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 Bulletin is out now: 10 dialogic #teaching strategies – Supporting families with cost of winter – #Ofsted tips & advice – Pupil neuromotor skills – New attendance targets – Subject leaders – Pupil Premium & more: buff.ly/FIEl6Jk #schools #education
November 13, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Headteacher Update Bulletin is out now: 10 dialogic #teaching strategies – Supporting families with cost of winter – #Ofsted tips & advice – Pupil neuromotor skills – New attendance targets – Subject leaders – Pupil Premium & more: buff.ly/FIEl6Jk #schools #education
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 13, 2025 at 5:05 PM
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
How to decide on school improvement priorities: Improvement in #schools is a balancing act & every senior leadership team needs to decide what their priorities are. @ensermark.bsky.social & @greeborunner.bsky.social set out 3 guiding principles for making these decisions:
How to decide on school improvement priorities: Three guiding principles - Headteacher Update
Three rules to help headteachers decide on and plan school improvement priorities that will have the biggest impact
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November 13, 2025 at 4:21 PM
How to decide on school improvement priorities: Improvement in #schools is a balancing act & every senior leadership team needs to decide what their priorities are. @ensermark.bsky.social & @greeborunner.bsky.social set out 3 guiding principles for making these decisions:
Seasonal #poverty in #schools: As temperatures drop & financial pressures on families rise, how can schools respond with compassion & purpose? Drawing on the C.A.R.E. principles Sean Harris – @thatpovertyguy.bsky.social – shares practical ways for schools to become poverty-informed:
Seasonal hardship: How schools can help families with the cost of winter - Headteacher Update
The cost of winter puts pressure on families living in poverty but there are practical ways that schools can support
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November 13, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Seasonal #poverty in #schools: As temperatures drop & financial pressures on families rise, how can schools respond with compassion & purpose? Drawing on the C.A.R.E. principles Sean Harris – @thatpovertyguy.bsky.social – shares practical ways for schools to become poverty-informed:
It's Anti-Bullying Week: Joanne Bocko takes us on a refresher course focused on how we handle bullying reports from a safeguarding perspective: buff.ly/PGlp9GT (Access to this article is via our Safeguarding Digest: buff.ly/05yZChK)
Anti-Bullying Week: Refresh your bullying report handling - Headteacher Update
With Anti-Bullying Week 2025 taking place now is the time for DSLs to refresh school bullying reporting systems
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November 13, 2025 at 12:59 PM
It's Anti-Bullying Week: Joanne Bocko takes us on a refresher course focused on how we handle bullying reports from a safeguarding perspective: buff.ly/PGlp9GT (Access to this article is via our Safeguarding Digest: buff.ly/05yZChK)
Headteacher Update Bulletin is out now: 10 dialogic #teaching strategies – Supporting families with cost of winter – #Ofsted tips & advice – Pupil neuromotor skills – New attendance targets – Subject leaders – Pupil Premium & more: buff.ly/FIEl6Jk #schools #education #edusky
November 13, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Headteacher Update Bulletin is out now: 10 dialogic #teaching strategies – Supporting families with cost of winter – #Ofsted tips & advice – Pupil neuromotor skills – New attendance targets – Subject leaders – Pupil Premium & more: buff.ly/FIEl6Jk #schools #education #edusky
Neuromotor immaturity in children can lead to messy handwriting, poor coordination, difficulty tracking words & emotional outbursts – making this an important consideration for #schools. Chartered physiotherapist Elizabeth Cordle explains buff.ly/ibI7dvP #teachers
We need to talk about neuromotor development - Headteacher Update
Neuromotor immaturity in children can lead to messy handwriting, poor coordination, and other difficulties in schools
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November 12, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Neuromotor immaturity in children can lead to messy handwriting, poor coordination, difficulty tracking words & emotional outbursts – making this an important consideration for #schools. Chartered physiotherapist Elizabeth Cordle explains buff.ly/ibI7dvP #teachers
