Being The Head

Jacqui LeMaitre Jane McNally
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A podcast that lifts the lid on school leadership, its pressures, its pitfalls, and the process we pay for keeping it all together. "listening to this podcast has been a real game changer for me. It captures the real high and lows of being a head."

  1. Episode 32 Navigating Leadership Pressures a Global Perspective with Paul Topping

    2 MAR

    Episode 32 Navigating Leadership Pressures a Global Perspective with Paul Topping

    Keywords leadership wellbeing, school leaders, international education, cultural diversity, decision making, educational systems, leadership pressures, wellbeing strategies, distributed leadership, professional development Show Summary This conversation explores the pressures faced by school leaders globally, emphasizing the importance of leadership wellbeing. It discusses how different educational systems approach wellbeing, the cultural expectations that shape leadership performance, and the significance of designing supportive systems for leaders. The dialogue highlights the need for reflective practices, the value of cultural diversity, and the critical role of timing in leadership decisions. Ultimately, it advocates for a shift in perspective, viewing wellbeing as a systemic responsibility rather than a personal issue. Takeaways Leadership wellbeing is often misunderstood as a personal issue rather than a systemic one. Cultural expectations significantly shape how leaders perform and cope with pressures. International schools often have better support systems for leadership wellbeing. Effective leadership requires a recognition of the importance of timing in decision-making. Shared responsibility in leadership can enhance clarity and reduce individual strain. Building a supportive network is crucial for leadership sustainability. Wellbeing should be integrated into the recruitment process for school leaders. Cultural diversity enriches the educational experience and leadership practice. Reflective practices can help leaders identify areas for shared responsibility. Leadership is about making a meaningful impact on young people. Chapters 00:00 The Weight of Leadership: Global Perspectives on Wellbeing 05:17 Understanding Leadership Pressures Across Borders 10:38 Cultural Expectations and Leadership Performance 15:38 Systems Supporting Leadership Wellbeing 19:33 The Importance of Timing in Leadership 24:47 Reflective Practices for Sustainable Leadership 29:37 Embracing Cultural Diversity in Leadership 34:54 Final Thoughts on Leadership Wellbeing

    41 min
  2. Episode 31 Leading SEND Well Practical Approaches to Inclusion, Wellbeing and Social Justice with Shevek Pring and Sameer Velayudha

    23 FEB

    Episode 31 Leading SEND Well Practical Approaches to Inclusion, Wellbeing and Social Justice with Shevek Pring and Sameer Velayudha

    Keywords SEND leadership, inclusion, wellbeing, social justice, education, UK schools, emotional labour, staff wellbeing, family engagement, collective responsibility Summary This conversation explores the complexities and challenges of SEND leadership in UK schools, emphasizing the need for a collective approach to inclusion, wellbeing, and social justice. The discussion highlights innovative practices in SEND education, the importance of supporting staff wellbeing, and building trust with families. It also addresses the systemic issues that contribute to the pressures faced by SEND leaders and offers insights into creating sustainable leadership practices. Takeaways SEND leadership carries a high moral responsibility. Wellbeing erodes when SEND leadership is not properly structured. SEND leadership pressures are rising due to increased demand and insufficient resources. Innovative approaches, like outdoor education, can transform SEND support. Building trust with families is crucial for effective SEND leadership. Collective responsibility in SEND leadership can alleviate individual pressures. Systems must be designed to support SEND leaders and staff. Emotional labour is a significant factor in SEND leadership stress. A holistic approach to education benefits all learners, not just those with SEND. Sustainable SEND leadership requires shared decision-making frameworks. sound bites "Inclusion becoming one person's burden." "What does it actually take to lead SEND well?" "Culture is infrastructure, not just passion." Chapters 00:00 The Weight of SEND Leadership 02:38 Current Challenges in SEND Leadership 04:37 Innovative Approaches to SEND Education 07:17 Supporting Staff Wellbeing in SEND 09:38 Building Trust with Families 12:07 The Importance of Collective Responsibility 15:09 Transforming SEND Leadership Culture 18:01 The Role of Systems in SEND Leadership 19:53 Reflections on SEND Leadership Practices 20:43 Key Takeaways for Sustainable SEND Leadership https://www.outdoorsgroup.co.uk

    42 min
  3. Episode 30 MINI POD Pressure vs Urgency: How School Leaders Lose Clarity Mid-Year.

