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Episode 243: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education Kieran is joined by Adam Lowing to unpack the DfE’s Writing Framework. They cut through the noise to clarify what it actually says, how to transition without chaos, and why sentence-level precision and transcription fluency strengthen, rather than stifle, imagination. Across implementation, assessment pressures and subject leadership, they share a balanced, practical path to building confident writers.
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For maths curriculum questions contact us here or via support@alta-education.com
Episode 242: What does it take to create classrooms where students feel safe, calm, and ready to learn every day? In this conversation, Liv Dempsey, Tom Oakley, and Charles Bankovitz join Kieran Mackle to explore the principles and practices that make behaviour systems effective and sustainable. They discuss why certainty matters more than severity, how to use language that de-escalates without lowering expectations, and the routines that prevent issues before they arise. The panel also unpick common misconceptions around trauma-informed approaches, the leadership decisions that reassure staff they will be backed, and the culture that reduces teacher stress. Packed with insights from research and lived experience, this episode is for anyone seeking behaviour approaches that work reliably in the day-to-day reality of primary classrooms.
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Episode 241: This week on #TDaPE, Kieran and Chris speak with Peps Mccrea and Jen Barker about their new discussion paper with Josh Goodrich, exploring how to make classroom teaching accessible by default.
They examine the pressures in the system, why broad labels and generic interventions miss the mark, and how better core instruction reduces the need for downstream fixes.
Along the way the team touch on equity of access to provision, the Ofsted framework, and what it would take for policy, assessment, and inspection to pull in the same direction.
In this episode: teacher workload and confidence, diagnosis versus teaching quality, the limits of fidget spinners and coloured overlays, early maths learning trajectories, and why small presentational choices make a big difference to students with reading difficulties or specific needs.
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For maths curriculum questions contact us here or via support@alta-education.com
Episode 240: In this special episode, Kieran Mackle is joined by the Right Honourable Sir Nick Gibb to discuss his remarkable tenure as Schools Minister and the ideas behind his new book, Reforming Lessons.
Together, they explore the political and personal journey that led him to the Department for Education, the challenges of implementing reform in the face of entrenched ideologies, and the principles that have guided his approach to raising educational standards. From the battle against low expectations to the importance of evidence-informed policy, Sir Nick offers candid reflections on more than a decade of shaping England’s education system.
This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the most influential figures in recent education history, in his own words.
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For maths curriculum questions contact us here or via support@alta-education.com
Episode 239: In this episode of Thinking Deeply About Primary Education, Kieran is joined by Fin Wilson and Jane Miller of Impact Wales. Together they explore the shifting educational landscapes in England and Wales, the ongoing debates around the science of teaching reading, and the professional development needs of teachers navigating new curricula. The conversation ranges from the role of cognitive science in shaping pedagogy to the challenges of implementing reform across different national contexts. With references to key texts and experiences in the classroom, the discussion highlights both the opportunities and the frustrations that educators face when research, policy, and practice do not always align.
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For maths curriculum questions contact us here or via support@alta-education.com
Episode 238: In this second part of our conversation with Ian Timbrell, Thinking Deeply about Primary Education shifts from theory to action. After laying the groundwork for meaningful inclusion in Part One, this episode explores what successful implementation looks like in schools and classrooms.
Kieran and Ian unpick the practical side of inclusive education – how to move from well-meaning intentions to tangible change. They explore:
What makes implementation meaningful, not just performative
The difference between school-level and classroom-level approaches
How to support staff confidence while respecting professional boundaries
The role of leadership and modelling in shaping inclusive cultures
If you’re wondering how to embed inclusion authentically this episode provides thoughtful, experience-based insight.
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Episode 237: What does meaningful LGBTQ+ inclusion look like in a primary school setting? In this thought-provoking episode, Kieran is joined by educator, consultant and author Ian Timbrell to unpack a topic which, if we're not careful, can often be reduced to symbolic gestures and one-off lessons. Drawing on his recent book More Than Flags and Rainbows, Ian explores how schools can move beyond superficial displays of support to embed authentic, consistent inclusion across curriculum, culture and community.
Together, they tackle the most common misconceptions about LGBTQ+ representation in education, the barriers that prevent teachers from feeling confident in this area, and the strategies schools can use to ensure every student feels seen, safe and valued. This conversation offers practical advice for teachers and leaders at all stages of their journey, and highlights the importance of visibility, curriculum integration, and ongoing reflection.
Whether your school is just starting to think about LGBTQ+ inclusion or is already embedding this work, Ian’s clarity, honesty and deep understanding will leave you better equipped to take action that makes a difference.
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Episode 236: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, Kieran Mackle is joined by Jane Considine, creator of The Write Stuff and one of the architects behind the new national writing framework. Together, they explore what the framework means for classroom practice, how teachers can navigate the shift confidently, and why Jane believes writing deserves our urgent attention.
