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Falling rolls and declining pupil numbers are putting increasing pressure on school leaders, with funding, staffing, class sizes and curriculum planning all affected.  So how can school leaders respond to falling rolls while protecting the quality of education they provide? In this episode, Catherine Loake is joined by Anne Peck, Director of Primary and Early Years Education services at HFL Education, to explore the practical challenges of managing falling pupil numbers.  They explore what is within a school leaders control, how to manage finances, staffing and organisational design when a fall in pupil numbers is on the horizon, as well as when schools may need to consider mixed-age classes. They also discuss how working proactively with governors, collaborating with neighbouring schools and rethinking how smaller schools operate can create opportunities that can come from becoming more agile and innovative, while recognising the difficult decisions that falling rolls can create. Whether you're a headteacher, school business leader, governor or trust leader facing falling pupil numbers, this episode offers practical advice and ideas to help you plan ahead, manage financial pressures and build a sustainable future for your school. Host: Catherine Loake (Director of Business Services, HFL Education) Guest: Anne Peck (Director of Primary and Early Year Education Services, HFL Education) Created by: Rachel Lodge, Paul Hayward, Biljana Miljkovic Questions? Email [email protected] HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning)  is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.

Recruitment and retention remain one of the greatest challenges facing education, but attracting people into schools is only part of the solution. As the workforce evolves, school leaders must rethink how they recruit, develop and retain talented staff in a changing world of work. In part 2 of their conversation, Catherine Loake and Alex Tomkins, Headteacher of Greenside School, explore how generational change, shifting employee expectations and advances in technology are reshaping the future of the education workforce.  Together, they discuss what Gen Z is looking for in an employer, why flexibility, purpose and work-life balance matter more than ever, and how schools can adapt their people strategies to meet these expectations. The conversation also explores the future of specialist education, and why schools should focus less on finding the "perfect" candidate and more on recruiting people with the right values and supporting them to succeed. Host: Catherine Loake (Director of Business Services, HFL Education) Guest: Alex Tomkins (Headteacher, Greenside) Created by: Rachel Lodge, Paul Hayward, Biljana Miljkovic Questions? Email [email protected] HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning)  is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.

Recruitment and retention are some of the biggest challenges facing schools, with staff shortages, rising absence and increasing workload placing significant pressure on leaders. But are schools asking the right questions, and what can leaders do differently to build a sustainable workforce for the future? In this episode, Catherine Loake is joined by Alex Tomkins, Headteacher of Greenside School, to explore how schools can move beyond simply filling vacancies and develop a long-term people strategy that supports recruitment, retention and staff wellbeing.  Drawing on his experience at Greenside Alex shares practical examples of how investing in coaching, flexible working and values-led recruitment has helped strengthen culture and reduce burnout. Host: Catherine Loake (Director of Business Services, HFL Education) Guest: Alex Tomkins (Headteacher, Greenside) Created by: Rachel Lodge, Paul Hayward, Biljana Miljkovic Questions? Email [email protected] HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning)  is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.

School complaints are a normal part of educational leadership, but what happens when a complaint becomes persistent, unreasonable or impossible to resolve? As schools face increasingly complex complaints, leaders are finding themselves spending significant amounts of time managing situations that can quickly become overwhelming. In this episode, Catherine Loake is joined by HFL Education Complaints Manager Paul Davis to explore what constitutes a vexatious complaint and how school leaders can respond. The conversation also examines communication restrictions, the role of governance, the risks of acting too quickly, and the balance between protecting staff wellbeing while ensuring genuine concerns are heard. Packed with practical advice this episode provides school leaders with a clear framework for managing some of the most challenging complaints they may face, while maintaining focus on what matters most: delivering excellent education. Host: Catherine Loake (Director of Business Services, HFL Education) Guest: Paul Davis (Complaints Manager, HFL Education) Created by: Rachel Lodge, Paul Hayward, Biljana Miljkovic Questions? Email [email protected] HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning)  is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.

As AI transforms the way we communicate, it is also changing the nature of complaints received by schools.  In this episode Catherine Loake is joined by Emma Murray, Headteacher of Camps Hill Primary School and Co-CEO of The Claxton Trust to discuss how is effecting complaint volume, tone and escalation, as well as the effect on relationships and teacher well being. Packed with real-world experience, this episode offers school leaders strategies to manage relationships, strengthen communication through listening and manage complaints confidently in the age of AI. Bite-sized listening for headteachers, CEOs, school business leaders and governors, the series helps leaders step back from day-to-day pressures, reflect on the bigger picture, and explore practical ways to lead their organisations sustainably and strategically. Host: Catherine Loake (Director of Business Services, HFL Education) Guest: Emma Murray (Headteacher, Camps Hill Primary School and Co-CEO, The Claxton Trust) Created by: Rachel Lodge, Paul Hayward, Biljana Miljkovic Questions? Email [email protected] HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning)  is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.