    16 FEB

    Episode 30 MINI POD Pressure vs Urgency: How School Leaders Lose Clarity Mid-Year.

    February can feel like one of the heaviest months in school leadership. The pressure builds, decisions multiply, and clarity can start to slip — even for the most experienced heads. In this short episode, we pause to explore the difference between pressure and urgency, and why mistaking one for the other can lead to reactive decision-making. Not everything that feels urgent truly needs action right now. Rather than offering strategies, this mini pod creates space for reflection and reassurance. We invite leaders to resist the idea that everything is on fire and to remember that clarity doesn’t come from doing more — it comes from choosing wisely. A grounding question to hold onto: What genuinely needs action now, and what simply needs holding steady? This episode is a reminder that leadership is about deliberate choices, not constant acceleration — especially in February.

    4 min
  4. Episode 29 Leading Wellbeing: Real Strategies for Resilient Leadership with Heather Forrest and Jill Howard

    9 FEB

    Episode 29 Leading Wellbeing: Real Strategies for Resilient Leadership with Heather Forrest and Jill Howard

    Keywords   leadership wellbeing, burnout, emotional load, supervision, self-care, coaching culture, school leadership, boundaries, reflective practice, educational leadership     Summary   This conversation delves into the challenges of leadership wellbeing in schools, emphasizing the importance of creating protected spaces for reflection and support. The speakers discuss the emotional load and isolation that leaders face, the need for boundaries, and the role of self-care in preventing burnout. They advocate for a coaching culture within schools to empower leaders and promote team support, while also addressing the necessity of clarity in reducing leadership load. The discussion highlights the transformative potential of supervision and the importance of embedding wellbeing into school culture.     Takeaways   Most school leaders struggle due to overwhelming responsibilities. Leadership wellbeing is not improving, with many leaders feeling stressed. Creating space for reflection is crucial for effective decision-making. Isolation and emotional load are significant challenges for leaders. Boundaries are essential to prevent guilt and over-responsibility. Self-care practices are vital for sustaining leadership roles. Building a coaching culture can empower leaders and teams. Clarity in expectations can help reduce leadership load. Supervision should be viewed as a supportive resource, not scrutiny. Embedding wellbeing into school culture is essential for long-term success.     Sound bites   "It's about carving out that time." "Self-care takes a lot of practice." "What do I need right now?"     Chapters   00:00 The Burden of Leadership: Understanding Wellbeing Challenges 02:47 Creating Space for Reflection: The Importance of Supervision 05:31 Isolation and Emotional Load: The Hidden Struggles of Leaders 08:04 Boundaries and Guilt: Navigating Leadership Responsibilities 10:14 Preventing Burnout: Strategies for Sustainable Leadership 12:48 The Role of Self-Care in Leadership Wellbeing 15:17 Building a Coaching Culture: Empowering Leaders and Teams 18:07 The Need for Clarity: Reducing Leadership Load 20:46 Transforming Supervision: From Scrutiny to Support 23:48 Embedding Wellbeing in School Culture 26:26 Reflective Questions for Leaders: Promoting Team Support 28:47 If Only We Knew: Lessons from Experience

    40 min
  5. Episode 28- Leading Through Change Supporting Parental Leave and return to work with Emma Sheppard from the MTPT project.

    2 FEB

    Episode 28- Leading Through Change Supporting Parental Leave and return to work with Emma Sheppard from the MTPT project.

