Being The Head

Jacqui LeMaitre Jane McNally
  • 5.0 (5)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
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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 29 Leading Wellbeing: Real Strategies for Resilient Leadership with Heather Forrest and Jill Howard

    5 DAYS AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. From Burnout to Brilliance in 2026 a Leadership Journey Episode 24

    5 JAN

    From Burnout to Brilliance in 2026 a Leadership Journey Episode 24

    n this episode of 'Being the Head', hosts Jacqui and Jane discuss the critical importance of wellbeing for school leaders, exploring the themes of burnout, resilience, and self-care. Joined by guests Sara Jones and Gwen Fennell, they delve into the signs of burnout, strategies for maintaining wellbeing, and the necessity of integrating health and fitness into the school culture. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to prioritize their own health to effectively support their teams and students, advocating for a shift in mindset towards self-compassion and intentional living.     Takeaways   78% of school leaders are stressed according to the Education Support Teacher Wellbeing Index. Leaders often feel they lack time for self-care due to a culture of accountability. Burnout manifests as irritability, fatigue, and emotional depletion. Self-compassion is essential for leaders to maintain their wellbeing. Setting simple, achievable goals can help in managing stress. Physical activity and nutrition are crucial for mental clarity and energy. Creating a culture of wellbeing in schools starts with leadership. Mindfulness practices can significantly improve focus and reduce stress. Reflection and intentionality in daily routines enhance overall wellbeing. Leaders should prioritize their health to effectively lead their teams.  Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Wellbeing in Leadership 02:47 Understanding Burnout and Its Impact 05:44 Recognizing Early Signs of Burnout 08:48 Strategies for Reconnecting with Wellbeing 11:39 Setting Intentions for a New Term 14:45 The Importance of Simplicity in Goals 17:36 Physical and Lifestyle Signals of Stress 20:43 Integrating Movement and Nutrition into Busy Lives 23:37 The Role of Boundaries in Leadership 26:23 Wellbeing as a Foundation for Performance 29:18 Reflections on Leadership and Self-Care 34:31 Navigating Career and Personal Life 39:07 The Importance of Saying No 39:32 Sustaining Energy as a Leader 42:52 Building Recovery into the Timetable 45:25 The Role of Health and Fitness in Education 49:38 Implementing Wellbeing in Schools 55:33 A Moment of Stillness and Reflection Contact Gwen via her website: https://fenfitness.co.uk Contact Sara via her website: https://www.zenergywellness.co.uk

    55 min
  7. The gift of Leadership Finding Joy at Christmas Episode 23

    15/12/2025

    The gift of Leadership Finding Joy at Christmas Episode 23

    In this festive episode of 'Being the Head', hosts Jacqui and Jane explore the unique challenges faced by school leaders during the chaotic December period. They discuss the emotional toll of leadership, share humorous anecdotes from school Christmas events, and emphasise the importance of finding joy amidst the chaos. The conversation highlights the need for self-care, setting boundaries, and being present for both staff and pupils. With insights on leadership and community, the episode serves as a reminder of the human side of education, encouraging leaders to embrace the festive spirit while managing their well-being.   Keywords   leadership, education, Christmas, joy, mental health, school leaders, festive spirit, teacher wellbeing, community, mindfulness   Takeaways   December is a challenging month for school leaders. Finding joy in small moments is essential. Leadership involves balancing weariness and wonder. The emotional load on leaders is significant during the festive season. Humor and laughter are vital in school communities. Setting boundaries can help manage stress during December. Being present is more important than perfection. Community support is crucial for school leaders. Sharing stories fosters connection among educators. Self-care is necessary for effective leadership.     Chapters   00:00 The Festive Leadership Challenge 02:52 Finding Joy Amidst Chaos 06:01 The Human Cost of Leadership 08:54 Christmas Chaos and Hilarious Moments 11:52 Leadership Folklore and Memorable Stories 14:51 Survival Guide for December 17:50 Setting Boundaries and Finding Balance 20:48 The Importance of Presence 23:41 Gifts of Leadership and Community 26:32 Moments of Mindfulness and Reflection 29:33 Closing Thoughts and Looking Ahead

    29 min
  8. When the Head feels like a fraud: Imposter syndrome in school leadership- episode 22

    08/12/2025

    When the Head feels like a fraud: Imposter syndrome in school leadership- episode 22

    In this episode of Being the Head, Jane and Jacqui dive into the reality of imposter syndrome in school leadership — the self-doubt, the inner critic, and the emotional cost of leading schools. They share honest experiences from headship, executive leadership and system leadership, exploring why even successful headteachers question their ability and how external validation often shapes confidence. The episode offers practical strategies for combating imposter syndrome, including evidence logs, weekly reflection, peer coaching, truth tellers, and small-win tracking. You’ll also hear reflective questions for developing leadership resilience and a brief mindfulness practice designed for busy school leaders. Perfect for new and experienced headteachers, aspiring leaders, and anyone navigating school improvement, wellbeing and leadership pressure. Keywords: school leadership, headteacher, imposter syndrome, leadership wellbeing, school improvement, resilience, coaching, leadership development, reflection, burnout, confidence, education leadership. Takeaways It's hard to pull your staff together during tough times. Courage starts with showing up and being seen. Vulnerability is an essential part of leadership. Determining your moral compass is crucial. The inner critic can be overwhelming for leaders. Showing up when it feels risky is important. Locking your office door can be a tempting escape. Embracing vulnerability is key for effective leadership. Letting go of your moral compass is a significant challenge. Leadership requires visibility and courage.

    42 min
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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
    30
  • Copyright
    © Being the Head
  • Show Website
    Being The Head

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