In this episode, I’m talking about choosing the right interventions for pupils - and especially for pupils with SEND — and why, in so many schools, it can start to feel confusing and over-complicated.

In lots of schools, staff are doing a huge amount. And yet, when leaders are asked a few simple questions — Why this intervention? Why this pupil? What exactly are we trying to improve? How will we know if it’s working? — things can start to feel less clear.

This episode is about making better leadership decisions with the support and staff you already have. Because every intervention has a cost. And leaders need to be confident that what pupils gain is genuinely worth what they miss.

What we explore in this episode In this conversation, I talk through:

Why interventions aren’t neutral — and why leaders need to be honest about what pupils give up when they leave the classroom

What the research actually tells us about deploying teaching assistants most effectively, and how school systems shape impact

Why matching interventions to labels is often unhelpful — and what it looks like to match support to specific barriers to learning instead How pupil voice, family insight, classroom observation and assessment can sharpen intervention decisions

Why many interventions fail in practice — not because the idea is wrong, but because delivery isn’t protected or consistent

What effective intervention delivery really requires: time, training, clear roles, and strong links back to classroom learning

Real examples from schools where leaders tightened systems, reduced unnecessary withdrawal, and improved outcomes for pupils with SEND

A set of practical questions leaders can use to check whether their intervention offer is actually doing what it’s meant to do

This is about clarity, not compliance. And about making thoughtful decisions in schools where staff time and capacity are already stretched.

A key idea to hold onto: Interventions have to earn their place.

They should compensate for what pupils miss — and be strong enough for leaders to stand behind with confidence.

If interventions currently feel messy, this episode will help you understand why — and what to do next.

🎧 For Premium Members Premium members also get practical resources to help use this thinking with leadership teams and colleagues.

This includes:

A full set of training slides to support staff discussion and development

A facilitator script to guide reflection and professional dialogue

Tools to help leaders:

think more clearly about matching pupils to the right support deploy teaching assistants effectively and purposefully review interventions honestly and decide when to adapt or stop

👉 Become a Premium Member here: https://the-leadership-lens.mykajabi.com/premium-membership