Andy Downing @DowningAndy Twitter profile

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

2 months

Coming to the tail end of my career it was a delight to be invited by Emma to reflect on my leadership journey.

Stories of School Leadership - The Podcast

www.emmalewry.co.uk

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

8 months

@lifeatthenest This is indicative of the controlling environments being created in some schools where a key principle seems to be squashing all personality. Of course communication with parents is essential but there does need to be some separation.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

4 years

"Would of" - am I the only education professional who finds "of" used in place of "have" really disturbing? What's worse is that I have seen it here this evening from a practitioner! Grrrrrrrrrrrr! ,😡😡

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

4 months

When I started in 1972 Thatcher was SOS for Education. Since then there have been 23 but no one has been as damaging as Gove. No one has had such a negative impact on culture, curriculum, early years..... Thank goodness he has gone.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

3 years

@boggler99 Same in Ledbury but I'm not complaining - I just used sovereignty as a substitute in all my recipes

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

This is true leadership. Flora must not be allowed to take the stand alone.

Flora

@FloraSCooper

1 year

I've just had the call. I've refused entry. This is an interesting phone call. Doing this for everyone for our school staff everywhere! @Ofstednews @Headteacherchat #ShineOn #BurnBrighter

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

6 years

@philbc3 A party that wants to help the poorest and least fortunate would tell the truth about Brexit and oppose it

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

I am concerned that @FloraSCooper is the only HT to say that she has refused entry to @Ofstednews . She must not stand alone.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

8 months

In my last few leadership posts I asked three things my new SLT. 1. No surprises. If the fat is going to hit fire tell me about it before I hear from a parent, governor or elected member. That way I can prepare to support you.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

2 years

658 coronavirus deaths today - but I do appreciate that no one is interested in this.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

7 months

So Gillian has solved the mobile phone "problem" at a stroke. That's good. Obviously better to produce that guidance than deal with recruitment, SEND provision, mental health services or school funding.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

Just because a HT has a very large following and a high public profile does not mean that anything they say is of significance . There is zero correlation between number of followers and value of pronouncements.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

2 years

@mrjamesob You had a very bad morning James. Usually balanced and measured you show an unhealthy obsession with Megan and you were patronising and condescending to those dissenting from your view. Reflect.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

2 months

@FairHospitality @BrewDog Definitely time to boycott @BrewDog

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

2 years

When I see HTs (or anyone else for that matter) lending support to the Tories I don't question their politics - I question their ethics and their morals.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

8 months

get things wrong but I can't address them if you don't bring them to my attention. I depend on you to be my critical friends. This approach served me well.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

2 years

@Mrs_Taber This has nothing to do with promoting reading and everything to do with control

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

@MisterHBrown Imagine being a Trust leader so weak and inadequate that you feel the need to acquiesce to the Sun rather than do what is right!

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

3 years

@MissUnsworth94 Can we all just acknowledge - your ex is a shit! Rings you at lunchtime? What sort of caring man does that? That was a near miss for you.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

This must be the time to pause graded inspection and review. In the meantime I have the time to make myself available to any HT who needs a listening ear. Reach out - don't suffer alone.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

8 months

My wish for 2024 - more use of the word AND rather than OR in educational dialogue. Routines AND relationships ; high expectations AND compassion; direct instruction AND enquiry; rows AND groups etc etc. These false binaries are not only tedious they also demonstrate ignorance.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

2 months

I'm not sure I understand this. Since when was Miss Snuffy leading headteachers? Birbalsingh leads backlash over Government plans to soften measures tackling bad school behaviour

Labour review of behaviour in schools must not ‘eradicate’ progress, say head teachers

Katharine Birbalsingh, known as Britain’s strictest head, says disadvantaged children would pay price of any about-turns

www.telegraph.co.uk

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

8 months

@scriptwren What is this British obsession with controlling what our young people wear? It has nothing to do with learning and strikes me as being a bit creepy.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

