squared We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

You've just been handed your new class, and the previous teacher's parting words are that they were the most difficult group they've taught in eleven years. Helpful heads up, or a curse you carry all summer? Dylan and Hayden open with the tricky class handover, why every class somehow becomes the trickiest one ever, and whether tricky classes even exist or it's all down to the school.Then it gets spicier. A listener is made joint subject lead with no TLR, no extra time and no choice, and Dylan has strong feelings about doing free leadership work, including what he would actually say to the head. After that, a teacher reckons some colleagues just don't want to work, which sparks a proper chat about change fatigue and what negativity really means.There are anonymous surveys that are anything but anonymous, and an Ofsted question about who speaks up when it counts and who stays quiet.Honest, funny, and a bit fired up by the end.

Keir Starmer has resigned so for this edition of Points of View, we examine Labour's record on education after two years in government. When Labour came to power, it promised to recruit more teachers, tackle the SEND crisis, improve attendance, reform Ofsted, raise standards and restore confidence in the education system. But how much progress has actually been made? Have teachers noticed meaningful change in their classrooms? Are schools better funded? Has workload improved? What has happened to behaviour, attendance and recruitment? And have Labour's policies addressed the challenges facing pupils with special educational needs and disabilities? Join us as we assess the government's education record, explore the successes and failures of the past two years, and ask whether Labour has delivered on its promises to schools, teachers, parents and pupils. On the panel are four current UK teachers - Liz Webb, Rachel Gilyeat, Maud Waret and making his POV debut - Ollie Bayliss.

Improving attendance has been the obsession of both the government and Ofsted since 2020, leading to pressure being heaped on schools - and subsequently children and families - to solve a growing crisis. A fixation on the data, however, is not solving the problem and, instead of looking at the “why”, a punitive approach has been the chosen method of the government - but enforced on the ground by schools. This has led to a breakdown in relationships between parents and schools, with increasing blame falling on Heads and teachers, for situations which are ultimately out of their hands. Equally, schools have little power to solve the real problems causing high levels of absence, but all the while being held to account on the numbers. Has the situation reached breaking point? Is the position of schools now impossible? Join Rae, Dave, Yasmin and Liz.

The Education Brief: Wednesday 17 June 2026 - Top stories include:School leaders cautiously welcome government plans to block under-16s from social media.The DfE is set to publish five new enrichment benchmarks for schools, covering arts, sport, nature, civic life and life skills, alongside a £132.5 million “Every Child Can” scheme.The government is consulting on proposed content for a new GCSE in natural history.Teacher Tapp polling suggests most teachers believe poor diet affects pupils' behaviour.Deep Dive: Ofsted key changes and grades researchWatching - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqIcEuJUN7E Listening - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002xdny Reading - https://carlhendrick.substack.com/p/spandrels-of-the-mind-the-case-against AI Tool - https://www.oneusefulthing.org/p/what-it-feels-like-to-work-with-mythos ⁠Music by Slo Pony⁠

Helen gets a call from Jack's school about an accusation of bad behaviour. Helen then tells Jakob she promised Kirsty she'd go to her pre-natal scan and tests this afternoon, but the school are insisting Helen goes in. Jakob offers to take Kirsty instead. At the hospital Kirsty confesses to feeling more than anxious, before Jakob agrees to film the scan on Erik's behalf. Otherwise, his attempts to help Kirsty relax are typically misguided. Driving back, they reflect on a clear scan, but Kirsty will have to wait for the test results. Kirsty then thanks Jakob for saving her day.While eating lunch in the garden Tracy tells Jazzer about Pat and Tony's concerns over her not accepting Helen's offer. She insists she likes working in the Dairy, though she prefers The Bull. But Helen keeps pushing her for an answer – and now she's moved in next door as well. Jazzer reckons the real reason for Tracy's hesitation is Bert. Later, Helen fumes over the fence to Tracy about the accusation made against Jack. Helen doesn't have much faith in the deputy head, especially in light of a recent poor Ofsted report, then tells Tracy she needs an answer about the job by Thursday. Jazzer pushes Tracy to admit she's done more than her fair share of looking after Bert, before Tracy declares she loves him and misses having him around. If she takes the job she'd be admitting he's not coming back. Jazzer forces the issue and Tracy agrees, if Bert says he wants to stay at Clive's then she'll accept Helen's offer.

On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Warren Munson is joined by Krista Cartlidge, CEO of MYTIME Young Carers, to explore her journey from secondary school teacher to leading a nationally recognised organisation supporting young carers. Krista shares how frustrations within the education system led her to discover the hidden challenges faced by young carers, and why that discovery completely changed the direction of her career. Since joining MYTIME, she has helped grow the charity into a nationally respected voice, influencing policy, collecting groundbreaking data, and helping drive changes within schools and Ofsted frameworks. This is an honest, insightful, and deeply human conversation about leadership, purpose, resilience, and creating long-term impact. If you enjoy the episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who would find the conversation valuable. What The Episode Covers Krista's journey from education into the charity sector Why the education system was failing young carers The hidden realities faced by young carers Transitioning from teacher to CEO Building and scaling MYTIME during Covid Leadership lessons learned while growing a charity The similarities between charities and startups Managing culture, governance and growth The importance of data in driving systemic change Lobbying Ofsted and influencing national policy Sustainable income models for charities The emotional impact of leading purpose-driven organisations Creating long-term systemic change for young carers   Chapters 00:00 – Who is Krista Cartlidge and what does MYTIME do? 01:10 – What drew Krista into teaching and education? 05:01 – Why did Krista leave the education sector? 07:10 – How did discovering young carers change everything? 09:37 – What were the early days of leading MYTIME really like? 14:14 – What leadership lessons came from building a growing charity? 18:18 – How did MYTIME influence Ofsted and national policy? 29:28 – What challenges come with scaling a purpose-led organisation? 31:32 – How did MYTIME create sustainable income streams? 43:39 – How do you build a strong culture inside a charity? 49:28 – What legacy does Krista want to leave behind?  

