In this episode of Leading With, Nicola Romaine is joined by Dr Tim Mills, lead drafter for primary English in the revised national curriculum, to unpack the research behind writing, cognitive load, sentence structure and motivation.

From handwriting and spelling to AI, working memory and why writing is actually harder than reading, this practical conversation explores what schools need to know to support confident, capable writers.

In this episode of Leading With, Alex Russell OBE and Dr Sarah Alcock unpack what’s really happening in schools right now.

With most teachers already using AI, leadership can’t afford to sit back. This episode explores how to move from awareness to whole school implementation without losing control.

AI is already in your classrooms. It’s time to lead.

Focusing on Reception, we explore what strong foundations really look like, why waiting isn’t the answer, and how early identification and targeted support can close gaps before they widen.

A must-listen for school leaders and EYFS teachers looking to take a more confident, effective approach to early phonics.

They explore what Ofsted 2026 really looks like in practice, from leadership pressure to the realities of data, provision and professional judgement.

Laura shares honest insight into how inclusion is approached, what inspectors are really looking for, and how leaders can prepare with confidence.

A must-listen for EYFS leads, headteachers and SLT navigating inspection in today’s landscape.

In this episode of Leading With, Pete Mattock is joined by Rob Jennings to explore dyscalculia, a widely misunderstood learning difficulty affecting how learners understand and work with numbers.

We cover what dyscalculia is, how it differs from maths anxiety, why it’s often missed, and what school leaders can do to better support pupils and staff.

Because this isn’t about lowering expectations. It’s about removing barriers so every learner can access maths.

In this episode of Leading With, Tracie Butterfill speaks with Jo Tregenza, President of the UK Literacy Association, about why talk, play and relationships are the true foundations of literacy in the early years.

Discover practical ways educators and families can build language rich environments, support reading for pleasure and help children make meaning from stories long before formal reading begins.

Using insights from Teacher Tapp data, they explore workload, behaviour, CPD, AI in classrooms and what school leaders can learn from the real voices of teachers.

In this episode of Leading With, Tracie Butterfill speaks with Amber Ogunsanya-William, inclusive play advocate and NSPCC Champion for Childhood, about why play builds resilience, belonging and achievement.

From growing up in an adventure playground to influencing national conversations on childhood, Amber shares why protecting play is essential if education is serious about raising standards and preparing children to be life ready, not just test ready.

In this episode of Leading With, Laura Brogan, National Phonics and Early Reading Lead at Twinkl, is joined by Kali Jauncey- Childs, National Early Years and Phonics Lead at Oasis Community Learning

Together, they discuss leading phonics across a multi academy trust, embedding joy into early reading, and balancing consistency with inclusion at scale. From developing a love of reading through Book Wings to preparing for the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, this episode offers practical insight for leaders and teachers shaping early literacy.

Sir Martyn reflects on the new Ofsted framework, its focus on collaboration, inclusion and supporting improvement, particularly for the most vulnerable children. The conversation also explores early years, school readiness and the importance of professional dialogue in reducing pressure and improving outcomes.

In this episode of Leading With, Michelle Windridge, National EYFS Lead for Schools at Twinkl, is joined by Alex Armstrong, Headteacher, and Anna Hughes, EYFS Lead, from Bloemfontein Primary School to discuss using school based nursery grant funding to open a baby room and expand early years provision.

They share practical insight into funding, delivery challenges, and why investing early can make a lasting difference for children and families.

They explore neuroplasticity, play based phonics, dyslexia, and why the early years are a critical window for developing reading skills, confidence and access to the wider curriculum. A practical and insightful conversation for educators and parents supporting children from birth to five.

In this episode of Leading With, host Pete Mattock is joined by Dr Tom Crawford, mathematician, public engagement lead at the University of Oxford, and creator of Tom Rocks Maths.

Tom shares insights from his viral GCSE maths experiment, his work with Oxford and Cambridge admissions, and his experience as a numbers expert on Countdown. Together, they explore how problem solving really develops, why confidence matters more than speed, and how teachers and leaders can improve engagement in maths across their school communities.

This episode offers practical ideas for school leaders and maths leads, including building a positive maths culture, tackling maths anxiety among pupils and parents, and using real world contexts to make maths meaningful and accessible.

Perfect for headteachers, senior leaders, and maths leaders looking to strengthen confidence, engagement, and problem solving in mathematics.

Drawing on decades of leadership across PRUs, special schools and multi-academy trusts, Stuart explains why pupil premium alone won’t shift long-term outcomes, how belonging underpins attendance and behaviour, and why schools cannot tackle disadvantage alone.

A concise, insightful listen for leaders focused on sustainable change.

This episode explores community partnerships, reading for pleasure and the human side of early literacy. Perfect for leaders who want to build equitable reading cultures and give every child the chance to thrive.

Twinkl National Arts Lead Karen Stretch and CEO of Young Voices, Ben Lewis, explore explore the essential role teachers play, the widening gap in arts access, and why large scale cultural experiences can change expectations for pupils who need it most. Ben also reflects on what strong culture looks like, how leaders can protect it, and why joy and playfulness matter just as much as rigour.

An inspiring listen for school leaders interested in culture, creativity and the transformative impact of meaningful arts education.

In this trailer, discover what you can expect from upcoming episodes. From curriculum changes and staffing to inspections, wellbeing, inclusion, and AI, Leading With… brings you expert voices and lived experiences from across the sector- all in 30-minute episodes designed to fit into your busy day.