317 episodes
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For maths curriculum questions contact us here or via support@alta-education.com
Learn more about The Story of Maths - www.alta-education.com/tsom-overview and https://www.acel.pro
Episode 300: For the 300th episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, Kieran is joined by Shannen Doherty and Tom Oakley to answer four questions submitted by listeners.
Should schools share test scores with parents? How should teachers approach maths in a mixed-age Year 1 and Year 2 class? Which pieces of common primary maths advice may have done more harm than good? And what should a teacher actually do on Monday morning when a pupil still relies on counting in ones?
The conversation explores the importance of context when reporting assessment information, why mixed-age teaching must begin with what pupils need to learn rather than their nominal year group, and how ideas such as concrete, pictorial and abstract learning can become damaging when reduced to slogans.
It also develops into a broader discussion about teacher expertise, curriculum schemes, number sense and why schools are often much better at introducing change than sustaining it. - Get your tickets for the TDaPE Conference Online
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/subscribe
AI For Teachers newsletter
For maths curriculum questions contact us here or via support@alta-education.com
Learn more about The Story of Maths - www.alta-education.com/tsom-overview and https://www.acel.pro
Episode 299: In this episode, I’m joined by Baasit Siddiqui for a conversation about reflection, mistakes and the human side of teaching.
As the academic year draws to a close, many teachers will naturally begin looking back on what went well, what felt difficult, and what they might want to change next year. But reflection is not always the neat, professional process it is sometimes made out to be. It can be messy, emotional and, if we are not careful, overly critical.
We discuss why reflection should begin with what went well, how teachers can learn from mistakes without becoming consumed by them, the importance of documenting our thinking, and why school cultures need to make it safe for teachers to ask for help.
We also explore the importance of compromise, communication and humility, both in classrooms and in the wider profession.
Whether you are ending the year exhausted, proud, uncertain or all three, this conversation is a useful reminder to stop, take stock and recognise the work you have done. - Get your tickets for the TDaPE Conference Online
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/subscribe
AI For Teachers newsletter
For maths curriculum questions contact us here or via support@alta-education.com
Learn more about The Story of Maths - www.alta-education.com/tsom-overview and https://www.acel.pro
Episode 298: What does it take to move from reactive SEND provision to something more strategic, coherent and sustainable?
This week I am joined by Amy Batalli from The Kite Academy Trust for a fascinating conversation about the development of learning support assistants, the importance of aligned systems, and what it really means to build provision around pupils rather than around short-term fixes.
We discuss the changing role of support staff, the challenges schools face around time, funding and increasing complexity, and the professional development structures needed if LSAs are to feel valued, effective and properly equipped. We also explore the relationship between inclusion, classroom belonging, intervention, leadership and implementation.
This is a thoughtful and practical episode about doing the hard work properly: training people well, avoiding unnecessary fragmentation, keeping expectations high, and building systems that survive beyond any one individual.
Whether you are a SENCO, trust leader, headteacher, teacher or LSA, there is plenty here to think deeply about. - Get your tickets for the TDaPE Conference Online
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/subscribe
AI For Teachers newsletter
For maths curriculum questions contact us here or via support@alta-education.com
Learn more about The Story of Maths - www.alta-education.com/tsom-overview and https://www.acel.pro
Episode 297: If you missed any June episodes, this is your way in. If you listened to them all, it might be another chance to hear them differently. Featuring wonderful guests on a range of pertinent topics from bilingual education to meaningful professional development and everything in between, this episode might just pique your interest... The Shiny Solution Trap: AI Tutors, Social Media Bans and How to Actually Support Vulnerable Pupils
27/06/2026 | 25 mins.Get your tickets for the TDaPE Conference Online
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/subscribe
AI For Teachers newsletter
For maths curriculum questions contact us here or via support@alta-education.com
Learn more about The Story of Maths - www.alta-education.com/tsom-overview and https://www.acel.pro
Episode 296: This week, I’m joined by Elliot Morgan for a return to our education news format, looking at the stories teachers should be paying attention to, the stories we might be sleeping on, and the writing worth reading.
We discuss proposed restrictions on social media for under-16s, the government’s new enrichment benchmarks, the trial of AI tutors for disadvantaged pupils, and why schools should be wary of shiny solutions that promise to solve deep educational problems without addressing curriculum, assessment, teacher expertise and funding.
We also recommend recent pieces on prior knowledge, SEND practice, and the danger of assuming that familiar interventions are effective simply because they are familiar.
A short episode, but pound for pound, worth its weight in gold.
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About Thinking Deeply about Primary Education
Welcome to Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, the podcast that gives you a peek inside the minds of some truly inspirational primary teachers. Whether you're new to the profession or a school leader with tons of experience this podcast is a must listen. For references, links and extended cut video episodes head over to www.thinkingdeeply.info
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