Headteacher Update
@headteacherupdate.bsky.social
A free magazine and website for UK primary school leaders (and teachers). Weekly ebulletins. A monthly podcast. Regular webinars. Conferences. Lots of best practice articles and case studies as well as news & resources. Posts by @pwhenshaw.bsky.social
Headteacher Update's Autumn Edition is out now: 48 pages of in-depth, research-based & expert best practice relevant to primary school leadership & teaching, including our latest seven-page Best Practice Focus which focuses on effective subject leadership: buff.ly/sJ3KjWz
November 25, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Headteacher Update's Autumn Edition is out now: 48 pages of in-depth, research-based & expert best practice relevant to primary school leadership & teaching, including our latest seven-page Best Practice Focus which focuses on effective subject leadership: buff.ly/sJ3KjWz
The law protects parents who physically punish their children, but to a point & the line is fine. Sara Alston – @seainclusion.bsky.social – on how DSLs can talk to these parents: buff.ly/ls1r6yZ (Get access to this article via our Safeguarding Digest: buff.ly/47SIzqG)
Conversations with parents about physical chastisement - Headteacher Update
How can school safeguarding teams respond if parents are hitting their children as a form of physical punishment?
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November 25, 2025 at 4:21 PM
The law protects parents who physically punish their children, but to a point & the line is fine. Sara Alston – @seainclusion.bsky.social – on how DSLs can talk to these parents: buff.ly/ls1r6yZ (Get access to this article via our Safeguarding Digest: buff.ly/47SIzqG)
How can we develop children’s #oracy skills & what does best practice in primary #schools look like? This 21-page guide dives into all that #teaching oracy entails. Lots of ideas, examples, lesson advice & case studies. Get your free pdf:
A best practice guide to teaching oracy skills in the primary school - Headteacher Update
This free 21-page Headteacher Update supplement offers advice and examples for how to teach primary pupils oracy skills
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November 25, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Growing great subject leaders in the primary school: In this 7-page Best Practice Focus, Robbie Burns dissects 4 aspects of effective subject leadership, core tasks every subject leader should engage in, a distributed curriculum leadership model & much more: buff.ly/9AkCHCr #teaching #schools
Best Practice Focus: Growing great subject leaders in your primary school - Headteacher Update
A seven-page best practice guide detailing the role of great subject leaders across the primary school
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November 25, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Growing great subject leaders in the primary school: In this 7-page Best Practice Focus, Robbie Burns dissects 4 aspects of effective subject leadership, core tasks every subject leader should engage in, a distributed curriculum leadership model & much more: buff.ly/9AkCHCr #teaching #schools
The #oracy assemblies at Pinner Wood School place great value on #speaking & #listening skills – and it is the pupils who do the talking. Emily Thomas explains how it all works & how others #schools might adopt the idea: buff.ly/MHY8fqI #teaching #teachers #edusky
Case study: Oracy assemblies in action at Pinner Wood School - Headteacher Update
The use of oracy assemblies at Pinner Wood School help to improve pupils' speaking and discussion skills
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November 25, 2025 at 12:42 PM
The #oracy assemblies at Pinner Wood School place great value on #speaking & #listening skills – and it is the pupils who do the talking. Emily Thomas explains how it all works & how others #schools might adopt the idea: buff.ly/MHY8fqI #teaching #teachers #edusky
With 1 in 5 pupils in England’s #schools speaking English as an additional language #EAL, ensuring inclusive practice is vital, especially in light of Ofsted’s new inspection framework. Sarah Moodie outlines 4 steps for reviewing your EAL provision: buff.ly/5m6o92y #edusky #education
Evaluating your primary school’s EAL provision: Four steps - Headteacher Update
Advice from The Bell Foundation to help schools evaluate provision for students using English as an additional language
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November 25, 2025 at 11:42 AM
With 1 in 5 pupils in England’s #schools speaking English as an additional language #EAL, ensuring inclusive practice is vital, especially in light of Ofsted’s new inspection framework. Sarah Moodie outlines 4 steps for reviewing your EAL provision: buff.ly/5m6o92y #edusky #education
There have been many changes to the School Teachers’ Pay & Conditions Document (STPCD) in recent years. @ascl-uk.bsky.social specialist @louisehatswell.bsky.social highlights some of the most important & advises #schools on how they can navigate these: buff.ly/GGDftc1
