This book focuses on the leadership of practice and, in particular, how to bring about changes which improve practice. It draws on research into a group of early years leaders which followed them for almost three years as they attempted to improve provision in their settings as 'change agents' and 'leaders of practice'.

The persistent challenge of achieving excellence and equity within education systems has renewed interest in generating context-specific solutions through localised school networks. But how can successful school networks be developed?Based around the lifecycle of a network, this book traces the development of a network from its initial inception, exploring the ways in which it can be sustained and remain capable of meeting the future challenges faced by schools and their communitie...

In a complex and multi-layered world, the conventional idea of great leadership being the result of the efforts of a single individual is rapidly becoming redundant. This book takes up the challenge of finding an alternative method of leadership in educational contexts, and looks at how this can help achieve sustained improvement in schools. The authors acknowledge that there are no simple solutions to school improvement. They argue that the effective leaders of the future will be those wh...

In this digital age the use of video in social science research has become commonplace. As sophistication has increased along with usability, as spiralling staff costs push out direct observation, the researchers training today are grasping video as a means of coming to terms with the continued pressure to produce accessible research. However, the ‘fit’ of technology with research is far from simple.Ideally placed to offer guidance to developing researchers, this new text draws tog...

As countries seek to develop their education systems, achieving sustainable improvements amongst students from disadvantaged backgrounds remains a major challenge. This has considerable implications for those in the research community as they seek to influence developments in the field.Drawing on the authors’ extensive experiences as researchers, policy advisers and influencers, Changing Education Systems offers key insights on how to promote equity within education system...

In the annals of British justice, there exists a story that has stood the test of time, a tale of passion, despair, and a fateful twist of destiny. In the turbulent summer of 1955, the nation held its collective breath as Ruth Ellis, a mother of two, faced conviction for the calculated murder of her unfaithful lover, David Blakely. This is the gripping true story of a woman on the edge. Drawing exclusively from the original trial transcripts, eyewitness testimonies and contemporary reports...

The Sports Book Award-winning true story of the beautiful game.'The closest thing to a spokesman there is for English football.' Sunday TimesIt's time to fix football . . .Football is the people's game. A sport accessible to everyone and enjoyed by millions around the world.But football is broken. Beneath the glamourous sheen of the Premier League, it's a game that's rusting and rotten. The...

A brave and moving account by football's first whistle blower, breaking the silence on the scandal of sexual abuse in youth clubs and junior teams.Andy Woodward was a wide eyed, hopeful footballer playing for Stockport Boys, when Barry Bennell first noticed him. Andy was 11 years old, and Bennell a youth coach with a big reputation for spotting and nurturing young footballing talent.The clubs Bennell worked for and the parents of the boys he coached, truste...

Dan Farnworth brings vividly to life his astonishing experiences as a medic working on the frontline of the UK Ambulance Service. When the 999 call goes out, he has little idea what he will find when he gets there.Having worked in the emergency services for more than fifteen years, Dan has seen it all. In 999, he shares stories that are sometimes sad, occasionally hilarious, often moving, but always inspirational. However, the work also takes its emotional toll. Wh...

When Juliet Doyle discovers a gun in her daughter's bedroom, she turns to old friend DCI Alan Banks for advice. But Banks is taking a much-needed holiday, and it's left to DI Annie Cabbot to deal with the removal of the firearm. No one can foresee the operation's disastrous consequences, or that the Doyles will not be the only family affected.Banks's daughter Tracy has fallen for the wrong boy. Her flatmate's boyfriend is good-looking, ambitious, and surrounded by an intoxicating a...

The Trial of Ruth Ellis: A Mr Punch True Crime Drama“Mr Punch is going from strength to strength, continuing their good run of classy audio… Jemma Redgrave gives a spirited performance… with a high calibre cast” Talking BusinessIn the annals of British justice, there exists a story that has stood the test of time, a tale of passion, despair, and a fateful twist of destiny. In the turbulent summer of 1955, the nation held its collec...

Adrian Mole is 39 and a quarter. Due to his financial situation he has been forced to move next door to his parents. And his numerous nightly visits to the lavatory lead him to suspect prostate trouble. As his worries multiply, a phone call to his old flame ignites powerful memories and makes him wonder - is she the only one who can save him now?