Sorry, this blog is a little messy – but I think it is one of the most important ones I’ve written this year. The issues have been burning away for some time. I came into teaching to educate; to build knowledge, understanding and prepare children... Continue Reading →
This week’s Government announcement of at least £3 billion to expand specialist places within mainstream schools could be a significant moment for creating more inclusive schools. The plan is to create tens of thousands of tailored spaces in local schools,... Continue Reading →
This week, scientists discovered that your nose gets colder when you’re under stress. If that’s true, there must be a legion of icy-nosed school leaders across the country right now, bracing themselves for November and the looming shadow of Ofsted. ... Continue Reading →
After three decades in education, 22 of those as a headteacher I’ve seen trends rise, fall, and occasionally come back with a new hat. But SEND has morphed from a challenge into a full-blown daily crisis, with a price tag... Continue Reading →
CONTENT WARNING - Once again – this is a ramble – this topic is huge and I start to hit on issues that I could spend thousands of hours on (And still get nowhere!). That’s not the purpose of a... Continue Reading →
It is 20 years since I lay in bed the night before my first day as a 'real' teacher with a sense of rising panic and anticipation. What would I now tell this naive, rather gangly 20 something? What golden... Continue Reading →
Never have I been more uncertain standing up for what I believe in. Never have I felt more exposed or more vulnerable... So says the blogging head teacher. There is a palpable buzz of anger and disappointment around education right... Continue Reading →
I wasn’t looking forward to it but once it started it felt great to be back at school this week. At first it was a little like being in the Banksy Caravan Simulator - familiar but disorientating. But as the... Continue Reading →
Right that got your attention. Firstly, to set the record straight, SLT's should support teachers so that they can teach. It is a no brainer. I have spent my last 10 years as a head doing this. To all the... Continue Reading →
Old Primary Head 