The Schools White Paper includes plans for an attendance target of more than 94%. In this episode, we talk best practice for reducing pupil absence and consider how primary schools might meet this ambitious goal.

We speak to two experienced school leaders about the initiatives that have worked in their primary schools to improve attendance as well as pitfalls to avoid.

We hear case studies of specific attendance interventions as well as about things that have not worked and the lessons learned.

We consider the attendance challenges schools continue to face post Covid-19 and issues such as term-time holidays and find out what our guests think of the White Paper’s proposed 94% target.

We talk about how we can engage with parents as well as considering how to address specific barriers to attendance such as mental health, SEND and poverty.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we ask two experienced school leaders one simple question – What makes a great headteacher? – and see where the conversation goes.

Our two guests enjoy a wide-ranging discussion about what a great headteacher looks like from the perspective of each of the key stakeholders in the school community – pupils, staff, parents and others.

The pupil lens: We talk kindness and honesty, but also the importance of holding children to high standards.

The staff lens: We talk trust, integrity, and leading by example.

The parent/carers lens: We talk being visible, communicating clearly, and listening well.

The governor lens: We talk respect and relationships.

We also consider Ofsted and how we can maintain our values as a great headteacher while also meeting inspectors' expectations.

Ultimately, we consider the characteristics, skills, traits and experiences that combine to make brilliant headteachers.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we discuss how we can improve the quality of teaching across the primary school, with practical advice and insights for school leaders.

We begin by discussing the role of the curriculum in improving teaching quality, including the importance of inclusion and oracy. We focus too on the importance of planning teaching and learning – both short-term action planning and longer-term planning.

Our panel also discusses effective approaches to teacher CPD, including coaching and mentoring and we consider why a people-focused, collegiate approach to the monitoring of teaching and learning is crucial – and what this can look like in practice.

Finally, we discuss how we can hold teachers to account in positive and supporting ways and offer a few top tips.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.