    Amendment: Emma talked about the amount of of time we get for sick leave it is 50 days not 50 weeks as she stated. A human stumble. Keywords parenthood, leadership, maternity leave, paternity leave, flexible working, teacher retention, education, school culture, support systems, work-life balance Summary This episode of 'Being the Head' explores the challenges faced by school leaders and teachers as they navigate parenthood and return to work. The conversation highlights the emotional and practical difficulties of balancing professional responsibilities with family life, particularly after maternity and paternity leave. The discussion includes insights from Emma Sheppard of the Maternity Teacher Paternity Teacher Project, focusing on the need for supportive systems, flexible working arrangements, and the importance of understanding the experiences of parents in the education sector. The episode emphasizes the need for schools to adapt their cultures and policies to retain talented educators and create a more inclusive environment for all staff. Takeaways Teaching is often seen as family-friendly, but the reality can be different. Many teachers leave the profession after maternity leave due to lack of support. The return to work is a critical moment for confidence and retention. Flexible working arrangements can significantly improve retention rates. Schools need to track maternity and paternity leave data to understand their workforce better. Support systems for new parents are essential for their success in the workplace. Cultural expectations can create pressure on parents to perform at work and home. Paternity leave policies are often inadequate and need to be improved. Open communication about experiences can help create a supportive environment. Leadership training is crucial for understanding and addressing these challenges. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Parenthood and Professionalism 03:05 The Reality of Returning to Work 05:34 Understanding the Data: Teacher Retention Risks 08:41 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Returning 11:23 Cultural Expectations and Support Systems 14:22 The Gendered Dynamics of Parenting 17:23 Learning from Global Practices 20:34 The Future of Paternity Leave Policies 28:15 The Challenges of Retaining Teachers Post-Maternity Leave 31:30 Flexible Working: A Double-Edged Sword 35:22 Navigating Flexible Working Requests in Schools 41:26 Proactive Approaches to Flexible Working 47:08 Broader Considerations in Supporting Parents at Work

    52 min
  6. Episode 27 Safeguarding SEND- The hidden risks of attendance with Nicola Griffiths

    26 JAN

    Episode 27 Safeguarding SEND- The hidden risks of attendance with Nicola Griffiths

    In this episode of "Being Head," hosts Jacqui and Jane engage in a profound discussion about safeguarding children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), particularly focusing on the critical role of attendance as an early indicator of risk. They emphasize that when children with SEND stop attending school regularly, the signs of safeguarding risks often go unnoticed, leading to serious consequences. The conversation highlights the importance of a multi-agency approach, where various professionals collaborate to ensure that no single individual holds the entire picture of a child's needs. Guest Nicola Griffiths shares her insights on how schools can better support these children by fostering relationships, utilizing data effectively, and creating a culture of reflective practice rather than mere compliance.   Keywords   safeguarding, SEND, attendance, multi-agency approach, reflective practice, education leadership, child welfare, early intervention, emotional safety, school culture    Takeaways   "Poor attendance is one of the earliest and clearest safeguarding indicators we have, particularly for children with SEND." "Every child deserves that consistent access to a high quality education and every child can thrive with the right support." "Data gives us the picture, it tells us what's happening, but it's actually the people that make the difference and improve outcomes for young people." "Never assume someone else is holding the risk." "When families feel safe with us, then children are safer overall."      Sound bites   "Poor attendance is one of the earliest and clearest safeguarding indicators." "Never assume someone else is holding the risk." "Safeguarding and attendance for pupils with SEND is fundamentally linked to belonging."     Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Safeguarding SEND 01:59 The Importance of Attendance in Safeguarding 03:39 Understanding the Impact of Poor Attendance 08:36 The Role of Multi-Agency Collaboration 14:20 Moving Beyond Compliance to Reflective Practice 20:34 Capturing the Voice of the Child 26:43 Early Identification of Risks in SEND 29:47 Creating a Culture of Safeguarding 34:53 If I Only Knew: Reflections on Leadership 38:30 Top Tips for Safeguarding SEND Link to Nicolas mentioned website. https://www.nwadcs.org.uk/about-nwadcs

    31 min
  7. Episode 26 Ofsted- What we are learning about leadership from pilot inspections- with Trevor Davies

    19 JAN

    Episode 26 Ofsted- What we are learning about leadership from pilot inspections- with Trevor Davies

