Stephanie
@steph63.bsky.social
Retired headteacher now Chair of Governors. Passionate believer in 'Learning without Limits'. All views my own.
Reposted by Stephanie
See it is possible to state the truth. 🤷♀️
January 3, 2026 at 9:24 PM
See it is possible to state the truth. 🤷♀️
Reposted by Stephanie
To give you an example of what we're up against as teachers, Ofsted published a PPT slide claiming that toilet training is just a 'knowledge progression'. This is plainly nonsense. They published another slide saying babies had to 'know shapes' before using a shape sorter. This is clearly bollocks.
January 3, 2026 at 5:33 PM
To give you an example of what we're up against as teachers, Ofsted published a PPT slide claiming that toilet training is just a 'knowledge progression'. This is plainly nonsense. They published another slide saying babies had to 'know shapes' before using a shape sorter. This is clearly bollocks.
Reposted by Stephanie
They're literally using all the same people to advise them as the Tories did so it's no surprise that nothing has changed but it is a big disappointment given the current situation.
December 31, 2025 at 10:40 AM
They're literally using all the same people to advise them as the Tories did so it's no surprise that nothing has changed but it is a big disappointment given the current situation.
Reposted by Stephanie
Of course none of this is to deny the impact of these behaviours on teachers. You will often find me saying to the staff in our setting that it must be very difficult and draining for them when they're supporting children who struggle to behave appropriately. But we work as a team to find solutions.
December 18, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Of course none of this is to deny the impact of these behaviours on teachers. You will often find me saying to the staff in our setting that it must be very difficult and draining for them when they're supporting children who struggle to behave appropriately. But we work as a team to find solutions.
Reposted by Stephanie
It's becoming impossible to deny (a) the levels of needs we are seeing in settings and schools (b) the issues with attendance and exclusion rates and (c) that rigid approaches don't align with an inclusive system. Something has to change. We have to work with the children and families as they are.
December 12, 2025 at 8:34 AM
It's becoming impossible to deny (a) the levels of needs we are seeing in settings and schools (b) the issues with attendance and exclusion rates and (c) that rigid approaches don't align with an inclusive system. Something has to change. We have to work with the children and families as they are.
Reposted by Stephanie
We've got a new preschool leader starting soon and I was very happy to be able to tell her that we don't care what Ofsted say because our children are happy, well cared for and included. Focus on the important things.
December 12, 2025 at 9:03 PM
We've got a new preschool leader starting soon and I was very happy to be able to tell her that we don't care what Ofsted say because our children are happy, well cared for and included. Focus on the important things.
Reposted by Stephanie
'How can I help them want to understand this?' is always a more interesting question to me than how I can get them to memorise it.
The teachers I meet IRL are always drawn to the idea that learning is about engaging actively with concepts, in all the different phases. It's always lovely to hear all their brilliant ideas for bringing learning to life. At heart teaching is a creative, relational act. ☺️ 2/2
November 28, 2025 at 9:20 PM
'How can I help them want to understand this?' is always a more interesting question to me than how I can get them to memorise it.
Reposted by Stephanie
Apologies for bringing a twitter screenshot over here but I felt it was important for people to see how completely out of touch the DfE currently is. Sub Trumpian nonsense and an insult to all the educators doing the work, quite frankly.
November 18, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Apologies for bringing a twitter screenshot over here but I felt it was important for people to see how completely out of touch the DfE currently is. Sub Trumpian nonsense and an insult to all the educators doing the work, quite frankly.
Reposted by Stephanie
Without asylum:
Marks and Spencer wouldn't exist
Queen would have been without a front man
The other queen wouldn't have had a husband
Judith Kerr would never have written The Tiger Who Came to Tea
And thousands of less famous people wouldn't have been teachers, politicians, neighbours, etc
Marks and Spencer wouldn't exist
Queen would have been without a front man
The other queen wouldn't have had a husband
Judith Kerr would never have written The Tiger Who Came to Tea
And thousands of less famous people wouldn't have been teachers, politicians, neighbours, etc
November 15, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Without asylum:
Marks and Spencer wouldn't exist
Queen would have been without a front man
The other queen wouldn't have had a husband
Judith Kerr would never have written The Tiger Who Came to Tea
And thousands of less famous people wouldn't have been teachers, politicians, neighbours, etc
Marks and Spencer wouldn't exist
Queen would have been without a front man
The other queen wouldn't have had a husband
Judith Kerr would never have written The Tiger Who Came to Tea
And thousands of less famous people wouldn't have been teachers, politicians, neighbours, etc
Reposted by Stephanie
Imo 'school readiness' is a ridiculous concept especially now that so many of the early learning goals (the measure they use) are not developmentally appropriate. Honestly you should see the self-regulation goals because quite a lot of *adults* wouldn't meet them.
