Frank and Stan Chats

This week the two gents chat to Alan Kinson, an experienced Chair of Governors and a Digital Infrastructure Lead at a major retailer. The chat starts with Stan reporting on the encouraging signs coming from a large MAT that is planning to strengthen the role of parents within its governance structure. Alan then considers the amazing visit made by King Charles III when he visited GCHQ in Central Manchester and met pupils from Coop Academy New Islington. Alan ponders on the knowledge and skills

This week the two gents have a fascinating chat with Louise Salmon, CEO of Primary Goal, a digital training provider. The conversation includes the impact of the announcement of teachers striking in the coming weeks and the decision to allocate levelling up funding to some, but by no means all, areas that bid for it. Louise manages to include three issues that cover the age of children using smart phones, cyber attacks on schools and trusts as well as the negative impact of Ofsted on subject leaders

The final chat of 2022 sees Eric Craven 'The Scouse Poet' return one the day his new poetry website goes live, www.ericscraven.com. The chat covers the poor condition of some school buildings, the importance of affirmation as a key leadership skill and the right to withdraw labour, as a final resort. Eric reads three of his whimsical poems and Frank reveals the most viewed editions from 2022 and the those that have been watched for the longest period of time. Frank and Stan reflect on key

We have tried many times to secure a slot for Sameena Choudry to join our weekly chat but our best efforts failed. She does, however, join us this week and it was well worth the wait. If you want to listen to a colleague committed to equity and social justice, then this chat won't disappoint. It is a timely reminder that not all education settings are the same primarily because they all serve different children and young people in different contexts. Following a discussion about Sameena's

We have enjoyed chatting to Lucy Trueman, the Managing Director of TruemanChange in the past so we asked her to come back and become the guest with the highest number of appearances (3) at the moment. Lucy's expertise in managing significant projects for many public sector organisations including local authorities makes her a fascinating and well informed guest. This episode is all about Leadership with only short coverage of this week's education events. Lucy and Stan begin to unpick the

Two previous and great guests return to Frank and Stan Chat this week. Jonny Mitchell, Principal at Netherwood Academy and Caroline Foster, Senior Vice Principal at Trinity Academy Grammar join the chat during a week when the government's autumn statement offers a much needed financial boost for schools but only takes funding back to 2010 levels. Stan considers allegations of Ministers bullying again; Jonny reflects on the super human efforts of Kevin Sinfield in raising funds for charity;