    In this episode, Jacqui, Jane, and Trevor discuss the changes in the Ofsted inspection framework and how school leaders can navigate these changes effectively. They emphasize the importance of context, leadership, and governance in the new framework, and provide insights on preparing for inspections without succumbing to performative leadership or burnout. The conversation highlights the need for a coherent school narrative, the balance between wellbeing and professional expectations, and the role of performance management in supporting teacher development. The episode concludes with practical tips for school leaders to ensure they are inspection-ready and to foster a culture of inclusion and high standards in their schools. Keywords Ofsted, school leadership, inspection framework, educational governance, school improvement, wellbeing, SEND, performance management, transformational leadership, school narrative Takeaways Inspection is now a conversation, not a verdict. Leaders need to articulate their school's context clearly. Governance is now judged on culture, inclusion, and wellbeing. Strong leadership includes clear strategic direction and partnership with governors. Evidence of impact on disadvantaged pupils is crucial for inspections. A coherent assessment model is essential for demonstrating progress. Regular staff surveys can help gauge wellbeing and expectations. Performance management should focus on professional development, not just accountability. Transformational leadership is achievable with the right context and support. Schools must prepare a clear narrative that aligns with inspection criteria. Sound bites "Inspection is now a conversation, not a verdict." "Evidence of impact on disadvantaged pupils is crucial." "Regular staff surveys can help gauge wellbeing." Chapters 00:00 Navigating the New Ofsted Framework 02:38 Understanding School Context and Inclusion 05:35 Leadership and Governance in Schools 08:49 Preparing for Inspection Readiness 11:33 Assessment Models and Evidence 14:32 Maintaining Standards and Expectations 17:53 Balancing Wellbeing and Professional Expectations 20:35 Addressing SEND Challenges in Schools 23:37 Effective Practices in Inclusion Rooms 33:00 Challenges in Special Education Placement 33:40 Preparing for Ofsted Inspections 35:04 Common Mistakes in Inspection Preparation 35:39 Strategic Planning for Inspections 38:49 Importance of Self-Evaluation and Evidence 41:32 Effective Communication with Inspectors 44:43 Understanding Transformational Leadership 47:26 Recognizing Exceptional Practices in Schools 50:45 Reflections on Early Headship Experiences 55:57 Top Tips for Effective Leadership 59:12 The Value of Performance Management

    51 min
  8. Episode 25 The Complaints Trap: Working with Parents Effectively Using Clarity, Compassion and Firm Boundaries with Euan MacLean

    12 JAN

    Episode 25 The Complaints Trap: Working with Parents Effectively Using Clarity, Compassion and Firm Boundaries with Euan MacLean

    keywords parental complaints, school leadership, communication, trust, emotional labor, education, conflict resolution, parent engagement, school policies, teacher training In this episode, the hosts discuss the complexities of handling parental complaints in schools, emphasising the emotional labor involved and the importance of effective communication. They explore the underlying issues that lead to complaints, the need for training and support for school leaders, and the significance of building trust with parents. The conversation also covers the differentiation between concerns, complaints, and allegations, as well as strategies for effective triage and response. The hosts highlight the balance between empathy and boundaries, the importance of relationships in reducing complaints, and the necessity of clear policies. Finally, they provide practical tips for crafting strong initial responses to complaints and managing personal feelings in these situations. Takeaways Complaints are emotional labor and can impact confidence. Trust between schools and families is crucial. Effective communication can prevent escalation of complaints. Training for staff on parent partnerships is often lacking. Building relationships with parents is essential for trust. Differentiating between concerns, complaints, and allegations is key. Good triage starts with a pause and deep breath. Empathy and boundaries can coexist in communication. Reducing complaints requires strong relationships. Clear policies help manage expectations and responses. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Parental Complaints 04:11 Understanding the Underlying Issues 09:34 The Urgency of Parent-School Partnerships 11:20 The Need for Training in Communication 14:35 Building Trust Through Engagement 20:15 The Role of Parents in Online Education 25:47 Strategies for Authentic Parent Partnerships 28:29 Differentiating Concerns, Complaints, and Allegations 34:00 Effective Triage of Complaints 36:12 The Importance of Timing in Communication 37:49 Balancing Empathy and Boundaries 40:23 Policies as a Framework for Communication 43:12 Common Pitfalls in School-Parent Communication 49:09 Building Trust to Reduce Complaints 53:43 Crafting Effective First Responses 57:15 Managing Personal Feelings in Complaints 01:01:56 Proactive Relationship Building For more information about Euans work email him on hello@andparents.com

    1h 5m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

A podcast that lifts the lid on school leadership, its pressures, its pitfalls, and the process we pay for keeping it all together. "listening to this podcast has been a real game changer for me. It captures the real high and lows of being a head."

Information

  • Creator
    Jacqui LeMaitre Jane McNally
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Copyright
    © Being the Head
  • Show Website
    Being The Head

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