Head-to-Head Podcast

Are you keen to find out about Ofsted inspection under the new Inspection Framework? Hear from Andy Kitchen, Headteacher at Stafford Leys Primary School as he shares his recent experience of an Ofsted inspection. With invaluable information about the initial phone call through to day one inspection activities and the shaping of second day lines of enquiry. Andy talks through the ongoing professional discussion and reflection opportunities over the course of the process. He discusses preparation strategies, key focus areas including inclusion and early years, and how to own the process to showcase the school's strengths. He offers honest thoughts and practical suggestions to help leaders navigate inspection with clarity and purpose.An invaluable discussion for school leaders looking to approach Ofsted with confidence and lead their team through the process effectively.

Are you exploring what Continuous Provision looks like in Key Stage 1 and how can it work in practice?In this episode Cassie Puplett shares her experiences as a Headteacher exploring continuous provision beyond the early years. The conversation focuses on evidence-informed practice, the vital link between EYFS and KS1, and the balance between teaching and learning through play. Cassie reflects on her hybrid approaches in Year 1 and Year 2, the importance of well-considered learning environments, and the positive impact these approaches have on children’s learning and development. She shares practical tips and reflective insights for schools looking to implement and refine continuous provision beyond EYFS.A thoughtful and practical discussion for educators interested in extending continuous provision, strengthening progression, and continually improving learning experiences for children in KS1.Episode LinksExplore our KS1 Conference with Keynote Speaker Professor Julie Fisher

Is your curriculum designed to truly meet the needs of every child, especially the most vulnerable?In this podcast episode Brogan Taylor shares her inspiring curriculum journey at Somercotes Infant and Nursery School. She reflects on the importance of deeply understanding school context, planning intentionally for vulnerable learners, and creating a curriculum that is purposeful, inclusive, and aspirational. The conversation explores the 10 key steps taken to shape meaningful learning experiences, the role of key texts, and the value of enriching opportunities that support children’s emotional and social development. Brogan offers practical insights and reflections for educators looking to strengthen and refine their own curriculum practice.An inspirational listen for anyone looking to design curriculum with clarity, compassion, and a strong focus on what children truly need to thrive.

Are you placing a focus on SEND and Inclusion? This month, Catherine Mole, CEO of Dingley’s Promise, shares her inspiring journey and the charity’s mission to champion inclusion for children with SEND in early years education. She reflects on the importance of advocacy, the challenges of funding, and the transformative power of policy change. The conversation explores how educators can build confidence, celebrate diversity, and empower families through meaningful support and high-quality early education.Gain inspiration from this episode and discover how a positive, inclusive approach to early years education can change outcomes, and lives, for children and families alike.Reflect on this thought-provoking discussion and the key messages.

Are you considering expanding your nursery provision and exploring the School Based Nursery Grant application process?In this episode, Deputy Headteacher Abbas Jaffer shares the journey of expanding the 2YO nursery provision at Minet Infant and Nursery School using the Government’s School Based Nursery Grant. He reflects on the vision and values that underpin their early years practice and the early successes following the expansion to offer new 2YO provision. With invaluable information about the expansion as a whole and great insights about the grant application process – it’s a must listen for any leader looking to expand their nursery provision in school.Tune in to hear about a successful nursery expansion journey!Episode LinksDiscover how Early Excellence can Support you with your Bid for the School-Based Nursery GrantRead Case Studies from Schools Who Were Successful in Phase 1 of the School-Based Nursery GrantExplore More About the School or Arrange a Visit

Are you grappling with how to strengthen support for children with SEND in the EYFS? Hear from SEND specialist Helen Mohatta and draw on her expertise and deep knowledge of both the EYFS and SEND. Helen reflects on the power of early intervention, the design of effective learning environments, and the vital role of play in supporting all children. She offers thoughtful insights and actionable advice for educators working to meet the diverse needs of children with SEND and explores practical strategies and successful projects that have made a difference in inclusive practice.Reflect on this thoughtful discussion as part of your journey to enabling every child to thrive!

