Our insights
We are committed to ‘learning in the open’—sharing our insights openly and honestly, while actively inviting engagement and further exploration to drive collective progress towards a brighter future for all babies, children and young people.
The case for strengthening family-school coherence
The 'social contract' between schools and families is shifting, often marked by challenges like declining attendance, persistent absence and increasing mistrust. Yet, for Verity Howorth, this moment also offers an opportunity to reimagine these partnerships. By fostering coherent, asset-based relationships, schools can enhance family engagement, benefiting students, communities, and long-term outcomes.
Spotlight on: Harchester Children’s Initiative
Harchester Children's Initiative started as a small, single-town pilot a few miles east of Tamworth. Today, it serves thousands of children and families across Staffordshire, helping its communities to achieve life-changing social and economic mobility. In this article, Victoria Hirst and Sam Fitzpatrick draw out some of the principles underpinning their success in breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
From cringe to connection: Strengthening staff bonds for student success
While we often focus on student outcomes, the dynamics between colleagues can make or break a school’s success and sustainability. From managing conflicts to fostering genuine connections, we know the way we interact with one another has a profound impact on both our well-being and effectiveness. In this article, Verity explores some practical strategies for cultivating trust and collaboration among staff, transforming these relationships into a powerful lever for achieving educational excellence.
Doughnut education? From rigour to resilience
Drawing inspiration from James Vincent's ‘Beyond Measure’ and Kate Raworth's ‘Doughnut Economics,’ James Townsend explores the limitations of our current measures of success in education. By reimagining schools as ‘regenerative institutions’, James proposes a new paradigm that balances academic rigour with the well-being and long-term thriving of the whole school community.
The final piece of the curriculum puzzle
In the first of this series, Jon Hutchinson introduces a key challenge in completing the curriculum revolution: smoothing the cracks between key stages. In this piece, Jon highlights some of the ‘low-hanging fruits’ and deeper collaborative opportunities our ‘Cradle-to-Career Partners’ have identified in their bid to ensure a more seamless educational journey for the children in their care.
Parent & pioneer: Transforming Early Years education in Feltham
Victoria Hirst explores Dawn Kiefer’s professional development journey; highlighting the broader impact she and her pioneering peers are having on Early Years education in our local community.
Bacon sandwiches and academic excellence: an unlikely alliance
Victoria Hirst explores how Holyrood Academy in Chard, Somerset, is spearheading a collective impact initiative. By collaborating with community leaders, local authorities, and businesses, the school aims to combat rural poverty and improve student outcomes through innovative, cross-sector partnerships.
Hearts vs handbooks? Relationship-centred practice in schools
Director of Training, Verity Howorth, spoke with newly appointed headteacher (and West100 alum), Jonathan Black, to explore the tension between structured frameworks and authentic relationships in schools; emphasising the importance of relational practice.
Palatial idealism and scrappy ingenuity: Embracing Jugaad in education
Despite financial constraints and crumbling schools, innovative approaches like 'jugaad' and workarounds are helping. By leveraging existing resources and fostering community collaboration, schools can still make significant strides in improving education amidst scarcity.