At Kirsty's first appointment, the midwife advises that based on her previous history and being an older mum, her care will be consultant led. Anything that's not right should be picked up early. Upset, Kirsty just wants to know that this time the pregnancy will go well. Back at Willow Farm she decides to excitedly confide in Kate that she's 10 weeks pregnant with Erik's baby. She wishes she was at 40 weeks already. Although Kate offers cautious optimism, Kirsty repeats her worry – why did her last pregnancy go wrong and what can she do to stop this happening again?Natasha spots some of Tony's unused tools in the packing shed and wonders if she could sell them online and split the proceeds. She's stopped in her tracks by the pre-school group chat – Loxley Barrett has received a negative OFSTED report. Tom advises her not to panic – after all Martha, Rosie, Xander and Jack are all doing well there. Natasha feels Nova would be fine anywhere, but Seren lacks confidence and they can't afford for her to be overlooked in a stretched school. On calling the school, Natasha's appalled to hear that the head is on long – term sick leave and the deputy did not defend the report. They need to start researching other options, even if they have to travel. She brings up the question of private schools – but how would they afford that, especially for twins? Tom suggests taking one step at a time – and to avoid telling Pat, who has strong opinions on private education.

The Education Brief: Wednesday 20 May 2026 - Top stories include:Every mainstream state school has now become an academy in one English council area.The King confirmed that SEND reform will be taken forward through a new Education for All Bill.Schools warn that proposed changes to KCSIE 2026 are too much, too quickly.Bridget Phillipson has launched a new international SEND alliance.Most schools are meeting Ofsted's expectations on inclusion - but are they missing something?HEP Updates:Donate to the Horizons 100k in May fundraiser: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/horizons-100km-in-may-2026Find and book more CPD sessions at https://hepbookinghub.co.uk/Watching - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyipGKTj-vI&t=129s&pp=ygUebWluZCB0aGUgZ2FwIHdpdGggdG9tIGFuZCBlbW1h Listening - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whats-changed-in-education-and-whats-still-to-come/id1714972358?i=1000767827776  Reading - https://www.educationnext.org/rediscovering-knowledge-as-the-key-to-reading/  AI Tool - https://aieducator.tools/⁠Music by Slo Pony⁠

Episode overview Chris and Emma kick off a three‑part series exploring the building blocks of spelling, starting with orthography—how children learn what “looks right” in written English. Chris shares the roots of his love for language, why English spelling is so complex and how phonics, pattern‑spotting and automaticity shape confident writers. They unpack spelling across EYFS to KS2, touch on Ofsted’s expectations and offer practical ways teachers can support children without overwhelming them. Get in touch: theteacherspodcast@classroomsecrets.co.ukSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This article and podcast episode explore how the early years pupil premium (EYPP) can be used to strengthen practice and promote greater equity across the early childhood community. Drawing on research and professional experience, they reflect on why relationships with families matter, what evidence tells us about effective use of funding, and how a focus on high-quality provision can benefit all children—particularly those facing disadvantage. They also consider the importance of professional judgement, teamwork and sustained approaches to improvement in creating meaningful and lasting impact.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/using-the-early-years-pupil-premium-to-strengthen-practice-and-equity/    This episode is in partnership with the Education Endowment Foundation:   The EEF is an independent charity dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement. They do this by supporting schools, colleges, and early years settings to improve teaching and learning through better use of evidence.   To find out more visit: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/     Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       The Best Start in Life strategy and what it means for the sector, with Dr Zoe Raven and Charlotte Goddard - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-best-start-in-life-strategy-and-what-it-means-for-the-sector/ ·       Ofsted's renewed early years inspection framework: What educators need to know, with Jayne Coward - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/ofsteds-renewed-early-years-inspection-framework-what-educators-need-to-know/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Introduction and welcome 01:35 – Dr Julian Grenier's background 03:45 – What is EYPP? 06:20 – Building relationships with families 09:10 – Why EYPP matters 12:10 – Research and what makes the biggest difference 16:05 – Professional development and improving quality 18:40 – Balancing quality with targeted support 22:10 – The EEF EYPP planning tool 25:15 – Whole-team approaches and sustained change 28:20 – Measuring impact in meaningful ways 31:45 – Early mathematics and communication 34:05 – Rethinking school readiness 36:10 – Strengthening equity in early childhood 37:35 – Final reflections and closing remarks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com  

The Education Brief: Wednesday 6 May 2026 - Top stories include:School leaders are warning that the timeline for new enrichment benchmarks is unrealistic.NAHT leaders have backed an indicative ballot on industrial action over pay.Suspensions are continuing to rise in primary schools but have begun to fall in secondaries.A DfE review suggests its flexible-working scheme struggled to reach the schools most in need.Schools with higher levels of disadvantage or SEND are more likely to be marked down by Ofsted.HEP Updates:100k in May: https://horizonscharity.org/news/join-100km-in-may-fundraising-challenge/Leadership 55: https://hepbookinghub.co.uk/calendar/leadership-55-with-lee-elliot-major-obe/HEP Headteacher Conference: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScAXkBQt0vS4FjBoHCj8FwI5ARQMugQBoLI6yn6jel8lg4B-w/viewformFind and book more CPD sessions at https://hepbookinghub.co.uk/Watching - https://www.everway.com/en-gb/guides/supporting-dyslexia-signup/Listening - https://podcast.mrbartonmaths.com/ Reading - https://economistfoundation.org/impact/vote-confident-research-report/AI Tool - https://www.anthropic.com/news/claude-design-anthropic-labs⁠Music by Slo Pony⁠