2 years

@GillianKeegan Of course days lost to strikes will have an impact but they will be minimal compared to the damage done by your government's refusal to resource the system properly.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

8 months

2. No problems. If you are challenged by something come to me with the range of solutions you have considered. That way we can work things through together. 3. No whinging! If something is wrong tell me to my face - don't whinge about it in the car park or by the kettle. I will

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

9 months

Anyone continuing to work with or for Ofsted needs to look deep into their conscience and if they choose to continue have the conviction to explain to the rest of the profession. They are colluding with this pernicious regime

Andrew Morrish

@AndrewDMorrish

9 months

Why would any headteacher want to continue to work for an organisation like Ofsted? The right thing to do is to hand in your badge until root and branch reform.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

10 months

I am utterly bemused by the false dichotomies promoted by some prominent educators. To them if you don't support draconian behaviour policies you are in favour of chaos and anarchy. They seem to think that all rules are good rules - even those that are counter-productive.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

4 years

Today marks the start of my 48th year working in education at every level from teacher, through HT to Director of Schools. I am fortunate that I don't need to work - I do it because I enjoy it. This will be my last I think - important that my credibility doesn't run out before me

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

2 years

@lifeatthenest The House of Lords yesterday called for a royal commission on education and taking the long term strategy out of the hands of politicians. About time - political interference is stifling schools and learning

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

4 years

@DrRLofthouse @john_stephens67 I am struck by the "certainty" of so many practitioners. Even people only 10 years in being so absolute in their conviction of a system, method or strategy. After 48 years in education I am still looking for such certainty! Confidence yes but combined with some humility.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

6 months

When I first started teaching I'm sure there were just as many totally bonkers ideas about leadership and pedagogy but people just did them quietly in private. What is it that makes people broadcast their ridiculousness to the world?

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

3 years

@GNev2 The most gratuitous insult to the teaching profession

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

2 years

@niallsmith1970 @kitandrew1 And a government somewhere is doing very little to alleviate it!

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

For the past two delightful years we had our granddaughter living with us to do A levels locally. The level of nervous anticipation today far exceeds what I felt when my sons results came out 🫢

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

@ChildrensComm A post like this completely undermines the credibility of the office of @ChildrensComm . No serious teacher, parent or children's services professional actually believes this is possible or even desirable.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

It is in the hands of the profession to pause inspection. If HTs stopped working as inspectors change would be inevitable. This is the ultimate means of changing the system from the inside.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

11 months

A simply brilliant choice. Teacher, headteacher, HMCI and generally good bloke

Schools Week

@SchoolsWeek

11 months

Phillipson announces Sir David Bell, a former chief inspector of schools, will lead Labour's work 'to develop the early years plan the next generation deserve' #Lab23

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

This sums up the utter absurdity of practice in many MATs. Nothing to do with learning or well being, everything to do with coercion and control. Fortunately not all schools have swallowed the snake oil and there are still some wonderful examples of real learning and nurture.

Whistleblowing Teacher

@WhistleblowingT

1 year

Via GoogleForms:

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

2 years

Of all the ways in which DfE is eroding school autonomy this is the most chilling. There is a determination to impose a one size fits all model - training, leadership devpt, curriculum, pedagogy, behaviour. Divergence from the central message not allowed.

Government ‘pushing England’s universities out of teacher training’ over leftwing politics

Higher education leaders say ministers think departments are full of ‘Marxists’, as top universities fail accreditation process

www.theguardian.com

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

4 years

@sreece76 @head_northern Do just this but don't check with HR. This is about morality and integrity - not procedure and risk aversion

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

4 years

@BrianWebb15 @piersmorgan @DailyMailUK Actually Brian I have developed a new respect for him. He is one of the few journalists willing to hold the government to account. An effective democracy depends on scrutiny as I am sure you realise.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

3 years

@RussInCheshire If she doesn't like the mask she's going to hate the ventilator!

