HFL Education

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 MiljkovicQuestions? Email [email protected] 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 MiljkovicQuestions? Email [email protected] 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 MiljkovicQuestions? Email [email protected] 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 MiljkovicQuestions? Email [email protected] 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 MiljkovicQuestions? Email [email protected] 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 MiljkovicQuestions? Email [email protected] 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 MiljkovicQuestions? Email [email protected] 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-moreTo read blogs from Michael Gray and others from our company on topics that support equality, diversity and inclusion, visit https://hfl.mobi/HfLPrideHFL 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 a very special episode released to commemorate Stephen Lawrence Day on Friday 22nd April, Herts for Learning welcomes the Hon Stuart Lawrence to Ed Talks UK. Stuart is the younger brother of Stephen Lawrence, who was murdered in an unprovoked racist attack in 1993 at the age of 18. Stuart who was 16 at the time when the incident took place, now works as an educator and motivational speaker, dedicated to helping to transform the life chances of young people. Joining presenter Jaysica Marvell, was Herts for Learning’s Head of Customer Services/EDI Officer, Andrew Brown, along with newly appointed Race Equality Adviser, Toks Olusamokun who talked to Stuart about the importance of developing anti-racism strategies and tools for schools. They also talked about the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement, his work on The Black Curriculum, and finally his book, "Silence is Not An Option: Find Your Voice and Be Your Best Self” which was released on paperback on 7th April this year. For more information about Herts for Learning and other organisations, please find the following helpful information. Our upcoming 2022 Wellbeing Conference, “Building Futures: Growing pupil empowerment and agency”, takes place on Wednesday 15th June 2022. Amongst other esteemed guests and speakers, also features, Eugene Ellis, Director of The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network and Psychotherapist who will be giving his talk on: “Meeting the challenge of the race conversation”. For more information visit: https://www.hertsforlearning.co.uk/events/2022-wellbeing-conference-building-futures-growing-pupil-empowerment-and-agency For details of the support and services for schools available from our Wellbeing Team including support on Equalities and Anti-bullying, anti-prejudice and anti-abuse: https://www.hertsforlearning.co.uk/teaching-and-learning/pupil-wellbeing Read our blogs on Diversity and Equality: https://www.hertsforlearning.co.uk/blog?keywords=&sort_bef_combine=search_api_relevance_DESC&blog%5B0%5D=additional_tags%3A427 For more information about Stephen Lawrence Day, please visit: https://stephenlawrenceday.org/ Stuart’s latest book available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silence-Not-Option-Find-Voice/dp/0702316911/ For more information on The Black Curriculum visit: https://theblackcurriculum.comHFL 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.  

June O’Sullivan MBE , CEO, London Early Years Foundation joins Mireille MacRaild, Education Services Director - Early Years at HfL to discuss the impact of the pandemic on children’s learning and development in the EYFS and some of the innovative pedagogy used to counteract this.  June will be providing the keynote address at the HfL National Early Years Conference, Childhood development: a fresh look at the curriculum on Wednesday 3rd March 2022 with her talk entitled "Keeping children at the heart of pedagogy” Find out more at hertsforlearning.co.uk/national-early-years-conference 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.  

Lucky Khera, HfL Lead Early Years Adviser talks with Ben Kingston Hughes to gain an insight into what experiences have shaped his pedagogical thinking and what should be considered within the curriculum that enable all children to have a really positive start to their educational journey. Ben will be delivering a thought provoking workshop, ‘Expressions of Joy and Nurture: Creating Enriched Environments for Communication and Language’ at our online national early years conference, "Child development; A fresh look at the curriculum” on Wednesday 2nd March 2022. Find out more at hertsforlearning.co.uk/national-early-years-conferenceHFL 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.  

Rebecca Collins, HfL Senior Early Years Adviser talks with Shaddai Tembo, Lecturer in early childhood studies, about creating an inclusive curriculum, pedagogy and practice in early years settings and classes, ensuring both adults and children have access to psychologically safe spaces in which they can learn and develop. They discuss how understanding and celebrating difference can support staff, children and parents to ensure inclusion for all and challenge unconscious.  Shaddai will be joining us to explore ‘Boys and Girls Unlimited: Promoting a gender diverse curriculum in the early years’ at our National Early Years Conference, "Child development; A fresh look at the curriculum' on Wednesday 2nd March 2022.Find out more at hertsforlearning.co.uk/national-early-years-conferenceHFL 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.  

Michael Gray, HfL Teaching and Learning adviser (primary) talks about the importance of diverse literature in the primary classroom - especially LGBTQ+ literature - reflecting on his own experiences and the impact of section 28. Hear Michael's talk, What does diversity look like in schools?  Outcomes and impact from our Explore & Engage unit: And Tango makes three at the HfL Primary English conference, "'That's me!': Ensuring diverse representation across the Primary English curriculum" https://www.hertsforlearning.co.uk/national-primary-english-conferenceHFL 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.  

Martin Galway, HfL Teaching and Learning adviser English (primary) talks about the importance of developing empathy and its benefits for the child, society and educational outcomes in advance of our Primary English conference, "'That's me!': Ensuring diverse representation across the Primary English curriculum" Find out more: hertsforlearning.co.uk/national-primary-english-conferenceHFL 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 this episode of Ed Talks UK, we speak with Rachel Macfarlane & Mireille MacRaild about assessment within schools & early years settings. 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.  

We speak to Kate Mouncey, Associate Assistant Head Teacher & Director of Sixth Form at Sandringham School, about schools and environmental sustainability. This episode talks about the work Kate is doing and provides tips and advice for schools who are looking to go green. Take a look at some more resources to help your school tackle climate change by visiting hertsforlearning.co.uk/climate-action-schools.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 this episode of EdTalksUK we speak with Charlotte Jackson about the benefits of exploring the great outdoors & what schools can do to ensure children maintain a healthy connection with nature. 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.  

We speak with Lead Wellbeing Advisor Karin Hutchinson about the rhythms we all have in our lives & how COVID-19 has forced us to rethink these patterns. 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 this episode Mireille MacRaid & Andrew Boyes discuss the upcoming early years curriculum changes & how Early Years practitioners can start preparing.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 this episode, Ben Fuller speaks about Assessment in a constantly shifting landscape, and some tips for primary assessment currently. 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.  

This week, we speak with the Herts for Learning Governance team about what it means to be a Governor in the current climate, the experiences & challenges faced and the support offered by our team.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 the first episode of EdTalksUK, we speak with Penny Slater & Liz Allpress about getting schools back on track during the impacts of COVID-19. 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 this episode of EdTalksUK, we speak with Director of Education Services Rachel Macfarlane about the impacts of COVID-19 on the education sector, bridging the gap for disadvantaged students & the innovative ways schools have evolved in the last year. 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.