Managing changes to the School Teachers’ Pay & Conditions Document - Headteacher Update
Advice from ASCL for schools on managing updates to the September 2025 DfE School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document
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November 25, 2025 at 11:36 AM
There have been many changes to the School Teachers’ Pay & Conditions Document (STPCD) in recent years. @ascl-uk.bsky.social specialist @louisehatswell.bsky.social highlights some of the most important & advises #schools on how they can navigate these: buff.ly/GGDftc1
In a 6-part series, @mattbromley.bsky.social analyses the 6 core evaluation areas of the new #Ofsted school inspection framework, helping you to sense-check your approach & identify areas requiring focus. Next up, leadership & governance:
Analysing Ofsted's core evaluation areas for school inspection: Leadership and governance - Headteacher Update
Analysis of how Ofsted will inspect leadership and governance during school inspection
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November 25, 2025 at 11:02 AM
In a 6-part series, @mattbromley.bsky.social analyses the 6 core evaluation areas of the new #Ofsted school inspection framework, helping you to sense-check your approach & identify areas requiring focus. Next up, leadership & governance:
The new @ofstednews.bsky.social school inspection framework has a golden thread of #inclusion – with a particular focus on four categories of disadvantage. @pkainsworth.bsky.social considers what this means for #schools & their leaders as they prepare for #inspection: buff.ly/OI4YbEd
Inclusion and disadvantage: Exploring the golden thread of Ofsted inspection - Headteacher Update
An analysis of Ofsted’s golden thread of inclusion and disadvantage in school inspection & how headteachers can prepare
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November 25, 2025 at 10:50 AM
The new @ofstednews.bsky.social school inspection framework has a golden thread of #inclusion – with a particular focus on four categories of disadvantage. @pkainsworth.bsky.social considers what this means for #schools & their leaders as they prepare for #inspection: buff.ly/OI4YbEd
To mark the launch of the Implementing Oracy programme, Neil Mercer, @topsypage.bsky.social & @rethinkingjames.bsky.social from Oracy Cambridge discuss how we can engage students in productive classroom discussion – with 4 practical & concrete ideas: buff.ly/xMOf2VP #teaching #teachers #schools
Implementing oracy: Four practical ideas for your classroom - Headteacher Update
The new oracy framework will help teachers to improve discussions in their classrooms – here are some practical ideas
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November 25, 2025 at 10:21 AM
To mark the launch of the Implementing Oracy programme, Neil Mercer, @topsypage.bsky.social & @rethinkingjames.bsky.social from Oracy Cambridge discuss how we can engage students in productive classroom discussion – with 4 practical & concrete ideas: buff.ly/xMOf2VP #teaching #teachers #schools
Primary Steps on Demand brings #ballet & #dance into the primary school & is delivered by the @royalballetschool.bsky.social – @EmmaLeePotter finds out how the programme has been delivered at St Anne Line Catholic Junior School: buff.ly/ToJ5GJ9 #Arts #Schools #Education
The joy of dance: Primary Steps on Demand - Headteacher Update
Primary Steps on Demand brings ballet and dance into the primary school and is delivered by the Royal Ballet School. Emma Lee-Potter finds out how the programme has been delivered at one school
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November 25, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Primary Steps on Demand brings #ballet & #dance into the primary school & is delivered by the @royalballetschool.bsky.social – @EmmaLeePotter finds out how the programme has been delivered at St Anne Line Catholic Junior School: buff.ly/ToJ5GJ9 #Arts #Schools #Education
Headteacher Update Podcast: A new episode dissects the revised #Ofsted inspection framework, setting out actions #schools can take now to prepare. Advice on the 'secure fit' model, the 'expected standard', the focus on #inclusion & context, the 90-minute call, the nominee role & more buff.ly/EpHd4IF
November 25, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Headteacher Update Podcast: A new episode dissects the revised #Ofsted inspection framework, setting out actions #schools can take now to prepare. Advice on the 'secure fit' model, the 'expected standard', the focus on #inclusion & context, the 90-minute call, the nominee role & more buff.ly/EpHd4IF
Sign up for the free @headteacherupdate.bsky.social bulletin: Every Thursday. Latest #primary #education best practice advice, case studies, #resources, #podcasts, #webinars, free downloads, news analysis & blogs. Practical advice to help your #leadership & your #schools buff.ly/49MQVRT #edusky