What does a transformative learning environment actually look like when a room plan really comes together? Re-release: Originally aired on 16 May 2025In this episode, we chat with Rachel Stephenson and Sue Lonsdale from Holme Valley Primary School in Scunthorpe. They share their experience of developing inspirational learning environments and reflect on the impact this had during their recent Ofsted inspection. Episode LinksFind out more about our Room Planning ServiceExplore our Free Room Planning WebinarShop our Complete Classroom Solutions

Following Ofsted's consultation on its new inspection framework in early 2025, and its limited rollout later last year, the new framework has been fully in place for school inspections across England since January 2026.Throughout this period, NAHT has consistently challenged the framework and highlighted the risks it poses to school leaders. Working both publicly and behind the scenes, the union has secured several important improvements – but significant concerns remain.In this episode, NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman discusses the impact of the new inspection framework so far, some of the challenges school leaders are experiencing, and NAHT's ongoing work with Ofsted and the government to secure a fairer, safer system.Find out more about NAHT's campaign on inspection reform. See NAHT's advice for school leaders around the new inspection framework.For more insightful and engaging discussions on key issues in education and school leadership, explore NAHT's online magazine ⁠⁠⁠⁠Leadership Focus⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we are joined by Danielle Finlay, former headteacher, senior leader and now Head of Operations, Client Delivery and Change Management at Progress Teaching. Danielle reflects on her journey through education leadership, her deep commitment to pedagogy, and the difficult decision to step away from headship in order to prioritise family life without stepping away from her impact on the sector.The conversation explores the relationship between pedagogy, leadership, behaviour, feedback and data, with Danielle making the case that better teaching starts with better insight rather than more judgement. We discuss why pedagogy remains the beating heart of great schools, why relationships matter more than compliance, and how leaders can use data intelligently without becoming overwhelmed by numbers that tell them very little.Danielle also shares thoughtful reflections on Ofsted, trust accountability and the difference between feedback as insight and feedback as judgement. It is a rich conversation about courage, clarity and the importance of building school cultures where challenge is humane, evidence-informed and rooted in genuine care for both staff and students.Chapters00:00 Introduction And Welcome03:17 Danielle Finlay's Background And Journey Through Education Leadership06:38 Moving From School Leadership Into The Commercial Sector12:25 Choosing Family, Leadership And A Different Kind Of Impact15:09 Why Pedagogy Still Matters Most19:15 Challenge, Change-Makers And The Limits Of Compliance21:12 Behaviour, Relationships And Partnership In Schools24:51 Why Culture Starts With Care And Clarity29:09 Radical Candour, Feedback And Leadership Judgment33:23 Ofsted, Accountability And The Problem With Snapshot Judgments38:16 Trust, Support And What School Improvement Should Really Look Like43:15 Why Data-Rich Schools Make Better Decisions48:06 Data-Rich Versus Data-Heavy Thinking52:08 Lessons In Leadership, Courage And Conviction55:45 Quickfire QuestionsThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touchGet your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026

Another Q&A episode and this one has plenty to get stuck into. Dylan and Hayden answer your questions on some topics that clearly struck a nerve.First up, a heartfelt question from an ECT who has been quietly doing an entire subject leader role under the guise of "shadowing." Dylan and Hayden call it out for exactly what it is, and offer some genuine advice on how to advocate for yourself without burning bridges.Then things get warmer. The boys share their career highlights from inside the classroom and it turns out the moments that stick are never about data. Think handwritten notes from kids, a half court basketball shot that somehow went in, and one girl who ran across a shopping centre years later just to say hello.There is also a brilliant discussion about phones in schools and whether Ofsted should be marking a school down for a single student having their phone out. Plus, a slightly awkward question about SLT leaders who have their own private fridge and kettle so they never have to enter the staffroom.They round things off with what they have genuinely enjoyed since leaving the classroom. Turns out, not feeling absolutely exhausted every weekend is quite nice.Funny, honest, and never dull. This is Teach Sleep Repeat.

On 13th March, Sir Martyn Oliver defended robust criticism from many in the profession that the new OFSTED framework unfairly penalises schools in disadvantaged areas. He says context should not trump outcomes. Tony talks to his guests about their opinions on the comments and the framework.

Edmund Barnett-Ward was on the Points of View panel to discuss Ofsted's conduct following the tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry. Have lessons truly been learned?

The Education Brief: Wednesday 25 March 2026 - Top stories include:Schools serving disadvantaged communities are being marked down more often by Ofsted.More than 330 primary schools have now been funded to open new nurseries as part of the school-based nursery programme, which from May will be led by local authorities.Suspensions and exclusions have fallen overall this year, but rates are rising in Years 1 to 4.Nearly one in five teachers say the volume of parent contact expected of them is unmanageable.HEP Updates:Book your ticket to the Haringey Racial Equity Conference: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/haringey-racial-equity-conference-2026-tickets-1982524828129?aff=oddtdtcreatorFind and book more CPD sessions at https://hepbookinghub.co.uk/Watching - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TxUO45iGFAListening - https://www.insideyoured.com/Reading - https://www.tes.com/magazine/analysis/secondary/will-inclusion-bases-just-become-exclusion-roomsAI Tool - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2026/03/09/copilot-cowork-a-new-way-of-getting-work-done/⁠Music by Slo Pony⁠

Schools serving the most disadvantaged communities are significantly more likely to be marked down on achievement under the current inspection framework but is that a reflection of outcomes, or a flaw in the system? New analysis from TES suggests schools with higher proportions of pupils eligible for free school meals are far less likely to receive top grades for achievement. Ofsted's Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, has acknowledged concerns but insists inspectors cannot ignore “disappointing outcomes” for disadvantaged pupils. Meanwhile, headteachers in these communities describe the grading as demoralising, arguing that inspections are measuring raw attainment rather than true progress and achievement. Unions have also raised concerns about a “secure-fit” approach that leaves little room to account for context. Points of View panel discusses: JP, Liz Webb, Rae Whitehouse and Jo Fox.

