They will expect the interim head (and Trust if part of one), to have a clear and accurate assessment of what the school’s current issues are, a prioritised plan to remediate and at *some* initial indications of impact

The Greens' message of hope, compassion and fairness for people and the natural world is compelling. Proud to be a member 💚

Such a lazy trope *sighs*

I took one whole day at home a fortnight across all terms. Allowed me to have focused, undisturbed thinking space. Might just taking a half day mean you’ll have one eye on the clock all morning? 🤷🏼 These uninterrupted windows are essential for effective leadership IMHO

3/3 you’re entitled to leadership and management time just as staff are for PPA. Ensure they know this. You can create a climate of work life balance for your team by incorporating such practices. Good luck

2/3in between schedule one or two uninterruptible mornings for task completion for the entire year. Allocate specific jobs to the slots term by term (eg. data analysis or reporting forms). Helps to reduce that ‘dark cloud’ of pressure when you know you can complete key tasks.

I took fortnightly working from home days (I raised it at my appraisal with my Chair of Govs and CEO at my appraisal first). I diaried them ahead of key work pinch points (like Governor meetings or school reviews) so I could sit and get properly prepped without interruptions. Think about a coach too

Are you in a Trust? How have other heads in your schools scheduled their? It is time consuming for sure! Future options could be staff meeting time, segmenting INSET days into twilights by mutual agreement or scheduling it for later in the year to focus on school development work from the off

Look up David Fountain on You Tube 👍🏻

Great- sounds like your school has considered its role and function carefully. The OP’s post didn’t give that impression.

It’s not a great use of time in my experience. What’s the rationale for it? Is it carefully structured time to develop social skills or a free for all? How does it link to your whole school behaviour policy?

There's nothing 'natural' about our industrial food systems in my humblest of opinions, Richard. This isn't an ecologically balanced predator/prey food chain playing out.

So true! Akin to arriving at a destination, having used your vehicle sat nav, with literally no idea where you are or how you got there!

Will give that a whirl! 😊

Where’s good to visit in Devon during winter Ed? I just love the area

Seventeen years as HT and now supporting school improvement with my wonderful trust. Would love to stay connected to the community and support new entrants ☺️