Head-to-Head Podcast

Are you an aspiring leader, considering progression into a Headship?Join Becky Sawford, Head Teacher at Crosshall Infant School Academy Trust and hear about her journey into Headship. Becky shares her experiences from starting as a new teacher to becoming a senior leader and then taking the step into Headship. The conversation explores the challenges and successes she has faced, from financial management and budgeting to building strong relationships with staff and parents. She offers valuable advice for aspiring Headteachers, reflecting on the rewards and responsibilities of the role. Tune in for this insightful discussion on leadership development and embracing the role of becoming a new Headteacher!

Are you striving to support all children to learn, develop and achieve success? Listen to Victoria Pettett, Headteacher of Westlands Primary School, as she shares her school’s journey to strengthen teaching and learning approaches that effectively support, engage and meet the needs of children with SEND. Victoria discusses the power of play-based learning, the importance of nurture spaces and creating enabling learning environments. She talks specifically about bespoke provisions in her school and the successful impact of these approaches for those children across her school with SEND.This is an insightful conversation exploring both strategic thinking and practical ideas!Explore how we can help with the needs of children with SEND in the Early Years

Are you keen to explore how to implement continuous provision in KS1?Join Kristy Gerrity, senior leader at Larkfield Primary School, as she shares the school’s journey in embedding continuous provision into KS1. Kristy discusses how play-based learning can create a rich, engaging environment that fosters children’s natural curiosity and exploration, and reflects on the challenges of resource management, the impact of staff development, and the power of observing children in action. With practical tips and insights, this episode is packed with strategies to help schools implement continuous provision in KS1.Tune in for practical advice and inspiration from the front line of continuous provision in KS1!

Are you looking to transform teaching and learning in Key Stage 1?Listen to Jude Arkwright, Headteacher of St Michael's Primary School, as she shares her school’s journey of implementing continuous provision beyond the early years. Jude highlights how it crucially contributes to children's development and learning, the importance of a shared vision among staff, and explores the challenges of timetabling and delivering the National Curriculum. Jude also discusses the significance of focusing on key learning objectives, approaches to documenting learning and incorporating creativity into teaching.A must listen for any Head or Leader looking to adopt continuous provision in Key Stage 1Explore our Blog "Top 10 Tips for Continuous Provision in KS1" Join our KS1 Roadshow 2025

Are you keen to enhance parental engagement to support children's learning?Join Marie Beale and Emma Doran from Whitefield Primary Academy as they explore the power of parental engagement. They discuss building early relationships with parents through induction and stay and play sessions, and the significant impact of a ‘Zones of Regulation’ project in supporting children's emotions. You’ll hear about ‘Borrow Me Bags’, storytelling and family cooking clubs as tools for fostering communication and creating shared experiences.Tune in for inspiring insights and practical ideas!

Are you a School Leader interested in current Educational Research?Hear from Phil Armstrong, Senior Education Lead at Early Excellence, as he discusses his current education doctorate journey, research and thesis. Phil shares his motivations, challenges, and rewards of his academic pursuit, provoking thought about the significance of professional identity and the pivotal role of school leaders in developing early years education. Phil’s deep knowledge and passion for supporting leaders to navigate the EYFS, with a focus on enhancing educational practices centred around the child, shines through.Tune in for enlightening insights, sure to encourage your own self-reflection!

Are you considering taking the step into Headship? Hear from Sally Appadu, as she shares her journey from deliberating headship, to securing and embracing her new role as Headteacher. She reflects on the importance of being guided by strong values and ethics, developing her leadership style and nurturing professional relationships. Sally shares successes from her first term including fostering a growth mindset across her team, strengthening an effective learning environment in her setting, initiating a transition project across the local area and much more!Tune in to gain invaluable insights and inspiration from Sally's journey into Headship!