The Education Brief: Wednesday 18 March 2026 - Top stories include:The English hubs programme will be expanded into secondary schools from September.United Learning could become England's first 100-school multi-academy trust.New research suggests the former “gifted and talented” programme may have widened inequality.Ofsted is piloting recruiting groups of school leaders as part-time inspectors paid by their own institutions.HEP Updates:Secondary Maths Leadership Programme: https://hepbookinghub.co.uk/calendar/secondary-maths-leadership-programme-with-emma-mccrea-session-2-of-3/Book your ticket to the Haringey Racial Equity Conference: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/haringey-racial-equity-conference-2026-tickets-1982524828129?aff=oddtdtcreatorFind and book more CPD sessions at https://hepbookinghub.co.uk/Watching - https://www.lse.ac.uk/lse-player/smashing-the-class-ceiling-lse-festivalListening - https://substack.com/home/post/p-190277619Reading - https://www.tes.com/en-gb/for-schools/content/tes-wellbeing-reportAI Tool - https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12650343-use-claude-for-excel⁠Music by Slo Pony⁠

Nathan and Stef continue the conversation about the Curriculum Teaching and Training section of the revised Ofsted Education Inspection Framework - focusing in on the importance of identifying gaps in knowledge, initial assessment, assessment for learning and the importance of what to do with that information. We discuss the importance of space and time to develop teaching practice and think about TLA critically, as well as how evidenced based practices can be simply applied to enhance and maximise learning. We hope you enjoy :)Send feedback, comments and questions - we would love to hear from you - either directly in the podcast platform or get in touch on stef@cultureofexcellence.co.uk20th March - 12.30pm online National Quality Network gathering7th May - National Quality Network meet up at Milton Keynes College

The Education Brief: Wednesday 11 March 2026 - Top stories include:An evaluation finds the English Hubs Programme had a “substantial” impact on pupils' outcomes.The government has delayed the defunding of BTECs to autumn 2027.Tes' latest Teacher Wellbeing Report highlights SEND support and workload as biggest pressures.SEND complaints upheld by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman rose by 26 per cent in 2025.Ofsted rejected just over one in five requests from schools to defer an inspection in 2024–25.HEP Updates:HEP Women's Conference: https://hepbookinghub.co.uk/calendar/womens-conference/London RISE Education Fortnight: https://sites.google.com/inspirepartnership.co.uk/risefortnight/homeFind and book more CPD sessions at https://hepbookinghub.co.uk/Watching - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh_6YSLjRIc&t=1sListening - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002qrkxReading - https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2026/jan/toddlers-spending-two-hours-screens-dayAI Tool - https://www.briskteaching.com/post/brisk-kahoot-quiz-integration⁠Music by Slo Pony⁠

Panel discussion on Teachers Talk Radio exploring a YouGov poll, rising recruitment but worsening retention, and the everyday realities driving staff out of classrooms. Panelists Tom Rogers, Liz Webb, Jo Fox, Rae Whitehouse, Carl Smith and Lucy Trimnell debate workload, behaviour, accountability (Ofsted), pay and support staff pressures, and share personal experiences about the emotional and practical strains of modern teaching. The show also highlights solutions discussed by the panel - better funding, clearer boundaries, improved maternity provisions and a less punitive inspection culture alongside announcements for Teachers Talk Connect and Hachette Learning resources.

Stef and Nathan dive into the revised Ofsted framework... we decided to start with the Curriculum Teaching and Training chapter, as we think its where the fundamental TLA practice sits. Its meaty and there is a lot to it, and so there will be a part 2 to this chapter as there is lots to think about.

A school in Chatham has been placed in special measures by inspectors who found staff physically intervened with pupils. Ofsted found safeguarding measures at Wayfield Primary were not being met, and demanded urgent improvements be implemented. School bosses and the trust running it, say they take the report very seriously and have already been implementing a robust programme of improvement. Also in today's podcast, a father and son accused of murdering a four-year-old boy in a hit-and-run in Southfleet have been found not guilty. Peter Maughan was in a Ford Ranger which was "clipped at speed" by another vehicle on New Barn Road last June. Hear from a detective who reacted to the verdict outside court. We've been hearing from a business owner in Canterbury who's still unable to trade, days after a devastating fire nearby. The Odeon cinema in St George's Place caught alight last Saturday afternoon and we've been chatting to Louise Jones-Roberts who runs Tokyo Tea Rooms. Young people in Kent are being encouraged to show their love for nature by taking part in a hedge planting campaign. Tomorrow is being dubbed Hedgentines Day and is being celebrated with a planting event in Chislet near Canterbury as part of a joint project between the Campaign to Protect Rural England and Youngwilders. In sport, Chatham Town are getting ready for a big weekend - they're playing in the fifth round of the Women's FA Cup. They'll be the underdogs tomorrow as they take on WSL 2 side Birmingham City at St Andrew's. And, the Gillingham boss is looking for a response from his squad in this weekend's league two clash with Oldham Athletic.  The Gills suffered another defeat away at Chesterfield during the week - hear from Gareth Ainsworth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael Gove joins Teachers Talk Radio for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation with teachers on the biggest issues in English education and the legacy of his time as Education Secretary. We cover: • What Gove says he “got wrong” — and why he thinks reforms didn't go far enough • “The Blob”: regrets, meaning, and who he says it referred to • Curriculum & EBacc: impact on arts, vocational routes, and “knowledge-rich” schooling • SEND & inclusion: reasonable adjustments, direct instruction, and ambition for all pupils • Teacher retention: why 40–50k leave and what he thinks is driving it • Behaviour & violence in schools: exclusions, alternative provision, phones/social media • Ofsted, Amanda Spielman, safeguarding judgements — and the Ruth Perry case • Plus: a quick-fire ending (including Brexit…) Featuring teacher questions from Liz Webb (English teacher, 20 years) and Yasmin Omar (assistant headteacher). Thanks to our show partners AQA and Hachette Learning for supporting Teachers Talk Radio.

rWotD Episode 3204: Solihull Sixth Form College Welcome to random Wiki of the Day, your journey through Wikipedia's vast and varied content, one random article at a time.The random article for Tuesday, 10 February 2026, is Solihull Sixth Form College.Solihull Sixth Form College is a further education college for students aged 16 to 19. It is situated on the outskirts of Solihull in the West Midlands and draws students from across Solihull and Birmingham. Founded in 1974, the college consists of several large buildings on a single site.The college offers different subjects at A-Level, as well as a small number of vocational courses. The college received an Ofsted inspection in February 2020 with the rating "Good".This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:39 UTC on Tuesday, 10 February 2026.For the full current version of the article, see Solihull Sixth Form College on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Justin.

