A pleasant coincidence that two conversations I had before Christmas have aligned to feature in the top two education news stories of the last week.
So grateful to be able to have a voice and that it resonates or helps in the overall discussions.
Both available in @tesmagazine.bsky.social

I would move. But sadly I am unable.
#BoxingDay

Exciting! Congratulations 👏👏

A powerful end-of-term reminder that education gives us hope With the tiring autumn term coming to an end, Caroline Barlow says the determination of teachers in Ukraine to keep delivering education in their war-ravaged country should be an inspiration to us all

‘Their resilience is not just necessary through circumstance; it is a reflection of a deep sense of purpose’: the determination of teachers in Ukraine is an inspiration to us all, writes @carolinebarlow.bsky.social

Conversation on 'local' SEND reform principle with the Schools Minister Join the Schools Minister and a panel of experts for a live online discussion as part of a series of events focussed on SEND reform.

Pleased to be able to contribute to the SEND reform conversation today, alongside some giants of the inclusion agenda.

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/conversati...

A powerful end-of-term reminder that education gives us hope With the tiring autumn term coming to an end, Caroline Barlow says the determination of teachers in Ukraine to keep delivering education in their war-ravaged country should be an inspiration to us all

Thanks to @tesmagazine.bsky.social for sharing the resilience and hope offered by our Ukrainian colleagues.🇺🇦
www.tes.com/magazine/lea...

The real SEND story behind the OBR shock One trust leader calls for caution over shock estimates of the potential impact of SEND funding

This is excellent and a great follow on from dialogue yesterday: schoolsweek.co.uk/the-real-sen...

You can reduce the number of AHT at secondary imho but unless the number of roles schools have to play is reduced then all that will happen is they will be replaced with more TLRs.

Why this curriculum review is a rare thing the sector should savour After years of policy turbulence, we finally have an evidence-based blueprint for change that trusts teachers as the experts, writes MAT chief executive Dan Morrow

Such a welcome opportunity to be positive about the changes coming our way. Thank you to the #CAR Team and @beckyfrancis.bsky.social

www.tes.com/magazine/ana...

Autumn in St James Park.
Taking time. 🍂

I am very much looking forward to this alongside co-chair @keziah70.bsky.social

….. and her age and status as a mother. Nothing to see here…..😂

Year 11 here. Not saying there haven’t been times, especially in the last 3 years, the exit hasn’t looked highly attractive but this is a job where with the right team, support and mission you can make a huge difference.
#bestjobintheworld (mostly!)

Great Day, great atmosphere. Twickenham was ‘all in’ and loud! #RugbyWorldCup #RWC2025 #RedRoses

Looking forward to discussing this research, sustainability of high quality leadership is a challenge and a priority.

Thank you to @carolinebarlow.bsky.social for this lovely review of @ensermark.bsky.social & @greeborunner.bsky.social ’s new book! 📘 “A powerful body of wisdom” to help you start off the new school year right.

#HowDoTheyDoIt? is available exclusively via our website – find out more: buff.ly/3K6qYvp

Oh that is so cool! 🥰

Well this is mighty fine company I’m keeping here! Well done @greeborunner.bsky.social and @ensermark.bsky.social!

Just this.
Well done everyone, we’ve earned this time.

Something I never thought I’d say out loud: I’ve written a book! 📖

It’s called #CalmLeadership and it’s coming out in October 2025, published by the incredible team at Crown House Publishing.

#CalmLeadership #LeadershipMatters #EducationLeadership #Headteacher #Wellbeing

There are some good people on this list. 👏👏 #MATReferenceGroup

www.tes.com/magazine/new...

Why ‘Best Start’ is a fresh start in tackling disadvantage The government’s updated Sure Start approach should be embraced by schools as the right way to address educational inequality, argues Jonny Uttley

I do enjoy it when @jonnyuttley.bsky.social writes like this; it’s strong, passionate and - I believe- it’s right! #beststartinlfe

www.tes.com/magazine/ana...

Family hubs to open in every council in England Government says £500m plan aims to support an extra half a million more children.

This is potentially game changing for families. The support they need, used to have, and have missed ….. finally some extra support to alleviate the gaps that schools have been stretched too thin trying to fill.

www.bbc.com/news/article...

Honour to be asked & absolutely loved being part of a double act with @keziah70.bsky.social as well as hearing the support there is from @cmckinnellmp.bsky.social and DfE - thank you for a great afternoon @ascl-uk.bsky.social

Looking forward to meeting people and speaking at the @ascl-uk.bsky.social New Headteachers conference today alongside @keziah70.bsky.social

It was great to talk to @ttradioofficial.bsky.social on Friday about headship, leadership, the pipeline into the profession and @headsroundtable.bsky.social
- do have a listen!

www.podbean.com/eas/pb-wfwys...

Congratulations to all from our sector receiving honours. It is great to see any and all efforts to restore our profession to a respected and valued pillar in both individual children and families lives but also the significant contribution to our wider collective benefit. 👏👏

The one where I had fun talking about headship, leadership, @headsroundtable.bsky.social and the pipeline into the profession.

I'm listening to Teachers Talk Radio | The Headteacher's Survival Kit: The Morning Break with Carl Smith on Podbean, check it out! www.podbean.com/wlei/pb-wfwy...

You know you’ve got a good one when…..
He realises he is mansplaining the opening of a window to you over the phone and stops to admonish himself!
❤️

“This is a credible attempt to regain control of the growth narrative.”

Leading economist Mohamed El-Erian gives his assessment of the Spending Review, but warns: “for it to work, you need the private sector to buy in - quickly.”

#Newsnight