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Successful difficult conversations

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Look Outstanding, Become Outstanding

Category: Environment

What happened after just one walk around a school

“The environment of both my schools has changed beyond recognition.” That’s what one executive head told me after an environmental walk. Not after a big refurbishment. Not after spending a large sum. Just after looking at the school differently.

Your staff matter… but does the space show it? 3 simple, cheap tips to show the love

“I used to avoid the staffroom on purpose.” A head said this to me. She didn’t want to intrude. She wanted it to feel like their space. But one day, she really looked at it. Old sofa. Cluttered surfaces. A noticeboard layered with old messages. “Nothing awful,” she said. “But it didn’t reflect how highly I think of my staff.”

What behaviour looks like when no one is watching

You can tell a lot about behaviour from an empty classroom. No children. No adults. Just the room. Chairs tucked in — or left out. Books neat — or scattered. Trays organised — or half open. No one has said a word. But the room has.

You say you love reading. But does it look like it?

Every school I’ve met wants to give their children a love of reading. That’s great. What a gift. But sadly, most schools don’t look like they do. If a child walked into your classroom and looked only at the books… What would they see? Books facing out, inviting them in?

When did you last walk around your school like a child?

“I’d stopped seeing it.” A head said this to me about her school environment. Not because she didn’t care. Not because standards had dropped. She’d just been there a long time. Same corridors. Same classrooms. Every day. And over time, things had become… normal.

What is your school environment saying right now?

What is your school environment saying right now? Not what you intend it to say. What is it actually communicating — to pupils, staff and visitors? Because environment is never neutral. It’s always telling a story: • what matters • what’s expected • what’s tolerated And the challenge? We get used to it.

Here’s how the best schools turn policies into lived behaviours

School leaders tell me this all the time: “We’ve shared the policy. We’ve explained it in briefing. Everyone nodded. So why aren’t people actually doing it?”

This is what your environment is telling people about your school

Environment matters. Why? Because it’s constantly communicating your standards and expectations. It’s also one of the easiest ways to promote higher standards. I’m not talking about spending money on painting walls or putting new carpets in. No. These cost money. They are not a reflection of your standards – they are a reflection of your […]

Ending the year strong

The bells might be jingling and carols might be singing and the tinsel could be glittering. It’s the most wonderful time of the year (and incredibly busy to fit it all in!). Before we know it’ll be the end of the year and the school gates will be locked for the Christmas holidays. Let’s end […]

Are you proud of the displays around the school (inside and out of class)?

I love the phrase: environment is the third teacher. What is your environment whispering to your children and staff team about your standards?

Category: Environment

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