@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.
"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! ,😡😡
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.
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.
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.
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.
@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.
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.
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.
@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.
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.
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.
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
@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.
@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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
@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
@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.
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?
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 🫢
@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.
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.
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
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.
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.
@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.
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.
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 🫢
@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
@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!
@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.
@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
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.
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
@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
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.
@FloraSCooper
@sainsburys
Great marketing opportunity to provide them free to this remarkable HT and her team. Most teachers in the country would celebrate!
@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!!
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
@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
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👇
@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.
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.
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
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
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/
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?
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.
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.
@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.
@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!
@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.
@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?
@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
@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.
@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?
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.
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
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?
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 😊
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.
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/
@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? 🤔)
@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
@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
@_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.
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!