Executive headteacher & Executive coach. A survivor (DA) rising like a phoenix - living my next chapter. The best is yet to come! #ShineOn! #BurnBrighter
United Kingdom
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Someone asked me what #ShineOn meant...
"Shine On" began as more than just a slogan. It was born from a single powerful idea: that every person, no matter where they are in life, has an inner light that can push through any darkness. It’s a reminder that even in the most
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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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Just to put it out there...
My voice will not, and never will be silenced again.
I will be the voice for those who have no voice.
#ShineOn
#Burnbrighter
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The highlight at the end of today for all of the team, was being visited by Julia Waters (Ruth Perry's sister) and daughter.
This is our WHY.
We can't forget why we are fighting this fight.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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Please can people not come to school now in the morning. I have to protect our children, our staff and our community.
Please for the protection of our children and staff.
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Because everyone wants to know...
I never said schools should not be accountable - schools should absolutely be accountable.
We must ensure the very best for every school everywhere.
However, any system that creates competition across education will never work.
#ShineOn
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Can I please get everyone here tomorrow? Would you show up?
John Rankin School, Newbury
Who would support? I'm doing this!
Help! I don't know what this will look like!
Please? For #RuthPerry
#StrongerTogether
#ShineOn
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I just want to say thank you to everyone for their support.
The kindness and gratitude you have shown our team has been overwhelming.
Together now, we stand in solidarity.
Together, we can make a change.
United, we stand.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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Thank you to those who have been checking on me.
The things I have been through in my life have prepared me for any challenges that come my way.
Nothing can knock me down. I'm calm, composed & shining my light as bright as I can!
#ShineOn
#Burnbrighter
#RiseLikeAPhoenix
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I think we've all learnt a lot more about Ofsted this week than any of us knew.
Keep the momentum going.
We've only just begun. We can all agree schools must be held to account, but let's look at the system with which we do it-keeping the children at the heart.
#ShineOn
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Be a leader who always does the right thing -
(sometimes the most difficult choice)
and know that often,
(at least at first),
you may be standing alone.
Be a leader of integrity. Always.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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Well that's been a week...
I wonder what next week will bring?
Change is coming.
We've got this.
United we stand.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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Please support!! I don't know what I'm doing....but someone has to!
Help!
#ShineOn
#StrongerTogether
Can I please get everyone here tomorrow? Would you show up?
John Rankin School, Newbury
Who would support? I'm doing this!
Help! I don't know what this will look like!
Please? For #RuthPerry
#StrongerTogether
#ShineOn
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We have solidarity in numbers.
We always have more courage when we stand together, united.
Our voices have way more power than we give them credit for.
Let's change the system. This ends now.
Keep the momentum going, and please get involved.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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The team that I work with are the most courageous, passionate and fantastic team a headteacher could ever ask for.
A truly special community, with amazing parents and children who make this the best job in the world.
Thank you..
#GreatestSchoolOnEarth
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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I'm sharing this on behalf of Julia Waters, Ruth Perry's sister.
Please retweet and share.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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Been in touch with many headteachers. I am organising a meeting of minds to unite us all in person to discuss ways forward as a 'collaborative group'. Need to keep the momentum going now.
THE SYSTEM CHANGES NOW!
Info re: dates & venue will be shared soon.
You interested?
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No parent wants a system that creates this much pressure & anxiety, where teachers can not give their best, where curriculums are narrowed for league tables and chn feel pressure they should not have.
It's a vicious cycle we must put an end to.
We will change the system
#ShineOn
‘Deeply sorry’ Ofsted chief rejects call for halt in inspections after head’s death theguardian.com/education/20…
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8 in the morning please! Please get the message out!!! Don't know what I'm doing...but someone has to take a stand.
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To all the school staff who now have COVID & have to cancel their Christmas plans.
Thank you for keeping going, thank you for being there every day for your children no matter what.
Thank you for always going above & beyond.
You are incredible.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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I don't even know how to begin to show my gratitude for the outpouring of support - the flowers, the chocolates, the washi tape 🤣 - but most of all the heartfelt messages that I've now saved to always remember.