We delve into the stark realities of learning inequality, the crucial role of the science of teaching, and the transformative power of education, even in the face of conflict. Dr. Asyia Kazmi, CEO of WISE (World Innovation Summit for Education), an organization that is part of the Qatar Foundation, helps us explore the challenges and solutions in global education. As a former math teacher, Dr. Kazmi offers specific, evidence-based strategies for improving learning outcomes — including the concept of structured pedagogy — and discusses the nuances of AI and education, urging caution and the need for region-specific, full-stack solutions. Dr. Kazmi emphasizes that improving learning (not just access to schooling) must be the primary goal for policy. She confronts the notion that poverty is an insurmountable barrier to educational success, asserting that educators have a deep responsibility to provide a pathway out of poverty for low-income students. The conversation also delves into the unique challenges of the Arab world, highlighting the 60% learning poverty rate in our region. This episode was produced in collaboration with Qatar Foundation.Find out more about WISE

The Education Brief: Wednesday 4 February 2026 - Top stories include:Ofsted's new inspections are driving a rise in workload for headteachers and SENCos.White disadvantaged girls are seeing the sharpest fall in GCSE attainment.Plans in the upcoming schools White Paper will push settings “beyond their comfort zone.”Disputed data suggests one in six schools are running shorter than the 32.5-hour minimum.Pupils feeling in control of their learning can make up to two months' extra progress in reading.28 per cent of parents avoid reading with their children because they lack confidence.HEP Updates:Sign up for our Governor Conference: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/haringey-governor-conference-2026-sustainable-and-informed-governance-tickets-1977619334666Find and book CPD sessions at https://hepbookinghub.co.uk/Watching - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUiFDrOuEOAListening - https://email.nurseryworld.co.uk/c/1USqyZky7xSr0sgyFx4xN4LBNRX8Reading - https://wslaw.co.uk/blog/the-impact-of-ai-in-school-complaints-processes/AI Tool - https://www.canva.com/magic/⁠Music by Slo Pony⁠

On the Twilight Show, host Tony and guests Yannick Berland and Zoe Enser discuss current issues facing schools: the new Ofsted framework and how it accounts for context, the debate over a social media ban for under-16s, and the role of Ofsted-style consultants. They examine the balance between relationships and classroom management, trust intervention, and the high-stakes nature of inspections, sharing practical reflections from inside schools. The conversation highlights tensions between accountability and context, concerns about student wellbeing and technology, and the challenges leaders face when choosing external advice. The episode invites teachers to contribute their experiences and join future discussions.

A bartender wrongly accused of stealing is to receive thousands in compensation after an employment tribunal ruled she was unfairly dismissed following a wage dispute.The 22-year-old is being awarded more than £4,000 after a judge found those running the Thomas Becket pub in Canterbury withheld her pay packet.Also in today's podcast, the leader of Kent County Council has written to the Home Office to ask for more funding for young asylum-seeking adults who have left care.KCC currently receives no government support for people the authority continues to look after for four years once they have reached the age of 21.The owners of the UK's most famous scenic railway have been challenged to justify their decision to close the ride before a panel of councillors.Dreamland announced last Tuesday that it was closing the century-old ride at the amusement park in Margate – you can hear from the Mayor of the town who wants them to appear before a scrutiny panel. Villagers have raised concerns about plans for a new housing estate saying they're coming “under attack”. It's after plans were put forward for the properties at Mountain Farm in Hamstreet. And in football, you can hear from Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth who is ready to make changes when they return to action this evening.The Gills visit Notts County on the back of a 4-1 humbling by leaders Bromley at Priestfield on Saturday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Education Brief: Wednesday 21 January 2026 - Top stories include:All school staff will receive SEND and inclusion training, backed by £200 million from the DfE.Ofsted will start checking every school's mobile phone policy during inspections.New DfE complaints guidance tells parents to keep complaints respectful and off social media, and to use AI “with caution.”Nearly three-quarters of teachers in a new NEU survey say their school can't afford “the basics.”HEP Updates:HEP Inclusion and SEND Conference 2026: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hep-inclusion-send-conference-2026-neurodiversity-in-the-classroom-tickets-1758147629889Leadership 55 - HEP Members: https://hepbookinghub.co.uk/calendar/leadership-55-with-jon-hutchinson/Leadership 55 - Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leadership-55-with-jon-hutchinson-tickets-1980621769028Ofsted Training: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/ofsted-unpacked-for-school-trust-leaders-4805843Get your Big 7 place: https://hepbookinghub.co.uk/calendar/big-7-what-every-teacher-needs-to-know-2/Sign up for our Governor Conference: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/haringey-governor-conference-2026-sustainable-and-informed-governance-tickets-1977619334666Watching - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d95J8yzvjbQListening - https://www.thinknpc.org/blog/podcast-systems-change-elliot-trevithick/Reading - https://teacherhead.com/2026/01/11/the-choreography-of-teaching-30-children-at-the-same-time/AI Tool - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40979-023-00146-z⁠Music by Slo Pony⁠

Restorative conversations are everywhere in schools right now. They're written into behaviour policies, referenced in Ofsted language, and promoted as the gold standard for repairing harm and building accountability.But what happens when those conversations don't work - especially for pupils with SEND?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you'll learn why:·         standard restorative conversations can break down for pupils with communication difficulties, empathy differences, trauma histories or rejection sensitive dysphoria·         what restorative practice assumes about children's skills, why some pupils struggle to access those conversations·         how to adapt your approach so it remains inclusive, fair, and effective - without lowering expectations or abandoning accountabilityIf you've ever walked away from a “restorative” conversation thinking, ”that didn't change anything”, this episode will give you the practical strategies you've been missing.Important links:Download our FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resourcesHeadteachers and deputies: Join our in-person event in BradfordWhere you'll learn practical ways to equip your team to handle SEMH challenges with confidence - so you can move from firefighting to a calm, consistent whole-school approach. Register now.

