Mind the Gap: Making Education Work Across the Globe Scaffolding Effectively with Alex Fairlamb and Rachel Ball, Mind the Gap, Ep.116 (S6,E14)
On this episode of Mind the Gap, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner are joined by Alex Fairlamb and Rachel Ball, co-authors of The Scaffolding Effect, to explore what scaffolding really is (and isn’t) and why it has become such a pivotal idea in the move from “differentiation” to adaptive teaching. They discuss the research roots of the term, the practical reality of “knowing–doing,” and the central challenge that scaffolds must be temporary - designed to be removed through gradual release and guided by sharp checks for understanding. The conversation digs into common pitfalls (from “impermeable skins” of apparent progress to students becoming dependent on writing frames), debates the role of formulaic writing structures, and shows how scaffolding looks different across subjects and phases, including strategies involving reading, writing, retrieval practice, explanations, practical subjects, even homework. Packed with concrete examples and implementation-minded advice, this is a highly usable episode for teachers and leaders who want to support pupils towards real independence.
Alex Fairlamb is a Trust T&L Network Lead and Senior Leader in charge of Teaching and Learning and CPD, based in the North East. She is a Chartered Teacher of History, a Specialist Leader in Education and an Evidence Lead in Education. Alex is a proud member of the Historical Association Secondary Committee and the Schools North East Steering Board. Alex is a History teacher and former Lead Practitioner of History and Teaching and Learning, with a strong commitment to ensuring that curriculums are diverse. She is an author and textbook writer, and recently completed her PhD focusing on Equality and Equity within education. Check out her website at https://alexfairlamb.com/
Rachel Ball is Professional Development Specialist at Steplab. She is a former Assistant Principal in charge of teaching and learning and CPD, and passionate history teacher with 22 years experience. She is also a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teachers and an international speaker at schools and conferences including ResearchEd National Conference. Rachel is co-editor of What is History Teaching, Now? (2023) and co-author of The Scaffolding Effect (2025). Find Rachel's blog at theeducationalimposters.wordpress.com
Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specialising in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on X @teacherhead
Emma Turner FCCT is a school improvement advisor, education consultant, trainer and author. She has almost three decades of primary teaching, headship and leadership experience across the sector, working and leading in both MATs and LAs. She works nationally and internationally on school improvement including at single school level and at scale. She has a particular interest in research informed practice in the primary phase, early career development, and CPD design. Follow Emma on X @emma_turner75
This podcast is sponsored by Teaching WalkThrus and produced in association with Haringey Education Partnership. Find out more at https://walkthrus.co.uk/ and https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/