Are you looking to successfully establish Continuous Provision in KS1?In this episode, Kate Davies and Becca Taylor from The Pines School share their journey of embedding continuous provision in KS1. They explore the vital role of play in children's learning, reflect on the challenges and triumphs of implementation, and offer insights into the practical and cultural shifts required to make it work. The conversation highlights the importance of strong leadership, collaborative teams, and a clear, shared vision to build an engaging and enabling learning environment. Discover how to reshape KS1 pedagogy to bring the curriculum to life, making learning more meaningful for children and the teaching team!Explore the KS1 Roadshow

How effectively do your Reception Baseline Assessment processes support your children, the team, teaching and learning?  Phil Armstrong and Sarah Carey are joined by Helen Bingham, Early Years Lead at the Aspire Trust to discuss the impact of the EExREC tool. Together, they explore the challenges of Baseline Assessment practices and explore EExREC – a new, holistic assessment tool designed to support meaningful practice and provision at the start of the Reception year. The conversation highlights the impact of EExREC in providing well-informed data, supporting professional development, enabling evaluations to inform practice and giving insight into each unique child.Spark reflection and inspire impactful Reception Baseline Assessment in your school.

Are you responsible for leading impactful improvement in the EYFS?In this episode, Kate Eastwood, Director of Early Years at Quest Trust, shares her focus development projects to establish a progressive curriculum, embed effective provision and to expand Nursery provision with the DfE funding. The discussion explores the implementation and impact of a high-quality text curriculum and the importance of creating inspiring learning environments which connect to the curriculum. Hear key leadership messages about the value of CPD, collaboration, ongoing evaluation and strategic planning in achieving educational excellence in the early years. Tune in to reflect on leading change through collaboration, strategy, and professional growth.

Are you an aspiring leader, considering progression into a Headship?Join Becky Sawford, Head Teacher at Crosshall Infant School Academy Trust and hear about her journey into Headship. Becky shares her experiences from starting as a new teacher to becoming a senior leader and then taking the step into Headship. The conversation explores the challenges and successes she has faced, from financial management and budgeting to building strong relationships with staff and parents. She offers valuable advice for aspiring Headteachers, reflecting on the rewards and responsibilities of the role. Tune in for this insightful discussion on leadership development and embracing the role of becoming a new Headteacher!

Are you looking to rapidly transform practice and provision in KS1?Hear from Helen Davidson-McMullen, Headteacher at Wheldon Infant and Nursery Schools as she discusses her recent rapid development journey to overhaul practice and provision across the whole of KS1. Find out how the Early Excellence KS1 Roadshow was the catalyst for change, helping to crytsalise Helen’s vision. Reflect on her strategic plans, staff training and the steps of the improvement journey to improve the children’s learning outcomes. Discover the overwhelmingly positive impact on the children’s behaviour, mental health, and engagement, emphasising the value of innovation and flexibility in teaching. A must-listen for anyone looking to reimagine their KS1 pedagogy!Episode LinksJoin our KS1 Roadshow at a venue near you

Are you striving to support all children to learn, develop and achieve success? Listen to Victoria Pettett, Headteacher of Westlands Primary School, as she shares her school’s journey to strengthen teaching and learning approaches that effectively support, engage and meet the needs of children with SEND. Victoria discusses the power of play-based learning, the importance of nurture spaces and creating enabling learning environments. She talks specifically about bespoke provisions in her school and the successful impact of these approaches for those children across her school with SEND.This is an insightful conversation exploring both strategic thinking and practical ideas!Explore how we can help with the needs of children with SEND in the Early Years

Is strengthening EYFS practice your school improvement priority? Hear from Executive Head Teacher Howard Seymour about the critical importance of early years education. Howard shares insights from his extensive career, detailing his journey to better understand and support young learners in the EYFS. He discusses successful development projects, underpinned by CPD for staff, professional discussions to develop a shared understanding and creating a positive climate for learning through high expectations and enabling learning environments.This thoughtful discussion with practical tips is an invaluable listen for any Leader!

Are you keen to explore how to implement continuous provision in KS1?Join Kristy Gerrity, senior leader at Larkfield Primary School, as she shares the school’s journey in embedding continuous provision into KS1. Kristy discusses how play-based learning can create a rich, engaging environment that fosters children’s natural curiosity and exploration, and reflects on the challenges of resource management, the impact of staff development, and the power of observing children in action. With practical tips and insights, this episode is packed with strategies to help schools implement continuous provision in KS1.Tune in for practical advice and inspiration from the front line of continuous provision in KS1!

