Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resources

How does community engagement unlock additional funding for schools? In this roundtable episode four sector leaders share lessons learned: Justin Smith, Vicki Newsome, Matthew Smith MBE and Richard Manville.  Listen for practical insights into: The benefits of community engagement Why income generators need flexibility and resilience Getting your support and evidence clear from the start Putting together beneficiary-shaped projects The importance of donor motivation and internal buy-in Stakeholder and skill mapping Small quick wins to get started and the power of regular donations Using AI as a time-saving tool (NOT to write your bids) The vital role of thank you. “I just remember what it will do to those children and to those families to support them. If it can keep children and families together then we've more than exceeded.” “Canva is my friend in school. It’s my lifeline!” With 20 years’ experience in the education sector, Justin Smith provides specialist marketing, income generation and bid writing services through his company, Chameleon Consultancy and Training. He has secured over £7 million in additional income for schools. Vicki Newsome is School Business Manager at Burscough Village Primary School and Nursery in Lancashire. Vicki has generated over £300,000 additional income over the last two years, for a new nursery building and community sports zone, as well as securing funding for a counsellor to work across the local schools.  A seasoned fundraiser and community champion, Matthew Smith MBE is School Business Manager at Sheringham Woodfields School in Norfolk, for pupils with complex learning and health needs. The school’s specialised therapy centre is one of his most recent fundraising achievements. Richard Manville is Co-founder and Managing Director of Community Inspired, a social enterprise dedicated to communities, fundraising and volunteering. Through FundEd Richard helps schools access grants, run successful events, build recurring income and develop partnerships. Host Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about sustainable working: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities. Links and resources Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ Download 10 fundraising tips: https://createvalueschools.com/media/112-How-to-get-people-on-board-with-fundraising.pdf Matthew Smith’s decision-making evidence and support grid: https://createvalueschools.com/media/233-Evidence-and-support-decision-making-grid.pdf Support and resources from Justin Smith: https://chameleon-training.co.uk/ FundEd and PTA+ websites: https://www.funded.org.uk/ and https://www.pta.co.uk/ Funding Wall, a digital fundraising platform: https://www.fundingwall.org.uk/ Example press release for the Community Unity Through Sports Project: https://burscough.lancsngfl.ac.uk/news/2025-10-13-burscough-village-primary-school-unveils-community-unity-through-sports-initiative Example of a video created using Canva to launch Phase 1 of the project: https://www.facebook.com/reel/4129028770716385?locale=en_GB About Sheringham Woodfields Therapeutic Centre: https://hudsonarchitects.co.uk/our-work/community-culture-education/schools/sheringham-woodfields-school/ About Woodfields Den Charity Shop: https://experiencesheringham.com/places/woodfields-den-charity-shop/ Host your own colour run: https://www.eventcolour.co.uk/ ISBL Professional Standards: https://www.isbl.org.uk/isbl-professional-standards More from Justin: https://createvalueschools.com/blog/optimism-and-opportunity-creating-an-income-generation-culture/ Who’s responsible for income generation in school? https://createvalueschools.com/blog/beyond-the-budget-why-income-generation-is-everyones-responsibility/ Chapters 00:00 Welcome and guests 01:28 Why community fundraising 06:55 Stakeholder mapping 08:23 Project pivot for community focus 12:15 Beneficiary-shaped projects for grant success 13.33 Prioritise for support and evidence 14:14 Practical engagement tactics 16.54 Linking up your team 18:39 Donor motivation and thanks 22.02 Put yourself out there and ask 25:35 Time and culture barriers 32:14 Mission driven impact story 35:23 Rapid fire top tips 40:50 Wrap up and resources #SustainableSchools #IncomeGeneration #SchoolBusinessLeadership #SchoolFundraising