With over 17 years of experience in teaching and leading writing improvement in thousands of schools, Jane brings passion, clarity, and practical insight to a conversation that could not be more timely. Whether you're a classroom teacher, school leader, or literacy lead, this episode offers the knowledge you need to stay ahead of the curve.
🖋️ Why the new writing framework could be a game-changer
📚 Common misconceptions about writing instruction
👩🏫 Practical steps to raise standards in every classroom
🔎 What Jane wishes every teacher knew about teaching writing
Don't miss this deep dive into writing pedagogy, curriculum leadership, and the future of literacy in primary schools.
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In Episode 235 of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, we look back at three of the questions that really got me thinking in the first half of 2025. Covering themes from disciplinary literacy with Juli Ryzop, to supporting new literacy leads with Chris Such, all the way to the role of coaching in the school-improvement eco-system with Alex Gingell. It's extremely difficult to choose three questions from the hundred or so I have asked already this year but hopefully they can act as an opportunity for reflection as we all arrive at the end of the academic year.
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In Episode 234 of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, Kieran Mackle is joined by Matthias Maurer to explore the teaching of Welsh as a second language in English-medium primary schools. Drawing on Matthias’s extensive classroom experience and expertise in language pedagogy, the conversation examines:
The challenges and opportunities of teaching Welsh in non-Welsh-speaking contexts
What effective second language instruction looks like at primary level
How cultural identity and curriculum design intersect in language learning
The implications for language policy and planning across the UK and beyond
Whether you're a classroom teacher, a curriculum leader, or simply curious about multilingualism in education, this episode offers thoughtful insights and practical takeaways.
📌 Subscribe, share, and join the conversation.
In Episode 233 of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, Kieran Mackle is joined by Jon Cripwell, Primary Maths National Education Lead at Twinkl and long-time collaborator with the NCETM. Together they explore Jon’s unconventional path into teaching, how struggling with maths led him to become a passionate advocate for the subject, and the vital role of empathy in subject leadership. The conversation offers powerful insights into supporting anxious teachers, fostering meaningful CPD, and sustaining curricular change across school contexts.
Listeners will gain:
First-hand reflections on transforming maths anxiety into instructional strength
Practical strategies for building confidence in colleagues reluctant to teach upper Key Stage 2 maths
Lessons on sustaining professional growth beyond formal roles
Whether you're a school leader, maths lead, or CPD enthusiast, this episode offers a grounded look at what it really takes to lead meaningful, lasting change.
For show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the Hey! What You Reading For newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribe
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Support TDaPE: www.ko‑fi.com/tdape
For show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the Hey! What You Reading For newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribe
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Support TDaPE: www.ko‑fi.com/tdape
This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, we’re joined by Pete Mattock, author of Visible Maths, Conceptual Maths, and Leading Maths. Together we explore what it really means to understand mathematics conceptually, what leaders need to know to support that understanding.
With nearly two decades in the classroom, involvement with the NCETM's first cohort of Mastery Specialists, and a deep commitment to making mathematics meaningful, Pete offers insights that bridge both primary and secondary contexts. We discuss planning, the importance of coherence, and what mathematics education might look like when clarity and purpose come first.
Whether you’re a new teacher, an experienced leader, or simply passionate about mathematics education, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Episode 231:
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In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, we explore the 2025 paper "Curriculum and Mathematical Coherence" , a thought-provoking critique of how early number is introduced in national curricula.
The paper argues that modern mathematics curricula (on a national level) lean too heavily on counting as the dominant conceptual foundation for number, often at the expense of coherence and conceptual progression. It draws a direct line from mid-20th century "New Math" reforms to today’s fragmented curriculum structures, raising questions about what we teach, how we sequence it, and what this means for the learners in front of us.
We discuss:
Why “counting ≠ the whole story” when it comes to early number
How and when coherence was lost, and what we can do to recover it
The persistent tension between curriculum design and classroom practice
What their analysis means for subject leaders
Practical implications for primary teachers, maths leads, and those developing or critiquing maths schemes
Whether you’re a curriculum thinker, subject lead, or classroom teacher keen to understand the research shaping mathematics education, this episode offers critical reflection and concrete takeaways.
Episode 230:
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In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, Stuart Welsh is joined by Sana Syed, an experienced Early Years educator and school leader, for a conversation that explores the journey from classroom practitioner to influential team leader.
With over a decade of experience, including more than ten years at NGS and a formative stint teaching seven-year-olds, Sana shares the pivotal moments that shaped her approach to teaching and leadership. We delve into what inspired her to step into leadership, the values that guide her practice, and the importance of creating a reflective, supportive school culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities to grow.