Your words have kept me strong.
Thank you.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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I've been offered a meeting at Ofsted on the back of my letter, so a few of us are going on Monday to London.
I'm hoping it's only the start of many conversations.
#ForRuth
#ChangeIsComing
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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I’ve got to say it...as a school we rely on the support of our parents...therefore as a headteacher you should expect your staff to attend their children’s nativities, sports day, etc, and their workload should be such that they can read to their children every night. #ShineOn!
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The 3 key questions we use when deciding anything:
1) What is the purpose?
2) What impact will it have on our children?
3) What impact will it have on teacher workload/wellbeing?
Maybe these would be good to re-look at Ofted frameworks and processes?
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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Well, had the government response to one of the Ofsted petitions this morning. Same message about how important Ofsted is, etc, & how their thoughts remain with the family....but...
They are clearly missing the point.
We still have lots to do.
#ForRuth
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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Delivering Easter Eggs to senior citizens in our area today (eggs that weren't delivered by chn as too far to walk), & just happened to meet the head from 1976! She & her husband invited me in, and we talked all about education & about last week! Highlight of my day!
#ShineOn
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And at the end of the day, isn't this what matters the most?
One of the points on our SDP says we want every member of staff and child dancing into school each day. (And some of the parents too!)
Remember what is truly important.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
Infant and nursery school:
✅ 98% of parents say their child is happy at school
✅ 97% say their child feels safe at school
✅ 96% say they would recommend the school to another parent
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Monday morning...
Head up...
Whatever you may be facing this week, know you have got it.
Everything you have been through has prepared you for this moment.
Remember, everyone has something they are going through.
Be kind.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
#RiseLikeAPhoenix
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I feel like someone is already doing this-but, anonymously-please DM me with any Ofsted stories you have.
After Easter, I will be pulling something together. @NAHTnews
Let's stand united and make a change!
Enough is enough.
#ForRuth
#ShineOn
#Burnbrighter
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The word today is hope.
Hope for change.
Hope for educators.
Hope for a better education for our children.
Standing together, we can see this through.
We must not lose momentum.
#Hope
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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Above everything today...
Just be kind.
Treat everyone with compassion and do not judge others - everyone is facing something that we don't know about.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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And don't forget......
You are never alone.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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As I keep getting asked:
This is the petition you need to sign urgently - Julia Waters has just asked if we could get more to please sign. Retweet, send to all social media sites, whatever you can! Thank you!
#ShineOn
#EnoughIsEnough
#ForRuth
petition.parliament.uk/petit…
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Passionate staff create children passionate and engaged in their learning.
The focus on wellbeing and workload has to be central.
Always start with asking, 'Why?'
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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Powerful.
That's what we are when we ALL stand in solidarity. With a little bit of Fierce thrown in!
@sainsburys I wish you had more of these as I wanted one for the whole team! Bought as many as I could! Where can I get more please?
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
#RiseLikeAPhoenix
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Looking at primary schools for your children?
Remember, you will 'feel' if it's the right school for you.
Don't base your decisions on the Ofsted gradings - there is so much more to schools - ask questions, look in classrooms, speak to the children!
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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We have to change this system - for our children, our staff and our leaders. It should never have come to this.
Education has become about competition, not about improving the outcomes of children everywhere.
No more.
I'm in. You?
#ShineOn
But what could they do if we refused them?
I'm taking a stand. I don't do things for Ofsted (as you know), but I will take a stand to change the system.
It must change now. We cannot allow it to continue,it should not have taken this.
Who's in?
I am
#ShineOn #RuthPerry
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Keep shining your light @charliemackesy
- some gorgeous pictures our year 3 children created in your style...thought you'd enjoy them.
#ShineOn
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Just a friendly reminder as we near the end of term....we are all only human.
Please don't forget that.
Show kindness & compassion, always.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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A few people have asked what my letter said that I sent to Amanda Spielman and Gillian Keegan at the DFE. It wasn't anything too special, but I do wonder if I will get any response.
Here it is -sorry, I just took an actual photo of the letter.
#ForRuth
#ShineOn
#EnoughIsEnough
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If there was ever a time for educators to stand together, now is the time.
