Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resources

Liz Worthen
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How can we make schools more sustainable – in all senses of the word? How can school leaders promote a sustainable way of working? Make best use of our resources, in a way that’s good for people and planet? In conversation with educators, we exchange insights and ideas. Hosted by Liz Worthen, an educator, researcher and writer, whose career in education spans teaching, training and  content development. For more from the Creating Value in Schools community, visit www.createvalueschools.com

  1. MAY 5

    Win-Win: Fundraising relationships for lasting impact

    How does community engagement unlock additional funding for schools? In this roundtable episode four sector leaders share lessons learned: Justin Smith, Vicki Newsome, Matthew Smith MBE and Richard Manville.  Listen for practical insights into: The benefits of community engagement Why income generators need flexibility and resilience Getting your support and evidence clear from the start Putting together beneficiary-shaped projects The importance of donor motivation and internal buy-in Stakeholder and skill mapping Small quick wins to get started and the power of regular donations Using AI as a time-saving tool (NOT to write your bids) The vital role of thank you. “I just remember what it will do to those children and to those families to support them. If it can keep children and families together then we've more than exceeded.” “Canva is my friend in school. It’s my lifeline!” With 20 years’ experience in the education sector, Justin Smith provides specialist marketing, income generation and bid writing services through his company, Chameleon Consultancy and Training. He has secured over £7 million in additional income for schools. Vicki Newsome is School Business Manager at Burscough Village Primary School and Nursery in Lancashire. Vicki has generated over £300,000 additional income over the last two years, for a new nursery building and community sports zone, as well as securing funding for a counsellor to work across the local schools.  A seasoned fundraiser and community champion, Matthew Smith MBE is School Business Manager at Sheringham Woodfields School in Norfolk, for pupils with complex learning and health needs. The school’s specialised therapy centre is one of his most recent fundraising achievements. Richard Manville is Co-founder and Managing Director of Community Inspired, a social enterprise dedicated to communities, fundraising and volunteering. Through FundEd Richard helps schools access grants, run successful events, build recurring income and develop partnerships. Host Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about sustainable working: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities. Links and resources Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ Download 10 fundraising tips: https://createvalueschools.com/media/112-How-to-get-people-on-board-with-fundraising.pdf Matthew Smith’s decision-making evidence and support grid: https://createvalueschools.com/media/233-Evidence-and-support-decision-making-grid.pdf Support and resources from Justin Smith: https://chameleon-training.co.uk/ FundEd and PTA+ websites: https://www.funded.org.uk/ and https://www.pta.co.uk/ Funding Wall, a digital fundraising platform: https://www.fundingwall.org.uk/ Example press release for the Community Unity Through Sports Project: https://burscough.lancsngfl.ac.uk/news/2025-10-13-burscough-village-primary-school-unveils-community-unity-through-sports-initiative Example of a video created using Canva to launch Phase 1 of the project: https://www.facebook.com/reel/4129028770716385?locale=en_GB About Sheringham Woodfields Therapeutic Centre: https://hudsonarchitects.co.uk/our-work/community-culture-education/schools/sheringham-woodfields-school/ About Woodfields Den Charity Shop: https://experiencesheringham.com/places/woodfields-den-charity-shop/ Host your own colour run: https://www.eventcolour.co.uk/ ISBL Professional Standards: https://www.isbl.org.uk/isbl-professional-standards More from Justin: https://createvalueschools.com/blog/optimism-and-opportunity-creating-an-income-generation-culture/ Who’s responsible for income generation in school? https://createvalueschools.com/blog/beyond-the-budget-why-income-generation-is-everyones-responsibility/ Chapters 00:00 Welcome and guests 01:28 Why community fundraising 06:55 Stakeholder mapping 08:23 Project pivot for community focus 12:15 Beneficiary-shaped projects for grant success 13.33 Prioritise for support and evidence 14:14 Practical engagement tactics 16.54 Linking up your team 18:39 Donor motivation and thanks 22.02 Put yourself out there and ask 25:35 Time and culture barriers 32:14 Mission driven impact story 35:23 Rapid fire top tips 40:50 Wrap up and resources #SustainableSchools #IncomeGeneration #SchoolBusinessLeadership #SchoolFundraising