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

6 months

Perhaps it's just me but I am becoming increasingly irritated by certain accounts coming over as so bloody certain. Their way is the only way - no nuance. They use false binaries, straw man arguments and patronising or sarcastic distain against anyone who disagrees.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

The overriding feeling in this house is one of excitement, joy, relief and especially immense pride 🤩

Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

For the past two delightful years we had our granddaughter living with us to do A levels locally. The level of nervous anticipation today far exceeds what I felt when my sons results came out 🫢

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

5 months

When you realise that the pupils from your first class are celebrating their 60th birthdays it makes you feel your age!

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

11 months

@educationgovuk @GillianKeegan You are not banning mobile phones - you are revising NON STATUTORY guidance. Please stop lying

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

@FakeHeadteacher I wonder how much time could be saved if schools stepped back and considered all the meaningless activity that makes absolutely no contribution to pupil learning. Of course most of it is insisted on by very insecure leaders

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

2 years

@amanda_spielman What a piecemeal policy announcement! Where is the unifying vision for education? Where is the strategic intent? The worst sort of development planning - focus on one single priority without setting it into a strategic framework. It's not even electioneering - just a hobbyhorse!

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

2 months

@Mouhssin_Ismail As usual this post is intentionally polarising, dismissive of alternative approaches and ignorant of the fantastic work in hundreds of schools. By all means do your own thing but stop pretending that it is the only path.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

10 months

@SwailesRuth I keep thinking of the future. How are we going to develop independent, creative, responsive leaders if teachers are expected to operate like automatons? Education will not be able to adapt to a changing society without adaptive leaders

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

7 months

I am pretty conventional when it comes to behaviour. I believe in orderly learning environments, clear expectations and simple well understood rules. But please stop pretending that all rules are good rules and that all school policies are sound - some are downright harmful.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

4 years

@FakeHeadteacher If the school has a robust risk assessment which governors deem indicates an unacceptable risk then they have a duty not to open

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

If only there was someone who could be paid vast sums of money to put this situation right 🤔 ‘Wake-up’ call for schools as weeks of lessons lost to misbehaviour

'Wake-up' call over scale of lessons lost to misbehaviour

Government survey finds discrepancy between leaders, teachers and pupils' views on disruption

schoolsweek.co.uk

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

5 years

@Peston I would be very grateful if a Leaver could explain how Brexit will make the lives of my children and/or grandchildren better in any way. So far they have refused/been unable to explain even one benefit

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

3 years

@SkyNews Presumably the geography dept has to provide a flat earth map alongside the globe?

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

5 months

When I started teaching in 1972 corporal punishment was an accepted consequence for bad behaviour. I engaged in the Stop campaign which eventually resulted in the prohibition of corporal punishment in schools in 1986. Physically punishing pupils is now generally abhorred.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

Any educationist who isn't appalled by this really isn't paying attention!

Tamsin Grimmer - #lovingpedagogy #AntiRacist

@tamsingrimmer

1 year

Front page news. This is unacceptable, trying to silence people... Thank you @SwailesRuth @Dr_Pam_Jarvis @AaronTeamEC for speaking out.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

3 years

Very proud of grandchildren #2 and #3 for their amazing GCSE results. No idea what they got but amazingly proud of them and always will be.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

@FloraSCooper @sainsburys Great marketing opportunity to provide them free to this remarkable HT and her team. Most teachers in the country would celebrate!

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

4 years

@alicewoolley1 @MichaelRosenYes It has always been the case. Apparently members of the flat earth society are complaining that social distancing requirements are pushing them over the edge!!

