Episode description

In this episode Matt and Femi chat to pastoral legend Helen Sydenham.  Helen is head of year at an inner city school and is known for her skill, tenacity and passion for working with students who often have particularly challenging circumstances and behaviours.  They talk about how Helen tackled an out of control year group that she took on, how she works with parents, managing parental meetings,  dealing with teachers who don’t always get it right, and what she thinks are the most important characteristics that teachers need if they are going to have a big positive impact on student’s lives.  Above all Helen is a champion for the young people she works with and her warmth and no-nonsense approach comes across from the outset and makes for an inspiring conversation.