Putting well-being first: the school that changed children’s education by prioritising mental health
Four years ago, Carr Mill Primary School in St Helens, Merseyside, embarked on a new whole-school approach to mental health that has delivered some remarkable results.Overcoming hurdles such as low attendance, limited aspirations and a lack of trust among families, the school has experienced a 75% decrease in referrals to tier three mental health services, improved attendance, fewer persistent absences, and much more. Its approach earned the school the Pupil Mental Health Initiative of the Year award in the 2025 Tes Schools Awards.But what does a whole-school approach to mental health look like in practice? From embedding ‘botheredness’ and curriculum time to sing-alongs, social media and staff training, Carr Mill Primary’s deputy head teacher for pastoral and inclusion Katie Alexander shares the school’s journey with NAHT assistant general secretary James Bowen.For more insightful and engaging discussions on key issues in education and school leadership, explore NAHT’s online magazine, Leadership Focus.
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Allergies in schools: supporting leaders, teachers and students
In the wake of the tragic death of 15-year-old Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who died in 2016 from an allergic reaction to sesame seeds in the dough of a baguette, her parents founded the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. It campaigned for changes to food labelling laws and works to raise awareness about food allergies. In October 2021, Natasha’s Law was implemented in the UK, requiring full labelling of ingredients on all prepacked food.In this episode, Natasha’s mother, Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE, joins NAHT assistant general secretary James Bowen to discuss the free training and resources available for schools through the foundation's Allergy School programme. She also highlights simple steps that school leaders can take to support students with allergies.To learn more visit allergyschool.org.uk. For more insightful and engaging discussions on key issues in education and school leadership, explore NAHT’s online magazine, Leadership Focus.
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Inspiring Leadership – part two
How can you effectively manage conflict? What qualities define great leadership? In what ways should schools implement artificial intelligence? In this episode, you'll hear insights from Chris Packham CBE, Jaz Ampaw-Farr, Darren Coxon, Liz Robinson and Jill Berry as they explore these questions and discuss issues central to education and leadership. This is the second of our special episodes bringing you conversations from this year’s Inspiring Leadership Conference. Find out more about the Inspiring Leadership Conference in 2026. For more insightful and engaging discussions on key issues in education and school leadership, explore NAHT’s online magazine Leadership Focus. If you’d like updates on school news and education policy sent straight to your phone, join NAHT on WhatsApp. Make sure you click the bell icon in the top right corner so you’re notified when we send a message.
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Inspiring Leadership – part one
In this episode, we explore the art of decision-making, the importance of ‘botheredness’, the dynamics of people-pleasing, and much more. Join us to hear unique insight for school leaders from Olympic gold medal-winning rower Ben Hunt-Davis, NAHT president Rachel Younger, Hywel Roberts, Astrid Korin and Maggie Farrar, and others.They spoke to the School Leadership Podcast at the Inspiring Leadership Conference 2025. Held in June at the ICC Birmingham, this annual conference offers school leaders professional development, leadership insights and practical strategies to inspire school improvement.Find out more about the Inspiring Leadership Conference in 2026.
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Rethinking teacher appraisal
The removal of performance-related pay in 2024 marked a turning point in how schools approach teacher appraisal. But why was performance-related pay a problem in schools? What does the research actually tell us? And what do teachers really need for meaningful professional growth?Gareth Conyard, director of education at the Teacher Development Trust (TDT), and Andrea Bean, its research and evaluation manager, answer these questions and more in this conversation with NAHT assistant general secretary James Bowen.The TDT’s new research report offers school leaders clear, evidence-based recommendations for designing developmental appraisal systems in schools, with a one-page guide created specifically for school leaders. Find out more.School leaders who are interested in taking part in a forum to discuss the challenges and opportunities around teacher appraisal are invited to join a TDT-led session taking place from 9.30am to 11am on Thursday 19 June 2025. Register here.
In NAHT's podcast series, you'll hear interviews with some of the leading voices in education and conversations about issues at the heart of leadership and learning.
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