Playtimes in schools are under pressure. Children are playing 50% less than a generation ago, behaviour is getting harder to manage, and playtime is getting squeezed out. In this episode, Liz Worthen talks to Positive Playtime champion Thérèse Hoyle – coach, author and founder of the Positive Playtime Award Programme – about why play is so vital for children's wellbeing, learning and resilience, and how schools can make it work in practice. We address common barriers to play in schools, including: How to navigate concerns about risky play, bring parents on board, and build a culture where children learn to assess risk themselves How to upskill and deploy lunchtime supervisors more effectively How to make equipment last longer and keep children more engaged How to make creative use of limited playground space with a zoning approach. Struggling with playground behaviour, staff deployment at lunchtime, or getting the most from a limited budget? Listen for straightforward, actionable ideas. Thérèse Hoyle is Director and Founder of Positive Playtimes and the Positive Playtime Award programme. An experienced coach and teacher, she regularly consults and advises schools on play, behaviour management, mental health, and the social and emotional needs of children and teens. Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about sustainable working: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities. Check out recommended reads in the Creating Value in Schools bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/createvalueschools Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ Thérèse’s books: https://positive-playtimes.com/product-category/books/ Read about why play matters: https://positive-playtimes.com/why-play-matters-the-hidden-cost-of-screens-and-a-play-poor-childhood/ Staff deployment examples: https://positive-playtimes.com/are-you-using-your-staffing-effectively-in-your-playground/ Access the why play matters report: https://positive-playtimes.com/why-play-matters/ Download the Raising the Nation Play Commission report: https://www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/play-commission Mental Health Foundation statistics: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/statistics/children-young-people-statistics Information from Play England: https://www.playengland.org.uk/ Access 10 playground games: https://positive-playtimes.com/free-playground-games/   00:00 Welcome and guest 00:57 Playtime crisis today 02:35 Why play gets squeezed 04:31 Screens and equity 07:28 When play works 09:58 Mud sticks and rules 12:20 Risky play fears 16:29 Staffing and training 23:16 Equipment craze cycle 28:26 Zoning concrete playgrounds 33:58 Books and final thoughts #education #sustainableschools #childhood

In this episode, Liz Worthen explores what happens when we listen first – and how it can actually save time and lead to better outcomes in schools. Aldaine Wynter, Director of International Mindedness, Diversity and Inclusion at Washington International School, reflects on spending his first year listening – meeting parents, staff and community groups before launching major initiatives, so he could “meet the community where they are.” Sean Harris from Tees Valley Education shares how social listening transformed a glossy school newsletter into a termly community magazine, co-produced with families, children and local partners. Leadership mentor Nickii Messer explores what it means to listen to understand in honest conversations – allowing space, avoiding assumptions, and using more collaborative language. Wendy Litherland describes how asking a homeless charity what was really needed led pupils to create support for dogs as well as people – deepening empathy and impact. Together, these examples show how listening first can build trust, strengthen collaboration, and lead to better outcomes in schools. Liz Worthen is an educator, researcher, podcaster and writer. Her career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development, creating resources which enable leaders to flourish in their roles. Creating Value in Schools is about the exploration of sustainable working in education, to secure better outcomes for learners and communities. Download top tips for an honest conversation: https://createvalueschools.com/media/79-Honest-conversation-checklist-guide.pdf More from Sean Harris on social listening in practice: https://createvalueschools.com/blog/social-listening-in-practice-books-beds-and-curious-myth-busting/ Fishbone analysis and five whys strategy: https://www.sec-ed.co.uk/content/best-practice/school-leadership-how-to-respond-to-and-solve-problems  Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ Podcasts featured in this episode Listening to the community: diversity and inclusion strategies for lasting impact, with Aldaine Wynter Know your place: how to tackle inequality in education, with Sean Harris Call them honest: conversations to empower, understand and resolve, with Nickii Messer From prom shop to polytunnel: sustaining eco-activity in school, with Wendy Litherland 00:00 Why listening matters 00:45 Aldaine listening tour 01:40 Drop In Sessions 03:13 Sean social listening 03:48 Newsletter feedback 06:12 Trust and coproduction 07:06 Nickii honest conversations 10:10 Assumptions and truth 10:53 Wendy unexpected needs 11:55 Dog bags breakthrough 12:45 Key takeaways and wrap #education #sustainableschools #leadership

