What I wish I knew with Maria Rumsey

Maria Rumsey is an outstanding teacher and headteacher. Indeed I think of her as education royalty! She has achieved so much as a teacher and headteacher. She does this by always putting people first and she trusts her intuition to decide what is right and what is the best thing to do. She is a refreshing presence in the educational world, as she does not feel bound by Government or Ofsted diktats, but always weighs up whether a change will benefit the people rather than simply tick a box. Visiting her school is a wonderful, enriching experience. In her last SIAMS report, the inspector stated that Maria's impact in a short space of time had been transformational. And she does that everywhere she goes!

In this podcast we talk about ...

• How great teaching can change the lives of all children for the better
• The role of creative arts in developing the confidence of those who are seen as less academic and how this improves their learning in all areas
• The importance of mutual respect between teacher and child
• Why a broad and balanced curriculum is essential to provide a great education for children and how it raises standards
• How truly believing in children's potential maximises their ability to succeed
• The excitement of topping the bill performing a musical that she and her children wrote at the reopening of Liverpool Street Station in front of the Queen
• The feeling of responsibility you have on your first day as a teacher, especially when the parents think you are too young to be teaching their children
• The value of having staff who encourage and support you and avoiding those who make unnecessary judgements; find the ones who are happy to offer guidance and advice
• Why your classroom organisation must not be allowed to dictate the children's learning