Are you navigating the challenge of higher numbers of children with significant needs in your school?Listen to Anna Wells, fresh from Headship, talk about her strategic thinking and successful improvement project to better support the needs of children with high levels of SEND in her school. Anna discusses many key points including her rationale, specific professional development, ensuring an inclusive community and she explains the journey to create a bespoke provision and a tailored curriculum to enable the success and progress of all children.An invaluable listen for any Leader seeking practical advice or considering a similar development journey.

Are you looking to transform teaching and learning in Key Stage 1?Listen to Jude Arkwright, Headteacher of St Michael's Primary School, as she shares her school’s journey of implementing continuous provision beyond the early years. Jude highlights how it crucially contributes to children's development and learning, the importance of a shared vision among staff, and explores the challenges of timetabling and delivering the National Curriculum. Jude also discusses the significance of focusing on key learning objectives, approaches to documenting learning and incorporating creativity into teaching.A must listen for any Head or Leader looking to adopt continuous provision in Key Stage 1Explore our Blog "Top 10 Tips for Continuous Provision in KS1" Join our KS1 Roadshow 2025

Is developing effective adult interactions in the EYFS a school improvement priority?Join Fliss James and Melissa Prendergast from Sheringham Nursery School as they discuss their development journey to successfully enable adults to embed rich, purposeful interactions in the EYFS. Learn about their research-based, evidence informed practices and the evolution of the innovative ShREC approach. Reflect this EEF tool to support impactful adult interactions and discover practical strategies for improving adult-child interactions alongside a vital offer of ongoing professional development.A not to be missed episode for any Leader looking to secure high-quality interactions across their EYFS team!Discover our Three part webinar on Strengthening Adult Interactions in the EYFS

Are you keen to enhance parental engagement to support children's learning?Join Marie Beale and Emma Doran from Whitefield Primary Academy as they explore the power of parental engagement. They discuss building early relationships with parents through induction and stay and play sessions, and the significant impact of a ‘Zones of Regulation’ project in supporting children's emotions. You’ll hear about ‘Borrow Me Bags’, storytelling and family cooking clubs as tools for fostering communication and creating shared experiences.Tune in for inspiring insights and practical ideas!

Gain Inspiration and be Enthused! Listen to this insightful conversation with James Cash, Head teacher at Oldfield Brow Primary School as he shares some of his school development projects from the last 16months. Starting with a renewed and strengthened vision and values for the whole school community, delving into transformative approaches to EYFS and threading key elements of this into the wider school improvement priorities. James reflects on the impact for the children, his leadership style and the school’s onward journey.This is a great listen for any school leader – James’ passion shines through!Read Oldfield Brow Primary School's Case Study

Are you a School Leader interested in current Educational Research?Hear from Phil Armstrong, Senior Education Lead at Early Excellence, as he discusses his current education doctorate journey, research and thesis. Phil shares his motivations, challenges, and rewards of his academic pursuit, provoking thought about the significance of professional identity and the pivotal role of school leaders in developing early years education. Phil’s deep knowledge and passion for supporting leaders to navigate the EYFS, with a focus on enhancing educational practices centred around the child, shines through.Tune in for enlightening insights, sure to encourage your own self-reflection!

Ever wondered how continuous provision could transform teaching and learning Key Stage 1?Be inspired by the impactful journey of Priory Witham Academy, who have adopted continuous provision into Year 1, then over time into Year 2 and now into KS2!                                                                School Leaders Amy and Kirsty share insights into their strong rationale, some of the challenges and the profound impact of this pedagogical approach for the children. From hands-on experiences to a carefully designed curriculum, discover the secrets behind their success and gain practical tips for implementation to unlock lasting effects on learning.This is a ‘not to be missed’ episode for anyone thinking of introducing continuous provision into KS1!Discover a KS1 Roadshow event at a school near you

Are you considering taking the step into Headship? Hear from Sally Appadu, as she shares her journey from deliberating headship, to securing and embracing her new role as Headteacher. She reflects on the importance of being guided by strong values and ethics, developing her leadership style and nurturing professional relationships. Sally shares successes from her first term including fostering a growth mindset across her team, strengthening an effective learning environment in her setting, initiating a transition project across the local area and much more!Tune in to gain invaluable insights and inspiration from Sally's journey into Headship!