Host Liz Worthen talks with Dee Higgins, therapeutic thinking lead and former PRU senior leader, about reducing stress for staff in schools and improving pupil behaviour through relational, restorative and reflective practice. Listen for: What a relational approach means (and why it’s not a soft option) Calmness, consistency and connection before correction Lunchtime equity and the importance of play The case for earlier intervention and ways to create hope Why transitions need more focus Tips for productive multi-agency working Recommended reads. ‘It doesn't mean that a relational approach is a soft option. It just means that we consider the behaviour curriculum and the positive responses that you can have with children to get them to think around their behaviour. And I firmly believe it extends beyond the classroom.’ After years of experience as a teacher and senior leader in an alternative provision setting, Dee Higgins is now Therapeutic Thinking Lead for a local authority. She also holds MAs in psychotherapy and in education leadership.  Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about sustainable working: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities. Check out Dee’s recommended reads in the Creating Value in Schools bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/createvalueschools What is OPAL? https://outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk/ Why play matters: https://theresehoyle.com/why-play-matters-the-hidden-cost-of-screens-and-a-play-poor-childhood/ Research from The Engagement Platform: https://www.tep.uk/research-and-resources/mind-the-engagement-gap-a-national-study-of-pupil-engagement-in-englands-schools Find out about the Rights Respecting Schools Award: https://www.unicef.org.uk/rights-respecting-schools/ How to create a positive behaviour culture: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/how-do-we-create-a-positive-behaviour-culture/ Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ 00:00 Welcome and focus 00:48 Therapeutic thinking role 02:50 Regulation over punishment 03:54 Connection before correction 06:19 What relational means 08:15 Beyond the classroom 11:37 Parents and co-production 12:53 Debating compliance 14:16 PRU lessons and early help 19:00 Transitions and belonging 21:47 Inclusion and value 23:03 Multi-agency collaboration 25:46 Recommended reading 28:12 Closing thanks   #behaviour #education #sustainableschools

‘One of the dangers is that we think it's a risk assessment and that it's only a paper exercise. And actually if you fall into that trap, you are missing out on the opportunity to navigate the organisation in a structured and considered way.’ Host Liz Worthen gets together with school business leadership champions Helen Burge and Emma Gray to talk about all things risk. Why does risk matter? Whose responsibility is it? Is it a tickbox at the end of your meeting agenda, or something more meaningful? We discuss: Risk as a proactive starting point for planning – not a reactive response.  The roles of leaders and governors in strategic risk management. The types of risk affecting schools and trusts currently.  The impact on pupils and the community if you don’t address risk.  Lines of defence – the role of internal scrutiny and the schools financial value standard (SFVS). Support for school business leaders with Risky Business events.  ‘It's the community and the pupils that will suffer if you don't look at risk or if you don't have those strategic plans.’ Emma Gray and Helen Burge have both been executive business leaders in trusts, and now support school business professionals through coaching, training and consultancy. Emma is a DfE accredited school resource management advisor, and Helen co-chairs the UK Schools Sustainability Network Operations Group. They are fans of risk management, internal scrutiny and operational excellence.  Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about sustainable working: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities. Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ Schools financial value standard (SFVS) checklist and guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-financial-value-standard Risky Business Manchester, 19 March 2026, 9am-12pm: https://shorturl.at/M7B9T Upcoming Risky Business Events: Launceston, 22 April 2026 Leeds, 21 May 2026 Isle of Wight, 17 September 2026 SBL Retreat 2026: Reflect, Restore & Reconnect: https://shorturl.at/Asy1p Diploma for School Business Managers: https://www.isbl.org.uk/level-4-ilm-diploma-for-school-business-managers Contact Emma Gray: 1stpillar.co.uk Contact Helen Burge: buoyantimpact.co.uk Browse the Creating Value in Schools bookshop: bookshop.org/shop/createvalueschools Top tips summary: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/top-tips-for-rethinking-risk/  #SustainableSchools #Education #SchoolBusinessLeadership

How do we prepare for the changing world of AI? James Browning, COO at Lift Schools, encourages us to think of artificial intelligence as a collaborator for tackling real world problems, not just tools and fancy tech. We reflect on his organisation’s journey so far, the potential positives of AI, and protecting what matters. Can AI help personalise learning? Reduce workload? Support high quality thinking? How do we ensure AI doesn’t exacerbate educational inequality?  How can the Three Horizons framework support your planning? How is AI saving time for staff? What do pupils need to know about AI?  What do we do about the environmental impact of AI?  What are your organisational guardrails? AI in a supporting role, not replacing teachers. ‘What really excites me about AI is it feels like genuinely now for the first time, we have a technology that can make a difference… And I think there is a risk that if we get it wrong, we could create a bigger divide and a bigger disadvantage gap.’ James Browning is Chief Operating Officer at Lift Schools, a Chair of Governors, and has previously worked in edtech roles. He’s on the DfE’s estates strategy group and digital standards working group.  Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and content development. Creating Value in Schools is all about working sustainably: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities.  Brisk Teaching: https://www.briskteaching.com/ James Browning on how Lift Schools is using and benefitting from AI: https://www.projecth.org.uk/post/embracing-ai-in-education-a-leadership-perspective-from-lift-schools Ethan Mollick on Substack: https://www.oneusefulthing.org/ AI training resources: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/ai-training-resources-for-schools 10 tips for implementing AI in education settings: https://createvalueschools.com/media/210-10-tips-for-implementing-AI-in-schools.pdf  Find recommended reads in the Creating Value in Schools bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/createvalueschools Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ #SustainableSchools #Education #ArtificialIntelligence