    41 min

  2. APR 21

    Why playtime matters – and how to make it work

    Playtimes in schools are under pressure. Children are playing 50% less than a generation ago, behaviour is getting harder to manage, and playtime is getting squeezed out. In this episode, Liz Worthen talks to Positive Playtime champion Thérèse Hoyle – coach, author and founder of the Positive Playtime Award Programme – about why play is so vital for children's wellbeing, learning and resilience, and how schools can make it work in practice. We address common barriers to play in schools, including: How to navigate concerns about risky play, bring parents on board, and build a culture where children learn to assess risk themselves How to upskill and deploy lunchtime supervisors more effectively How to make equipment last longer and keep children more engaged How to make creative use of limited playground space with a zoning approach. Struggling with playground behaviour, staff deployment at lunchtime, or getting the most from a limited budget? Listen for straightforward, actionable ideas. Thérèse Hoyle is Director and Founder of Positive Playtimes and the Positive Playtime Award programme. An experienced coach and teacher, she regularly consults and advises schools on play, behaviour management, mental health, and the social and emotional needs of children and teens. Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about sustainable working: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities. Check out recommended reads in the Creating Value in Schools bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/createvalueschools Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ Thérèse’s books: https://positive-playtimes.com/product-category/books/ Read about why play matters: https://positive-playtimes.com/why-play-matters-the-hidden-cost-of-screens-and-a-play-poor-childhood/ Staff deployment examples: https://positive-playtimes.com/are-you-using-your-staffing-effectively-in-your-playground/ Access the why play matters report: https://positive-playtimes.com/why-play-matters/ Download the Raising the Nation Play Commission report: https://www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/play-commission Mental Health Foundation statistics: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/statistics/children-young-people-statistics Information from Play England: https://www.playengland.org.uk/ Access 10 playground games: https://positive-playtimes.com/free-playground-games/   00:00 Welcome and guest 00:57 Playtime crisis today 02:35 Why play gets squeezed 04:31 Screens and equity 07:28 When play works 09:58 Mud sticks and rules 12:20 Risky play fears 16:29 Staffing and training 23:16 Equipment craze cycle 28:26 Zoning concrete playgrounds 33:58 Books and final thoughts #education #sustainableschools #childhood

    36 min

  3. APR 7

    Listen first, act better: why listening matters in schools

    In this episode, Liz Worthen explores what happens when we listen first – and how it can actually save time and lead to better outcomes in schools. Aldaine Wynter, Director of International Mindedness, Diversity and Inclusion at Washington International School, reflects on spending his first year listening – meeting parents, staff and community groups before launching major initiatives, so he could “meet the community where they are.” Sean Harris from Tees Valley Education shares how social listening transformed a glossy school newsletter into a termly community magazine, co-produced with families, children and local partners. Leadership mentor Nickii Messer explores what it means to listen to understand in honest conversations – allowing space, avoiding assumptions, and using more collaborative language. Wendy Litherland describes how asking a homeless charity what was really needed led pupils to create support for dogs as well as people – deepening empathy and impact. Together, these examples show how listening first can build trust, strengthen collaboration, and lead to better outcomes in schools. Liz Worthen is an educator, researcher, podcaster and writer. Her career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development, creating resources which enable leaders to flourish in their roles. Creating Value in Schools is about the exploration of sustainable working in education, to secure better outcomes for learners and communities. Download top tips for an honest conversation: https://createvalueschools.com/media/79-Honest-conversation-checklist-guide.pdf More from Sean Harris on social listening in practice: https://createvalueschools.com/blog/social-listening-in-practice-books-beds-and-curious-myth-busting/ Fishbone analysis and five whys strategy: https://www.sec-ed.co.uk/content/best-practice/school-leadership-how-to-respond-to-and-solve-problems  Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ Podcasts featured in this episode Listening to the community: diversity and inclusion strategies for lasting impact, with Aldaine Wynter Know your place: how to tackle inequality in education, with Sean Harris Call them honest: conversations to empower, understand and resolve, with Nickii Messer From prom shop to polytunnel: sustaining eco-activity in school, with Wendy Litherland 00:00 Why listening matters 00:45 Aldaine listening tour 01:40 Drop In Sessions 03:13 Sean social listening 03:48 Newsletter feedback 06:12 Trust and coproduction 07:06 Nickii honest conversations 10:10 Assumptions and truth 10:53 Wendy unexpected needs 11:55 Dog bags breakthrough 12:45 Key takeaways and wrap #education #sustainableschools #leadership

