Wanda Noakes, the new headteacher at Daubeney Primary in Hackney, north London, returns after her first half term break with renewed enthusiasm. Her plan to involve parents more works well and they come up with ideas to celebrate Black History Month. Ten weeks into her leadership she feels pupils and parents are on side but there is still a lot to do to establish a good rapport with staff. The allocation of teaching and learning responsibilities is an issue and her two deputies feel she is introducing too many changes too quickly. Wanda disagrees. She feels the changes are important for the pupils. She also has to tell them that she will only be able to afford one deputy by 2008. Wanda was aware that parts of her job would be tough but feels the qualification for new heads helped her prepare. As Christmas approaches Wanda receives good news about her children's centre and gets some positive feedback from staff. Her advice for new heads? Grit your teeth and have lots of early nights.

Video Series: New Heads - Primary
Release Date 2006