‘Things don't happen overnight... You've got to be in this for the long haul.’  Drawing on her 15 years’ experience as a school sustainability director, Wendy Litherland shares lessons learned in getting staff, pupils, governors and community members engaged in eco-action. How do you sustain impact and bring people together? Wendy talks about: Why making friends with the caretaker is your first priority Building bridges with the cleaners by minding muddy feet Learning from the wealth of experience in the PTA (as well as fundraising with them) Getting from jumble sale vibes to a popular prom shop The impact of a hot drink when you’re sleeping rough Teaching children for jobs that don’t exist yet How solar panels can be a learning resource, before they’re even installed.  Wendy Litherland combines her role as Associate Assistant Headteacher and Director of Sustainability at Accrington St Christopher’s CE High School with being Head of Education at Solar for Schools. She is a long-term eco-champion and co-facilitator of the Sustainability Learning Conference North West. Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about working sustainably: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities.  What is a circular economy? https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/what-is-a-circular-economy Download 10 tips for school climate activities: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/10-tips-for-integrating-climate-activities How green is your school: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/how-green-is-your-school Check your school’s solar viability: https://www.solarforschools.co.uk/ School example: https://www.solarforschools.co.uk/schools/accrington-st-christophers-church-of-england-high-school-bb5-4ay-137421 Education support from Solar for Schools: https://education.solarforschools.co.uk/ Wendy’s eco-group on X: https://x.com/Eco_Group Find recommended reads in the Creating Value in Schools bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/createvalueschools Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ #SustainableSchools #Education

‘Not only is it unsustainable, but it’s not delivering results.’ We bring together Benedicte Yue’s passion for inclusion with her financial expertise for a deep dive into the world of SEND.  What’s making the current system unsustainable? What are the barriers to a more inclusive system? What would a more equitable and effective approach look like? Who can we learn from? And what needs to change in terms of accountability for this to work?  ‘We must transition from a narrow individual focus on accountability to a collaborative system.’ Benedicte Yue is Chief Financial Officer at River Learning Trust, bringing over 30 years’ experience in audit and finance to the role. Awarded CFO of the Year at the 2023 MAT Excellence Awards, she is a sector leader and champion for change. Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about working sustainably: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities.  Benedicte Yue’s SEND priorities paper for ISBL: https://blog.isbl.org.uk/addressing-englands-special-educational-needs-crisis-key-priorities-and-solutions   The Centre for Education Systems’ SEND policy reports: https://www.ces.partners/send-summary  Sam Freedman on Substack: https://samf.substack.com/  Sam Freedman’s Substack on TikTok politics: https://samf.substack.com/p/three-seconds (for paid subscribers) More from Creating Value in Schools on SEND reform: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/ways-forward-for-send-reform  From Benedicte’s previous podcast: https://createvalueschools.com/blog/values-impact-and-agency-lessons-learned-in-operational-leadership/  Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ #SustainableSchools #Education #Leadership #SEND

‘One of the things that I'm really aware of at the moment is so many school leaders are in this stage of it feels like it's one crisis after another. The perma-crisis. One more domino and another then another.’  Paul K Ainsworth shares how reading emergency planner Lucy Easthope’s book Come What May: Life-Changing Lessons for Coping with Crisis resonated with his experience of what happens when things go wrong in schools.   Drawing on Lucy Easthope’s lessons, Paul talks about the phases of recovery, the dangers of hopium, acknowledging that it takes time for things to get better, and the importance of seeking help.  ‘But I genuinely believe it will get better. And I think that anything that we can do that rebuilds our reservoirs of hope is so important.’ Paul K Ainsworth is a school improvement champion. He has supported hundreds of schools on their improvement journey in his system leadership roles across four multi-academy trusts. Paul is the author of No Silver Bullets: Day In, Day Out School Improvement and writes on Substack as No Silver Bullets Man.  Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about sustainable working: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities.  Listen to Professor Lucy Easthope on Desert Island Discs: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002d87s Find Come What May in the Creating Value in Schools bookshop: bookshop.org/shop/createvalueschools Read Paul’s blogs: paulkainsworth.wordpress.com Find Paul’s books: paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/books Paul on sustainable school improvement: createvalueschools.com/blog/keep-going-routes-to-sustainable-improvement-and-finding-your-why  Join the Creating Value in Schools community: createvalueschools.com/subscribe #SustainableSchools #Education #Leadership