The Education Brief: Wednesday 7 January 2026 - Top stories include:Ofsted has published the first batch of school “report cards” under its new inspection framework.Labour is pressing ahead with plans for Ofsted inspections of multi-academy trusts.Data on the effectiveness of RISE school improvement teams will be published this year.Daniel Kebede warned the NEU would “absolutely” strike if the government changed the 1,265-hour directed time limit.The DfE will use an AI “correspondence drafter” to help answer its external emails.HEP Updates:Get your Big 7 place: https://hepbookinghub.co.uk/calendar/big-7-what-every-teacher-needs-to-know-2/Find the Monday Briefing here: https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/26-01-12-HEP-Monday-Briefing-v1.0.pdfAccess the Primary Middle Leadership Training here: https://hepbookinghub.co.uk/calendar/primary-subject-and-middle-leadership-training-session-1-of-4/Sign up for our Governor Conference: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/haringey-governor-conference-2026-sustainable-and-informed-governance-tickets-1977619334666Watching - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lik-KsfxK5AListening - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ai-in-schools-2026-predictions-policy-and-what-might/id1546748470?i=1000744076671Reading - https://uk.bettshow.com/send-crisis-whitepaperAI Tool - https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001042-your-year-with-chatgpt-faqs⁠Music by Slo Pony⁠

Tom Rogers is joined by two school leaders who have recently experienced OFSTED inspections under the new grading system. What was it like? What information would help other school leaders? What were the positives and problems with the inspections in their current form? Has anything really changed? Guests are Steve Ellis, current MAT CEO, and Simon Botten, Executive Headteacher.

The early childhood community in England is experiencing a significant shift in how early years provision is inspected and understood. Ofsted's renewed early years inspection framework, now in place, shapes this episode and article. Drawing on a conversation with Jayne Coward from Ofsted, it explores what has changed, what remains central, and what this means for educators, children and families.   For the full article and documents mentioned in the episode visit: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/ofsteds-renewed-early-years-inspection-framework-what-educators-need-to-know/   This episode is in partnership with Ofsted.   You can hear more from Ofsted at our 2026 conference: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       The case for systemic change in Ofsted's approach, by Lucy Lewin: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-case-for-systemic-change-in-ofsteds-approach/ ·       Ofsted's and the DfE's voices must be heard whether we like them or not… by Adam Marycz: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/ofsteds-and-the-dfes-voices-must-be-heard-whether-we-like-them-or-not/ ·       Ofsted: 'Sole arbiter of quality', by Dr Sue Allingham: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/ofsted-sole-arbiter-of-quality/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome and topic introduction 03:10 – What is the renewed inspection framework? 04:30 – Putting babies and children first 06:05 – The EYFS as the backbone of inspection 07:20 – Moving from fear to collaboration 08:40 – Consultation, pilots and feedback 10:00 – Inspector expertise and training 11:20 – Planning call and the end of the learning walk 13:00 – Professional dialogue during inspection 14:05 – Understanding context and community 15:30 – Curriculum, pedagogy and play 17:20 – Early years toolkit examples 19:05 – Conference reminder and podcast break note 20:00 – Workload, autonomy and 'not performing for Ofsted' 21:45 – Managing nerves and pressure 23:10 – Paperwork and what inspectors look at 24:10 – Talking with staff, key persons and apprentices 25:40 – Final message to educators For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Scotland qualifying for the World Cup put me in hospital Cost of unregistered childrens care homes a national scandal Ofsted Jury trials scrapped for crimes with sentences of less than three years Holly Willoughby fined 1,600 for careless driving Andrew Mountbatten Windsor wont get money back from Royal Lodge Trans girls banned from joining Girlguiding National Guard shooting suspect charged with murder Chinese mega embassy could bring security advantages, says No 10 Ukrainians in war ravaged Donbas weigh prospects of peace deal Catherines Christmas message of love in uncertain times

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Ukrainians in war ravaged Donbas weigh prospects of peace deal Jury trials scrapped for crimes with sentences of less than three years Scotland qualifying for the World Cup put me in hospital Cost of unregistered childrens care homes a national scandal Ofsted Chinese mega embassy could bring security advantages, says No 10 Holly Willoughby fined 1,600 for careless driving Andrew Mountbatten Windsor wont get money back from Royal Lodge Catherines Christmas message of love in uncertain times Trans girls banned from joining Girlguiding National Guard shooting suspect charged with murder

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Chinese mega embassy could bring security advantages, says No 10 Ukrainians in war ravaged Donbas weigh prospects of peace deal Holly Willoughby fined 1,600 for careless driving Trans girls banned from joining Girlguiding Jury trials scrapped for crimes with sentences of less than three years Cost of unregistered childrens care homes a national scandal Ofsted National Guard shooting suspect charged with murder Catherines Christmas message of love in uncertain times Andrew Mountbatten Windsor wont get money back from Royal Lodge Scotland qualifying for the World Cup put me in hospital

