And yes, the commitment to FSMs for all those on Universal Credit is of course very welcome, but I sincerely hope that the promise that schools will receive all they need to fund it will be fulfilled in its entirety. 2/2 #FreeSchoolMeals
#Freeschoolmeals. I know I'm admitting to terrible naivety and ignorance here, but I've spent the day staggered at how ANY family can survive on an income of £7400 a year, having realised that's it for those entitled to free school meals so far. In a first world country, in 2025. 1/2
It would be truly remiss of me to post without including some shots of the heavenly food, which makes up for about 95% of my camera roll. Name that dish... (And yes, the lobster was as fresh as it can possibly be. Sorry lobster!) 2/2
Returned today from the proudest of teacher-moments. The wedding of my former student Balan, with the best of best men from my tutor group from 2001-2006, Amit, in glorious Sicily. Even in the most challenging of weeks, it's impossible to forget what an honour this job is. 1/2
Grateful for a week with two brilliant school teams.
Huge thanks to Alfriston School & Chess Valley Trust for your warmth, insight, and humour made the sessions on #teacherwellbeingselfcare truly special.
Always a privilege to do this work. Get in touch to find out more: www.those-that-can.com
This weekend, I’m attending the wedding of a young man I taught from 2001-2006, and this is one of the many reasons why teaching is the best career in the world.
Yes - what also gets me about this is that if the trainee doesn't make it through, literally NOBODY wins. This particular person, I know, plumbed remarkable depths of resilience and I'm so glad, but unsuccessful conclusions are all-too-common.
Thanks so much for sharing, Hannah. What really gets me is how nearly the profession completely lost this trainee, who (I know) was truly dedicated to teaching. I wonder how many 'nearly' teachers are out there, who could be making a difference in classrooms today...
NEW guest blog: A SCITT Survival Story
An #ECT opens up about the reality of teacher training while navigating grief and neurodivergence.
Read it here: www.those-that-can.com/a-scitt-surv...
#TeacherTraining #NeurodivergentVoices #Education #SCITT #WellbeingInSchools #BlueskyEdu
After 100s of hours (and 26 yrs), I’ve written the last sentences of my book, Real Lives of Teachers. It’s been a battle at times, but I’m finally proud.
These final words echo my late friend & headteacher Kevin, who taught me to believe my words mattered.
More soon. #teachers
This is a great piece, @claireharley.bsky.social! Are you happy for me to cite it in my book about real lives of educators?
She is an uncannily brilliant listener! I thought I'd told all the stories there were, but NO! 😂 Was properly vulnerable in this one. The Nativity play... 🥲
NEW podcast appearance, in which I share as yet untold stories about guilt, presenteeism, hyperaccountability, over-work and the reasons why I am so passionate about the work I do now with schools on #wellbeing, #communication + thriving #cultures
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
1/2
Intensive Easter Coaching with me, Emma Kell, of Those That Can Limited: back by popular demand! Spaces limited.
🪺 A trusting and non-judgemental space?
🐣 An opportunity to gain clarity and perspective?
🪴 A chance to articulate and enact your next steps?
DM for more detail. #coaching
There is an awkward situation brewing about the fact that, at one point, the ‘go to work, get your quals, get a great job and a nice house’ was, mainly, true. These days, the jobs and the houses are looking much further away…
This week, I received some feedback that means the world. Sharing it puts me outside my comfort zone, but I'm part of a wonderful group of women and we encourage one another to do so, so I'm taking a deep breath. Thank you so much Laura Light and AAIE. It was epic.
I asked my teen why some of her friends have low attendance. ‘Because they don’t like school and don’t see the point. Or they have bigger problems.’ Shaming ch’n, schools and parents isn’t working. Any ideas for fresh approaches? #attendance
Today, I'm contemplating 'squiggly careers'. To what extent has yours turned out as you expected? What surprises have there been along the way? Feel free to DM. #IAmWriting
#SENDCos, I know it's tough for many of you. Thank you for the difference you make. Grateful to spend time with
@hertscc.bsky.social DPSL3 recently on looking after their own #wellbeing. There was pragmatism, passion, purpose, laughter and such a powerful sense of community and connection.
We're all juggling. Some balls are glass (mental health, relationships, key commitments), + some plastic (fleeting pressures, opinions, minor urgencies). Drop a glass ball, + it shatters. Drop a plastic one, and it bounces. What are your glass balls?
#TeacherWellbeing #SelfCare
With teenage daughters and their friends navigating the world, this quote is proving more useful than motherly advice!
Thank you! I'll check them out myself first as don't want to risk overwhelm (there are so many platforms and sources of support!). Goodness, I miss Memrise - my students used to play it on the bus and compete over their scores 😀
Oh, and please not Duolingo. It serves a purpose, but not this one!
I have not - would you recommend?
Context: Alternative Provision. Students coming in at different times with varying experience of the lang. 1 lesson a week for Y11 between now and the exams. Determined to get the best out of them, and they want to go for it. 2/2
#Mfl #French teachers, help pls.
Best engaging online platforms to help students learn/revise a lot of vocabulary independently and quickly (context below).
Used to love Memrise but it seems to have changed...?
Seneca good but engagement levels varied.
1/2
'Never forget a five lesson day' has always been my advice to school leaders.
Folks, today I have had a six lesson day and, whilst it was fab, I am DONE. Of all the things I do, my teaching is my most rewarding - and most exhausting!
Today, I am fiercely avoiding the news and focusing on doing the good I can, within my zone of control...