What does it mean to work sustainably or build a more sustainable organisation? Is it all about the environment? Drawing on contributions from podcast guests, host Liz Worthen questions what we mean when we talk about sustainability. What are the ingredients for a sustainable organisation and development? What does that look like for schools and education settings?  Liz Worthen is an educator, researcher, podcaster and writer. Her career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development, creating resources which enable leaders to flourish in their roles. Creating Value in Schools is about the exploration of sustainable working in education, to secure better outcomes for learners and communities. The Triple Bottom Line: online.hbs.edu/blog/post/what-is-the-triple-bottom-line  United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: sdgs.un.org/2030agenda  United Nations 17 goals: sdgs.un.org/goals  More from Creating Value in Schools: createvalueschools.com  Podcasts featured in this episode Seeking the co-benefits: people, planet – and financial efficiency, with Paul Edmond Be kind: how to entice teachers and governors into our schools, with John Viner Keep sight of your North Star: navigating the school business landscape, with Benedicte Yue #SustainableSchools #Education #Leadership Code: DT1NN2J7TQUOGQZT

Host Liz Worthen gets together with school business leadership champions Helen Burge and Emma Gray to find out what they’ve been up to this term.  Questions arising include:  Who’s responsible for income generation in a school setting? Why does integrated curriculum finance planning (ICFP) matter? Where can school business managers, leaders or professionals turn to for support? How does standing in a corridor full of teenagers help restore your vitality? What is operational excellence, and why do we need it?  Is sherry making a comeback?  Why young people need trusted adults in their lives.  Both Emma Gray and Helen Burge were executive business leaders in trusts, and now support school business professionals through coaching, training and consultancy. Emma is a DfE accredited school resource management advisor, and Helen co-chairs the UK Schools Sustainability Network Operations Group. They are fans of risk management, internal scrutiny and operational excellence.  Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about sustainable working: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities. More from Creating Value in Schools: createvalueschools.com  More from Justin Smith on income generation: createvalueschools.com/blog/optimism-and-opportunity-creating-an-income-generation-culture/ DfE school business professionals survey: gov.uk/government/publications/survey-of-school-business-professionals-2025 School Business Leader Support Hub: sblsupporthub.com/ Operational Excellence in Education: isbl.org.uk/opex What does a school resource management adviser (SRMA) do? gov.uk/government/publications/the-school-resource-management-advisers-srma-programme Find out more about the SBL retreat: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sbl-retreat-2026-reflect-restore-reconnect-tickets-1812889113139 Browse the Creating Value in Schools bookshop: bookshop.org/shop/createvalueschools Contact Emma Gray: 1stpillar.co.uk Contact Helen Burge: buoyantimpact.co.uk #SustainableSchools #Education #SchoolBusinessLeadership

What enables people to keep calm and carry on in the overwhelming intensity of school life? What helps people keep going, avoid burnout, and stay focused on the things that matter?  Host Liz Worthen draws on lessons learned by previous podcast guests. What keeps them energised? What keeps them going? Start with your why. Stay focused on your priorities. Don’t sweat if it doesn’t all go to plan. Things will happen!  Take opportunities for creative problem solving. Remember to rest… and count the flowers. ‘You need to keep pulling yourself back to those as priorities. Because otherwise, your priorities are the whack a mole school of educational leadership, coming in, responding to the first person at your door, the person that sent you those emails.’ Liz Worthen is an educator, researcher, podcaster and writer. Her career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development, creating resources which enable leaders to flourish in their roles. Creating Value in Schools is about the exploration of sustainable working in education, in order to secure better outcomes for learners and communities. Podcasts featured in this episode Keep going: routes to sustainable improvement and finding your why, with Paul K. Ainsworth The art of balance: survival skills for school leaders, with Josephine Smith You can't turn off the machine: investing time in school leadership, with Caroline Doherty Navigating the unexpected: advice for school leaders, with Josephine Smith Avoiding and addressing staff burnout in schools, with Nicola Harvey Know your place: how to tackle inequality in education, with Sean Harris Further resources More from Paul K. Ainsworth: paulkainsworth.wordpress.com   More from Nicola Harvey: harveyheals.com  Follow Sean Harris on Substack: thatpovertyguy.substack.com For more ideas and inspiration: createvalueschools.com #SustainableSchools #Education #Leadership