Catherine Loake is joined once again by Carol Bennett to explore the growing contradictions within the education system and the impact these tensions are having on school leaders. The conversation examines the increasing fragmentation across education policy and practice, from school place planning and financial accountability to inclusion, SEND provision, Ofsted, falling rolls, and the competing expectations placed on education professionals. Bite-sized listening for headteachers, CEOs, school business leaders and governors, the series helps leaders step back from day-to-day pressures, reflect on the bigger picture, and explore practical ways to lead their organisations sustainably and strategically. Host: Catherine Loake (Director of Business Services) Guest: Carole Bennett (CEO) Created by: Rachel Lodge, Paul Hayward, Biljana Miljkovic Questions? Email [email protected]. HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning)  is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.

Change is a constant in school, but not all change is created equal. While curriculum developments are often embraced, changes to systems, processes, and back-office functions can prove far more challenging. In this episode, Catherine Loake, Director of Business Services at HFL Education, is joined by HR expert Hena Mahmood to explore why change can feel so difficult in school settings, and what leaders can do to make it more successful. Drawing on extensive experience supporting schools and trusts, Hena highlights the human side of change, how change effects culture and the importance of communication. Successful change is not just about having the right strategy, but about taking people with you, creating a shared purpose, communicating clearly, and investing time in listening and support.  With realities of modern headship, how can leaders navigate change when there is resistance? Bite-sized listening for headteachers, CEOs, school business leaders and governors, the series helps leaders step back from day-to-day pressures, reflect on the bigger picture, and explore practical ways to lead their organisations sustainably and strategically. Host: Catherine Loake (Director of Business Services) Guest: Hena Mahmood  (Service Development Lead) Created by: Rachel Lodge, Paul Hayward, Biljana Miljkovic Questions? Email [email protected]. HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning)  is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.

To insource or to outsource? That is the question.  In this episode, Catherine Loake, Director of Business Services at HFL Education, is joined by Jackie Keegan, Head of Financial Services, to unpack the realities behind insourcing and outsourcing in schools and trusts. Drawing on over 27 years of experience Jackie explores why there is no one-size-fits-all answer, why flexibility is key and how school leaders can rethink traditional service models, shift towards outcome-focused conversations with suppliers, and find the confidence to do things differently. Practical and thought-provoking, this episode encourages leaders to stay agile and continually review how services are delivered ensuring the best outcomes for pupils while maintaining financial sustainability. Bite-sized listening for headteachers, CEOs, school business leaders and governors, the series helps leaders step back from day-to-day pressures, reflect on the bigger picture, and explore practical ways to lead their organisations sustainably and strategically. Host: Catherine Loake (Director of Business Services) Guest: Jackie Keegan (Head of Financial Services) Created by: Rachel Lodge, Paul Hayward, Biljana Miljkovic Questions? Email [email protected]. HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning)  is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.

As financial pressures across education continue to intensify, more and more schools are finding themselves approaching, or already in, deficit. In this episode, Catherine Loake, Director of Business Services at HFL Education, is joined by Lisa Holroyd, Head of Academies Finance, to explore what school leaders can do when finances become unsustainable. Together, they unpack the reality behind the “perfect storm” facing schools: rising costs, increasing SEND needs, falling pupil numbers, and shrinking funding. With many schools feeling they’ve already cut everything they can, this episode tackles the difficult question — what’s left to do? Bite-sized listening for headteachers, CEOs, school business leaders and governors, the series helps leaders step back from day-to-day pressures, reflect on the bigger picture, and explore practical ways to lead their organisations sustainably and strategically. Host: Catherine Loake (Director of Business Services) Guest: Lisa Holroyd (Head of Academies Finance) Created by: Rachel Lodge, Paul Hayward, Biljana Miljkovic Questions? Email [email protected]. HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning)  is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.

Technology in schools can be a powerful tool, or a significant burden. In this episode, Catherine Loake, Director of Business Services at HFL Education, is joined by Zoran Dimitrijevic, Head of Technology in Schools, to explore why some schools thrive with technology while others struggle. They unpack the two critical ingredients for success: a clear strategy and governance framework, and choosing the right IT delivery partner. With growing cyber threats, evolving digital expectations, and increasing financial pressures, getting this balance right has never been more important. This honest and jargon-free episode offers school leaders clear guidance on navigating complex technology decisions; helping them move from being burdened by IT to truly benefiting from it. Bite-sized listening for headteachers, CEOs, school business leaders and governors, the series helps leaders step back from day-to-day pressures, reflect on the bigger picture, and explore practical ways to lead their organisations sustainably and strategically. Host: Catherine Loake (Director of Business Services) Guest: Zoran Dimitrijevic (Head of Technology in Schools) Created by: Rachel Lodge, Paul Hayward, Biljana Miljkovic Questions? Email [email protected]. HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning)  is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.

