What happens when outdoor learning becomes part of everyday school life?

In this episode of Leading With, we’re joined by Rhian Thomas, 2024 Welsh Teacher of the Year and UK Silver Award winner, to explore the power of Forest School and learning through play.

Rhian shares how outdoor learning can build confidence, independence and leadership, support children with additional learning needs, and help children become ready to learn.

We also discuss screen free learning, managed risk and how schools can embed outdoor learning whatever space or budget they have.

What does it take to lead well without losing yourself in the process?

Becky is joined by Shaheen Myers, founder of Balanced Ed and author of The Human Side of School Leadership, to explore connection, vulnerability, belonging and the emotional load carried by school leaders.

Together, they discuss why sustainable leadership is not about doing more, but creating the space to think well, lead well and be well.

Why are so many children still struggling to read, and is phonics alone enough?

In this episode of Leading With, Laura Brogan is joined by Professor Dominic Wyse and teacher and researcher Charlotte Hacking, authors of The Balancing Act, to explore what the evidence tells us about how children learn to read.

They discuss the role of systematic phonics, why comprehension and motivation matter, the power of rich, meaningful texts, and why a one size fits all approach may not meet the needs of every child.

From reading for purpose and pleasure to teacher autonomy and supporting struggling readers, this conversation explores what a more balanced approach to literacy could look like in practice.

A thought provoking listen for teachers and school leaders looking to build confident, motivated readers and writers.

What makes great staff want to stay in a school?

In this episode of Leading With, Becky Dawson is joined by Reece Howells, Managing Director and Co Owner of Eteach, to explore the connection between recruitment, retention and school culture.

Discover practical ways to attract great people, keep staff engaged and build a school where people want to stay and thrive.

How can school leaders create a curriculum that delivers deeper learning, not just greater coverage?

In this episode of Leading With, Pete Mattock is joined by education adviser, curriculum writer and speaker Mary Myatt to explore what an ambitious curriculum really looks like. Together, they discuss curriculum design, the importance of big ideas, evidence informed practice, reading, and how schools can build learning that lasts. They also examine how leaders can strengthen the transition from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3 and create meaningful learning experiences for every pupil.

What happens when a school faces tragedy?

In this episode of Leading With, Becky Dawson speaks with headteacher and PhD researcher Amanda Wilson about leading through critical incidents involving students. Together, they explore crisis leadership, communication, emotional wellbeing and the support school leaders need when navigating their most challenging moments.

A thoughtful conversation packed with practical insights for school leaders at every stage of their journey.

How can we inspire children to reconnect with nature in an increasingly digital world? In this episode, we’re joined by Ben Faulks, best known as Mr Bloom, to explore the power of nature based learning in the early years. Ben shares the story behind Mr Bloom’s Nursery, explains how his beloved baby fruit and vegetable characters encourage empathy, creativity and communication, and discusses why getting outdoors is essential for children's development. From resilience and sustainability to imaginative play and healthy eating, this episode is packed with practical ideas for educators and school leaders looking to nurture curious, confident learners. 

What does staff wellbeing really mean and how can school leaders create cultures where staff can thrive?

In this episode, Becky Dawson is joined by teacher, coach and author Emma Kell to explore the difference between wellbeing, wellness and "well-doing", why culture matters more than token gestures, and how leaders can support staff while protecting their own wellbeing. Together, they discuss psychological safety, boundaries, coaching conversations and the role everyone plays in creating a positive school culture.

A practical and thought provoking conversation for school leaders looking to build healthier, more sustainable workplaces.

How can schools build confidence in science, create a culture of curiosity and prepare pupils for an increasingly complex world?

In this episode, Ashleigh Morris and Sarah Hutson are joined by Professor Lynne Bianchi to explore the future of science education. Together, they discuss teacher confidence, meaningful CPD, the role of AI in the classroom, and why science must become a strategic priority for school leaders. Packed with practical insights and thought provoking ideas, this conversation is essential listening for leaders looking to strengthen teaching, learning and scientific thinking across their school

What happens when children move from Reception into formal classrooms with desks, worksheets and less play?

