Head-to-Head Podcast
Head-to-Head is a podcast from Early Excellence aimed at primary and early years headteachers and school leaders. Hosted by Sarah Carey, School Improvement Lead at Early Excellence, it features honest conversations with real headteachers about the realities of leading a school. Episodes cover hot topics such as school inspection and Ofsted experiences, along with practical strategies for impactful school improvement. The show is developed by headteachers for headteachers, offering support, reassurance and clarity on strategic priorities.
Episodes
EYFS Strategic Development: Achieving a Long-Term Impact
Is your EYFS as strong as it needs to be to secure high outcomes at the end of KS2?Hear from School Leaders at Bexton Primary School as they reflect on their EYFS development journey over recent years. With insight about inclusive practice, consistency, curriculum, provision and transition there’s plenty of food for thought. They talk about the benefits of commissioning an external Strategic Revie
Building Strong Foundations in Early Writing
Are outcomes in Writing holding your GLD back?Join Ashlie McGreavy, Director of Early Years at Carlton Academy, as she talks through how her team transformed writing outcomes by focusing on the fundamentals - systematic teaching, staff collaboration, and the right tools in the right hands. Ashlie discusses why physical development matters more than people think, how triangulating phonics, reading,
Transforming Reception Baseline Assessment
From start points and narratives to informing teaching and learning - does your Reception Baseline Assessment actually tell you what you need to know? In this episode Emma Doran, from Whitefield Primary School, shares how she and her team rethought EYFS assessment from the ground up. Emma candidly discusses her thoughts about EExREC, through the eyes of both a leader and teacher. She reflects on
Building Resilience: Preparing Children to Navigate Life’s Challenges
Are you considering how best to prepare children for a world that doesn't exist yet?Charlotte Smiles, Headteacher of Upland School has deeply reflected on how to support her pupils to be as prepared as possible to navigate their future life. In this episode, Charlotte shares how her school moved beyond academics to focus on the skills and attitudes children need for the evolving world. Underpinned
Continuous Provision in KS1: Purposeful Learning, Positive Engagement
Are you looking to engage your KS1 children in deep, connected, purposeful learning through play in the provision?Hear from Katy Smith, Headteacher at Brookfield Primary School as she takes us through her school's journey of implementing Continuous Provision in KS1. Discover the research that shaped her thinking, consider practical changes to classrooms and timetables, and find out what provision
Strengthen Early Years Assessment & Raise Outcomes
Are you looking to transform your Reception Assessment systems to ensure they are manageable, meaningful and impactful?In this episode, Anna Hackett and Sally Scott from Focus-Trust share their journey of deepening understanding about child development and strengthening assessment in all of their early years settings. They talk through why this was a priority, how the strategic plan was implemente
Building a Cohesive Trust Wide Early Years Strategy
Are you keen to develop a strategy that drives Trust wide improvements in teaching, learning & outcomes across your EYFS?Listen to Lisa Whiteley, Trust Partner at Learners’ Trust, as she shares her journey in building a strategic and comprehensive approach driving EYFS improvements at scale. Lisa talks through the importance of establishing a clear vision and how collaborative research shaped
Inspection Reflections: A Headteachers’ Firsthand Experience of Ofsted
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 profession
Continuous Provision in KS1: Rethinking Pedagogy
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
10 Steps to Purpose Curriculum Design: Achieve Inclusivity & Enable Success
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 as
Championing Inclusion: Supporting Every Child in the Early Years
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
Expanding Nursery Provision & the School Based Nursery Grant
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 ear
SEND in the Early Years: Supporting Every Child
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 advi
Continuous Provision in KS1: Enabling Purposeful Learning Through Play
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
Transforming Reception Baseline Assessment with EExREC
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
Building Brilliant Beginnings: Strategic Leadership in the EYFS
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 importanc
A Leadership Story: The Journey into Headship
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 man
Rethinking KS1: A Fresh Approach to Learning
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 strat
Supporting Children with SEND: Nurture, Play and Inclusion
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
Strengthening Early Years: A School Leader’s Insights
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 disc
Transforming Learning in KS1: Continuous Provision Beyond the Early Years
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 manag
Enabling Children with SEND: Insights and Impact of Bespoke Provision
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 incl
From Vision to Practice: Effective Key Stage 1 Pedagogy
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 timet
Unlocking Potential: Transforming Adult Interactions in the EYFS
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. Refle
Connecting Families: Innovative Approaches to Parental Involvement
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 a
Drive Improvement: Achieving Success in Shaping Futures
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 w
Education Doctorate Research: School Leaders and the EYFS
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
Unlocking Learning in KS1 and Beyond: Embracing Continuous Provision
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! &nb
From Deputy Head to Headteacher: Reflections one term in to Headship
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 fosterin
Enabling Successful EYFS Improvement: Through the lens of a large MAT
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 conversa
Autumn Term 2023: Reflections, Celebrations & What Next?
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 p
Successful Curriculum Development: Starting with 2 Year Olds
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 chil
School Leaders: Understanding EYFS from the Inside
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 Leade
Successful Curriculum Development: Underpinned by Core Values
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 the
Knowing your Vision and Values: A Whole Team Approach
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.
Connecting your Curriculum: Professional Conversations focussed on Physical Education
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.
Connecting your Curriculum: Professional Conversations focussed on Mathematics
Are you working on ways to connect your school curriculum?
Successful School Development: Creating a Community of Learners
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 insightf
Successful Inspection: Through the eyes of a Primary School
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 Headt
The Power of Professional Conversations in Enabling Success
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.
Real Experiences: An Insight into Inspection & Deep Dives
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.
