HeadteacherChat
banner
headteacherchat.bsky.social
HeadteacherChat
@headteacherchat.bsky.social
⭐️Proud to host a fantastic community of edu leaders, and offering support every step of the leadership journey. Join our newsletter for regular updates.👇
Pinned
Remember, it's not just pupils who need words of positivity and kindness, but your colleagues and support staff.

Even the parents in your community could do with words of positivity and kindness.

Connecting and building strong relationships takes everyone in the community.
Book Spotlight: The Strategic SENCO

A practical guide by Kenny Wheeler, supporting SENCOs and senior leaders in developing strong, strategic SEND provision.
Review here: headteacher-chat.link/senco-guide
The Strategic SENCo - School Leader Books
The Strategic SENCo Review | A Practical Guide to Transformational SEND Leadership
headteacher-chat.link
November 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
If your pet was on a dating website, post the photo that would be their profile pic...
November 25, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Seasonal Guide: Christmas Gifts for Staff

A set of meaningful, budget friendly ideas to help you show appreciation this December. Ideal for leaders planning ahead.
Read the guide: headteacher-chat.link/xmas-staff
Christmas Gift Ideas for School Staff - Thoughtful Teacher & Admin Presents | HeadteacherChat
Discover thoughtful Christmas gift ideas for school staff that show appreciation and boost morale. Find budget-friendly presents and meaningful ways to thank your teaching team this holiday season.
headteacher-chat.link
November 25, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Leadership Blog: Creating Space for Better Leadership

This week’s reflective piece explores how deliberate thinking time strengthens clarity, decision making and presence. A useful read for busy leaders.
Find out more: headteacher-chat.link/leader-space
Creating Space for Better Leadership: Why School Leaders Community Matters | HeadteacherChat
Discover how building a strong school leaders community creates space for better educational leadership. Learn why connecting with fellow headteachers and principals drives professional growth and student success.
headteacher-chat.link
November 25, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Governors Audit for Schools

A new governance audit is now available, aligned with the revised EIF and its five point scale. It includes evidence informed questions, five structured modules and ready to use action templates.
Access the audit tool: headteacher-chat.link/gov-audit2025
Governors Audit for Schools Guidance November 2025 | Ofsted Resources | HeadteacherChat Community
Get essential governors audit guidance for schools effective November 2025. Access comprehensive Ofsted resources and expert insights to ensure your school governance meets new requirements and standards.
headteacher-chat.link
November 25, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Leader Burnout Insight

New analysis shows burnout continues to rise, with 41 percent of leaders affected. Protected thinking time and regular supervision are essential to sustain leadership through demanding weeks.
Read more: headteacher-chat.link/leader-burnout
Urgent Call: Protecting School Leaders From Burnout - HeadteacherChat Community Discussion
Join the urgent discussion on protecting school leaders from burnout. Connect with fellow educators, share strategies, and find support in our headteacher community. Essential resources for educational leadership wellbeing.
headteacher-chat.link
November 25, 2025 at 7:29 AM
This week’s Reflective Leader post explores how slowing the pace can strengthen clarity, culture and leadership presence. A helpful reminder that purposeful calm supports both decision-making and team confidence.
headteacher-chat.link/reflect-lead4
Reflective Leader Lesson 4: The Late Bell - Leadership Development for Headteachers
Join The Reflective Leader Lesson 4 discussion on handling late arrivals and time management challenges. Connect with fellow educators in the HeadteacherChat community to share insights and strategies.
headteacher-chat.link
November 24, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Two key events are coming up:
• The Wellbeing Effect, Monday 24 November, 1.30pm GMT.
• Online Leadership Conference: Ready for Spring 2026, Tuesday 9 December.
Both sessions offer practical insights for leaders preparing for the term ahead.
headteacher-chat.link/htc-events
November 24, 2025 at 3:01 PM
This week’s featured resource is the School Evaluation Toolkit: Leadership Reference Guide. It brings safeguarding, curriculum, inclusion, achievement and leadership into one clear, evidence-aligned overview. An effective tool for SEFs, improvement planning and leadership conversations.
November 24, 2025 at 11:57 AM
BBC Teach Webinar: Media Literacy

Today’s free session explores how schools can help pupils navigate AI generated content and digital misinformation. Practical, classroom ready strategies from BBC Teach.
Register here: headteacher-chat.link/BBCTEACHWEB...
BBC Teach: The Importance of Media Literacy
Schools are facing rising levels of AI-generated content, misinformation and complex digital environments. Join us for a focused session on practical ways to strengthen pupils’ media literacy, supported by the BBC’s new narrative and how-to films launching in January. Andrew Swanson, Executive Producer for Teens at BBC Bitesize, and Alex Walker, Director and Producer for BBC Teach, will introduce 'Solve the Story', a new five-minute narrative series for secondary classrooms already attracting interest from more than 135 schools. Each episode is paired with a how-to film that builds a specific media literacy skill. Lucy will host a short panel discussion and Q&A, covering what the new commission offers, how teachers can use the resources and how to sign up. Key Points • Spotting manipulated and AI-generated content • Verifying information through simple classroom techniques • Supporting pupils to navigate digital spaces confidently • Using BBC Teach’s new resources to strengthen who
streamyard.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Last Week’s Most Read Blogs

Here are the blog posts that connected most strongly with school leaders last week. Each one drew high engagement and plenty of thoughtful discussion.
November 23, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Can anyone help our anonymous colleague?

