Welcome to the December issue of Leadership Focus. As this long autumn term draws to a close, the pressures on school leaders show little sign of easing – from an escalating tide of parental complaints and legal threats to a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system stretched far beyond its limits.

In these pages, we look unflinchingly at that reality: how artificial intelligence and social media are fuelling vexatious complaints and exposing gaps in legal cover, how falling rolls and school closures are reshaping communities and careers and how a system-wide SEND crisis is leaving leaders apologising for things they can’t control, even as they fight to do the right thing for every child.

But this edition is also about hope, professionalism and possibility. We explore what it really means to lead in a genuinely neurodiverse system, drawing on cutting-edge research and whole-school initiatives like PINS and ‘neurodiversity champions’. We hear from leaders who have transformed cultures and outcomes in special settings, and from NAHT colleagues who are pressing the government, parliament and devolved nations for the funding, accountability and clarity our pupils deserve.

Taken together, these features offer practical tools and thoughtful perspectives – and a reminder that even in a tough climate, good leadership still makes a real difference.

As ever, should you have any feedback or comments on any of the features in this issue, or ideas for other features you’d like to see us cover in Leadership Focus, do drop me a line.

Allow me to take this opportunity to wish you all a healthy, happy and restorative festive break, and I look forward to seeing you all when the bell rings again in January.

Best wishes

David Gilmore
NAHT head of communications
commsnaht@naht.org.uk