Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

• From the Classroom to Leadership: Building Cultures that Thrive

  Episode 230: For show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the ⁠⁠⁠Hey! What You Reading For ⁠⁠⁠newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠Click for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, Stuart Welsh is joined by Sana Syed, an experienced Early Years educator and school leader, for a conversation that explores the journey from classroom practitioner to influential team leader.With over a decade of experience, including more than ten years at NGS and a formative stint teaching seven-year-olds, Sana shares the pivotal moments that shaped her approach to teaching and leadership. We delve into what inspired her to step into leadership, the values that guide her practice, and the importance of creating a reflective, supportive school culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities to grow.We also discuss:How school leaders can cultivate trust and collaboration within their teamsThe role of ongoing professional learning in sustaining motivation and joyAdvice for emerging leaders ready to make a broader impactWhether you’re an aspiring leader, a seasoned practitioner, or someone passionate about the Early Years, this episode offers rich insights into what it means to lead with purpose, curiosity, and care.If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, or consider supporting the podcast via www.ko-fi.com/tdape. You can also join the conversation in our Discord community, where educators from around the world share ideas and questions.

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• Beyond Sentence Stems: Deep Scaffolding for Inclusive Literacy

  Episode 229:For show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the ⁠⁠Hey! What You Reading For ⁠⁠newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠Click for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru ⁠⁠ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449In this instalment of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I welcome Rachel Ball and Alex Fairlamb back to the podcast to explore scaffolding in reading, writing and oracy. Drawing on insights from their forthcoming book The Scaffolding Effect: Supporting All Students to Succeed (Routledge, July 2025) Routledge, the conversation unpicks how purposeful, time-limited support can elevate both oracy and literacy. We delve into:why structured talk is the gateway to high-quality writingpractical routines that fade, rather than fossilise, supportaligning scaffolds with cognitive load theory and adaptive teachingavoiding common misconceptions such as over-prompts and dependency trapsactionable takeaways that busy teachers can try on Monday morningWhether you are refining sentence-level work or nurturing whole-class dialogue, this episode offers a research-informed blueprint for helping every pupil find their voice on the page and in the room.

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• Three Lessons Learned from Three Years in Deputy Headship

  Episode 228: Three Lessons Learned from Three Years in Deputy HeadshipFor show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the ⁠Hey! What You Reading For ⁠newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠Click for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru ⁠ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by Tom Oakley as he reflects on three years in deputy headship and the lessons that have shaped his thinking as a school leader.Across the episode, Tom explores what it means to support teachers through sustained change, manage growth in a dynamic school environment, and address the real (rather than ideal) needs of a school community. From navigating an Ofsted inspection to leading a growing school through difficult data and complex transitions, Tom shares the leadership insights forged in the realities of everyday school life.We discuss:The power of coaching in supporting teacher developmentDesigning and implementing a Wellbeing Curriculum from the ground upLessons learned about leadership, change management, and meeting context-specific challengesThe gap between what leaders want to happen and what actually needs to happenWhether you’re an aspiring leader, new to senior leadership, or supporting leaders within your school, this is an honest, reflective conversation that bridges theory and the lived experience of leadership in primary schools.If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to leave a review, subscribe to the YouTube channel, or join the conversation on our Discord server.

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• Lessons learned from a classroom sabbatical with Lisa Coe

  Archive 011+2: In this archive edition of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, primary mathematics expert, Lisa Coe returns to share the lessons she learned by taking a break from the classroom to work for a company supporting schools and teachers with their mathematics professional development.Whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers a gateway into the kind of learning that can take place on an education sabbatical.Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a rating and review to help fellow educators discover the show. We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your reflections wherever you listen.#PrimaryEducation #EducationalResearch #TeacherDevelopment #EvidenceInformedPractice #EducationPodcast #ElementaryEducation

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• Thinking Deeply about Conceptual Understanding

  Episode 227: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by mathematics educator and doctoral researcher Will Mcloughlin to explore the complex and vital theme of conceptual understanding in mathematics education. Drawing on his teaching experience in the UAE and his academic research into how conceptual understanding develops, particularly through the use of animations, Will shares insights that challenge surface-level thinking and encourage educators to think more deeply about the knowledge their students are building.We discuss:– What conceptual understanding really means and why definitions matter– How Will developed his own definition through doctoral research– The challenges of developing conceptual understanding in the classroom– The potential role of visual tools and animations in fostering deeper comprehension– Practical implications for classroom teachers and curriculum designersIf you’ve ever wondered whether your students are truly making connections or simply memorising procedures, this episode will offer food for thought and practical guidance to support your professional thinking.If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing to our YouTube channel, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, or making a donation via www.ko-fi.com/tdape. You can also join our community on Discord, where conversations like this continue throughout the week.For show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the What You Reading For newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribeClick for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449

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