On this episode of Mind the Gap, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner are joined by Ann Palmer - educator, leadership coach, and founder of Figtree International - for a rich conversation spanning diversity, leadership, and the future of AI in education. Drawing on over 35 years of experience as a headteacher, Ofsted inspector, and international trainer, Ann shares how her work now centres on helping leaders grow into their roles, embedding sustainable approaches to diversity and inclusion through initiatives like the RACE Charter Mark, and exploring how technology can empower rather than replace teachers. Together they discuss why diversity work must move beyond tokenism, what great coaching looks like for school leaders, and how AI can enhance strategic thinking without eroding it. It's a conversation about courage, consciousness, and change - rooted in Ann's belief that education leadership should always be personal, purposeful, and impactful.Ann Palmer FCCT has over 35 years of experience working in education, and has partnered with schools across the UK and internationally. She is the founder of the RACE Charter Mark which is an award recognising effective race equality strategies. She's a qualified Executive Coach and Team Coach, and is often described as “a leader who leads with flair and vision” and is described as “inspirational”. Ann is a MAT Trustee, School Governor, Charity Trustee and Business Advisor, and she is the founder and CEO of Fig Tree International. She is also a published author, a podcaster and was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in 2010 and given royal recognition in 2022.Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specialising in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@teacherhead⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Emma Turner FCCT is a school improvement advisor, education consultant, trainer and author. She has almost three decades of primary teaching, headship and leadership experience across the sector, working and leading in both MATs and LAs. She works nationally and internationally on school improvement including at single school level and at scale. She has a particular interest in research informed practice in the primary phase, early career development, and CPD design. Follow Emma on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast is sponsored by Teaching WalkThrus and produced in association with Haringey Education Partnership. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://walkthrus.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/

The Education Brief: Wednesday 26 November 2025 - Top stories include:A school in Camden offers parents ‘attendance awareness courses' instead of issuing fines, and three-quarters of participating families have seen attendance rise.Ofsted will resume routine inspections in state schools from 1 December.Male secondary headteachers earn £5,000 more a year than their female counterparts on average.Teachers get a far poorer maternity deal than many other public sector workers.Many councils are unable to say how many home-educated children are subject to child protection enquiries, raising safeguarding issues.HEP Updates:Book sessions on the https://hepbookinghub.co.uk/ https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hep-inclusion-send-conference-2026-neurodiversity-in-the-classroom-tickets-1758147629889https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/responding-to-a-cry-for-help-additional-resource-bases-in-schools/https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Using-Multimedia-in-the-Classroom-Teacher-Flyer.pdfWatching - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyYhKHOxFvkListening - https://educationrickshaw.com/2025/11/10/s5e08-doug-lemov-on-what-to-do-and-active-observation-techniques/Reading - https://carlhendrick.substack.com/p/is-a-noisy-classroom-a-thinking-classroomAI Tool - https://fdslive.oup.com/www.oup.com/oxed/secondary/Teaching_the_AI_Native_Generation.pdf⁠Music by Slo Pony⁠

Childminders play a vital role in the early years of children's lives, offering care, stability and a familiar face during those formative years. But their numbers are in sharp decline. Many are no longer able to offer places for three and four year olds, citing government funding pressures. Today, Ofsted have released new figures on how many childminders are leaving and joining the profession. Childminder Georgina Young joins Nuala McGovern to share her experience of the joys and challenges of childminding, and what the future might hold for the profession.Saskia Reeves is the theatre, film and TV actor known for her many roles including Katherine Standish in the hit Apple TV series Slow Horses. She's now back at the National Theatre, in a new play, End – the last in a trilogy of plays by David Eldridge - Beginning and Middle – with Clive Owen, exploring love and relationships. Saskia joins Nuala to discuss. The Independent Commission on UK Counterterrorism has just published its report after three years. A long and detailed report, it estimates there are up to 70 UK-linked individuals, mostly women and children—most under 10 years old—believed to still be in camps or other detention centres in Iraq and Syria. Professor of Religion, Gender and Global Security, Katherine Brown, is one of the 14 commissioners. She explains why the women and children remaining in these camps is "unsustainable" and why an organised programme of return, rehabilitation, and integration is, they believe, the best long-term option for managing the risk to public safety. Frank Gardner, the BBC's Security Correspondent, joins them to discuss.Coroners' advice and concerns on maternal deaths in England and Wales are being ignored despite them raising repeated issues, a new study has found. Dr Georgia Richards, the founder of the Preventable Deaths Tracker at Kings College London who is on the line from New Zealand, discusses the findings.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

The Education Brief: Wednesday 12 November 2025 - Top stories include:Schools should appoint a named staff contact for families needing support with uniform costs.Ofsted has made last-minute changes to how performance data will be used.England still has 850 stand-alone trusts - with many untempted to join a MAT.RE will join the national curriculum, but only if the sector can reach consensus on how to do it.Bridget Phillipson admits the triple science entitlement will need more specialist teachers.This week's deep dive: The Curriculum and Assessment ReviewHEP Updates:Book sessions on the https://hepbookinghub.co.uk/ https://register-national-professional-qualifications.education.gov.uk/Watching - Watch the Zoom recording hereListening - https://evidenceintoaction.podbean.com/Reading - https://tdtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CPD_Report_Digital.pdfAI Tool - https://research.google/blog/learn-your-way-reimagining-textbooks-with-generative-ai/⁠Music by Slo Pony⁠