How do you facilitate effective Early Years improvement across your Trust? Be Inspired! Listen to Nursery World Winner for Outstanding Contribution, Helen Bingham, as she shares her experiences in her role as EYFS MAT Lead for Aspire Academy Trust. Hear how she strategically supports colleagues outside the EYFS, enables improvement in practice across the EYFS teams and consider Trust wide conversations which build a shared understanding and positive culture about EYFS. Helen’s knowledge and passion makes this a great listen!

A Moment to Pause and Reflect Phil Armstrong Senior Education Lead at Early Excellence joins the podcast to reflect on his own experiences through this autumn term alongside that of the schools and settings he has worked with. He shares aspects of best practice and successful school improvement, explains the educational research journey that he is currently undertaking and considers the emerging picture of what may lay ahead for schools in the new year. It’s a great end of term listen!

What are the Golden Threads and Cornerstones of your Curriculum? Be inspired! Listen to Executive Head, Lynsey Hadfield and Deputy Head Lizzy Battersby as they talk through the conception of their curriculum. Hear how it is underpinned by the culture, vision and beliefs of the setting and reflect on how they have achieved a progressive curriculum which enables and celebrates success for every child. An excellent listen for any school or setting with 2-5year old children

Have you dipped your toe or taken a plunge into your EYFS? Hear from Liam Ambrose, Headteacher at Kenninghall Primary School as he reflects on his recent ‘on the ground’ experiences of teaching in his EYFS. Originally trained in secondary, Liam shares his insights and experiences of getting to know, understand and value the EYFS. He explains how it has supported his thinking as a School Leader and how it is beginning to shape aspects of wider school development. A ‘not to be missed’ episode for any school leader.

Do your school values connect cohesively to your whole school curriculum?Listen to Lucy Hughes, Headteacher at Arlies Primary School, as she explains her approach to developing core values to best support the school context, drive the school’s curriculum and impact on her pupil’s life habits. Hear about meaningful enrichment opportunities and successful strategies to support subject leaders in their curriculum development role.An insightful listen for any Headteacher and Leadership Team.

Striving for ExcellenceHear from Sally Appadu, Deputy Headteacher at Lillian-De-Lissa Maintained Nursery School as she celebrates their development journey, striving for excellence. Sally reflects on her inspection experience, on the crucial importance of a shared vision, an embedded whole school approach and effective systems for her context.A great listen for any Headteacher and Leadership Team.

More than just PE lessons – how considered, connected and impactful is your PE curriculum?Hear from the team at Haytor View Primary School and Nursery, Newton Abbot, as they share the development of a whole school community strategy for Physical Education, Health and Well-Being.

Are you working on ways to connect your school curriculum?                                                                        Hear from Jane Weatherston, Early Years & Key Stage 1 Phase Leader at Plympton St. Mary CE Infants and St Christopher’s Multi Academy Trust EYFS, and Chris Murray, Maths Lead, as they share their journey to connecting mathematics teaching and learning in the Early Years with Key Stage One and beyond!                                                                                                                                                                                                 A ‘not to be missed’ episode for any Primary Headteacher and School Leader.

Does your vision and strategic approach enable and empower everyone?Listen to Emily Morris, Headteacher at Eastway Primary School, as she shares some of her most impactful school development initiatives. Hear about an overhaul to the school curriculum, nurturing leaders of learning, successfully engaging with families and much more as Emily reflects on her school’s development journey. An insightful listen for any Headteacher and Leadership Team.

Worried about Ofsted inspection stories that you’ve heard?Listen to Emma Johnson, Headteacher at Ravenshead Primary School, as she and her colleague Alex Sutcliffe take us through their inspection experience. Sharing insights into the professional conversations, discussions and some of the processes, as well their personal reflections and top tips.A must listen episode for any Primary School Headteacher expecting ‘the call’.

Is your whole team confident in articulating your ‘3 I’s’?Listen to James Marshall, Headteacher at St Peter’s Primary Academy as we explore his inspection experience. James notes the value of professional conversations as a crucial underpinning support for his team and subject leader, Sophie Wood, shares her involvement in deep dives. An invaluable listen for Primary Heads and School Leaders.

Are you in the ‘inspection window’, expecting ‘the call’?Hear from Ryan Cousins, Headteacher at Kilnhurst Primary Academy as he shares his reflections about his Ofsted inspection and explains the processes. His colleague, Karen Mapin, also joins us to share a detailed insight into her deep dive experience.A ‘not to be missed’ episode for any Primary Headteacher and School Leader.