Head-to-Head Podcast

Are you considering how best to prepare children for a world that doesn't exist yet? Charlotte Smiles, Headteacher of Upland School has deeply reflected on how to support her pupils to be as prepared as possible to navigate their future life. In this episode, Charlotte shares how her school moved beyond academics to focus on the skills and attitudes children need for the evolving world. Underpinne...

Are you looking to engage your KS1 children in deep, connected, purposeful learning through play in the provision? Hear from Katy Smith, Headteacher at Brookfield Primary School as she takes us through her school's journey of implementing Continuous Provision in KS1. Discover the research that shaped her thinking, consider practical changes to classrooms and timetables, and find out what provision...

Are you looking to transform your Reception Assessment systems to ensure they are manageable, meaningful and impactful? In this episode, Anna Hackett and Sally Scott from Focus-Trust share their journey of deepening understanding about child development and strengthening assessment in all of their early years settings. They talk through why this was a priority, how the strategic plan was implement...

Are you keen to develop a strategy that drives Trust wide improvements in teaching, learning & outcomes across your EYFS? Listen to Lisa Whiteley, Trust Partner at Learners’ Trust, as she shares her journey in building a strategic and comprehensive approach driving EYFS improvements at scale. Lisa talks through the importance of establishing a clear vision and how collaborative research shaped...

Are you keen to find out about Ofsted inspection under the new Inspection Framework? Hear from Andy Kitchen, Headteacher at Stafford Leys Primary School as he shares his recent experience of an Ofsted inspection. With invaluable information about the initial phone call through to day one inspection activities and the shaping of second day lines of enquiry. Andy talks through the ongoing profession...

Are you exploring what Continuous Provision looks like in Key Stage 1 and how can it work in practice? In this episode Cassie Puplett shares her experiences as a Headteacher exploring continuous provision beyond the early years. The conversation focuses on evidence-informed practice, the vital link between EYFS and KS1, and the balance between teaching and learning through play. Cassie reflects on...

Is your curriculum designed to truly meet the needs of every child, especially the most vulnerable? In this podcast episode Brogan Taylor shares her inspiring curriculum journey at Somercotes Infant and Nursery School. She reflects on the importance of deeply understanding school context, planning intentionally for vulnerable learners, and creating a curriculum that is purposeful, inclusive, and a...

Are you placing a focus on SEND and Inclusion?   This month, Catherine Mole, CEO of Dingley’s Promise, shares her inspiring journey and the charity’s mission to champion inclusion for children with SEND in early years education. She reflects on the importance of advocacy, the challenges of funding, and the transformative power of policy change. The conversation explores how educators can buil...

Are you considering expanding your nursery provision and exploring the School Based Nursery Grant application process? In this episode, Deputy Headteacher Abbas Jaffer shares the journey of expanding the 2YO nursery provision at Minet Infant and Nursery School using the Government’s School Based Nursery Grant. He reflects on the vision and values that underpin their early years practice and the ea...

Are you grappling with how to strengthen support for children with SEND in the EYFS? Hear from SEND specialist Helen Mohatta and draw on her expertise and deep knowledge of both the EYFS and SEND. Helen reflects on the power of early intervention, the design of effective learning environments, and the vital role of play in supporting all children. She offers thoughtful insights and actionable adv...

Are you looking to successfully establish Continuous Provision in KS1? In this episode, Kate Davies and Becca Taylor from The Pines School share their journey of embedding continuous provision in KS1. They explore the vital role of play in children's learning, reflect on the challenges and triumphs of implementation, and offer insights into the practical and cultural shifts required to make it wor...

How effectively do your Reception Baseline Assessment processes support your children, the team, teaching and learning?   Phil Armstrong and Sarah Carey are joined by Helen Bingham, Early Years Lead at the Aspire Trust to discuss the impact of the EExREC tool. Together, they explore the challenges of Baseline Assessment practices and explore EExREC – a new, holistic assessment tool designed...

Are you responsible for leading impactful improvement in the EYFS? In this episode, Kate Eastwood, Director of Early Years at Quest Trust, shares her focus development projects to establish a progressive curriculum, embed effective provision and to expand Nursery provision with the DfE funding. The discussion explores the implementation and impact of a high-quality text curriculum and the importan...

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 ma...

Are you looking to rapidly transform practice and provision in KS1? Hear from Helen Davidson-McMullen, Headteacher at Wheldon Infant and Nursery Schools as she discusses her recent rapid development journey to overhaul practice and provision across the whole of KS1. Find out how the Early Excellence KS1 Roadshow was the catalyst for change, helping to crytsalise Helen’s vision. Reflect on her stra...

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 an...

Is strengthening EYFS practice your school improvement priority?  Hear from Executive Head Teacher Howard Seymour about the critical importance of early years education. Howard shares insights from his extensive career, detailing his journey to better understand and support young learners in the EYFS. He discusses successful development projects, underpinned by CPD for staff, professional dis...

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 mana...

Are you navigating the challenge of higher numbers of children with significant needs in your school? Listen to Anna Wells, fresh from Headship, talk about her strategic thinking and successful improvement project to better support the needs of children with high levels of SEND in her school. Anna discusses many key points including her rationale, specific professional development, ensuring an inc...

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 time...

Is developing effective adult interactions in the EYFS a school improvement priority? Join Fliss James and Melissa Prendergast from Sheringham Nursery School as they discuss their development journey to successfully enable adults to embed rich, purposeful interactions in the EYFS. Learn about their research-based, evidence informed practices and the evolution of the innovative ShREC approach. Refl...

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...

Gain Inspiration and be Enthused!  Listen to this insightful conversation with James Cash, Head teacher at Oldfield Brow Primary School as he shares some of his school development projects from the last 16months. Starting with a renewed and strengthened vision and values for the whole school community, delving into transformative approaches to EYFS and threading key elements of this into the...

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...

Ever wondered how continuous provision could transform teaching and learning Key Stage 1? Be inspired by the impactful journey of Priory Witham Academy, who have adopted continuous provision into Year 1, then over time into Year 2 and now into KS2!                         &n...