School leaders need somewhere to turn when a question comes up at 7am, and somewhere to think properly about the bigger picture. HeadteacherChat runs two spaces that do different jobs: the HeadteacherChat Facebook group and the School Leaders Community. Many leaders use both. This article sets out what each one is good for, so you can decide where to take a question.

The Facebook group: quick answers from peers

The Facebook group is where many school leaders first found HeadteacherChat, and it is still busy every day.

  • It is the place for fast, practical questions: how other schools organise break duty, which system they use for visitor sign-in, or how they word a letter to parents.
  • Answers come from colleagues who have just dealt with the same thing in their own schools.
  • Anonymous posting lets leaders ask about something awkward without naming their school.
  • It is free and sits in an app most people already open every day.

Because it is a busy social media feed, older posts move down quickly, and replies reflect each person's own experience. For anything that turns on statutory guidance, check the source before acting on an answer.

The School Leaders Community: depth and structure

The School Leaders Community, on community.headteacherchat.com, is a members' platform built for leaders who want more than a quick answer.

  • Content is organised into spaces, including DfE and Ofsted Documents, Resources, the on-demand session library and Community Chat, so you can find material again later.
  • DfE and Ofsted publications are summarised with links to the original guidance.
  • Members get templates, checklists and audits, including updates when guidance changes.
  • Live sessions and recordings cover topics such as safeguarding, SEND, inspection and wellbeing.
  • Members can book confidential one-to-one coaching calls.
  • Access is limited to members, which suits discussion of sensitive leadership issues such as staffing or a complaint.

Which to use for what

  • A quick, practical "what do you do?" question: the Facebook group.
  • Something sensitive you don't want on social media: the School Leaders Community.
  • Checking what the guidance actually says: the DfE and Ofsted Documents space in the community.
  • A template or checklist to adapt: the community's Resources space.
  • Time to think something through with a coach: a coaching call in the community.

Summary

The Facebook group and the School Leaders Community serve different needs. The group gives you fast answers from peers. The community adds organised guidance, resources, live sessions and a private space for harder conversations. If you already use the group and want that extra depth, you can join the School Leaders Community.