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The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

Safeguarding

Luke Ramsden
30 November 2023

Clearing the haze: Combatting vaping in schools

Teen vaping has become an unwelcome phenomenon in schools. Luke Ramsden addresses this burgeoning health concern, the insidious marketing that permeates young people’s minds and explores how to mitigate the risks of vaping. Vaping is a growing health concern in schools up and down the country. With...
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Zarina Connolly
22 November 2023

Helping pupils detox from social media influencers

In an era dominated by social media influencers and digital distractions, educators face the daunting task of guiding students through the complexities of online content. Zarina Connolly delves into the challenges posed by influential content creators and their impact on students' mental health,...
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Ella Savell-Boss
10 August 2023

Safeguarding after the summer break

Cultivating a safe and supportive school environment has its challenges. Ella Savell-Boss explores practical strategies to address these challenges effectively, providing the best start to the academic year. As the summer break draws to a close, we are eagerly awaiting the return of students in...
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Sarah Parker
24 July 2023

How education can counter exploitation

Concerns over the impact of social media on children and young people have brought child exploitation to the forefront. Sarah Parker discusses how to foster a safer learning environment through education. Child exploitation education may not be the first thing that springs to mind among the many...
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Richard Palmer
5 July 2023

Transgender issues and what schools can do

Trans identity is highly contested and political. Richard Palmer will explore some of the complexities and competing agendas for schools. Currently, there is no definitive DfE guidance about supporting trans pupils in school, or how at all, trans identity should be included in the curriculum. Many...
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Andrew Hampton
26 June 2023

Working with boys

Supporting boys in being dignified and respectful to each other, girls and women can be a difficult topic. Andrew Hampton discusses an innovative raft of strategies which have a track record of success. In the depths of the pandemic, I administered Covid-19 tests to a queue of Year 9 boys. Two boys...
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Gareth D Morewood
1 March 2023

SEND Provision - an interview with Gareth Morewood

Gareth Morewood discusses the health and wellbeing of SEND pupils and his thoughts on the upcoming SEND Provision conference. What are you looking forward to on the day of the SEND Provision conference? Gareth: Firstly, it is an absolute delight to be asked to chair a live event again, there are...
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Nicola Harvey
28 September 2021

The PERMA approach to staff wellbeing

Education professionals are reporting high levels of work-related stress. Nicola Harvey explains how the PERMA approach can nurture a sense of wellbeing, fulfilment and purpose. After a well-deserved summer break, education professionals in England, have returned to the classroom. While everyone...
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Luke Ramsden
22 July 2021

What do DSLs need to be prepared for?

What challenges does the upcoming academic year hold for safeguarding leads? Luke Ramsden shares his reflections on the impact of KCSIE, Everyone’s Invited and Covid-19. With teachers around the country reaching their well-deserved summer breaks (ignoring for the moment the inevitable fallout of...
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Kelly Hannaghan
6 May 2021

Supervision for mental health leads: why and how?

Kelly Hannaghan makes the case for pastoral staff supervision for mental health and wellbeing leads, as a means to process the increasing pressures they are carrying. It’s perplexing that wellbeing practitioners such as psychologists and social workers have regular supervision that is mandatory,...
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