November 25, 2025 at 6:42 AM
Sign up for the free @headteacherupdate.bsky.social bulletin: Every Thursday. Latest #primary #education best practice advice, case studies, #resources, #podcasts, #webinars, free downloads, news analysis & blogs. Practical advice to help your #leadership & your #schools buff.ly/49MQVRT #edusky
Safeguarding Digest offers bitesize #safeguarding summaries & key questions to keep your school staff up-to-date. This week: Monitoring & filtering: buff.ly/yvM1zlO (Get access to this article via our Safeguarding Digest: buff.ly/47SIzqG)
What is your role in keeping children safe on school devices? - Headteacher Update
Safeguarding CPD materials and questions for school staff relating to filtering and monitoring of devices in schools
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November 24, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Safeguarding Digest offers bitesize #safeguarding summaries & key questions to keep your school staff up-to-date. This week: Monitoring & filtering: buff.ly/yvM1zlO (Get access to this article via our Safeguarding Digest: buff.ly/47SIzqG)
Almost 9 in 10 senior leaders in #schools feel stressed & many have signs of #burnout & #exhaustion. Three-quarters of #teachers are also stressed. #Education staff have lowest level of #wellbeing ever recorded in annual @edsupportuk.bsky.social #TWIX2025 research:
Teacher Wellbeing Index: Record findings must be ‘wake-up call to government’ - Headteacher Update
Teacher Wellbeing Index reveals three-quarters of school staff are stressed, with many risking burn-out and exhaustion
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November 24, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Almost 9 in 10 senior leaders in #schools feel stressed & many have signs of #burnout & #exhaustion. Three-quarters of #teachers are also stressed. #Education staff have lowest level of #wellbeing ever recorded in annual @edsupportuk.bsky.social #TWIX2025 research:
How can we develop children’s #oracy skills & what does best practice in primary #schools look like? This 21-page guide dives into all that #teaching oracy entails. With huge thanks to our partners on this project @glassessment.bsky.social. Get your free pdf here: buff.ly/cyZuAf9
November 24, 2025 at 4:03 PM
How can we develop children’s #oracy skills & what does best practice in primary #schools look like? This 21-page guide dives into all that #teaching oracy entails. With huge thanks to our partners on this project @glassessment.bsky.social. Get your free pdf here: buff.ly/cyZuAf9
Headteacher Update Podcast: This episode offers advice for #schools on how they can handle parental complaints, including the steps to take, useful de-escalation tips, the reasons behind rising complaints & how to deal with vexatious complaints: buff.ly/l2ZQ4FE #teaching #edusky #education
Headteacher Update Podcast: Dealing with parental complaints - Headteacher Update
A podcast discussion offering practical advice and tips for headteachers on handling school complaints from parents
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November 24, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Headteacher Update Podcast: This episode offers advice for #schools on how they can handle parental complaints, including the steps to take, useful de-escalation tips, the reasons behind rising complaints & how to deal with vexatious complaints: buff.ly/l2ZQ4FE #teaching #edusky #education
Five methods for fluency in primary maths: Regular rehearsal of key learning is essential to help pupils develop fluency in #maths & lay foundations for further learning. Charley McKay – @hfleducation.bsky.social – explains: buff.ly/TUBUpki #teaching #edusky
Developing fluency in primary maths: Five methods - Headteacher Update
Five methods for developing fluency in primary maths teaching to build solid foundations for pupils’ learning
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November 24, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Five methods for fluency in primary maths: Regular rehearsal of key learning is essential to help pupils develop fluency in #maths & lay foundations for further learning. Charley McKay – @hfleducation.bsky.social – explains: buff.ly/TUBUpki #teaching #edusky
Ahead of the Schools White Paper, @thenfer.bsky.social research has revealed a worrying SEND trend that gets little policy attention: the high-SEND #schools in a system under huge strain. Matt Walker looks at the consequences of the findings: buff.ly/ioLOVbK
The high-SEND schools in a system under strain - Headteacher Update
An NFER research project reveals an uneven distribution of SEND children in England’s schools
