On this week’s Tes News podcast, we discuss:

• Political chaos will lead to teacher strikes, warn school leaders
  
  The news team chats through the ongoing political chaos and what it might mean for the sector - not least the reality that a sixth education secretary of the year is almost certain, as well as whether the Schools Bill will survive.

• Closures and cuts: the population crisis about to hit schools
  
  Long-term population data shows there will be fewer pupils coming into both primary and secondary schools in the years ahead, which could put yet more pressure on school budgets. Gráinne Hallahan and Dan Worth discuss what, if anything, the sector can do to prepare for this
   
• Maternity pay: Why our trust made radical changes
  
  A MAT chief executive and the director of its teaching institute explain how a speculative email asking about maternity policies led to a major change to make it easier for pregnant women to apply for jobs and keep their benefits - and discuss why they want others to follow their lead.
  
  Listen below or on your podcast platform of choice