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

10 months

A great relief. This minister has enabled some corrosive influences in the education system. It would be good to see a wider clearout of his acolytes

Nick Gibb

@NickGibbUK

10 months

Over the last few weeks I have been discussing taking up a diplomatic role after the general election. To enable me to do so I have asked the Prime Minister if I can step down from the government at the reshuffle and he has agreed. 1/5

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

3 years

@SwailesRuth Any scheme recommending 4 year olds sitting for 40 - 60 minutes is produced by people with limited knowledge of children and learning. Either leave the scheme alone or ignore the implementation advice

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

Alexa - show me an example of tone deaf!!

Gillian Keegan

@GillianKeegan

1 year

A great education doesn’t happen by chance - brilliant teachers shape children’s lives every day.  In today’s competitive job market, it’s fantastic to see so many people choosing a rewarding career in teaching, with a record number of teachers now working in our schools👇

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

@mprez22la @KaySocLearn @provokedpedago1 In all honesty I don't think you should comment on something you know absolutely nothing about. I also don't think you should have responsibility for teenage girls until you have had some personal guidance and advice.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

6 months

Serious question. After 14 years of Tory government can anyone identify any positive education policy or initiative?

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

Full respect to the HTs who have at last admitted to inspecting with Ofsted. You are perpetuating a damaging regime which is inhibiting school improvement - but I'm sure you will rationalise your involvement.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

6 years

@jeremycorbyn You are helping their disastrous Brexit

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

8 months

This sums up the problem with academisation. Schools able to select/unselect as they see fit. No responsibility for community. And I say this as Chair of a MAT Trust

Andy Jolley

@ajjolley

8 months

As an aside and to link the Safety Valve and current news around @Ofstednews inspections A Secondary school in @BCPCouncil who for a number of years took in ZERO ehcp or looked after pupils, has just received an outstanding Ofsted mark LA have no powers to do anything about it

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

9 months

There are many new and very ignorant entrants to the profession who will not understand the outpouring of affection and respect for Tim.

Harry Brighouse

@HarryBrighouse1

9 months

This is formal but here goes. The family of Sir Tim Brighouse are very sad to announce that Tim died in the John Radcliffe Hospital today after a short illness. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and a towering figure in the word of education. 1/

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

9 months

So I expect all serving leaders working with Ofsted will now show the evidence that they are trained to identify stress? Or will they just continue to say that Ofsted is a vehicle for good and they can influence it from the inside?

Ofsted accused of ‘misleading’ inquest into death of teacher Ruth Perry

Inspectors say claims made to coroner about wellbeing training following death of Reading headteacher are ‘nonsense’

www.theguardian.com

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 month

@philbc3 @abbyaug And I think governors/Trustees have a responsibility to ensure that online comments don't bring reputational damage to their school

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

@llewelyn20

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

7 months

Seeing the Behaviour Tsar refer to the "anti-behaviour" discourse is so depressing. In 50 years I have yet to meet an educator who is anti-behaviour. Yes some are more effective in managing behaviour than others but really - he is turning into a parody of himself.

Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

7 months

I am pretty conventional when it comes to behaviour. I believe in orderly learning environments, clear expectations and simple well understood rules. But please stop pretending that all rules are good rules and that all school policies are sound - some are downright harmful.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

3 years

@smithsmm No disrespect there at all Simon. At 70 I am still active in working with schools. I see enough teaching to recognize that I no longer have the current skill to provide the learning experience pupils deserve. This initiative is a fig leaf to cover govnmt dereliction of duty.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

2 years

@Emma_Turner75 IMO teaching in EYFS is more complex, more demanding and more important than any other stage of schooling - and everyone should spend time there in order to find out why!

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

3 years

@Headrest_UK @Ofstednews Appalling. My main concern with @Ofstednews right now is the unwillingness to engage. Why will they not respond, explain, justify? Is it just that they know they are wrong? No attempt to get the profession onside.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

4 years

@PaulGarvey4 @Ofstednews I had assumed that all schools had amended safeguarding policies to exclude all non-essential visitors. Surely that is essential to protect Covid security?

