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.👇
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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.
Even the parents in your community could do with words of positivity and kindness.
Connecting and building strong relationships takes everyone in the community.
Only got five minutes?
We’ve pulled together the most useful DfE and Ofsted scans for leaders this week — including inspection timelines, reporting frameworks, case sampling, RSHE updates, attendance data, SFVS and pupil premium developments.
Clear. Relevant. Leadership-facing.
We’ve pulled together the most useful DfE and Ofsted scans for leaders this week — including inspection timelines, reporting frameworks, case sampling, RSHE updates, attendance data, SFVS and pupil premium developments.
Clear. Relevant. Leadership-facing.
January 7, 2026 at 7:49 PM
Only got five minutes?
We’ve pulled together the most useful DfE and Ofsted scans for leaders this week — including inspection timelines, reporting frameworks, case sampling, RSHE updates, attendance data, SFVS and pupil premium developments.
Clear. Relevant. Leadership-facing.
We’ve pulled together the most useful DfE and Ofsted scans for leaders this week — including inspection timelines, reporting frameworks, case sampling, RSHE updates, attendance data, SFVS and pupil premium developments.
Clear. Relevant. Leadership-facing.
If it feels like you’re saying the same things again and again right now — you’re not failing.
This short read explores why repetition isn’t a weakness, and why calm, consistent messaging is one of the most powerful leadership tools you have.
Perfect for a quiet five-minute reset.
This short read explores why repetition isn’t a weakness, and why calm, consistent messaging is one of the most powerful leadership tools you have.
Perfect for a quiet five-minute reset.
January 7, 2026 at 7:32 PM
If it feels like you’re saying the same things again and again right now — you’re not failing.
This short read explores why repetition isn’t a weakness, and why calm, consistent messaging is one of the most powerful leadership tools you have.
Perfect for a quiet five-minute reset.
This short read explores why repetition isn’t a weakness, and why calm, consistent messaging is one of the most powerful leadership tools you have.
Perfect for a quiet five-minute reset.
Heading back after the break can feel overwhelming — especially if routines slipped a little at the end of term. That’s normal.
So we’ve done something to help straight away.
So we’ve done something to help straight away.
January 7, 2026 at 6:33 PM
Heading back after the break can feel overwhelming — especially if routines slipped a little at the end of term. That’s normal.
So we’ve done something to help straight away.
So we’ve done something to help straight away.
Your Spring INSET Pack includes:
✔️ A short briefing webinar
✔️ Editable PowerPoints
✔️ Printable staff discussion tools
✔️ Leadership, safeguarding, inclusion & attendance packs
✔️ A January leadership checklist
Everything you need. Nothing you don’t.
👉 headteacher-chat.link/htc-communitya
✔️ A short briefing webinar
✔️ Editable PowerPoints
✔️ Printable staff discussion tools
✔️ Leadership, safeguarding, inclusion & attendance packs
✔️ A January leadership checklist
Everything you need. Nothing you don’t.
👉 headteacher-chat.link/htc-communitya
HeadteacherChat Community - Professional Network for School Leaders and Educators
Join HeadteacherChat Community - the premier professional network for school leaders. Connect with fellow headteachers, share insights, access resources, and advance your educational leadership career.
headteacher-chat.link
January 7, 2026 at 4:56 PM
Your Spring INSET Pack includes:
✔️ A short briefing webinar
✔️ Editable PowerPoints
✔️ Printable staff discussion tools
✔️ Leadership, safeguarding, inclusion & attendance packs
✔️ A January leadership checklist
Everything you need. Nothing you don’t.
👉 headteacher-chat.link/htc-communitya
✔️ A short briefing webinar
✔️ Editable PowerPoints
✔️ Printable staff discussion tools
✔️ Leadership, safeguarding, inclusion & attendance packs
✔️ A January leadership checklist
Everything you need. Nothing you don’t.
👉 headteacher-chat.link/htc-communitya
We’ve planned your Spring INSET for you.
Fully aligned to the new Ofsted framework.
Editable. Practical. Ready to lead.
Download the Spring INSET Pack in our Resource Hub — it takes 5 minutes to join.
Because leaders deserve support that actually saves time.
👉 headteacher-chat.link/htc-communitya
Fully aligned to the new Ofsted framework.
Editable. Practical. Ready to lead.
Download the Spring INSET Pack in our Resource Hub — it takes 5 minutes to join.
Because leaders deserve support that actually saves time.
👉 headteacher-chat.link/htc-communitya
HeadteacherChat Community - Professional Network for School Leaders and Educators
Join HeadteacherChat Community - the premier professional network for school leaders. Connect with fellow headteachers, share insights, access resources, and advance your educational leadership career.
headteacher-chat.link
January 7, 2026 at 3:04 PM
We’ve planned your Spring INSET for you.