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November 24, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Ahead of the Schools White Paper, @thenfer.bsky.social research has revealed a worrying SEND trend that gets little policy attention: the high-SEND #schools in a system under huge strain. Matt Walker looks at the consequences of the findings: buff.ly/ioLOVbK
Headteacher Update Podcast: A new episode dissects the revised #Ofsted inspection framework, setting out actions #schools can take now to prepare. With practical advice & tips from the amazing @pkainsworth.bsky.social, Anne Peck from @hfleducation.bsky.social & Clare Duffy:
Headteacher Update Podcast: Preparing for the new Ofsted school inspection framework - Headteacher Update
This podcast episode offers advice for primary school leaders on changes to the new Ofsted school inspection framework
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November 24, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Headteacher Update Podcast: A new episode dissects the revised #Ofsted inspection framework, setting out actions #schools can take now to prepare. With practical advice & tips from the amazing @pkainsworth.bsky.social, Anne Peck from @hfleducation.bsky.social & Clare Duffy:
Almost half of all school children now need support with social & emotional development, new analysis from charity Nurture UK suggests – including 1 in 6 who have a high level of need
Analysis shows rise in high-level SEMH needs - Headteacher Update
A Nurture UK analysis based on Boxall Profile data shows rising SEMH needs in pupils in schools
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November 24, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Almost half of all school children now need support with social & emotional development, new analysis from charity Nurture UK suggests – including 1 in 6 who have a high level of need
On December 9, the Headteacher Update Safeguarding Digest is hosting its next online masterclass with Elizabeth Rose. We will outline key priorities for DSLs at the end of autumn term, offer a #safeguarding checklist for the new year & discuss key updates
December 9: A spring term safeguarding checklist - Headteacher Update
This online masterclass event hosted by Safeguarding Digest will offer advice for DSLs including a new year checklist
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November 24, 2025 at 11:01 AM
On December 9, the Headteacher Update Safeguarding Digest is hosting its next online masterclass with Elizabeth Rose. We will outline key priorities for DSLs at the end of autumn term, offer a #safeguarding checklist for the new year & discuss key updates
When we fail to share crucial information, children can suffer serious harm. Hannah Carter – @thehonesteducator.bsky.social – discusses how DSLs can navigate data protection & multi-agency collaboration: buff.ly/D4DuR9A (Get access to this article via our Safeguarding Digest: buff.ly/47SIzqG)
Safeguarding information-sharing: Busting the myths - Headteacher Update
Advice for designated safeguarding leads on effective information-sharing as part of child protection in schools
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November 24, 2025 at 10:21 AM
When we fail to share crucial information, children can suffer serious harm. Hannah Carter – @thehonesteducator.bsky.social – discusses how DSLs can navigate data protection & multi-agency collaboration: buff.ly/D4DuR9A (Get access to this article via our Safeguarding Digest: buff.ly/47SIzqG)
From data to context & from taking action to deciding what not to do, @alanshields.bsky.social sets out 5 principles that headteachers must hold to if they are to raise attainment in their #schools: buff.ly/u3IOHoO #education #teaching
Five principles for raising attainment in your primary school - Headteacher Update
This article describes five principles headteachers can adopt to help raise children’s attainment in the primary school
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November 24, 2025 at 9:42 AM
From data to context & from taking action to deciding what not to do, @alanshields.bsky.social sets out 5 principles that headteachers must hold to if they are to raise attainment in their #schools: buff.ly/u3IOHoO #education #teaching
Dialogic #teaching – 10 strategies for primary #schools. The dialogic approaches at Highlands Primary improve the quality of talk, encouraging pupils to think deeply, reason, discuss, argue & explain. Dr Kulvarn Atwal explains: buff.ly/yllHXU7 #teachers #edusky
Dialogic teaching: 10 strategies for primary schools - Headteacher Update
This article from Headteacher Update's oracy education supplement outlines 10 dialogic teaching strategies
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November 24, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Dialogic #teaching – 10 strategies for primary #schools. The dialogic approaches at Highlands Primary improve the quality of talk, encouraging pupils to think deeply, reason, discuss, argue & explain. Dr Kulvarn Atwal explains: buff.ly/yllHXU7 #teachers #edusky