Time for Change.
It is coming...
#ForRuth
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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I only opened up to my family this week after 22 years.
More I talk about it, the stronger I feel.
Tired of protecting him
Tired of feeling a fraud, guilty, worthless, etc
Tired of pushing everyone away
No longer staying silent.
#RiseLikeAPhoenix
#EndTheSikence
#ShineOn!
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Since March last year, she has been shining down over me at my desk at work.
#ForRuth
#ShineOn
#StrongerTogether
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Things must change...for our children and for our schools.
Keep the momentum going...we don't stop until the system changes.
Together we are unstoppable!
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
5am & been awake an hour worrying about unfunded pay-rises & impact on budget, whether we’ll make it to the holidays without getting the Ofsted call & what more we can do to support the kids who need us most in a broken system no longer fit for purpose. Things have to change.
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Shout out to school office staff
First to face complaints.
Last to take credit.
Always calm, always kind.
They keep the school running, the headteacher sane, and the community connected.
We couldn’t do the job without them.
A massive thank you!
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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The best decision I think I made today was finally taking my work emails off of my phone...
This is the way forward...
#ShineOn!
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Keep the #Ofsted conversation going...
We have to keep momentum...@dave_mcpartlin
So many have no idea about the complexities that Ofsted brings - keep talking everyone!
Change is coming!
For #RuthPerry
#RiseLikeAPhoenix
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
WHO’S SAFEGUARDING ME?
The case to reform #Ofsted and its impact on head teachers, their schools, their children and the communities they serve put here by three school leaders:
<< Calvin Henry - St Mary’s C of E Primary
<< @WayneNorrie - @GreenwoodAcad
<< @Dave_McPartlin - @FlakeTweet
Great piece by @BranwenJeffreys on @BBCBreakfast
#TimeForChange
#PauseOfsted
#Ofsted #Children #Education #Families #Teachers #HeadTeachers #Schools #ForRuth #RuthPerry #ASCL #NAHT #NEU
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Ofsted: ‘Wellbeing matters to us.’
Also Ofsted: Ignores high staff absence, overwhelming increase in SEN, safeguarding & relentless challenging behaviour. Slaps on ‘Inadequate,’ wrecks morale & walks away.
Wellbeing?
They never cared. It's just labels, fear, & destruction.
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The stories about Ofsted keep flooding in.
All with common themes,the angst,stress & ill health in professionals is clear & very real.
The fear that people have about speaking up just proves how distorted our system has become.
Enough is Enough.
We must do better.
We will.
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Today...
Just breathe.
You've got this.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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The most pertinent quote came up today.
I'm going to sit and ponder on it for a while.
"If you don't risk anything, you risk even more."
So very true.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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There are no words...
My heart absolutely breaks reading this...
How have we allowed this to ever become like this?
We must stand together now. Time is up.
#ForRuth
#ShineOn
Read this to fully understand- in her owns words what #ruthperry went through. These notes were found by her sister Julia Waters after her sister’s death. Warning this is powerful & distressing because it is so directly from Ruth Perry’s own thoughts bbc.co.uk/news/education-676…
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Can I just bring to your attention that it is ONLY the end of the first week in January?? 😳 New Year's was only a week ago?
What in the world??
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A massive thank you to @Edmund_B_W and Julia Waters for never giving up- for remaining relentless.
You are phenomenal, and as we said, change is coming.
A massive day...
Here's to a great new year ahead.
#ShineOn
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As my daughter would say to me...
'Slay, queen, slay...'
So, take her advice and go out and slay today!
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
#RiseLikeAPhoenix
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Thought for today:
'When the mind is allowed to relax, inspiration often follows.'
Take tIme to rest and then, watch us come back stronger, more powerful and wiser.
The momentum will only grow more powerful.
#RiseLikeAPhoenix
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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Imagine if...
There was no competition between any schools and we all truly worked together to improve education for all.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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We’ve got a problem...
When people keep asking whether I’m worried about my job & reputation b/c of speaking out about the abuse I’ve endured-that seriously concerns me.
This only perpetuates the silence & is not ok.