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

9 months

@Mouhssin_Ismail No recognition of the major festival of the year. No fun for deprived kids who won't experience festive joy. No community engagement. No PSE development. Just macho grad grind. Crack on Scrooge

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

2 years

@cutencraftyfimo I have been in education for 50 years and this is the most chilling land grab in my time. The days of school autonomy are well and truly over.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

4 years

@CensoredHead Leadership isn't just about doing things right, it is about doing the right thing. Respect

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

4 years

@ambutty1 There's an awful lot of people promoted beyond their competence level. You are a wife and mother - that's quite an achievement don't you think?

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

3 years

@MrHMFL Hermes!

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

2 years

@Happydog___ Excuse me - what is this nonsense about people not wanting black dogs?

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

I fully support union action and always have done but I think the NEU have just made a serious misjudgment with dates. Why would you alienate teachers as well as parents? I suspect the government might be quite pleased.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

9 months

It is noticeable how quiet the Ofsted defenders have become. Perhaps this is the time to acknowledge errors of the past and hand in badges?

Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

9 months

Anyone continuing to work with or for Ofsted needs to look deep into their conscience and if they choose to continue have the conviction to explain to the rest of the profession. They are colluding with this pernicious regime

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

4 years

@Ofstednews So good to see that you genuinely are concerned about staff as well as pupil welfare - NOT!!

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

Hi @thetimes . Looking at today's paper I can't find the reference to Johnson failing to hand over his phone as directed by the courts. Can you point out which page it is on please?

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

12 days

For the first time since 1972 I go into September with no work plans. For a long time I resisted this but now I am very relaxed. I am not retired @ottleyoconnor - I am resting 😊

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

4 years

@missyjules1974 The only people who know how to run a school in a pandemic are current headteachers - forget everyone else

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

5 months

I share Julie's experience totally. 50+ years and probably over a 1000 schools and never come across any one who is anti discipline or anti behaviour. This is nothing but a cheap narrative from those who believe that their way is the only way.

Julie Price Grimshaw

@Julespg

5 months

I’ve worked in schools for decades & lost count of the number I’ve visited. I have never seen ‘anti discipline’ schools’ & those who ‘don’t think behaviour is important’. This ridiculous binary outlook is doing more harm than good. 1/

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

3 years

49 years in education completed. Yes I have decided to go for the half century!

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

5 months

@RunSirRun @naomicfisher @jenhawk6248 I suggest you look at some school policies rather than accuse someone of lying. And no I will not name schools so that they are victims of a pile on. (Only 16 years? 🤔)

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

4 years

@educationgovuk No no no - you are not helping. If anyone thought that publishing new guidance on the Friday of a Bank Holiday weekend was helping they should resign immediately. You are being disruptive, callous and vindictive

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

10 months

@warwickmansell The failure to understand the difference between consistency and uniformity is a sad indictment of "leadership".

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

4 years

@MoreMorrow @GavinWilliamson After 48 years in education I have never known such unity across leaders, teachers, parents and pupils - in opposition to @educationgovuk . Well done @GavinWilliamson

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

4 years

@educationgovuk You really haven't thought this through have you @GavinWilliamson ?

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

8 months

@Mouhssin_Ismail I'm sorry Mouhssin but this really is silly. You need to get out into other schools in deprived areas who build kids up without suppressing them - and have bloody good behaviour

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

@_MGosling @BethBeynon @RogersHistory @TrinityAcademyG @trinity_mat Over 50 years in education at all levels I have never seen such an I'll judged, insulting and unprofessional comment by a school leader. You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself sir. You are entitled to your opinion, you are not entitled to belittle a fellow professional.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

@emmaroc33249448 @EstherMcVey1 I'm sorry Emma - I can see from reading your Tweet that the education system has let you down badly.

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Andy Downing

@DowningAndy

1 year

This was my last working day of the academic year - my 50th. Two months ago I was thinking this would be my last but on the same day two of my favourite schools asked me to work with them next year. Why wouldn't I? See you next year for the 51st!

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