Fully aligned to the new Ofsted framework.
Editable. Practical. Ready to lead.
Download the Spring INSET Pack in our Resource Hub — it takes 5 minutes to join.
Because leaders deserve support that actually saves time.
👉 headteacher-chat.link/htc-communitya
Fully aligned to the new Ofsted framework.
Editable. Practical. Ready to lead.
Download the Spring INSET Pack in our Resource Hub — it takes 5 minutes to join.
Because leaders deserve support that actually saves time.
👉 headteacher-chat.link/htc-communitya
One date for 2026 👇
📍 HeadteacherChat Conference
🗓 Tuesday 21 April 2026
📍 Birmingham
Real leadership conversations. Practical ideas. People who get it.
🎟 Early bird tickets available now.
headteacher-chat.link/school-lead26
📍 HeadteacherChat Conference
🗓 Tuesday 21 April 2026
📍 Birmingham
Real leadership conversations. Practical ideas. People who get it.
🎟 Early bird tickets available now.
headteacher-chat.link/school-lead26
School Leadership in 2026
In the current climate leadership is tougher than ever in schools. The plethora of issues continue to increase at pace. This one day conference...
www.trybooking.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:45 PM
One date for 2026 👇
📍 HeadteacherChat Conference
🗓 Tuesday 21 April 2026
📍 Birmingham
Real leadership conversations. Practical ideas. People who get it.
🎟 Early bird tickets available now.
headteacher-chat.link/school-lead26
📍 HeadteacherChat Conference
🗓 Tuesday 21 April 2026
📍 Birmingham
Real leadership conversations. Practical ideas. People who get it.
🎟 Early bird tickets available now.
headteacher-chat.link/school-lead26
Safeguarding works best when it’s strategic — not just compliant.
This leadership-focused refresher helps your systems hold under pressure, all year round.
🎥 Watch here:
👉 headteacher-chat.link/safeguard-why
This leadership-focused refresher helps your systems hold under pressure, all year round.
🎥 Watch here:
👉 headteacher-chat.link/safeguard-why
Strategic Safeguarding Masterclass: Why, How & What for School Leaders | HeadteacherChat
Join our strategic safeguarding masterclass for headteachers. Learn the why, how, and what of effective safeguarding strategies to protect students and strengthen your school's safety framework.
headteacher-chat.link
January 7, 2026 at 12:02 PM
Safeguarding works best when it’s strategic — not just compliant.
This leadership-focused refresher helps your systems hold under pressure, all year round.
🎥 Watch here:
👉 headteacher-chat.link/safeguard-why
This leadership-focused refresher helps your systems hold under pressure, all year round.
🎥 Watch here:
👉 headteacher-chat.link/safeguard-why
What does good progress really look like for pupils with SEND?
This practical webinar helps leaders make progress meaningful, measurable, and defensible — without the noise.
🎥 Watch here:
👉 headteacher-chat.link/send-progress1
This practical webinar helps leaders make progress meaningful, measurable, and defensible — without the noise.
🎥 Watch here:
👉 headteacher-chat.link/send-progress1
What Is Good Progress for SEND Pupils? Expert Teaching Strategies | HeadteacherChat Community
Learn what constitutes good progress for SEND pupils in this comprehensive masterclass. Expert guidance for headteachers and educators on measuring and supporting special educational needs development.
headteacher-chat.link
January 7, 2026 at 7:30 AM
What does good progress really look like for pupils with SEND?
This practical webinar helps leaders make progress meaningful, measurable, and defensible — without the noise.
🎥 Watch here:
👉 headteacher-chat.link/send-progress1
This practical webinar helps leaders make progress meaningful, measurable, and defensible — without the noise.
🎥 Watch here:
👉 headteacher-chat.link/send-progress1
As a community, we have always supported each other. In these difficult times, it's more important than ever to come together & offer our help and support to one another. If you need any assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our emails & DMs are open. #strongertogether
January 7, 2026 at 4:56 AM
As a community, we have always supported each other. In these difficult times, it's more important than ever to come together & offer our help and support to one another. If you need any assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our emails & DMs are open. #strongertogether
Anon post:
I’m looking for an idea for my first assembly as Headteacher.
I’d love to avoid the usual “fresh start / clean slate / work hard” clichés and do something that feels short, meaningful, and memorable.
I’m looking for an idea for my first assembly as Headteacher.
I’d love to avoid the usual “fresh start / clean slate / work hard” clichés and do something that feels short, meaningful, and memorable.
