Digital Inclusion. Digital inclusion refers to ensuring all people can participate and connect in today’s digital society. This includes: Access to technology and connectivity:Having access to digital devices like computers and smartphones, as well as reliable internet connections through broadband, WiFi and mobile networks. Infrastructure and connectivity are fundamental prerequisites for digital inclusion. Digital skills:Having … Read more
Implementing The Teach Like a Pirate Philosophy In Your Classroom One of my first discoveries of an education book that I could get behind and implement was Dave Burgess’s book Teach Like A Pirate, or #tlap as it’s known. Now I am a fan of pirates and need little encouragement to embrace Pirate culture. Now … Read more
Autism and the barriers to friendship This is a situation that occurred a while ago and now both students are a couple of years into their new placements I feel it can be written and anonymity maintained. The names are made up, ‘Jack’ is what one of my current students calls me despite my trying … Read more
This handy little guide aims to equip you to deal with any challenging situation. But can we apply it to the challenges of school leadership?
Autism Education Infographic (UK) I work in a specialist school for children. It is my job to educate young people with a range of diagnoses to the best of my ability. Now those children have to have an EHCP to access our provision. They are all referred to us by the local authority having had … Read more
SEN Education Infographic Data While the statistics I am about to present are specific to the month of January 2015, it is essential to understand that they represent the most current and recent data accessible at the time. The following SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) education infographic has been meticulously crafted based on the … Read more
Well January has passed, it seems like the longest month. So many successes and achievements as well as set-backs and challenges. It seems like a good time to reflect on the teacher wellbeing pledges I made to #teacher5aday in this blog. #Connect – Aha achieved this one by presenting at #bett2016 however did feel I … Read more
Technology and SEN Children with additional needs do not have the same access to technology as their peers. Specialist equipment is very expensive. The school may have excellent provision, is this the same at home? In their residential provision? Will the same assistive technology or better be available to them in their future placements? I … Read more
Using iPads and Tablet Technology in Sensory Rooms There are many ways to make a sensory room and learning space more engaging, one of the quickest and most versatile is… the teacher. Running a close second is by using technology. In terms of interactivity specialist sensory room equipment cannot be beaten, it is hard-wearing and well-designed. However, … Read more
Teacher wellbeing updated August 2023. This post originally formed my answer to the following question “How could you put aside 5 minutes of each day to improve your wellbeing?” For teachers and school leaders taking just 5 minutes out of their day to focus on your wellbeing can have a profound impact on your overall … Read more
Educational Motivational Speakers Inspiration is all around you. To be inspirational is a resource some people harness to make a living out of. There are schools full of people at this very moment who are giving inspirational speeches, to classes, and to individuals. There are those who are changing the ways people think about aspects of … Read more
It’s the time of year for buying my daughter’s teacher a Christmas gift. “What does Mr C like?” I ask. “Good children.” comes the earnest reply. These are out of stock. But it did start me thinking that between the boxes of quality street and “World’s best teacher” mugs our students will have given us … Read more
Everything about our classroom is a decision we have made, if the desks are set up a certain way it is either because we put them like that or we decided (consciously or unconsciously) that they were fine as we found them.
Equality and Diversity in Staff Training This is the notes form of an Equality and Diversity presentation I wrote as part of my certification as a PBS instructor. I am now a Principal Instructor for our area in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS is an area I have been putting much thought into). I must stress … Read more
Always on the lookout for computing technology that is accessible and engaging to all my students I invested in 1 Ozobot. A small programmable robot. It is, I would say the simplest device I have bought to support our computing curriculum, In less than 5 minutes I had it running around the maze supplied with … Read more
I have gained so much from following the #teacher5aday initiatives. I thought I should give something back. So below is my very short video outlining some key Makaton signs you can use with or teach your class. The benefits of using Makaton with SEN learners: Makaton is a language programme designed to provide communication skills … Read more
Quotes on inclusion Many people have written quotes on inclusion. In many of our articles, we have extensively discussed the importance of inclusion, which stands as a fundamental and central component of our overarching philosophy and beliefs. Embracing and advocating for inclusion is an integral aspect of approaching and understanding various topics, aiming to create a … Read more
Improving Inclusion Through School Leadership This post builds on the input of 30 school leaders during an SLTChat educational discussion. It also references two papers (see references section) Inclusive education has become a global priority, with countries worldwide seeking to provide quality education for all students regardless of ability, disability, language, culture, gender, or background. … Read more
Building Trust and School Leadership Clearly leading through trust is a hugely important element in the atmosphere of a school ecosystem. Given the level of vulnerability of our students the organic trust (Bryk and Schneider (2002)) within the school community is of paramount importance. However it should never be unquestioning. This would lead to complacency … Read more
School Leadership Journey What Does NPQML Mean? – NPQML Means National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership. It is a DfE recognised qualification for school leaders. This post on becoming a middle leader is a reflection for my NPQML. Specifically a School improvement unit. In it I have tried to be honest about the struggles I … Read more
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