Pete Henshaw Podcasts

This episode considers effective parent/carer engagement and asks how we can create parent-friendly schools. Our experts offer principles for effective parental engagement and discuss how schools can get parents/carers on board, how we can build positive relationships, and tips for headteachers new in post. We talk school gates, bacon sandwiches, a…

This episode looks at supporting pupils as they make the transition from primary to secondary school. We chat with two secondary schools and two feeder primaries about common transition challenges and solutions. We look at when transition work should begin, what the process looks like, engaging with parents, identifying pupils who may struggle, and…

This episode takes a practical look at how primary schools can support vulnerable pupils, including looked after children and those living with trauma and adverse childhood experiences. We ask what form ACEs and trauma can take, what impact they have, and what being a trauma-informed school involves. We consider therapeutic approaches and how to cr…

What is the best way to teach pupils to read and how can teachers ensure every child leaves primary school a fluent reader? This episode considers the components of effective whole-school reading (and literacy) strategies. The podcast is packed with teaching tips and techniques as well as whole-school ideas to engage pupils and boost reading skills…

This episode considers what outstanding governance looks like in the primary school, how to be a great governor, and how school leaders and governors can work together effectively. We ask how headteachers can foster strong, professional relationships with governors, and vice-versa. We advise new headteachers how they might begin to build working re…

This two-part episode offers advice and tips for good safeguarding practice and how we can keep children safe. In part two, we chat to three colleagues working in primary schools about their safeguarding work, examples of best practice, and useful ideas. They discuss current trends, effective safeguarding principles, and how to ensure a culture of …

This two-part episode offers advice/tips for good safeguarding practice in schools. In part one, safeguarding expert Elizabeth Rose speaks about current safeguarding trends and how schools can respond. Themes include the consequences of Covid-19 for safeguarding, safety of children outside school, the growing trend of online safety challenges at pr…

This episode asks what great school improvement practice and processes look like and how to ensure self-evaluation work in schools is effective. We discuss the key tenets of school improvement, including change management, culture and ethos. We ask what a cycle of improvement should look like and how headteachers new in post might begin this work, …

This episode looks at how digital learning in schools is evolving in the wake of the pandemic and what it will look like in the months to come. We discuss lessons learnt from Covid, how the pandemic experience has changed practice and use of technology – and where we go next. We offer ideas for edtech practices that free-up teachers to teach, inclu…

This episode considers best practice for effective CPD programmes and performance management in schools, offering some really practical ideas, examples and advice. Our expert panel reflect on their general tenets of good CPD, before discussing what an effective CPD programme or cycle looks like and giving examples from their respective schools. Oth…

In this episode we look at the principles of effective SEND practice, teaching and support in the primary school. We discuss effective leadership of SEN, championing SEN in your school, communicating effectively with colleagues, and achieving consistency. We look at ensuring SEN is the responsibility of all school staff (not just the SENCO) and cre…

This episode looks at the principles of effective Pupil Premium work in primary schools, offering practical advice, ideas and guidance. We speak to three schools – in Portsmouth, London and Derby – about their innovations, approaches and their “golden nuggets” of practice. The discussion touches upon Family Support Workers, learning mentors, pupil …

This episode looks at the principles of effective curriculum design, offering practical advice, ideas and guidance for primary school leaders. As well as good practice, the discussion looks at curriculum design in light of Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework and its renewed focus on curriculum intent, implementation and impact. We discuss steps…

The reforms to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) come into effect in September. The government’s Development Matters non-statutory guidance has also been revised and 'rival' sector-created guidance entitled Birth to Five Matters has been published too. This episode looks at the imminent reforms and how primary schools and early years settings…

This episode looks at how primary schools can support the good wellbeing of their staff and communities. Our experts discuss how school leaders can develop a culture of wellbeing, including themes of workload, wellbeing initiatives, collaboration and teacher autonomy. We discuss protective factors for staff, including mental health training, our se…

This episode dissects the secrets to great and effective teaching in the primary school classroom. Host and former primary headteacher Helen Frostick and three expert guests look at some of the pedagogical elements that make for great lessons, the qualities that great teachers have and how we can support and develop our teachers to excel. Topics an…

The inaugural episode of the Headteacher Update Podcast looks at pupil wellbeing in the primary school. Our expert panel offer practical ideas & tips for supporting pupils during the summer term & beyond, including in the context of Covid-19. We discuss key challenges & potential solutions and strategies, touching touch upon issues of staff wellbei…