In this episode, Edmund Barnett-Ward joins Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley for an in-depth conversation about the state of Ofsted and school accountability in England. Edmund, known for his advocacy following the tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry, shares his insights on the flaws in Ofsted's inspection framework, its lack of independent oversight, and the pressures it places on school leaders.

Key discussion points include:

• The ineffectiveness of Ofsted's "tinkering" reforms and its continued focus on judgment rather than improvement.
• The urgent need for an independent complaints process to ensure fairness and accountability.
• The harmful impact of Ofsted's high-stakes inspections on school staff well-being.
• Alternative peer-review models that could foster supportive, context-driven evaluations rather than punitive measures.

Edmund also reflects on his background as a toy designer and his work on Doctor Who action figures, bringing a creative perspective to the discussion.

🔍 A thought-provoking conversation that challenges the status quo and calls for meaningful reform in school inspections.

🎧 Listen now to explore how we can create a more supportive and effective education system.

In this episode of Join the Dots, hosts Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop are joined by Mark Martin (The Urban Teacher, Assistant Professor of Computer Science & Education Practice) for a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving role of technology, AI, and EdTech in education. The conversation explores how schools can meaningfully integrate AI, the pitfalls of EdTech procurement, and why low-tech solutions might be the future of innovation in education. They also highlight the importance of questioning AI biases and ensuring that technology is a tool for real-world problem-solving rather than a quick fix for systemic educational challenges.

• The Role of Technology in Education – How the shift from ICT to computing changed teaching and learning, and why technology should enhance rather than patch over systemic issues.
• AI in Schools – Threat or Opportunity? – Addressing fears that AI will replace teachers, while recognizing its potential to reduce workload and enhance learning.
• EdTech as a Tool for Real-World Problem-Solving – Examples of using technology to tackle local issues like air pollution, engaging students in meaningful, inquiry-driven learning.
• Bias in AI and Large Language Models – The risks of underrepresented cultures and perspectives in AI training data and the need to teach students critical questioning skills.
• The Problem with EdTech Procurement – Schools often purchase big-brand solutions without questioning effectiveness or data privacy, leading to poor investment decisions.
• The Future of EdTech – Simplicity & Offline Solutions – Why low-tech, cost-effective, and offline solutions could be the next big innovation in education.
• Final Advice for Educators – The importance of having both a local and global perspective to stay ahead of educational trends and innovations.

In this inspiring episode, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley discuss with Dave McPartlin what it really takes to run a school that puts children and community first—often in spite of rigid frameworks and outdated policies. From racing office chairs down school corridors to taking students to New York, Dave shares how his school, Flakefleet Primary, is pushing boundaries to give children life-changing experiences while tackling rising deprivation, overstretched SEND support, and the relentless pressures on our schools. In the conversation we tackle: ✔ The broken school funding system and why it needs urgent reform ✔ Whether Ofsted should be scrapped and what real accountability could look like ✔ How schools are stepping in where social services and Sure Start once stood ✔ The power of community hubs in tackling poverty, loneliness, and crime With some candid reflections, quite a bit of humour, and a lot of passion, this episode is really a cracker.