In this episode I’m joined by David Cameron, education consultant and former Director of Children’s Services, to explore the question: should MATs be more like Local Authorities? We dig into what trusts can learn from the past, what feels missing in the system right now and what stronger partnerships and structures could mean for schools, families and communities. Drawing on decades of experience, David brings straight-talking insight, humour and a willingness to ask the uncomfortable questions about where the system is heading and why it matters.

▶️ This episode at a glance:

[2:02] – David explains why this question matters now and where he sees the biggest gaps in the current system

[8:10] – Squaring the circle on budgets, resourcing and what decentralisation has left behind

[12:11] – Why supporting the whole child needs a multi-strand approach, not a single solution

[15:59] – What a new delivery model could look like in a growing MAT system and the future role of Local Authorities

[21:06] – Why variability is not a good enough reason to keep changing systems in education

[29:31] – Bringing stakeholders together, the role of community and what schools are really for

[39:08] – David’s take on positive imagination and the traps we fall into around progress and policy

[44:32] – Answering the big question and David’s final reflections for MAT leaders

📚 Related Content:

Contact David via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-cameron-72061a15/

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This podcast is hosted by me, Laura Williams, and sponsored by the amazing team at Schools Advisory Service who are the UK’s largest provider of staff absence insurance and comprehensive whole school wellbeing services.

⭐️ Laura's website: https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk

⭐️ Schools Advisory Service website: https://schooladvice.co.uk/