Product reviews for Primary Heads

In 524 words in his Introduction, augmented by his Overview chapter, Bill Laar describes the essence of what works in education. His long and impressive experience has taught him about the realities of learning beyond the narrow current confines of selective attainment. He reminds us that education is about life and living and at a time of imminent and radical changes in education it is essential we focus on the truths of the processes.

The focus on headship very properly explains and acknowledges the considerable research evidence showing that leadership is central to quality. Individual teachers can display leadership. Many will be good teachers. The effective school is one that recognises such strengths alongside the capacity to improve and the central binding element that shapes real success is leadership. Bill deals with key elements -” continuous professional development, succession planning, monitoring and evaluation -” very clearly.

Bill has been a commanding influence on the professional world -” always much admired and respected even by those who occasionally might not share his views 100%. His humour was infectious and his astute teasing out of views greatly aided the help he was able to give through his many leading roles and, particularly to me, as a trusted adviser. He was seen to be in touch with what happened in schools and classrooms and even while writing this book was regularly himself still teaching.

Bill knows quality. He described the new National Curriculum in the 1980s as -˜the best thing since sliced bread!' And so it was. It gave teachers clear maps of important learning journeys for the first time, not least in primary education. It set clear stages for progression. It balanced knowledge with the skills needed to convert knowledge into the understanding that enables utility and application. Central to achieving this are head teachers.

The book proceeds to describe rich examples of those introductory criteria in action -” readers can judge for themselves just how well they fit the criteria Bill sets for the job. He has selected the case studies from a wide range of contexts that enable readers to see just how significant are those criteria for effective leadership. Nor does he duck the pressures. He describes the expanding definitions of the leadership role and the increasing complexity alongside ever increased demands for accountability -” conditions that have increasingly brought stress to some.

On the other hand, he argues and demonstrates the support available from schools in which parents and local people are constructively engaged in a sense of partnership with the staff, support that adds real enhancement to children's education. Ofsted reports and summaries have regularly proclaimed the benefits.

Finally, he powerfully reminds us that beyond criteria, qualification, performance data his head teachers are exemplary in recognisably human ways -” real people, passionate and compassionate, who endure and enjoy challenges, adapt to circumstances with intelligence and sensitivity and are deeply devoted to their cause. We do need them, and many more. So read on!