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 12, 2025 at 2:24 PM
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
#Schools face AI attendance targets despite record fall in student absence. Attendance baseline improvement expectation (ABIE) to be issued this month. Frustration from @ascl-uk.bsky.social @naht.org.uk who say many factors leading to absence are beyond school control: buff.ly/m1fBe5D
Schools face 'AI-powered' attendance targets despite record absence fall - Headteacher Update
The Department for Education will use AI to create new student attendance targets for state schools
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November 12, 2025 at 1:03 PM
#Schools face AI attendance targets despite record fall in student absence. Attendance baseline improvement expectation (ABIE) to be issued this month. Frustration from @ascl-uk.bsky.social @naht.org.uk who say many factors leading to absence are beyond school control: buff.ly/m1fBe5D
Will inflation render three-year 6.5% pay proposal inadequate? Locking-in low-level increases in #teachers pay for 3 years will result in real-term salary cuts, unions warn buff.ly/Qx7s8BB @ascl-uk.bsky.social @communityunion.bsky.social @naht.org.uk @neunion.bsky.social @nasuwt-official.bsky.social
Unions fear inflation will render three-year 6.5% pay proposal inadequate - Headteacher Update
Education unions have written to the DfE calling for a rethink over its 6.5% three-year teacher pay proposal
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November 12, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Will inflation render three-year 6.5% pay proposal inadequate? Locking-in low-level increases in #teachers pay for 3 years will result in real-term salary cuts, unions warn buff.ly/Qx7s8BB @ascl-uk.bsky.social @communityunion.bsky.social @naht.org.uk @neunion.bsky.social @nasuwt-official.bsky.social
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 12, 2025 at 11:42 AM
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: 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: buff.ly/EpHd4IF
November 12, 2025 at 11:01 AM
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: buff.ly/EpHd4IF
#Safeguarding work should not be done to parents but delivered via trusting relationships. Alex Dave – @lgfl-ngfl.bsky.social – considers the communication & language we use as DSLs: buff.ly/dTKVyNd (Get access to this article via our Safeguarding Digest buff.ly/05yZChK)
Safeguarding and parents: Effective language and communication - Headteacher Update
Effective communication with parents will support school safeguarding work as part of a relational approach
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November 12, 2025 at 10:21 AM
#Safeguarding work should not be done to parents but delivered via trusting relationships. Alex Dave – @lgfl-ngfl.bsky.social – considers the communication & language we use as DSLs: buff.ly/dTKVyNd (Get access to this article via our Safeguarding Digest buff.ly/05yZChK)
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 12, 2025 at 9:42 AM
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
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 12, 2025 at 7:42 AM
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
How to decide on school improvement priorities: Improvement in #schools is a balancing act & every senior leadership team needs to decide what their priorities are. @ensermark.bsky.social & @greeborunner.bsky.social set out 3 guiding principles for making these decisions:
How to decide on school improvement priorities: Three guiding principles - Headteacher Update
Three rules to help headteachers decide on and plan school improvement priorities that will have the biggest impact
buff.ly
November 12, 2025 at 6:42 AM
How to decide on school improvement priorities: Improvement in #schools is a balancing act & every senior leadership team needs to decide what their priorities are. @ensermark.bsky.social & @greeborunner.bsky.social set out 3 guiding principles for making these decisions:
#Oracy education & classroom ideas for closing the vocabulary gap in primary #schools. Closing the word gap is a crucial part of oracy #teaching & can have a big impact with disadvantaged pupils. Which techniques can #teachers use? @jeangrosscbe.bsky.social advises:
Oracy education and classroom ideas for closing the vocabulary gap - Headteacher Update
What teaching techniques can we use in primary schools to close the vocabulary gap and support pupils' oracy skills?
