Persistent absence: What can schools do?

One in 10 pupils are considered to fall into the category of being persistently absent, meaning they miss 10 per cent or more of school sessions. So why do these pupils continue to stay away and what can schools do about it?

EAL strategies for multilingual classrooms

The diversity to be found in today's classrooms requires that EAL strategies be embedded within pedagogy and teaching and learning. Kamil Trzebiatowski offers some advice and signposts free resources

Working effectively with vulnerable children

There are many things schools and teachers can do – both little and large – to understand and support vulnerable children. Educational psychotherapist Angela Greenwood advises

Coaching: A solution to leadership burn-out?

New research shows that coaching may be an effective solution to potential burn-out among school professionals, including leaders. Viv Grant and Professor Rachel Lofthouse outline their findings

Difficult conversations

All this year, National Leader of Education Helen Frostick is offering term-by-term advice for new headteachers to help them prioritise their work and reflect on areas for improvement and focus. This time, she focuses on one of the most challenging areas for new leaders – difficult conversations

Language difficulties: Assessment and action

Given the importance of language skills, the assessment of difficulties early on is vital. SENCO Nicky Parrott discusses her schools' approach to spotting problems and some of their interventions to improve outcomes

Brutal or a blessing? Reactions to the new EIF

Headteachers have described the new Ofsted inspection regime as ‘brutal’. Unsurprisingly, the chief inspector disagrees. Suzanne O'Connell looks for the truth behind the impact of the EIF so far

FGM: Your responsibilities

Teachers in England and Wales are subject to the duty to report FGM. What does this mean in practical terms and how should you advise and train staff to ensure compliance? Suzanne O'Connell recaps the duty

Using music effectively as part of your lessons

Music is a powerful tool that teachers can embrace in the classroom to help encourage, calm, motivate, inspire and more. Fiona Aubrey-Smith offers some pointers

Trauma-informed practice

The symptoms of ADHD, autism and other common child diagnoses often match those of childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences. Dr Margot Sunderland looks at the implications