Gill Williams

Some might call it naïve, some might call it stupid, but I'm very hopeful about the SEND reforms announced today. Yes, there are issues with funding and people power to make this happen, and I know very many of my friends who have children with special needs and disabilities will be very worried about their future, but when you dig down into it, what the government are trying to do is what we all want really.

For the education system to be set up for these needs in the first place, for it not to be an issue if they need an adjustment to the norm as it is widely understood that normal is just a setting on a washing machine. Your child needs coloured paper? No problem! No need for endless meetings, that's a need we can meet. Your child needs a calm space to regulate after playtime? We'll find a way to make that happen.

I get that these things cost money and time hat is yet to be explained but before we panic (on both sides as parents and educators) can we just stop and think a bit. If our schools were set up as neurodivergent and disability friendly as standard, then everyone thrives. It is no extra work, funding isn't an issue. This becomes the norm. It's in place for physical disabilities already and has been for a while. We just need to extend that thinking to special needs too.

Before you bite my head off, I realise using the word 'just' is very loaded and triggering for many. There will be so many things to unpack from all of this, and so many people will be angry and stressed. But fewer people needing EHCPs is a good thing. Done properly, it really is. The aim is never to get more people onto EHCPs, it's simply to get more peoples' needs met. And this might be the answer.

My views on the SEND reforms news today.

This is my view as a parent of 2 children with SEND and as someone who cares deeply about the welfare of staff in the education system.

Bishopthorpe Parish Council want to sell a small wildlife oasis hosting rare wildflowers like Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem to a developer. This field belongs to the people of Bish who cherish its wildlife. Please sign this petition to stop them doing this. Thanks 😊 c.org/syGKBRcGBY

Happy World Wetlands day from the very wet land of Wheldrake Ings & the @ldvnnr.bsky.social

Deliberately went early to an event today so that I could sit in one of my favourite woodlands for an hour and drink in the sounds of April. Rewarded with my first Pied Flycatcher and Redstart of the year. #BirdingWales

Coed Ganllwyd, Meirionnydd, a @nationaltrust.org.uk treasure.

Annual city walls #daffodil walk. Moved to this city 32 years ago and its beauty still stuns #York #lovewhereyoulive
@johntomsett.bsky.social

Country diary: Spring is beginning, with birdsong and green shoots | Amy-Jane Beer Welburn, North Yorkshire: The wood is greening with wild garlic and dog’s mercury, studded with celandines, violets and primroses

A spring wells up in a spring wood alive with birdsong, fresh foliage and sweet-faced flowers in @theguardian.com country diary by @amyjanebeer.bsky.social.

#countrydiary #naturewriting

Country diary: A sunlit view of two hungry bullfinches | Jim Perrin Llandrindod Wells, Powys: They’re such captivating birds to watch, and this pair is indulging their preference for flower buds on my cherry tree

Watching bullfinches in the cherry tree in today's @theguardian.com country diary by Jim Perrin.

#countrydiary #naturewriting

Unbelievable. And unforgivable given outcomes. Thank you for continuing to raise this Rhys.

Another view of the Acomb #starling #murmuration as seen from Clifton Ings
@northyorksbirds.bsky.social @yorkbirding.bsky.social

#York Minster always excels at projection spectaculars- lovely to see the #wildlife that has shaped York’s history taking centre stage
#ColourAndLight2025

Late afternoon starling murmuration over Clifton. As seen from kitchen window. Wow 🤩 @yorkbirding.bsky.social

Country diary: A bird that had existed only in my imagination becomes vividly real | Nic Wilson Bramfield, Hertfordshire: My long-unanswered prayers to see the elusive hawfinch are finally rewarded in a churchyard

In today's @theguardian.com country diary, I'm off to church in search of a fictional bird...

#countrydiary #naturewriting #UKBirding

Great day @ldvnnr.bsky.social in Melbourne, including a wander along the canal with Craig and a large flock of siskin. Fantastic reserve. @yorkbirding.bsky.social #ldv #worldwetlandsday

If you want to know how to teach reading, lead reading, or have reading taught well in your school: get this book.
I rarely recommend things but this is ace...

Phew, you’re on here too 👍 #ukbirding

Just got back from Winchester - stunning historic cathedral, great food (Bangkok Bistro, fab), secondhand bookshops and beautiful water meadows/chalk streams to meander around 😊

Hello #EduSky 👋

Just some Winchester holiday spam to celebrate a move to a friendlier space #EduSky 😊