Make it easy for others to speak out.
No judgement...
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Just coming back from a walk and ran into a neighbour who intervened one night about 2/3 years ago. I’ve never spoken to her-too embarrassed. Made a point of stopping today to thank her and apologise. So nice to talk & finally meet
Breaking down all these walls feels amazing!
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Change is coming.
Together, we are stronger.
We must do this for Ruth, the others and all those currently affected by the system.
Tomorrow and every day, we will remember.
#ForRuth
#EnoughIsEnough
#ChangeIsComing
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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I've had a great idea...
From September, what if we all offer each other's school an assembly? So, we visit other schools, but while we are there, we do an assembly on a theme chosen between the 2 schools? A range of new voices for our children & so much fun!
Who's in?
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Just watched this, yet, again. In tears, again.
A reminder that we can NEVER put limits on what is possible. School is about opportunity, experience, and making memories. We must never forget this. It is always about the children and the joy we can create.
Just imagine if..
I'll never forget my first Ofsted lesson observation, as an NQT, when they said I couldn't rely on this level of energy to engage and enthuse my class as it would diminish as I got older. I hope they get to watch this, 20 years later. 🤔
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Sun on my skin,
Wind touseling my hair,
Sea to the south,
Pool right behind.
Birdsong and laughter
Floating through
Endless blue skies.
This is perfection.
This is freedom.
Time away that
is so needed now.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
#RiseLikeAPhoenix
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So many things going through my mind - so many things I want to say.
But just a huge thank you to heads, teachers, support staff, teaching assistants, office staff, caretakers, cleaners and every one who makes a school run from day to day.
You make the magic happen.
#ShineOn
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Why do schools use @Ofstednews as an excuse for 'why' they do things-a visit that may only happen every 4 or 5 years?
We should be doing what is right for our children each & every day.
Put chn & staff at the ❤️ of everything - you will never go far wrong.
#ShineOn!
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But, what would happen if the Ofsted reports weren't on school websites?
If parents want them, they can acesss them on the Ofsted website.
Just asking...
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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I ❤️ mornings-I stand on the road as the children come in so I can say good morning to everyone.
At first people used to laugh at me when I told parents leaving to, ‘Have a great day!’ I was told that we don’t say that here...Now most say it to me first!
#Contagious
#ShineOn!
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A wonderful break and down time that was so needed....
...But, feeling that fire again. Rested and ready for what this term brings.
Keeping that momentum going, we've got lots of work to do, but we will win this fight!
#ForRuth
#RiseLikeAPhoenix
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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A new blog...about #Ofsted & #SATS
The time for change is now.
We can not allow this to continue anymore, for our children & our schools.
If we do not get this right, we get EVERYTHING wrong.
Enough is Enough
#ForRuth
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
burnbrighter.co.uk/2023/05/1…
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We all came into education to change outcomes for chn, to make a difference.
We absolutely did not come into it to work in opposition to other heads - to be in competition w/other schools.
The system will never change until we are all working together.
Remember that.
#ShineOn
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There's debate over @NAHTnews stance on its members handing in their Ofsted badges. In 2022, 800 of just over 1000 inspectors were serving heads.
Imagine if you all temporarily handed in your badges until reform happened.
JUST this could change everything.
Enough is Enough.
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As I said @NAHTnews Julia Waters cannot and must not do this alone.
She will not give up this fight and we must not either.
We must not lose momentum.
The time for change is now...
And boy, watch out because it is coming.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
#RiseLikeAPhoenix
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If schools focus on getting wellbeing/workload right for their staff they will reap the rewards.
Always remember, happy staff create environments perfect for enthused and inspired children. They make the ‘magic’ happen.
Always put children and staff at the ❤️
#ShineOn!
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This is shocking...
This is what's happening in education right now...
We must do better. When did children get taken out of all decision-making?
We must put children back at the heart of education.
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The Reception Baseline, Year 1 Phonics, Year 2 SATS, Year 4 Multiplications and Year 6 SATS.
When is this all going to end?
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Accountability is absolutely necessary in schools-this has never been about that.
I've never had anything to hide.