They are looking for guidance on the recommended frequency of DBS checks for staff. What approach does your school take, and what good practice have you found useful?
November 23, 2025 at 5:00 PM
All remaining HeadteacherChat Planners are now £10 while stocks last. If you have been waiting to refresh your planning tools for the year ahead, this is a good opportunity to do so. Code: DISCOUNT25.
headteacher-chat.link/school25off
School Leaders Shop by HeadteacherChat
Transform your leadership game with our range of planners for headteachers and senior leaders. Our beautifully designed planners are created by local artists and developed by actual senior leaders, giving you the tools you need to stay organised, focused, and in control.
www.schoolleaders.shop
November 23, 2025 at 4:58 PM
“Never be cruel. Never be cowardly. Remember, hate is always foolish and love is always wise. Always try to be nice, but never fail to be kind.” – 12th Doctor #DoctorWhoDay #DrWho Who is your favourite doctor?

Mine: Tom Baker
November 23, 2025 at 2:26 PM
This Week’s Most Read Book Reviews

Here is a fresh round-up of the book reviews school leaders have been exploring most often. Each title offers clear, practical guidance that supports thoughtful, confident leadership across your school.
November 23, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Our Black Friday Flash Sale is now live. You can join the HeadteacherChat Community with 30 per cent off annual membership. This offer runs for twenty four hours only and is ideal if you are looking to connect with peers and access trusted leadership support. Code: BLACKFRIDAY.
November 22, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Can anyone help our colleague?

They are looking for a clear and effective structure for pupil progress meetings in primary schools. The aim is to support teachers to identify next steps and move children forward with confidence.

What approaches or formats have worked well in your school?
November 22, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Take your time as you grow into senior leadership or headship.
Each day offers a chance to learn, to develop your judgement, and to listen to the people around you.
Steady, thoughtful progress builds confidence and clarity.
Give yourself the space you need.
November 22, 2025 at 2:29 PM
All remaining HeadteacherChat Planners are now £10 while stocks last. If you have been waiting to refresh your planning tools for the year ahead, this is a good opportunity to do so. Code: DISCOUNT25.
headteacher-chat.link/school25off
School Leaders Shop by HeadteacherChat
Transform your leadership game with our range of planners for headteachers and senior leaders. Our beautifully designed planners are created by local artists and developed by actual senior leaders, giving you the tools you need to stay organised, focused, and in control.
www.schoolleaders.shop
November 22, 2025 at 12:14 PM
The Reflective Leader Blog
This week’s post explores the value of calm leadership when the pace picks up. A thoughtful reflection on how small moments of clarity help shape a positive school culture.
https://headteacher-chat.link/reflect-lead4
Reflective Leader Lesson 4: The Late Bell - Leadership Development for Headteachers
Join The Reflective Leader Lesson 4 discussion on handling late arrivals and time management challenges. Connect with fellow educators in the HeadteacherChat community to share insights and strategies.
headteacher-chat.link
November 22, 2025 at 7:30 AM
You’ve worked incredibly hard this week. Take time to step back, restore your energy, and do something that lifts your spirits.
November 21, 2025 at 8:26 PM
How Headteachers Are Approaching Christmas Staff Gifts: Ideas from the HeadteacherChat Community
headteacher-chat.link/xmas-staff
Christmas Gift Ideas for School Staff - Thoughtful Teacher & Admin Presents | HeadteacherChat
Discover thoughtful Christmas gift ideas for school staff that show appreciation and boost morale. Find budget-friendly presents and meaningful ways to thank your teaching team this holiday season.
headteacher-chat.link
November 21, 2025 at 7:43 PM
The Reflective Leader Blog

This week’s post explores the value of calm leadership when the pace picks up. A thoughtful reflection on how small moments of clarity help shape a positive school culture.
headteacher-chat.link/reflect-lead4
Reflective Leader Lesson 4: The Late Bell - Leadership Development for Headteachers
Join The Reflective Leader Lesson 4 discussion on handling late arrivals and time management challenges. Connect with fellow educators in the HeadteacherChat community to share insights and strategies.
headteacher-chat.link
November 21, 2025 at 7:31 PM