Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resources

'So if you're not listening, then you know, what are you doing?' How do you drive real change in schools through DEI? Aldaine Wynter, Director of International-Mindedness, Diversity and Inclusion, shares his journey, strategies, and the impact of meaningful community engagement. Suggestions from Aldaine Start by listening. Before diving into big initiatives, take time to understand your school com...

'It’s about developing a relationship, it's about developing somebody's work, it's about the truth.' Do you dread tough conversations? Nickii Messer shares how to reframe them as ‘honest conversations’, build trust, and keep a focus on what matters – the life chances and wellbeing of children in the school.  Top tips from Nickii: Avoidance makes it worse Listen to understand, not just to fix Belie...

Give people an experience that they genuinely enjoy, so they want to stick around. What keeps people in the teaching profession? Headteachers Josephine Smith and Carl Smith discuss staying power, joy and why retention matters. Finding joy in the job keeps people in education long-term. Staying power comes from feeling like you’re doing well and making a difference. Stay curious. Keep reading and e...

There’s a lot in the air, and a lot on the table. Caroline Doherty, Head of Public Affairs at Ark, considers potential changes ahead. What’s happening with the Ofsted report cards? What are the implications for accountability systems? What does it mean to have a truly inclusive education system, and do we have the workforce to provide it? Do we have a reason to be cheerful in Education Secretary B...

Caroline Doherty, Head of Public Affairs at Ark, reflects on the challenge of balancing innovation and improvement alongside the daily realities of school life.  Tips from Caroline You can't do everything. Recognise limits and embrace the unpredictability of school life. Prioritise your time. Identify your key goals and align your daily actions to move them forward.  Meetings aren't always the ans...

Chief Finance and Sustainability Officer Paul Edmond explains why asking questions is essential to a sustainability journey – but ‘can we afford it?’ is now last on his list.  Tips from Paul Sustainability is everyone's job. Tackling climate action in schools isn't about one person or department – it’s a team effort. Engage everyone and start conversations to bring people on board. Quick wins are...

Paul K. Ainsworth shares his strategies for a sustainable, step-by-step, people-centred approach to school improvement.  Tips from Paul Be adaptable: there’s no one-size fits all approach to school improvement. Consider what’s needed for your context.  Be consistent: consistency in schools is about a shared understanding and approach, rather than making everything identical.   Be people-centred: e...

How do you stay sane in the intensity of school leadership? In the second part of our conversation, Josephine Smith talks about knowing your priorities, knowing yourself and fostering balance.  Tips from Jo: Start with clear priorities: Use your school’s vision and development plan as a guide.  Don’t get distracted: Politely delay less urgent requests, balancing the needs of others with your prior...

A flexible, responsive school leader is going to stay so much saner. Headteacher Josephine Smith shares what she’s learned about maintaining poise and positivity in the face of things you can’t control. Top tips from Jo: Accept that not everything in school leadership can be controlled. Unexpected events are part of the role!  Embrace creativity when facing uncontrollable challenges. Try and view...