The Schools North East Podcast

Rethinking Parental Engagement: Lessons from the Classroom to the Community

How do schools truly connect with parents beyond the usual events and newsletters? In this episode of the Schools North East Podcast, we sit down with Jonathan Booth, headteacher of Warkworth Primary School, to explore the real challenges and opportunities in parental engagement.
From his experiences in inner-city Newcastle to rural Northumberland, Jonathan shares hard-earned lessons on breaking down barriers, building trust, and rethinking the school’s role in the community. We discuss why big events aren’t the answer, the surprising realities of engaging parents in different socio-economic settings, and why humility and empathy matter more than ever.
Tune in for an honest, thought-provoking conversation that challenges assumptions and offers practical strategies for every school leader.

Forever School: How The Harbour is Transforming SEMH Support in Sunderland

In this episode of the North East Schools Podcast, we explore how Hudson Road Primary's Additionally Resourced Provision, known as The Harbour, is redefining support for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. The Harbour offers a nurturing, inclusive environment that fosters growth and belonging.
Head Teachers Cathy Westgate and Donna Walker share their insights into the collaboration that brought this initiative to life and its profound impact on students and families. Tune in to discover how Sunderland is leading the way in creating supportive educational spaces close to home.
 
This Episode is sponsored by Howden.

Beyond the City: Inclusion & Innovation in Rural North East Schools

In this episode of the Schools North East podcast, we explore the unique pressures facing rural schools in the North East, from financial struggles and declining pupil numbers to the ongoing SEND crisis. Paul Rickard, CEO of the Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust, shares firsthand insights into the severe budgetary constraints that have led to 22 staff reductions in the past year. Managing 21 schools—six of them small, rural, and deeply embedded in their communities—Rickard stresses the urgent need for policies that support sustainability and inclusion. He also critiques short-sighted initiatives like the school breakfast program and calls for cross-party collaboration to ensure a more effective, long-term approach to education policy.

Breaking Barriers in Education: A Conversation with Phil Latham

In this episode of the Schools North East Podcast, we sit down with Phil Latham, Chief Executive of Endeavour Academies, to explore his 27-year journey in education and his mission to rethink how schools address the challenges of today.
From leading Macmillan Academy to shaping policy as a National Leader of Education and advisory board member, Phil shares how his experiences have inspired innovative solutions in the North East. We discuss the systemic barriers his trust faces, the partnerships and strategies redefining education in his schools, and his vision for creating lasting impact. Tune in for insights on leadership, collaboration, and the future of education in one of the most unique and resilient regions in the UK.

Inclusion and Innovation: Looking Ahead with Mark Tilling

Join us for a special episode recorded live at the Schools North East AGM, where we sit down with Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, and Mark Tilling, Head Teacher of High Tunstall College of Science. Together, we explore the importance of inclusion in education, celebrate successes, and discuss the challenges schools face as they strive to support every student. Looking ahead to the rest of the academic year, our guests share their vision for fostering equitable and thriving school communities across the North East. With the lively atmosphere of the AGM in the background, this conversation is filled with practical insights and inspiration for educators at all levels.

Empowering Voices: Education, History, and the Fight for Equality

In this insightful episode of The School's North East Podcast, we are joined by two remarkable guests: Ziauddin Yousafzai, education activist and father of Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, and Dr. Dan Jackson, renowned historian and author of The Northumbrians. Together, they explore the power of education in transforming societies, the importance of preserving regional history, and the ongoing fight for equality in both global and local contexts. Ziauddin shares his inspiring journey advocating for girls' education, while Dr. Jackson delves into the rich cultural and historical landscape of North East England. This episode is a compelling conversation about history, identity, and the role education plays in shaping a better future for all.

Rethinking School Accountability: Frank Norris on Ofsted, The Alternative Big Listen, and the Future of Inspections

In this special episode of the Schools North East podcast, we sit down with Frank Norris, a former HMI and one of the key architects behind The Alternative Big Listen, an initiative designed to offer a fresh perspective on Ofsted's inspection framework.
Joined by Schools North East Director, Chris Zarraga, we explore the motivations behind creating an alternative to the Ofsted Big Listen, discuss key findings from the research, and examine what these insights mean for the future of school accountability. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on how we can reshape inspections to better support educators, students, and school leaders.

Setting the Scene for 2024: Challenges, Priorities, and Hopes for North East Schools

In this episode of the Schools North East podcast, we sit down with CEOs of Multi-Academy Trusts to reflect on the opening weeks of the new academic year. Join us as we discuss their key areas of focus, the unique challenges facing schools in the North East, and their reactions to the latest government policy announcements.
We’ll also explore discuss hopes and aspirations for the year ahead. This is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of education in the region.

Partners in Progress: Insights gathered from the School Business Management Conference 2024

And just like that, Schools North East in-person conferences have come to an end for the 23/24 academic year. Join Emily as she recaps the highlights from our final physical event of 2023/24!

Behaviour is Communication: Insights gathered from Healthy MindED 24

In Episode Six, we explore the latest insights around pupil mental health and wellbeing at our recent Healthy MindED 24 Conference.