    14 min

  4. MAR 24

    Getting curious about behaviour: a relational approach

    Host Liz Worthen talks with Dee Higgins, therapeutic thinking lead and former PRU senior leader, about reducing stress for staff in schools and improving pupil behaviour through relational, restorative and reflective practice. Listen for: What a relational approach means (and why it’s not a soft option) Calmness, consistency and connection before correction Lunchtime equity and the importance of play The case for earlier intervention and ways to create hope Why transitions need more focus Tips for productive multi-agency working Recommended reads. ‘It doesn't mean that a relational approach is a soft option. It just means that we consider the behaviour curriculum and the positive responses that you can have with children to get them to think around their behaviour. And I firmly believe it extends beyond the classroom.’ After years of experience as a teacher and senior leader in an alternative provision setting, Dee Higgins is now Therapeutic Thinking Lead for a local authority. She also holds MAs in psychotherapy and in education leadership.  Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about sustainable working: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities. Check out Dee’s recommended reads in the Creating Value in Schools bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/createvalueschools What is OPAL? https://outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk/ Why play matters: https://theresehoyle.com/why-play-matters-the-hidden-cost-of-screens-and-a-play-poor-childhood/ Research from The Engagement Platform: https://www.tep.uk/research-and-resources/mind-the-engagement-gap-a-national-study-of-pupil-engagement-in-englands-schools Find out about the Rights Respecting Schools Award: https://www.unicef.org.uk/rights-respecting-schools/ How to create a positive behaviour culture: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/how-do-we-create-a-positive-behaviour-culture/ Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ 00:00 Welcome and focus 00:48 Therapeutic thinking role 02:50 Regulation over punishment 03:54 Connection before correction 06:19 What relational means 08:15 Beyond the classroom 11:37 Parents and co-production 12:53 Debating compliance 14:16 PRU lessons and early help 19:00 Transitions and belonging 21:47 Inclusion and value 23:03 Multi-agency collaboration 25:46 Recommended reading 28:12 Closing thanks   #behaviour #education #sustainableschools

    29 min

  5. MAR 10

    Unbound SBLs: Reconsidering Risk

    ‘One of the dangers is that we think it's a risk assessment and that it's only a paper exercise. And actually if you fall into that trap, you are missing out on the opportunity to navigate the organisation in a structured and considered way.’ Host Liz Worthen gets together with school business leadership champions Helen Burge and Emma Gray to talk about all things risk. Why does risk matter? Whose responsibility is it? Is it a tickbox at the end of your meeting agenda, or something more meaningful? We discuss: Risk as a proactive starting point for planning – not a reactive response.  The roles of leaders and governors in strategic risk management. The types of risk affecting schools and trusts currently.  The impact on pupils and the community if you don’t address risk.  Lines of defence – the role of internal scrutiny and the schools financial value standard (SFVS). Support for school business leaders with Risky Business events.  ‘It's the community and the pupils that will suffer if you don't look at risk or if you don't have those strategic plans.’ Emma Gray and Helen Burge have both been executive business leaders in trusts, and now support school business professionals through coaching, training and consultancy. Emma is a DfE accredited school resource management advisor, and Helen co-chairs the UK Schools Sustainability Network Operations Group. They are fans of risk management, internal scrutiny and operational excellence.  Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about sustainable working: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities. Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ Schools financial value standard (SFVS) checklist and guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-financial-value-standard Risky Business Manchester, 19 March 2026, 9am-12pm: https://shorturl.at/M7B9T Upcoming Risky Business Events: Launceston, 22 April 2026 Leeds, 21 May 2026 Isle of Wight, 17 September 2026 SBL Retreat 2026: Reflect, Restore & Reconnect: https://shorturl.at/Asy1p Diploma for School Business Managers: https://www.isbl.org.uk/level-4-ilm-diploma-for-school-business-managers Contact Emma Gray: 1stpillar.co.uk Contact Helen Burge: buoyantimpact.co.uk Browse the Creating Value in Schools bookshop: bookshop.org/shop/createvalueschools Top tips summary: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/top-tips-for-rethinking-risk/  #SustainableSchools #Education #SchoolBusinessLeadership

    33 min

  6. FEB 24

    AI in schools: harnessing the potential, protecting the human

    How do we prepare for the changing world of AI? James Browning, COO at Lift Schools, encourages us to think of artificial intelligence as a collaborator for tackling real world problems, not just tools and fancy tech. We reflect on his organisation’s journey so far, the potential positives of AI, and protecting what matters. Can AI help personalise learning? Reduce workload? Support high quality thinking? How do we ensure AI doesn’t exacerbate educational inequality?  How can the Three Horizons framework support your planning? How is AI saving time for staff? What do pupils need to know about AI?  What do we do about the environmental impact of AI?  What are your organisational guardrails? AI in a supporting role, not replacing teachers. ‘What really excites me about AI is it feels like genuinely now for the first time, we have a technology that can make a difference… And I think there is a risk that if we get it wrong, we could create a bigger divide and a bigger disadvantage gap.’ James Browning is Chief Operating Officer at Lift Schools, a Chair of Governors, and has previously worked in edtech roles. He’s on the DfE’s estates strategy group and digital standards working group.  Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and content development. Creating Value in Schools is all about working sustainably: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities.  Brisk Teaching: https://www.briskteaching.com/ James Browning on how Lift Schools is using and benefitting from AI: https://www.projecth.org.uk/post/embracing-ai-in-education-a-leadership-perspective-from-lift-schools Ethan Mollick on Substack: https://www.oneusefulthing.org/ AI training resources: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/ai-training-resources-for-schools 10 tips for implementing AI in education settings: https://createvalueschools.com/media/210-10-tips-for-implementing-AI-in-schools.pdf  Find recommended reads in the Creating Value in Schools bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/createvalueschools Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ #SustainableSchools #Education #ArtificialIntelligence

    33 min

  7. FEB 10

    From prom shop to polytunnel: sustaining eco-activity in school

    ‘Things don't happen overnight... You've got to be in this for the long haul.’  Drawing on her 15 years’ experience as a school sustainability director, Wendy Litherland shares lessons learned in getting staff, pupils, governors and community members engaged in eco-action. How do you sustain impact and bring people together? Wendy talks about: Why making friends with the caretaker is your first priority Building bridges with the cleaners by minding muddy feet Learning from the wealth of experience in the PTA (as well as fundraising with them) Getting from jumble sale vibes to a popular prom shop The impact of a hot drink when you’re sleeping rough Teaching children for jobs that don’t exist yet How solar panels can be a learning resource, before they’re even installed.  Wendy Litherland combines her role as Associate Assistant Headteacher and Director of Sustainability at Accrington St Christopher’s CE High School with being Head of Education at Solar for Schools. She is a long-term eco-champion and co-facilitator of the Sustainability Learning Conference North West. Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about working sustainably: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities.  What is a circular economy? https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/what-is-a-circular-economy Download 10 tips for school climate activities: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/10-tips-for-integrating-climate-activities How green is your school: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/how-green-is-your-school Check your school’s solar viability: https://www.solarforschools.co.uk/ School example: https://www.solarforschools.co.uk/schools/accrington-st-christophers-church-of-england-high-school-bb5-4ay-137421 Education support from Solar for Schools: https://education.solarforschools.co.uk/ Wendy’s eco-group on X: https://x.com/Eco_Group Find recommended reads in the Creating Value in Schools bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/createvalueschools Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ #SustainableSchools #Education

    36 min

  8. JAN 27

    How do we create a sustainable SEND system?

    ‘Not only is it unsustainable, but it’s not delivering results.’ We bring together Benedicte Yue’s passion for inclusion with her financial expertise for a deep dive into the world of SEND.  What’s making the current system unsustainable? What are the barriers to a more inclusive system? What would a more equitable and effective approach look like? Who can we learn from? And what needs to change in terms of accountability for this to work?  ‘We must transition from a narrow individual focus on accountability to a collaborative system.’ Benedicte Yue is Chief Financial Officer at River Learning Trust, bringing over 30 years’ experience in audit and finance to the role. Awarded CFO of the Year at the 2023 MAT Excellence Awards, she is a sector leader and champion for change. Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about working sustainably: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities.  Benedicte Yue’s SEND priorities paper for ISBL: https://blog.isbl.org.uk/addressing-englands-special-educational-needs-crisis-key-priorities-and-solutions   The Centre for Education Systems’ SEND policy reports: https://www.ces.partners/send-summary  Sam Freedman on Substack: https://samf.substack.com/  Sam Freedman’s Substack on TikTok politics: https://samf.substack.com/p/three-seconds (for paid subscribers) More from Creating Value in Schools on SEND reform: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/ways-forward-for-send-reform  From Benedicte’s previous podcast: https://createvalueschools.com/blog/values-impact-and-agency-lessons-learned-in-operational-leadership/  Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ #SustainableSchools #Education #Leadership #SEND

    37 min
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How can we make schools more sustainable – in all senses of the word? How can school leaders promote a sustainable way of working? Make best use of our resources, in a way that’s good for people and planet? In conversation with educators, we exchange insights and ideas. Hosted by Liz Worthen, an educator, researcher and writer, whose career in education spans teaching, training and  content development. For more from the Creating Value in Schools community, visit www.createvalueschools.com

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