We also discuss:
How school leaders can cultivate trust and collaboration within their teams
The role of ongoing professional learning in sustaining motivation and joy
Advice for emerging leaders ready to make a broader impact
Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a seasoned practitioner, or someone passionate about the Early Years, this episode offers rich insights into what it means to lead with purpose, curiosity, and care.
If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, or consider supporting the podcast via www.ko-fi.com/tdape. You can also join the conversation in our Discord community, where educators from around the world share ideas and questions.
Episode 229:
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In this instalment of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I welcome Rachel Ball and Alex Fairlamb back to the podcast to explore scaffolding in reading, writing and oracy. Drawing on insights from their forthcoming book The Scaffolding Effect: Supporting All Students to Succeed (Routledge, July 2025) Routledge, the conversation unpicks how purposeful, time-limited support can elevate both oracy and literacy. We delve into:
why structured talk is the gateway to high-quality writing
practical routines that fade, rather than fossilise, support
aligning scaffolds with cognitive load theory and adaptive teaching
avoiding common misconceptions such as over-prompts and dependency traps
actionable takeaways that busy teachers can try on Monday morning
Whether you are refining sentence-level work or nurturing whole-class dialogue, this episode offers a research-informed blueprint for helping every pupil find their voice on the page and in the room.
Episode 228: Three Lessons Learned from Three Years in Deputy Headship
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In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by Tom Oakley as he reflects on three years in deputy headship and the lessons that have shaped his thinking as a school leader.
Across the episode, Tom explores what it means to support teachers through sustained change, manage growth in a dynamic school environment, and address the real (rather than ideal) needs of a school community. From navigating an Ofsted inspection to leading a growing school through difficult data and complex transitions, Tom shares the leadership insights forged in the realities of everyday school life.
We discuss:
The power of coaching in supporting teacher development
Designing and implementing a Wellbeing Curriculum from the ground up
Lessons learned about leadership, change management, and meeting context-specific challenges
The gap between what leaders want to happen and what actually needs to happen
Whether you’re an aspiring leader, new to senior leadership, or supporting leaders within your school, this is an honest, reflective conversation that bridges theory and the lived experience of leadership in primary schools.
If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to leave a review, subscribe to the YouTube channel, or join the conversation on our Discord server.
Archive 011+2: In this archive edition of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, primary mathematics expert, Lisa Coe returns to share the lessons she learned by taking a break from the classroom to work for a company supporting schools and teachers with their mathematics professional development.
Whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers a gateway into the kind of learning that can take place on an education sabbatical.
Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a rating and review to help fellow educators discover the show. We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your reflections wherever you listen.
#PrimaryEducation #EducationalResearch #TeacherDevelopment #EvidenceInformedPractice #EducationPodcast #ElementaryEducation
Episode 227: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by mathematics educator and doctoral researcher Will Mcloughlin to explore the complex and vital theme of conceptual understanding in mathematics education. Drawing on his teaching experience in the UAE and his academic research into how conceptual understanding develops, particularly through the use of animations, Will shares insights that challenge surface-level thinking and encourage educators to think more deeply about the knowledge their students are building.
We discuss:
– What conceptual understanding really means and why definitions matter
– How Will developed his own definition through doctoral research
– The challenges of developing conceptual understanding in the classroom
– The potential role of visual tools and animations in fostering deeper comprehension
– Practical implications for classroom teachers and curriculum designers
If you’ve ever wondered whether your students are truly making connections or simply memorising procedures, this episode will offer food for thought and practical guidance to support your professional thinking.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing to our YouTube channel, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, or making a donation via www.ko-fi.com/tdape. You can also join our community on Discord, where conversations like this continue throughout the week.
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Archive 012: In this archive edition of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, primary mathematics expert, Lisa Coe returns to share her thoughts on implementing change on a school-wide level.
Whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers a gateway into the kind of thinking that shapes high-quality classroom practice across the globe.
Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a rating and review to help fellow educators discover the show. We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your reflections wherever you listen.
#PrimaryEducation #EducationalResearch #TeacherDevelopment #EvidenceInformedPractice #EducationPodcast #TeachingTips #ElementaryEducation
In this special episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, Chris Such returns to tackle three brilliant questions from our listeners, exploring the intersection of pedagogy, leadership, and literacy development. Drawing on years of research and classroom experience, we dive into some of the most commonly debated areas of primary practice:
Should we go through test papers with the whole class a few days after the assessment?
How might we support a new literacy lead during their first twelve weeks, ensuring fidelity to new reading structures while maintaining teacher ownership?
What routines support disciplinary reading once decoding is fluent, and how can we embed these without narrowing the curriculum?
If you're a classroom teacher, subject leader, or school leader with an interest in making reading instruction as effective and inclusive as possible, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing on your favourite platform, leaving a review, or supporting us via ko-fi.com/tdape. Join the conversation on our Discord server and never miss an unseen question submission!