Caroline Flack was a Bafta-winning TV presenter, host of shows including Love Island and The X Factor. In February of 2020, she took her own life ahead of a court case in which she was charged with the assault of her then boyfriend, after weeks of press scrutiny. Her mother Christine Flack tells Clare McDonnell about spending the past five years uncovering documents from the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service to try to find out more about the events around Caroline's death and she also questions the role of the press. That journey is documented in a two-part documentary out on Disney+ called Caroline Flack: Search for the Truth.A new schools inspection system begins in England today. Overall judgements, such as 'good' or 'requires improvement,' have been scrapped and schools will now be given one of five grades in several different categories. The changes were prompted by the death of the head teacher Ruth Perry, who took her own life in January 2023 whilst waiting for the publication of an Ofsted report she knew would grade her school as "inadequate." Clare speaks to the BBC Education Reporter Vanessa Clarke and Tom Middlehurst, Deputy Director of Policy at the Association of School and College Leaders.Louise Penny is the multi award-winning Canadian crime novelist. Her books have sold over 18 million copies worldwide and this year marks the 20th anniversary of her hugely popular Inspector Gamache series. Her latest novel is called The Black Wolf and follows on from her previous one The Grey Wolf. Gamache has foiled a plot to poison Montreal's drinking water, but has discovered that this is simply phase one of a dark master plan and he needs to take on not only an organised crime syndicate, but also delve into the murky depths of government and power to discover who the black wolf is. There is a brand new podcast out from a familiar voice - Emma Barnett: Ready to Talk, in which Emma invites listeners into her world for bold, honest, and deeply human conversations about the experiences in life that shape and connect us. In the first episode Emma talks to her friend, the journalist and presenter Kate Thornton, about something she's never spoken about publicly before: perimenopause. In the UK, 13 million women are currently experiencing the perimenopause, or menopause, but information about what it is and what can help can be hard to find. Emma tells Clare about her own experience.Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Andrea Kidd

Mashood Ahmad is the CEO and founder of Gigabit IQ, an award-winning UK broadband provider dedicated to delivering safer, smarter, and faster internet through fully managed Wi-Fi and industry-leading online safety tools. A recognised voice in digital inclusion and child online protection, Mashood is a Council Member at ISPA UK and a vocal advocate for stronger ISP accountability in protecting families online.Under Mashood's leadership, Gigabit IQ has pioneered services like FamilyGuard+, a network-level parental control solution designed to meet the real-world needs of modern families. He has spearheaded initiatives supporting vulnerable communities, including children in care, refugees, and low-income households, through fair access broadband and safety education.Mashood is the author of the white paper “Beyond the Act: The Hidden Layer of Online Harm No One's Regulating”, which challenges current UK online safety legislation and proposes a new national ISP Safety Rating System, akin to NCAP for cars or Ofsted for schools.A frequent speaker on digital safety, Mashood is leading an Online Safety & ISP Accountability session at the UK Internet Parliament Conference with ISPA, and continues to work with regulators, MPs, and safety groups to shape a safer digital future for all.Takeaways: The introduction of digital safety measures is akin to implementing seat belts in cars, enhancing Internet safety. Gigabit IQ aims to provide parental controls that ensure children access only age-appropriate online content. The company's initiative, Parent Line, offers parents guidance on navigating online safety and concerns. Faster Internet speeds necessitate enhanced safety protocols to protect children from harmful online content. Gigabit IQ advocates for industry-wide parental controls, empowering parents to safeguard their children online. Digital inclusion is essential; broadband should be accessible to all communities, regardless of their location. Chapters:00:17 - Digital Safety in the Age of the Internet01:41 - The Launch of Parent Line13:47 - Advocating for Online Safety in Broadband Services21:12 - The Importance of Granular Parental Controls28:33 - Digital Inclusion and Accessibility39:24 - Empowering Parents for Online Safetyhttps://www.gigabitiq.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mashood-ahmad-gigabitiq/https://www.linkedin.com/company/gigabit-iqhttps://www.facebook.com/GigabitIQhttps://www.instagram.com/gigabit_iq/https://x.com/GigabitIQhttps://www.tiktok.com/@gigabitiqhttps://www.youtube.com/@GigabitIQhttps://bsky.app/profile/gigabitiq.bsky.socialhttps://mastodon.social/@GigabitIQhttps://www.parentline.ukShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) https://nape.org.uk/Find out more about their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape

The Education Brief: Wednesday 5 November 2025 - Top stories include:The DfE's pitch to the STRB is a 6.5% teacher pay rise over three years.The NAO warns Labour's SEND reforms must squarely tackle home-to-school transport.The DfE has lifted the lid on the Strategic School Improvement Capital Budget.School referrals to children's social care hit a record in 2024–25, topping 130,000.Round Up for Schools:The DfE and Ofsted are both leaning heavily into SEND, highlighting the need for reform in the system.Absence at primary is just over 4% in primary and 7% in secondary.New research on summer-born pupils has been released.The plan is to remove all RAAC from affected schools and colleges before the general election.Ofsted has refreshed its AI guidance as well as information on workforce transparency and pupil/parent voice.A/T/V Levels are in focus due to the new Post-16 White Paper.New guidance has been released on students who may be arriving from Gaza.HEP Updates:⁠HEP Inclusion & SEND Conference 2026: Neurodiversity in the classroom⁠https://haringeycreates.com/cultural-education-summit-2025/Watching - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YTTJPez4zwListening - ⁠https://www.ppfideas.com/episodes/fixing-democracy%3A-tiktok%2C-disinformation-and-distractionReading - https://www.ippr.org/articles/breaking-the-cycle-send-reformAI Tool - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/groups/cgk3rj0kl55t⁠Music by Slo Pony⁠

As Labour looks to get a grip on public spending, one rebellion gives way to another with the changes to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system threatening to become welfare round two. On this week's Saturday edition of Coffee House Shots, Lucy Dunn is joined by The Spectator's Michael Simmons and former Ofsted chief Amanda Spielman to explore what the government is planning – and why so many Labour MPs are worried. Is the system failing the children it's meant to support, or simply costing too much? And can Labour afford to fix it without tearing itself apart?Listen for: Amanda on the unintended consequences of the 2014 SEND overhaul; why teaching assistants may not be the silver bullet schools think they are; and Labour's mess over Ofsted. Michael Simmons also outlines the fiscal timebomb threatening local authorities; the cultural shift post-Covid that's changed how we approach education; and why one Labour insider is warning, ‘If you thought cutting support for disabled adults was bad, wait till you try it with children.'Produced by Oscar Edmondson.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk