Jim Lauder
@mrjlauder.bsky.social
Dixons Academies. Schools as civic institutions - ensuring our communities have a voice and power. Building place based partnerships. Views my own.
At weekends I post about cooking.
At weekends I post about cooking.
Interesting. IME these partnerships are really variable in terms of what they do.
The real prize is in the (I hope significant) quote from Georgia here - cross sector place based collaboration with real institutional heft (and cash) to tackle wicked problems.
schoolsweek.co.uk/call-for-loc...
The real prize is in the (I hope significant) quote from Georgia here - cross sector place based collaboration with real institutional heft (and cash) to tackle wicked problems.
schoolsweek.co.uk/call-for-loc...
Call for education partnerships to fill MAT 'policy vacuum'
Local groups of schools are 'providing the missing link' in a 'fragmented' system
schoolsweek.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Interesting. IME these partnerships are really variable in terms of what they do.
The real prize is in the (I hope significant) quote from Georgia here - cross sector place based collaboration with real institutional heft (and cash) to tackle wicked problems.
schoolsweek.co.uk/call-for-loc...
The real prize is in the (I hope significant) quote from Georgia here - cross sector place based collaboration with real institutional heft (and cash) to tackle wicked problems.
schoolsweek.co.uk/call-for-loc...
Reposted by Jim Lauder
The What and Why of Routines in School Culture
Much of what occurs in successful school cultures and classrooms is invisible.
James Dyke explores the importance of being conscious about our routines:
researchschool.org.uk/bradford/new...
Much of what occurs in successful school cultures and classrooms is invisible.
James Dyke explores the importance of being conscious about our routines:
researchschool.org.uk/bradford/new...
November 24, 2025 at 6:30 PM
The What and Why of Routines in School Culture
Much of what occurs in successful school cultures and classrooms is invisible.
James Dyke explores the importance of being conscious about our routines:
researchschool.org.uk/bradford/new...
Much of what occurs in successful school cultures and classrooms is invisible.
James Dyke explores the importance of being conscious about our routines:
researchschool.org.uk/bradford/new...
November 23, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Looks like we've lost the battle for rigour in RE. Sigh.
The average member of the public has a pretty ropey understanding of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism at best. That's both intrinsically and societally bad.
But no, let's make it trendy.
schoolsweek.co.uk/what-next-af...
The average member of the public has a pretty ropey understanding of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism at best. That's both intrinsically and societally bad.
But no, let's make it trendy.
schoolsweek.co.uk/what-next-af...
November 23, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Looks like we've lost the battle for rigour in RE. Sigh.
The average member of the public has a pretty ropey understanding of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism at best. That's both intrinsically and societally bad.
But no, let's make it trendy.
schoolsweek.co.uk/what-next-af...
The average member of the public has a pretty ropey understanding of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism at best. That's both intrinsically and societally bad.
But no, let's make it trendy.
schoolsweek.co.uk/what-next-af...
Reposted by Jim Lauder
Rotherham has seen a remarkable rise in its productivity in recent years. From the lowest in South Yorkshire in 2004, by 2023 it had the highest productivity in the area, even above Sheffield.
So what’s going on in South Yorkshire?
Short thread below.
1/6
So what’s going on in South Yorkshire?
Short thread below.
1/6
November 20, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Rotherham has seen a remarkable rise in its productivity in recent years. From the lowest in South Yorkshire in 2004, by 2023 it had the highest productivity in the area, even above Sheffield.
So what’s going on in South Yorkshire?
Short thread below.
1/6
So what’s going on in South Yorkshire?
Short thread below.
1/6
This interview with Jacinda Ardern is fascinating for what it doesn't say, or get into at all.
Ardern was an excellent crisis manager, communicator, and positive global icon, but not a very good PM. Thread.
www.thetimes.com/article/9db4...
Ardern was an excellent crisis manager, communicator, and positive global icon, but not a very good PM. Thread.
www.thetimes.com/article/9db4...
Jacinda Ardern: ‘We just need good humans in the job’
As prime minister of New Zealand, she appeared to be dealing effortlessly with politics, lockdowns and being a new mum. Then the opinion polls turned. What went wrong?
www.thetimes.com
November 23, 2025 at 8:48 AM
This interview with Jacinda Ardern is fascinating for what it doesn't say, or get into at all.
Ardern was an excellent crisis manager, communicator, and positive global icon, but not a very good PM. Thread.
www.thetimes.com/article/9db4...
Ardern was an excellent crisis manager, communicator, and positive global icon, but not a very good PM. Thread.
www.thetimes.com/article/9db4...
November 21, 2025 at 10:11 PM
I was lucky enough to attend the launch of Windsor Academies' Co-Creating Healthy Futures framework today. It's a huge step forward for both sectors - a practical how to for school/NHS collaboration.
Congrats @dhaywood77.bsky.social and team!
schoolsweek.co.uk/its-time-to-...
Congrats @dhaywood77.bsky.social and team!
schoolsweek.co.uk/its-time-to-...
It’s time to unite schools and health services - here's how
Our Schools and Health Framework lays the foundations for partnership working, say Dawn Haywood and Claire Gething
schoolsweek.co.uk
November 20, 2025 at 2:15 PM
I was lucky enough to attend the launch of Windsor Academies' Co-Creating Healthy Futures framework today. It's a huge step forward for both sectors - a practical how to for school/NHS collaboration.
Congrats @dhaywood77.bsky.social and team!
schoolsweek.co.uk/its-time-to-...
Congrats @dhaywood77.bsky.social and team!
schoolsweek.co.uk/its-time-to-...
Fair dos, sounds like this is a step forward from DfE on funding. YMMV on the send point.
schoolsweek.co.uk/weve-listene...
schoolsweek.co.uk/weve-listene...
We heard schools on breakfast clubs – now we’re acting
Early education minister Olivia Bailey explains improvements to Labour's flagship breakfast clubs scheme
schoolsweek.co.uk
November 20, 2025 at 6:52 AM
Fair dos, sounds like this is a step forward from DfE on funding. YMMV on the send point.
schoolsweek.co.uk/weve-listene...
schoolsweek.co.uk/weve-listene...
Things I'm angry about tonight for no particular reason: the 'worldviews' approach to RE, which has gained much support in the RE community and amongst academics, is totally vacuous nonsense that doesn't stand up to a moment's scrutiny.
November 19, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Things I'm angry about tonight for no particular reason: the 'worldviews' approach to RE, which has gained much support in the RE community and amongst academics, is totally vacuous nonsense that doesn't stand up to a moment's scrutiny.
Reposted by Jim Lauder
Before the Schools White Paper, the DfE is holding a series of in-person & online events to “discuss & understand views on the core principles for SEND reform and ensure that our reforms are grounded in lived experience.” Shortlink for booking: bit.ly/dfesend
November 18, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Before the Schools White Paper, the DfE is holding a series of in-person & online events to “discuss & understand views on the core principles for SEND reform and ensure that our reforms are grounded in lived experience.” Shortlink for booking: bit.ly/dfesend
£5 says the control group gets better results
Douglas classroom's 'inclusive' revamp to be tested during project - BBC News share.google/pPEbbh45T600...
Douglas classroom's 'inclusive' revamp to be tested during project - BBC News share.google/pPEbbh45T600...
Douglas classroom's 'inclusive' revamp to be tested during project - BBC News
Scoill Yn Jubilee is taking part in a pilot scheme which has seen the redesign of a classroom.
share.google
November 16, 2025 at 7:20 PM
£5 says the control group gets better results
Douglas classroom's 'inclusive' revamp to be tested during project - BBC News share.google/pPEbbh45T600...
Douglas classroom's 'inclusive' revamp to be tested during project - BBC News share.google/pPEbbh45T600...
Nowhere close to good enough. Lacking core organising principles and coherent direction/strategy leading to basic tactical errors. Tired and badly in need of a refresh. Some key fundamentals missing.
UK govt/All Blacks delete as appropriate 😂
UK govt/All Blacks delete as appropriate 😂
November 15, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Nowhere close to good enough. Lacking core organising principles and coherent direction/strategy leading to basic tactical errors. Tired and badly in need of a refresh. Some key fundamentals missing.
UK govt/All Blacks delete as appropriate 😂
UK govt/All Blacks delete as appropriate 😂
Reposted by Jim Lauder
Excellent news - as called for in reports both by @samfr.bsky.social and myself over the past year.
Building on previous reforms in Greater Manchester and other areas, the government is now giving mayors control with clear accountability and potential for alignment with other public services.
Building on previous reforms in Greater Manchester and other areas, the government is now giving mayors control with clear accountability and potential for alignment with other public services.
Police and crime commissioners to be abolished, government to announce
Police and crime commissioners to be abolished, government to announce
System introduced in 2012 across England and Wales has faced criticism from police chiefs
*
UK politics live – latest updates
The controversial system of police and crime commissioners is to be abolished by the government, the Guardian has learned.
Under the system, introduced under the Conservatives, all 43 police forces covering local areas across England and Wales had to answer to an elected official. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Excellent news - as called for in reports both by @samfr.bsky.social and myself over the past year.
Building on previous reforms in Greater Manchester and other areas, the government is now giving mayors control with clear accountability and potential for alignment with other public services.
Building on previous reforms in Greater Manchester and other areas, the government is now giving mayors control with clear accountability and potential for alignment with other public services.
Everything here is fine, but it's v much siloed thinking. We need ambitious local partnerships between schools, LAs and CAs, NHS and DWP.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Education Secretary sets roadmap to improve attendance levels
Every school to be set an individual minimum target to improve attendance and set up every child to achieve and thrive.
www.gov.uk
November 12, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Everything here is fine, but it's v much siloed thinking. We need ambitious local partnerships between schools, LAs and CAs, NHS and DWP.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Reposted by Jim Lauder
I think the idea of sidelining Ofsted is good and I like the idea of getting services into settings. Imo all the evidence says that early years is where you can make the difference so my idea would be to unlink funding from its tie to 'working families'. The EPI and Sutton trust both agree I think.
November 11, 2025 at 8:32 PM
I think the idea of sidelining Ofsted is good and I like the idea of getting services into settings. Imo all the evidence says that early years is where you can make the difference so my idea would be to unlink funding from its tie to 'working families'. The EPI and Sutton trust both agree I think.
Reposted by Jim Lauder
It seems like it’s human nature to polarise, but solutions with depth are unlikely to be either or when it comes to complex challenges. This isn’t about standards or support; it’s standards and support - there isn’t a child that isn’t entitled to both. Great, as always, @mrjlauder.bsky.social
Finally got round to writing about this. We're not making enough progress with challenging educational disadvantage. We should pick key areas that face wicked problems, suspend how we normally do things, and try radical collaboration:
open.substack.com/pub/jimlaude...
open.substack.com/pub/jimlaude...
November 11, 2025 at 1:22 PM
It seems like it’s human nature to polarise, but solutions with depth are unlikely to be either or when it comes to complex challenges. This isn’t about standards or support; it’s standards and support - there isn’t a child that isn’t entitled to both. Great, as always, @mrjlauder.bsky.social
Finally got round to writing about this. We're not making enough progress with challenging educational disadvantage. We should pick key areas that face wicked problems, suspend how we normally do things, and try radical collaboration:
open.substack.com/pub/jimlaude...
open.substack.com/pub/jimlaude...
November 11, 2025 at 6:58 AM
Finally got round to writing about this. We're not making enough progress with challenging educational disadvantage. We should pick key areas that face wicked problems, suspend how we normally do things, and try radical collaboration:
open.substack.com/pub/jimlaude...
open.substack.com/pub/jimlaude...
Reposted by Jim Lauder
I have to say, I find this letter completely baffling for a number of reasons:
Britain’s top scientists have written to the PM warning that the education system is holding back children and the country and expressing concern about the timidity of the government’s curriculum and assessment review @theobserveruk.bsky.social observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Broken education system is holding back the young, top scientists warn PM | The Observer
observer.co.uk
November 9, 2025 at 10:13 AM
I have to say, I find this letter completely baffling for a number of reasons:
Reposted by Jim Lauder
Absolutely agree, @mrjlauder.bsky.social
November 9, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Absolutely agree, @mrjlauder.bsky.social
A big part of my work is facilitating students speaking up for themselves, and on behalf of their peers, in political contexts.
We've had students speaking truth to MPs, ministers, Mayors, councillors, NHS leaders etc.
Oracy in principle is fine. The issue is always centralisation and edu diktat.
We've had students speaking truth to MPs, ministers, Mayors, councillors, NHS leaders etc.
Oracy in principle is fine. The issue is always centralisation and edu diktat.
This has always been the fear with the oracy agenda - that it will lead to the DfE dictating pedagogy and the return of compulsory group work by the back door.
The devil will be in the detail but this isn't encouraging.
www.thetimes.com/article/40e5...
The devil will be in the detail but this isn't encouraging.
www.thetimes.com/article/40e5...
November 9, 2025 at 10:25 AM
A big part of my work is facilitating students speaking up for themselves, and on behalf of their peers, in political contexts.
We've had students speaking truth to MPs, ministers, Mayors, councillors, NHS leaders etc.
Oracy in principle is fine. The issue is always centralisation and edu diktat.
We've had students speaking truth to MPs, ministers, Mayors, councillors, NHS leaders etc.
Oracy in principle is fine. The issue is always centralisation and edu diktat.
On the theme of ideological capture - very similar to, but much more serious than what we've seen in education - the natural birth movement still seems pretty entrenched in midwife education which causes huge issues.
Great journalism again from @shaunlintern.bsky.social
Great journalism again from @shaunlintern.bsky.social
"I see evidence midwives don’t have the training, understanding, to manage women who are very sick because of the change in the characteristics of women giving birth. What worries me is curricula are not moving with the times to recognise that change" - Prof Marian Knight of @Mbrrace
🚨 INVESTIGATION: Britain's maternity crisis has deeper roots, extending into the universities trusted to train the next generation of midwives. A majority are still promoting a normal birth ideology while women are more complex than ever:
READ: www.thetimes.com/article/b4fe...
READ: www.thetimes.com/article/b4fe...
November 9, 2025 at 9:11 AM
On the theme of ideological capture - very similar to, but much more serious than what we've seen in education - the natural birth movement still seems pretty entrenched in midwife education which causes huge issues.
Great journalism again from @shaunlintern.bsky.social
Great journalism again from @shaunlintern.bsky.social
Reposted by Jim Lauder
🚨 INVESTIGATION: Britain's maternity crisis has deeper roots, extending into the universities trusted to train the next generation of midwives. A majority are still promoting a normal birth ideology while women are more complex than ever:
READ: www.thetimes.com/article/b4fe...
READ: www.thetimes.com/article/b4fe...
Stop promoting natural birth ideology, midwife courses told
Despite a litany of scandals, universities are still pushing ‘normal birth’ over medical interventions. Now our investigation has prompted the regulator to act
www.thetimes.com
November 8, 2025 at 10:29 PM
🚨 INVESTIGATION: Britain's maternity crisis has deeper roots, extending into the universities trusted to train the next generation of midwives. A majority are still promoting a normal birth ideology while women are more complex than ever:
READ: www.thetimes.com/article/b4fe...
READ: www.thetimes.com/article/b4fe...