How do we tackle the impact of poverty and disadvantage in our schools? Is education alone enough to combat inequality? What does it mean to be furiously curious about the causes of inequality and what can we do about it? Are you ready to be a graceful disruptor? Host Liz Worthen talks to Sean Harris, aka That Poverty Guy, about why place matters, life in the Tees Valley, what it means to be a civil architect in practice, and the importance of listening. If he had the ear of the education secretary, what would he ask for? ‘A commitment to deep social justice needs deep social listening, and that involves having to work alongside and talk to people that are facing the lived and the living reality of these issues.’ Sean Harris is Director of People, Learning and Community Engagement (PLACE) at Tees Valley Education. He’s also an author, researcher, That Poverty Guy on Substack, and furiously curious about tackling inequality. Liz Worthen started out as an English teacher, since then working in educational programmes, professional development and publishing. Liz is passionate about enabling fellow educators to have a positive impact on the world. Follow Sean on Substack: substack.com Guddi Singh’s guest blog: substack.com/p/guest-blog-beyond-classrooms-and Listen to Three Ages of Child: bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002k385 Buy Sean’s book: bookshop.org/shop/createvalueschools Child of the North toolkits: https://www.n8research.org.uk/child-of-the-north-launches-new-campaign-as-latest-findings-reveal-worrying-trends/  For more ideas and resources, visit createvalueschools.com  #SustainableSchools #Education #Inequality #SocialJustice

‘Make sure that children are there leading on these projects. Because if they're leading, then they're more likely to want to carry it on and encourage teachers, the community and their families to get involved too.’ Host Liz Worthen talks to Edd Moore about his experience of inspiring pupils with eco-projects in schools, integrating learning into the curriculum, and engaging families and communities in the process. Questions addressed include: How do you get started on the greener school journey? Why does waste matter? How do you get others on board? How do you get from a school yard wildflower hunt to a regenerated community meadow? Edd also shares how teaching in Bali compares to the UK, and brings a whole new meaning to curriculum deep dives! Edd Moore is an eco-schools champion. As a teacher he led his primary school to a number of awards, including the Jane Goodall Roots and Shoots Educational Institution of the Year. Edd is the author of 100 Ideas for Primary Teachers: Greener School, and combines providing eco-support to schools with his role as Head of Education at Green Schools Project. Download 10 tips for school climate activities: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/10-tips-for-integrating-climate-activities Find Edd’s book in the Creating Value in Schools bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/createvalueschools Eco-Schools: https://www.eco-schools.org.uk/ Green Schools Project: https://www.greenschoolsproject.org.uk/ Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots UK: https://www.rootsnshoots.org.uk/ Young Enterprise Fiver Challenge: https://www.fiverchallenge.org.uk/ Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ For more ideas, inspiration and information, visit createvalueschools.com #SustainableSchools

‘So if school business professionals are engaged and supported to adapt, I truly believe that the role can become more impactful, more strategic, and better recognised.’ Host Liz Worthen chats with award-winning CFO Benedicte Yue about thriving in a tough funding climate. From making smarter financial decisions to empowering your team, harnessing tech, and driving real community impact, Benedicte shares practical strategies and big-picture inspiration for school leaders who want to do more than just survive. ‘All these operational functions are really enablers to achieve wider goals and we should never lose sight of the North Star.’ For more ideas, inspiration and information, visit createvalueschools.com #SustainableSchools

What’s the problem with free school meal funding? Where does your food come from, and where does it end up? In this extract from our longer conversation, host Liz Worthen talks to school business leaders Emma Gray and Helen Burge talk about why food is high on the school agenda, with challenges around: funding for and access to free school meals rising catering costs food miles and sustainability the financial and environmental cost of food waste. Top tip: whatever you do, do not put your food waste in the general waste bin! Information and updates: createvalueschools.com More about Helen Burge: buoyantimpact.co.uk  More about Emma Gray: 1stpillar.co.uk  #SustainableSchools #Food