January 6, 2026 at 7:47 PM
Anon post:
I’m looking for an idea for my first assembly as Headteacher.
I’d love to avoid the usual “fresh start / clean slate / work hard” clichés and do something that feels short, meaningful, and memorable.
I’m looking for an idea for my first assembly as Headteacher.
I’d love to avoid the usual “fresh start / clean slate / work hard” clichés and do something that feels short, meaningful, and memorable.
Anon post:
Hi everyone,
I’m starting as an acting headteacher tomorrow.
If you’ve stepped into an acting head role before, what would you say is most important to focus on in the first few weeks? Practical priorities, quick wins, and any “wish I’d known” advice would be really appreciated.
Hi everyone,
I’m starting as an acting headteacher tomorrow.
If you’ve stepped into an acting head role before, what would you say is most important to focus on in the first few weeks? Practical priorities, quick wins, and any “wish I’d known” advice would be really appreciated.
January 6, 2026 at 7:27 PM
Anon post:
Hi everyone,
I’m starting as an acting headteacher tomorrow.
If you’ve stepped into an acting head role before, what would you say is most important to focus on in the first few weeks? Practical priorities, quick wins, and any “wish I’d known” advice would be really appreciated.
Hi everyone,
I’m starting as an acting headteacher tomorrow.
If you’ve stepped into an acting head role before, what would you say is most important to focus on in the first few weeks? Practical priorities, quick wins, and any “wish I’d known” advice would be really appreciated.
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.” ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
Stop and enjoy the present.
Stop and enjoy the present.
January 6, 2026 at 6:33 PM
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.” ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
Stop and enjoy the present.
Stop and enjoy the present.
Anon post:
I’d really appreciate some advice on a sensitive issue.
I’m concerned about a teacher’s competency and the impact it’s having, but the headteacher either isn’t aware or doesn’t seem to be addressing it.
I’d really appreciate some advice on a sensitive issue.
I’m concerned about a teacher’s competency and the impact it’s having, but the headteacher either isn’t aware or doesn’t seem to be addressing it.
January 6, 2026 at 4:59 PM
Anon post:
I’d really appreciate some advice on a sensitive issue.
I’m concerned about a teacher’s competency and the impact it’s having, but the headteacher either isn’t aware or doesn’t seem to be addressing it.
I’d really appreciate some advice on a sensitive issue.
I’m concerned about a teacher’s competency and the impact it’s having, but the headteacher either isn’t aware or doesn’t seem to be addressing it.
We are passionate about sharing information to support schools.
Have you had a chance to explore our network designed for schools to access information about various education companies?
Take a look:
headteacher-chat.link/headteacher...
Have you had a chance to explore our network designed for schools to access information about various education companies?
Take a look:
headteacher-chat.link/headteacher...
Recommended Products & Services for Headteachers & Senior Leaders
Explore HeadteacherChat's handpicked directory of outstanding educational products & services. Each selection, vetted for excellence, promises to revolutionise your school's journey.
headteacher-chat.link
January 6, 2026 at 2:59 PM
We are passionate about sharing information to support schools.
Have you had a chance to explore our network designed for schools to access information about various education companies?
Take a look:
headteacher-chat.link/headteacher...
Have you had a chance to explore our network designed for schools to access information about various education companies?
Take a look:
headteacher-chat.link/headteacher...
Book review:
Impact: A five-part framework for driving difference in schools by Nick Hart
www.schoolleaderbooks.com/books/impac...
Impact: A five-part framework for driving difference in schools by Nick Hart
www.schoolleaderbooks.com/books/impac...
Impact: A five-part framework for driving difference in schools - School Leader Books
From influential Executive Headteacher Nick Hart comes Impact, a practical framework for improving outcomes for children in both primary and secondary classrooms, helping them thrive and succeed.
www.schoolleaderbooks.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:41 PM
Book review:
Impact: A five-part framework for driving difference in schools by Nick Hart
www.schoolleaderbooks.com/books/impac...
Impact: A five-part framework for driving difference in schools by Nick Hart
www.schoolleaderbooks.com/books/impac...
Leaders have the desire to see others succeed and accept the responsibility if they fail.
Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek
January 6, 2026 at 11:58 AM
Leaders have the desire to see others succeed and accept the responsibility if they fail.
Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek
Explore how geography impacts social mobility and educational opportunities across England. Essential briefing for headteachers and education leaders on regional disparities and policy implications.
headteacher-chat.link/geo-mobility
headteacher-chat.link/geo-mobility
Geography of Opportunity & Social Mobility in England - Education Briefing | HeadteacherChat Community
Explore how geography impacts social mobility and educational opportunities across England. Essential briefing for headteachers and education leaders on regional disparities and policy implications.
headteacher-chat.link
January 6, 2026 at 11:24 AM
Explore how geography impacts social mobility and educational opportunities across England. Essential briefing for headteachers and education leaders on regional disparities and policy implications.
headteacher-chat.link/geo-mobility
headteacher-chat.link/geo-mobility
Anon post:
I’m an AHT in a small primary and I’m already drowning in week 1 paperwork.
It feels like everything is urgent and I’m struggling to get my head above water.
If you’ve been here before, what helped you cope in those early weeks?
I’m an AHT in a small primary and I’m already drowning in week 1 paperwork.
It feels like everything is urgent and I’m struggling to get my head above water.
If you’ve been here before, what helped you cope in those early weeks?
January 6, 2026 at 7:29 AM
Anon post:
I’m an AHT in a small primary and I’m already drowning in week 1 paperwork.
It feels like everything is urgent and I’m struggling to get my head above water.
If you’ve been here before, what helped you cope in those early weeks?
I’m an AHT in a small primary and I’m already drowning in week 1 paperwork.
It feels like everything is urgent and I’m struggling to get my head above water.
If you’ve been here before, what helped you cope in those early weeks?
Anon post:
Hello! 👋
Which spelling schemes are you using at the moment?
We don’t currently have a consistent approach across school and we’re looking to establish one that’s clear, manageable, and works well in practice.
Hello! 👋
Which spelling schemes are you using at the moment?
We don’t currently have a consistent approach across school and we’re looking to establish one that’s clear, manageable, and works well in practice.
January 5, 2026 at 7:47 PM
Anon post:
Hello! 👋
Which spelling schemes are you using at the moment?
We don’t currently have a consistent approach across school and we’re looking to establish one that’s clear, manageable, and works well in practice.
Hello! 👋
Which spelling schemes are you using at the moment?
We don’t currently have a consistent approach across school and we’re looking to establish one that’s clear, manageable, and works well in practice.
"However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. Where there's life, there's hope."
— Stephen Hawking
— Stephen Hawking
January 5, 2026 at 7:29 PM
"However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. Where there's life, there's hope."
— Stephen Hawking
— Stephen Hawking
Do you remember the National Numeracy Strategy's ITPs?
January 5, 2026 at 6:57 PM
Do you remember the National Numeracy Strategy's ITPs?
Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend. -Albert Camus
January 5, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend. -Albert Camus
‘No storm can last forever. It will never rain 365 days consecutively. Keep in mind that trouble comes to pass, not to stay.’ - Unknown
January 5, 2026 at 3:00 PM
‘No storm can last forever. It will never rain 365 days consecutively. Keep in mind that trouble comes to pass, not to stay.’ - Unknown
Help needed ❤️
First week in post and already feeling overwhelmed.
I’m a SENCO in a small primary and right now I’m:
1️⃣ Drowning in paperwork
2️⃣ Constantly firefighting
I know it’s early days, but it already feels heavy.
First week in post and already feeling overwhelmed.
I’m a SENCO in a small primary and right now I’m:
1️⃣ Drowning in paperwork
2️⃣ Constantly firefighting
I know it’s early days, but it already feels heavy.
January 5, 2026 at 2:45 PM
Help needed ❤️
First week in post and already feeling overwhelmed.
I’m a SENCO in a small primary and right now I’m:
1️⃣ Drowning in paperwork
2️⃣ Constantly firefighting
I know it’s early days, but it already feels heavy.
First week in post and already feeling overwhelmed.
I’m a SENCO in a small primary and right now I’m:
1️⃣ Drowning in paperwork
2️⃣ Constantly firefighting
I know it’s early days, but it already feels heavy.
Ohhh yes — that one really hits a nerve 😅
“It must be nice to have the summers off.”
Completely ignores the exhaustion, the emotional load, the planning, the responsibility… and the fact most teachers are recovering, not holidaying.
Over to you 👇
“It must be nice to have the summers off.”
Completely ignores the exhaustion, the emotional load, the planning, the responsibility… and the fact most teachers are recovering, not holidaying.
Over to you 👇
January 5, 2026 at 11:56 AM
Ohhh yes — that one really hits a nerve 😅
“It must be nice to have the summers off.”
Completely ignores the exhaustion, the emotional load, the planning, the responsibility… and the fact most teachers are recovering, not holidaying.
Over to you 👇
“It must be nice to have the summers off.”
Completely ignores the exhaustion, the emotional load, the planning, the responsibility… and the fact most teachers are recovering, not holidaying.
Over to you 👇