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November 11, 2025 at 8:02 PM
#Oracy education & classroom ideas for closing the vocabulary gap in primary #schools. Closing the word gap is a crucial part of oracy #teaching & can have a big impact with disadvantaged pupils. Which techniques can #teachers use? @jeangrosscbe.bsky.social advises:
Responsive #teaching in the classroom involves paying attention, listening closely & being ready to act to support pupils, especially those with SEND. Emma Saunders offers some practical insights for #teachers – buff.ly/9aVfxB7 #schools #inclusion
What does teaching responsively look like? - Headteacher Update
Responsive teaching in the classroom involves being ready to act to support pupils, especially those with SEND
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November 11, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Responsive #teaching in the classroom involves paying attention, listening closely & being ready to act to support pupils, especially those with SEND. Emma Saunders offers some practical insights for #teachers – buff.ly/9aVfxB7 #schools #inclusion
Get your free 21-page Headteacher Update guide to #teaching #oracy skills, with lots of practical ideas for primary #schools: Defining oracy – Disciplinary oracy – Vocabulary gaps – Assessment – Transition – Disadvantage – SLCN – School case studies:
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 11, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Supervision is an effective tool for improving #safeguarding provision in #schools & protecting the wellbeing of professionals. Elizabeth Rose explains: buff.ly/pe7ik0p (Get access to this article via our Safeguarding Digest buff.ly/05yZChK)
What is safeguarding supervision and how can it help? - Headteacher Update
This article describes what safeguarding supervision entails in schools and how it works in practice to support DSLs
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November 11, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Supervision is an effective tool for improving #safeguarding provision in #schools & protecting the wellbeing of professionals. Elizabeth Rose explains: buff.ly/pe7ik0p (Get access to this article via our Safeguarding Digest buff.ly/05yZChK)
Seasonal #poverty in #schools: As temperatures drop & financial pressures on families rise, how can schools respond with compassion & purpose? Drawing on the C.A.R.E. principles Sean Harris – @thatpovertyguy.bsky.social – shares practical ways for schools to become poverty-informed: buff.ly/0B2EqNf
Seasonal hardship: How schools can help families with the cost of winter - Headteacher Update
The cost of winter puts pressure on families living in poverty but there are practical ways that schools can support
buff.ly
November 11, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Seasonal #poverty in #schools: As temperatures drop & financial pressures on families rise, how can schools respond with compassion & purpose? Drawing on the C.A.R.E. principles Sean Harris – @thatpovertyguy.bsky.social – shares practical ways for schools to become poverty-informed: buff.ly/0B2EqNf
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
buff.ly
November 11, 2025 at 1:20 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
In this series, @mattbromley.bsky.social analyses the six core evaluation areas of the new Ofsted school inspection framework, helping you to sense-check your provision. In part 5, he explores personal development & wellbeing: buff.ly/w6cMEXk
Analysing Ofsted's core evaluation areas for school inspection: Personal development and wellbeing - Headteacher Update
Analysis of how Ofsted will inspect the personal development and wellbeing of students during school inspection
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November 11, 2025 at 1:16 PM
In this series, @mattbromley.bsky.social analyses the six core evaluation areas of the new Ofsted school inspection framework, helping you to sense-check your provision. In part 5, he explores personal development & wellbeing: buff.ly/w6cMEXk
Headteacher Update Podcast: This episode looks at a range of routines, systems & protocols that can help #teachers & school leaders to create a calm & efficient primary school environment – with lots of practical ideas to adapt & adopt! buff.ly/KPkFMNq #schools
Headteacher Update Podcast: Effective school routines - Headteacher Update
What are the most effective routines, systems and protocols for teachers and pupils to help primary schools run smoothly
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November 11, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Headteacher Update Podcast: This episode looks at a range of routines, systems & protocols that can help #teachers & school leaders to create a calm & efficient primary school environment – with lots of practical ideas to adapt & adopt! buff.ly/KPkFMNq #schools
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: buff.ly/cyZuAf9
November 11, 2025 at 11:42 AM
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: buff.ly/cyZuAf9