'Sometimes the smallest thing can be a game changer.' School business leadership champions Emma Gray and Helen Burge join Liz Worthen for SBLs Unbound: a candid conversation on what’s surprised, challenged and inspired in schools this year. From budget stress and staff turnover to sustainability and school meals, they share tips to help SBLs thrive, not just survive. No two schools are alike. Despite national policies, schools operate in wildly different ways. Don’t assume uniformity – sharing ideas across settings can reveal practical, low-effort wins. Sustainability needs leadership. Sustainability won’t stick unless it’s championed from the top. The most successful schools treat it as core to their culture, not an add-on. Free school meals = hidden budget pressure. Many schools are losing money per meal. Add food waste into the mix, and it’s a double hit. Talk to contractors, tweak menus, and get pupils involved. Staff turnover isn’t always bad. Yes, retention matters – but so does opportunity. A culture that supports growth and movement helps attract and keep talent. Invest in training and use appraisals to grow leaders. 'If you're spending money to throw stuff away, that just seems crazy.' Information and updates: createvalueschools.com More about Helen Burge: buoyantimpact.co.uk  More about Emma Gray: 1stpillar.co.uk  #SustainableSchools

‘Booking a wellbeing day where staff get to choose a wellbeing activity is not going to solve the systemic issues when it comes to mental health and wellbeing, particularly for those individuals with protected characteristics.’ Education and mental health consultant Nicola Harvey shares practical tools and powerful insights to help schools tackle burnout, boost wellbeing and build inclusive environments. Burnout is real – and everywhere. If you're constantly overwhelmed, it’s not “just tired” – it might be burnout. Learn the signs and take them seriously. Representation matters. Staff and students from global majority backgrounds face added pressures due to racism, lack of diversity, and microaggressions. PERMA and rest are powerful tools. Use models like PERMA and the 7 types of rest to build emotional resilience and wellbeing. Train, talk, and take stock. Mental Health First Aid, anti-racism training, and reflective practices aren’t just nice extras. #sustainableworkinginschools #wellbeing #mentalhealth Find out more about Nicola Harvey's work: harveyheals.com Sign up for updates: com/subscribe

Education and mental health consultant Nicola Harvey explains the PERMA model. Developed by Martin Seligman, it’s a positive psychology model, and a tool for reflecting on different aspects of our wellness. Useful for both staff and students! P = positive emotion E = engagement R = relationships M = meaning A = accomplishment Full episode with Nicola coming soon, where we talk about staff burnout. What it is, why it’s prevalent in schools, and how to try and stop it happening. Find out more about Nicola Harvey's work: www.harveyheals.com  Sign up for updates: createvalueschools.com/subscribe #sustainableworkinginschools #wellbeing #mentalhealth

‘We need to take the pressure off.’ Chair of governors and experienced educator John Viner talks candidly about pressure points and retention challenges, along with creative solutions to attract and keep talent in our schools. The teacher shortage is real and worsening, with multiple pressures driving people away. Be kind: school leaders need to create supportive environments where teachers feel valued and believed in. Get creative with recruitment routes: don't just look for traditional graduates. Governor recruitment needs fresh thinking too: ditch the endless committee meetings, tap into local networks, and remember you don't need education experts. More from the Creating Value in Schools blog. 

‘You never know what’s out there until you try.’  Justin Smith, specialist in marketing and income generation support for schools, shares lessons learned on the path to fundraising and shows why relationships matter. Culture and leadership matter. If school leaders and governors are on board, everything else becomes easier. Cash isn’t the only win. Income generation includes donations, partnerships, skills, volunteer time – even equipment loans. It’s all about relationships. People give when they care. Build connections, understand motivations, and let others feel part of the school’s success story. More from the Creating Value in Schools blog

'So if you're not listening, then you know, what are you doing?' How do you drive real change in schools through DEI? Aldaine Wynter, Director of International-Mindedness, Diversity and Inclusion, shares his journey, strategies, and the impact of meaningful community engagement. Suggestions from Aldaine Start by listening. Before diving into big initiatives, take time to understand your school community’s needs.  Make DEI part of the culture. Whether it’s curriculum audits, book clubs, or community spotlights, integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into school life, not just one-off events. Use data to drive change. Surveys and evaluations help track progress and inform strategy. Combine hard data with personal conversations to ensure meaningful, lasting impact. Be adaptable and persistent. Different schools and communities require different approaches. You might meet resistance, but find ways to connect the work to what matters most to each person. More from the Creating Value in Schools blog