This is about changing a system that is seriously flawed.
Our children, teachers & communities, deserve so much better.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
#TimeIsUp
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How is it that everything at the moment is so far off the mark. What is going on?
Seriously, things must change.
Let's truly put the children back at the heart of EVERYTHING we do.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
SATs play a key role in helping to identify pupils’ strengths or where they may have fallen behind as they head to secondary school.
Here's everything parents need to know about SATs, including how we develop the tests and why they're important ⬇️
ow.ly/Ab7a50Omw5j
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Anyone who really knows me,
knows I never have anything to hide...
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
#RiseLikeAPhoenix
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Really hate to see a post spreading false stories about our school and about me as a headteacher.
Just have to rise above it....and hope that people realise there is a whole other side and truth to the story.
#ShineOn
#RiseLikeAPhoenix
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A reflection on attendance & 'ghost children'...
I think the wider question is why people do not value education as they once did?
Why have people's perception of education lessened so much that they do not see its true worth?
I think this is our starting point.
#ShineOn
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I was reminded of my 'why' many times today, but especially when during a learning walk with visitors, a year 5 child said,
'This school is magical'
When the visitor asked, 'Why?'
She said, 'Because Ms Cooper makes it magic.'
And if I could,I absolutely would. 💜
#ShineOn
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Ofsted....The Visit....They came and they went.... headsmart.wordpress.com/2017… @HarfordSean Thank you @jpembroke
Our experience.....a very brief summary!
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Just remember this...
Never judge someone else's story and never assume that a smile means everything is OK.
Above everything, be kind.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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You are a truly inspiring team....you've all kept me going....💜💜
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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Over Christmas, I told my mum I was tired of always fighting.
She said, 'Maybe that's your purpose. Not everyone is built for this, but you are. You were made to fight—and for those who can't fight for themselves.'
So I’ll keep fighting.
Someone has to.
#ShineOn
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Imagine if...
The whole education system truly had children and staff at the centre of every decision.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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There's definitely something different about this year..
The exhaustion and tiredness is overwhelming - literally trying to get to the finish line...
But yet, still so excited for September!
What other job is like this! 🤣
Almost there everyone...
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
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Let's celebrate each other-build others up & encourage success-stop using our words to try & break 'souls', revelling in other people's failures.
We can not win divided, but standing in solidarity & genuinely supporting each other, we are more powerful than we realise.
#ShineOn
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A massive thank you to @BBArtiste for doing my portrait! What a gift!
Amazing!! Made me realise how big my smile always is-I'm always smiling! 🤣🤣
And...this was the Ofsted visit day 1! I was smiling as I knew change was coming!
Thank you!
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
#ForRuth
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If you are a teacher, your greatest impact is in the class w/ the children.
To prepare for that this weekend, put away the laptop & books.
R&R will make you better at what you do.
Your greatest performance starts on Monday.
#ShineOn
#TeacherWellbeing
#PassionNeedsRecharging
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Holidays were always visiting his family in America-always using the money I had earned-he controlled everything.
The only time we were able to visit my family in the States was when they paid for it-4 times in 20 years
Haven’t seen my dad in 12 years-That’s all going to change!
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This...
Why can't the world be so much more of this...
Let's start supporting each other and not bringing each other down.
#ShineOn
#BurnBrighter
#RiseLikeAPhoenix
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So many things wrong -
Ofsted creates a vicious cycle-DfE testing narrows the curriculum, Ofsted narrows what leaders prioritise in schools.
It creates a system where everyone is put under constant pressure.
Our children & staff must come first.
At the moment, they do not.
*NEW POST* A scene from my new play titled Data's Inferno. A headteacher calls the DfE to ask about the primary assessment gateway. sigplus.co.uk/2023/04/datas-…
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Just to clarify...
I’ve had lots of people asking if I’m ok...some even referring to a ‘break down’.
I have honestly NEVER been better! I see life from a whole new & clear perspective. I can finally be me and free! Onwards and Upwards! I am rising like a phoenix!
#ShineOn
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And one more for the day....just love these...@charliemackesy - Hope you enjoy them!
Refuse to give up....
#ShineOn
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