Welcome to Heads Talks. In Series 1, we speak with senior school headteachers about their vision for education, the strategic priorities guiding their schools, and the personal values that drive them. These conversations offer rare insight into how today’s leaders are shaping the future of education, fostering innovation, and addressing the evolving needs of young people.
Series 2 turns the spotlight onto the early years and primary education. Too often seen as a warm-up act to the 'real thing,' these early stages are in fact the main event. We explore why the first years of school are critical for shaping long-term development, academic success and emotional wellbeing. Our guests include Headteachers, sector leaders and educational thinkers who explain how high-quality early education builds strong foundations, and why investment at this stage pays lifelong dividends.
Whether you’re a parent choosing a school, an educator reflecting on your practice, or someone simply passionate about education, Heads Talks opens up the thinking behind the leadership that is shaping young lives.
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Welcome to Heads Talks. In Series 1, we speak with senior school headteachers about their vision for education, the strategic priorities guiding their schools, and the personal values that drive them. These conversations offer rare insight into how today’s leaders are shaping the future of education, fostering innovation, and addressing the evolving needs of young people.
Series 2 turns the spotlight onto the early years and primary education. Too often seen as a warm-up act to the 'real thing,' these early stages are in fact the main event. We explore why the first years of school are critical for shaping long-term development, academic success and emotional wellbeing. Our guests include Headteachers, sector leaders and educational thinkers who explain how high-quality early education builds strong foundations, and why investment at this stage pays lifelong dividends.
Whether you’re a parent choosing a school, an educator reflecting on your practice, or someone simply passionate about education, Heads Talks opens up the thinking behind the leadership that is shaping young lives.
Series 2 - Episode 2 - A conversation with Dr Kathy Weston
Heads Talks
42 minutes 35 seconds
4 months ago
Series 2 - Episode 2 - A conversation with Dr Kathy Weston
Dr Kathy Weston is the founder of Tooled Up Education, a renowned speaker, author, and academic whose work bridges the worlds of psychology, education, and parenting. With a background in social science research and a doctorate in education, Kathy has spent her career equipping families and schools with the tools they need to help children thrive. Through her consultancy and digital platform, Tooled Up, she curates and translates the latest research into practical resources that support mental health, resilience, and emotional development. Kathy is a passionate advocate for early intervention and empowering parents and teachers alike to create environments where children can flourish—not just academically, but emotionally and socially.
In this episode, Simon and Kathy talk about the essential role of early education in shaping children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development. They discuss the importance of high-quality early years provision, the influence of school culture, and the role of play in fostering emotional literacy and self-efficacy. The conversation also touches on post-pandemic challenges, parental anxiety, and the need to prepare children for a digital world without compromising their wellbeing. Together, they advocate for a balanced, holistic approach—one that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and strong partnerships between schools and families.
Heads Talks
Welcome to Heads Talks. In Series 1, we speak with senior school headteachers about their vision for education, the strategic priorities guiding their schools, and the personal values that drive them. These conversations offer rare insight into how today’s leaders are shaping the future of education, fostering innovation, and addressing the evolving needs of young people.
Series 2 turns the spotlight onto the early years and primary education. Too often seen as a warm-up act to the 'real thing,' these early stages are in fact the main event. We explore why the first years of school are critical for shaping long-term development, academic success and emotional wellbeing. Our guests include Headteachers, sector leaders and educational thinkers who explain how high-quality early education builds strong foundations, and why investment at this stage pays lifelong dividends.
Whether you’re a parent choosing a school, an educator reflecting on your practice, or someone simply passionate about education, Heads Talks opens up the thinking behind the leadership that is shaping young lives.
