All Chalk

How can structured debate and oracy unlock confidence, literacy, and engagement for students in an SEMH setting?

In this episode of All Chalk, we speak to Danny Hart, Head of Literacy at the Observatory School in Wirral. Danny shares how their growing SEMH provision is using structured pupil voice and debate to support students who have often felt unheard in their education journey.

By embedding the Smart School Councils programme into their weekly routine, the school has created a consistent, inclusive approach to pupil voice, one that builds confidence, strengthens communication, and supports literacy development across the curriculum.

From teacher-led modelling to student-led discussions, Danny explains how giving every pupil the opportunity to speak, listen, and debate is transforming both classroom engagement and long-term outcomes.

In this episode, we discuss:

✅ Why oracy is the missing piece in many school literacy strategies

✅ How structured debate supports confidence, reading, and writing

✅ What pupil voice looks like in a large, multi-site SEMH school

✅ How to introduce a consistent, low-workload model for staff

✅ The long-term impact of giving students the language to succeed beyond school

Danny’s story is a powerful example of how meaningful pupil voice, when embedded consistently, can drive both academic and personal development in even the most complex settings.

Stay Connected

How can a school council help prepare every student for life beyond the classroom, especially in an SEN setting?

In this episode of All Chalk, we speak to Hannah Jarman, Head of PSHE, SRE, and Preparation for Adulthood at Penn Fields School in Wolverhampton. Hannah shares how their SEN school has created a truly inclusive student council - one that reflects the voice of every learner, not just a chosen few.

By embedding the Smart School Councils programme into their curriculum, Penn Fields is helping students develop the communication, confidence, and leadership skills they’ll need for life beyond school. From structured class meetings to student-led initiatives, their approach places pupil voice at the heart of school life.

In this episode, we discuss:
✅ Why Penn Fields moved away from a traditional model of school council
✅ How pupil voice is being embedded in lessons and linked to real-world preparation
✅ What student leadership looks like in an SEN context
✅ The role of structured, inclusive debate in building confidence and communication
✅ How every student, from non-verbal learners to those with complex needs, can contribute meaningfully

Hannah’s story is a brilliant example of what’s possible when school councils are built with inclusion, purpose, and real-world impact in mind.

Stay Connected

How can pupil voice thrive in a specialist SEMH setting?

In this episode of All Chalk, Greg chats with Damien Cresswell, Associate Head of Parkhouse School, an SEMH school in South Yorkshire and part of the Keys Group. Damien shares how their school council has evolved into a powerful, inclusive platform for student voice that goes far beyond traditional models.

With just 24 pupils, Parkhouse School shows what’s possible when every student is heard. Their approach uses the Smart School Councils programme to embed class meetings and regular debates into school life, building students’ confidence, communication skills, and ability to engage with real-world issues.

In this episode, we discuss:

✅ How Parkhouse School moved from a tokenistic student council to a whole-school approach

✅ Why school councils matter in SEMH and specialist settings

✅ How class meetings promote respectful debate, discussion, and real action

✅ How pupils are now connecting global issues - like recycling or politics - to tangible school changes

✅ What it takes to scale pupil voice across 25 specialist schools in the Keys Group

Whether you're teaching in a mainstream classroom or a specialist provision, Damien’s story is a compelling example of how school councils can be reimagined to empower every learner, not just the loudest.

Stay Connected:

What does it look like when every pupil becomes a leader of change?

This week, Greg chats with Lisa Taylor, Headteacher at Halling Primary School in Medway. Lisa shares how she’s built a truly inclusive culture of pupil voice—where every young person, from Reception to Year 6, has the opportunity to speak up, lead projects, and make real change in their school.

In this episode, we discuss:

✅ How Halling Primary transformed their traditional school council into a whole-school model

✅ The role of the Communications Team, Class Meetings, and Action Teams

✅ How real leadership opportunities empower pupils and boost school culture

✅ Tips for building staff buy-in and making pupil voice sustainable

Tune in for a brilliant, inspiring conversation about creating a school where every child’s voice is heard—and valued.

Stay Connected:

How can debating help visually impaired students challenge stereotypes, grow confidence, and shape their own futures?

This week, Greg chats with Conor McSorley, Humanities Teacher at St Vincent’s School for Visually Impaired Pupils in Liverpool. Conor shares how debate and pupil voice play a vital role in helping his students feel seen, heard and powerful—from building a thriving debate club to running national competitions.

We discuss:

✅ How debate builds confidence and democratic thinking in SEN settings

✅ Why schools must actually let pupils lead if they want real pupil voice

✅ How Conor went from a blindfolded first day to running inclusive debates with national impact

Tune in for an energising chat on inclusive education, breaking down stigma, and what it really means to listen to your students.

How can schools move beyond traditional school councils to create a truly inclusive approach to pupil voice?

This week, Greg chats with Rachel Gray, Character Development Lead at Kells Lane Primary School in Gateshead. Rachel shares how her school ensures that every student—from nursery to Year 6—has a genuine voice in shaping their school community.

We discuss:
✅ How Kells Lane expanded pupil voice beyond a select group of students
✅ The impact of class meetings and communication teams on engagement
✅ Why empowering students as ‘citizens of today’ drives real change

Tune in for practical insights on embedding pupil voice and making every student feel heard!