School leaders are under unprecedented pressure. With growing responsibilities, rising costs, and limited budgets, the challenge of delivering high-quality education while maintaining financial stability has never been greater. In this episode, Catherine Loake, Director of Business Services at HFL Education, sits down with CEO Carole Bennett to explore how school leaders can navigate the reality of “doing more with less.” The HFL Education Business Services Podcast is a series of short, practical conversations designed for busy school leaders navigating an increasingly complex landscape. Hosted by Catherine Loake, Director of Business Services at HFL Education, each episode brings together expert insight, real-world experience, and honest discussion about the pressures facing schools today. Bite-sized listening for headteachers, CEOs, school business leaders and governors, the series helps leaders step back from day-to-day pressures, reflect on the bigger picture, and explore practical ways to lead their organisations sustainably and strategically. Host: Catherine Loake (Director of Business Services) Guest: Carole Bennett (CEO) Created by: Rachel Lodge, Paul Hayward, Biljana Miljkovic Questions? Email [email protected]. HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning)  is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.

In our first episode Shammi and Rachel about how vital RE is. Now listen to them discuss the Child Q case, race equity and advice to young people and headteachers. HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning)  is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.

Listen to Shammi Rahman, HFL Education’s Race Equality Adviser and Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England discuss the importance of RE for young people and bringing communities together in our special 2-parter podcast episode. HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning)  is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.

For our first podcast episode of the 2022/23 academic year, HFL Primary English Advisers, Kathy Roe and Juliet McCullion discuss all things Reading Fluency with special guests from the renowned Education Endowment Foundation (EEF).   Sarah Green is the former EEF Content Specialist for Literacy. She leads literacy in her Trust and works as Assistant Headteacher across mainstream and special secondary schools within The Prospere Learning Trust, South Manchester. She is also a Voice21 National Oracy Leader and an Evidence Lead in Education with Manchester Communication Research School. During her seventeen years in education, Sarah has taught English across a range of schools with a particular focus on improving literacy, oracy and SEND provision.  Alex leads the development and quality assurance of EEF tools, resources and training. He manages the coordination of multiple campaigns to ensure engagement with EEF evidence. Prior to joining the EEF in 2018, he worked as an English teacher for 15 years. He was director of the Huntington research school in York. You may well be familiar with his celebrated books such as ‘Closing the Vocabulary Gap’ and ‘Closing the Writing Gap’.  Find out more about HFL’s Reading Fluency Project.  The EEF Fluency tools, some of which were designed in collaboration with HFL, can be found here : https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/guidance-reports/literacy-ks2   HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning)  is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.

At Herts for Learning we are committed to supporting and welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and lived experiences to feel connected, authentic and have a sense of belonging within our diverse community while supporting our core purpose. In this podcast we discuss  LGBTQ+ issues in schools and settings, including how teachers can implement a framework and what resources are available. We examine concerns raised around teaching children and young  people the topic of LGBTQ+, and the let 'children be children' debate; also, the recent 'Don't say gay' bill being implemented across the USA, and what the impact similar legislation would have on UK LGBTQ+ pupils. This episode was presented by Charlie Firmin, Content Marketing Assistant at Herts for Learning (HfL), who identifies as a gay woman and uses the pronouns she/her. Charlie was joined by Karin Hutchinson, Lead Wellbeing Advisor for HFL. Karin identifies as heterosexual and uses the pronouns, she/her. She began her working life as a teacher but left the classroom when the Thatcher government established Section 28 prohibiting the "promotion of homosexuality" by local authorities. She was instructed by her employers at the time to discontinue her pastoral support for a sixth former who was beginning their journey in identifying  as gay. Since 1997, she has worked in a range of roles involving a focus on equality in education and has led significant work on LGBT diversity and inclusion in Hertfordshire schools since 2003. Also joining Charlie was Michael Gray, who identifies as a gay man and uses the pronouns he/him. Michael has been working in primary education for over ten years including a time as a Primary  English Adviser at HfL. He is now working at Gamlingay Village Primary School (GVP) in Cambridgeshire where he is the soon to be assistant head . He is also the diversity lead for the Cam Academy Trust, of which GVP is a part of. For more information about Herts for Learning’s services towards supporting LGBQT education and other Wellbeing services, visit: https://www.hertsforlearning.co.uk/teaching-andlearning/pupil-wellbeing or contact [email protected].  To read more about Charlie and her experiences, read our latest blog, “Proud to be part of something more” visit https://www.hertsforlearning.co.uk/blog/proud-be-part-something-more To read blogs from Michael Gray and others from our company on topics that support equality,  diversity and inclusion, visit https://hfl.mobi/HfLPride HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning)  is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.