In this episode of Leading With, Michelle Windridge speaks to Ruth Lue-Quee about why play based learning is essential for children’s development, the “cliff edge” into Year 1, and what schools can do differently to help children truly thrive.

A must listen for school leaders and educators.

Why do so many children struggle with writing, even when they can read confidently?

In this episode of Leading With, Nicola Romaine is joined by Dr Tim Mills, lead drafter for primary English in the revised national curriculum, to unpack the research behind writing, cognitive load, sentence structure and motivation.

From handwriting and spelling to AI, working memory and why writing is actually harder than reading, this practical conversation explores what schools need to know to support confident, capable writers.

What does effective intervention actually look like in secondary maths?In this episode of Leading With, Pete Mattock is joined by guests from UCL to explore how university partnerships and structured tutoring programmes are helping schools tackle the maths attainment gap. From confidence and attainment to sustainability and implementation, this episode looks at what it really takes to make interventions work.

Your teachers are already using AI. Are you leading it or catching up?

In this episode of Leading With, Alex Russell OBE and Dr Sarah Alcock unpack what’s really happening in schools right now.

With most teachers already using AI, leadership can’t afford to sit back. This episode explores how to move from awareness to whole school implementation without losing control.

AI is already in your classrooms. It’s time to lead.

In this episode of Leading With, we unpack the phrase “not ready for phonics” and why it might be holding children back.

Focusing on Reception, we explore what strong foundations really look like, why waiting isn’t the answer, and how early identification and targeted support can close gaps before they widen.

A must-listen for school leaders and EYFS teachers looking to take a more confident, effective approach to early phonics.

In this episode, Michelle Windridge speaks with Laura Shepherd, an experienced EYFS lead and Influencer, about her recent Ofsted inspection experience.

They explore what Ofsted 2026 really looks like in practice, from leadership pressure to the realities of data, provision and professional judgement.

Laura shares honest insight into how inclusion is approached, what inspectors are really looking for, and how leaders can prepare with confidence.

A must-listen for EYFS leads, headteachers and SLT navigating inspection in today’s landscape.

What if a child isn’t “bad at maths” but struggling with something we’re not spotting?

In this episode of Leading With, Pete Mattock is joined by Rob Jennings to explore dyscalculia, a widely misunderstood learning difficulty affecting how learners understand and work with numbers.

We cover what dyscalculia is, how it differs from maths anxiety, why it’s often missed, and what school leaders can do to better support pupils and staff.

Because this isn’t about lowering expectations. It’s about removing barriers so every learner can access maths.

How do children develop a love of reading before they can even read?

In this episode of Leading With, Tracie Butterfill speaks with Jo Tregenza, President of the UK Literacy Association, about why talk, play and relationships are the true foundations of literacy in the early years.

Discover practical ways educators and families can build language rich environments, support reading for pleasure and help children make meaning from stories long before formal reading begins.

In this episode of the Leading With Podcast, Jon Cripwell, National Education Lead for Primary Maths at Twinkl, speaks with Gráinne Hallahan, Head of Community at Teacher Tapp, about what teachers across the UK are really experiencing in schools.

Using insights from Teacher Tapp data, they explore workload, behaviour, CPD, AI in classrooms and what school leaders can learn from the real voices of teachers.

Play is not a luxury. It is the foundation.

In this episode of Leading With, Tracie Butterfill speaks with Amber Ogunsanya-William, inclusive play advocate and NSPCC Champion for Childhood, about why play builds resilience, belonging and achievement.

From growing up in an adventure playground to influencing national conversations on childhood, Amber shares why protecting play is essential if education is serious about raising standards and preparing children to be life ready, not just test ready.

What does it really take to lead phonics across more than 50 schools, without losing the joy of reading?

In this episode of Leading With, Laura Brogan, National Phonics and Early Reading Lead at Twinkl, is joined by Kali Jauncey- Childs, National Early Years and Phonics Lead at Oasis Community Learning

Together, they discuss leading phonics across a multi academy trust, embedding joy into early reading, and balancing consistency with inclusion at scale. From developing a love of reading through Book Wings to preparing for the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, this episode offers practical insight for leaders and teachers shaping early literacy.