'It’s about developing a relationship, it's about developing somebody's work, it's about the truth.' Do you dread tough conversations? Nickii Messer shares how to reframe them as ‘honest conversations’, build trust, and keep a focus on what matters – the life chances and wellbeing of children in the school.  Top tips from Nickii: Avoidance makes it worse Listen to understand, not just to fix Believe in yourself and take action. Find out more on the Creating Value in Schools blog

Give people an experience that they genuinely enjoy, so they want to stick around. What keeps people in the teaching profession? Headteachers Josephine Smith and Carl Smith discuss staying power, joy and why retention matters. Finding joy in the job keeps people in education long-term. Staying power comes from feeling like you’re doing well and making a difference. Stay curious. Keep reading and engaging with education. Find out more on the Creating Value in Schools blog

There’s a lot in the air, and a lot on the table. Caroline Doherty, Head of Public Affairs at Ark, considers potential changes ahead. What’s happening with the Ofsted report cards? What are the implications for accountability systems? What does it mean to have a truly inclusive education system, and do we have the workforce to provide it? Do we have a reason to be cheerful in Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson? Get more inspiration from the Creating Value in Schools blog.

Caroline Doherty, Head of Public Affairs at Ark, reflects on the challenge of balancing innovation and improvement alongside the daily realities of school life.  Tips from Caroline You can't do everything. Recognise limits and embrace the unpredictability of school life. Prioritise your time. Identify your key goals and align your daily actions to move them forward.  Meetings aren't always the answer. Explore alternatives like shared documents or messaging systems to save time. Flexible leadership works. Empowering teams with autonomy can improve retention, decision-making, and overall effectiveness – part-time senior leadership is possible with the right structure. Find out more on the Creating Value in Schools blog. 

Chief Finance and Sustainability Officer Paul Edmond explains why asking questions is essential to a sustainability journey – but ‘can we afford it?’ is now last on his list.  Tips from Paul Sustainability is everyone's job. Tackling climate action in schools isn't about one person or department – it’s a team effort. Engage everyone and start conversations to bring people on board. Quick wins are within reach. Small steps like reducing food and energy waste can cut costs and carbon footprints. Look for co-benefits. Many actions, like improving biodiversity or rethinking school uniforms, offer multiple wins – environmental, financial, and social.  Education is part of the solution. Greening the curriculum is key, but do it thoughtfully to inspire behaviour change without causing climate anxiety.  Collaboration is critical. Tap into free resources and networks. Learn from others’ successes and mistakes to accelerate your sustainability journey. Find out more on the Creating Value in Schools blog. 

Paul K. Ainsworth shares his strategies for a sustainable, step-by-step, people-centred approach to school improvement.  Tips from Paul Be adaptable: there’s no one-size fits all approach to school improvement. Consider what’s needed for your context.  Be consistent: consistency in schools is about a shared understanding and approach, rather than making everything identical.   Be people-centred: evaluate with honesty, plan with empathy, execute with confidence and review with humility.  Be a coach: your most important role is helping others improve, whether it's headteachers, senior leaders, or teachers.  Think marginal gains, not silver bullets: there are no quick fixes. Focus on small, incremental improvements to create lasting, sustainable change.  Find out more on Creating Value in Schools blog. 

How do you stay sane in the intensity of school leadership? In the second part of our conversation, Josephine Smith talks about knowing your priorities, knowing yourself and fostering balance.  Tips from Jo: Start with clear priorities: Use your school’s vision and development plan as a guide.  Don’t get distracted: Politely delay less urgent requests, balancing the needs of others with your priorities.  Manage your stress: Invest in mental health training for staff to better support themselves and each other. Know your strengths: Be self-aware. Recognise when to delegate tasks and let your team shine.  Practice self-care: Live out the work-life balance advice you give others.  Find out more on the Creating Value in Schools blog.

A flexible, responsive school leader is going to stay so much saner. Headteacher Josephine Smith shares what she’s learned about maintaining poise and positivity in the face of things you can’t control. Top tips from Jo: Accept that not everything in school leadership can be controlled. Unexpected events are part of the role!  Embrace creativity when facing uncontrollable challenges. Try and view these moments as opportunities to think creatively and adapt. Build a supportive professional network to share resources, seek advice and generate solutions.  A strong network not only helps with practical problem-solving but also reduces the isolation that can come with being a headteacher.  Find out more on the Creating Value in Schools blog.