Government wants to raise 'school readiness' to 75% by 2028 - but experts have warned the education committee this target could leave poorer pupils further behind
schoolsweek.co.uk/government-s...
schoolsweek.co.uk/government-s...
School readiness target 'risky', experts tell MPs
Experts fear a focus on those 'closest to the line' as ministers impose 75% school readiness aim
schoolsweek.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Imo 'school readiness' is a ridiculous concept especially now that so many of the early learning goals (the measure they use) are not developmentally appropriate. Honestly you should see the self-regulation goals because quite a lot of *adults* wouldn't meet them.
Reposted by Stephanie
"Be confident to try new activities and show independence, resilience and perseverance in the face of challenge."
"Show sensitivity to their own and to others’ needs."
*Looks around at all the adults singularly failing to do these.* 😒
"Show sensitivity to their own and to others’ needs."
*Looks around at all the adults singularly failing to do these.* 😒
November 11, 2025 at 7:30 PM
"Be confident to try new activities and show independence, resilience and perseverance in the face of challenge."
"Show sensitivity to their own and to others’ needs."
*Looks around at all the adults singularly failing to do these.* 😒
"Show sensitivity to their own and to others’ needs."
*Looks around at all the adults singularly failing to do these.* 😒
Reposted by Stephanie
A little thread about #play. 🧵☺️
At preschool today one of our practitioners had made a painted 'bonfire' in a tuff tray for the children to put out with water sprayers. It was such a lovely example of creativity + building grip strength through #play! One of the parents is a fire fighter so it made the play very personal too. ☺️
November 6, 2025 at 10:05 PM
A little thread about #play. 🧵☺️
Reposted by Stephanie
For me 'discovery learning' is the very definition of early years. Create an enabling environment, give children the agency to discover things within caring relationships, build on their interests, help them learn skills and inspire them to want to understand more about their world! ☺️ #EduSky
November 6, 2025 at 9:36 PM
For me 'discovery learning' is the very definition of early years. Create an enabling environment, give children the agency to discover things within caring relationships, build on their interests, help them learn skills and inspire them to want to understand more about their world! ☺️ #EduSky
Reposted by Stephanie
✅ Move from "telling" to "asking."
✅ Empower their middle and senior leaders to become effective coaches.
✅ Build a culture of trust and professional growth.
Find out more about building a coaching culture that sticks: films.myattandco.com/programs/big...
✅ Empower their middle and senior leaders to become effective coaches.
✅ Build a culture of trust and professional growth.
Find out more about building a coaching culture that sticks: films.myattandco.com/programs/big...
How can leaders create a coaching culture that empowers staff and drives continuous improvement?
Big Question - Leadership - Autumn 25
films.myattandco.com
November 2, 2025 at 12:35 PM
✅ Move from "telling" to "asking."
✅ Empower their middle and senior leaders to become effective coaches.
✅ Build a culture of trust and professional growth.
Find out more about building a coaching culture that sticks: films.myattandco.com/programs/big...
✅ Empower their middle and senior leaders to become effective coaches.
✅ Build a culture of trust and professional growth.
Find out more about building a coaching culture that sticks: films.myattandco.com/programs/big...
Reposted by Stephanie
What's interesting is how external bodies like Ofsted and the DfE also use high levels of control to make the case that there is a correct, scientised way to approach education. Hence the high levels of control we see over things like curriculum, pedagogy, testing and what new teachers are taught.
November 2, 2025 at 9:49 AM
What's interesting is how external bodies like Ofsted and the DfE also use high levels of control to make the case that there is a correct, scientised way to approach education. Hence the high levels of control we see over things like curriculum, pedagogy, testing and what new teachers are taught.
Reposted by Stephanie
One of my favourite NHS quotes on the topic is this one. "Children under 5 should not be inactive for long periods, except when they're asleep." Evidence matters! ☺️ #EduSky
Physical activity guidelines for children (under 5 years)
Physical activity guidelines for children under 5 years to keep them fit and healthy, including simple ways to build activity into their day.
share.google
November 2, 2025 at 11:52 AM
One of my favourite NHS quotes on the topic is this one. "Children under 5 should not be inactive for long periods, except when they're asleep." Evidence matters! ☺️ #EduSky
Reposted by Stephanie
We don't tend to think about ergonomics very much in education but if we did the classrooms we and the children work in would look very different. Writing slopes and standing desks would be much healthier for our learners if we weren't always so focused on the cognitive over the physical. 🤷♀️
November 2, 2025 at 11:33 AM
We don't tend to think about ergonomics very much in education but if we did the classrooms we and the children work in would look very different. Writing slopes and standing desks would be much healthier for our learners if we weren't always so focused on the cognitive over the physical. 🤷♀️
Reposted by Stephanie
Good mini thread and link. As an adult, I appreciate being able to do some of my work admin at home where I can get up and down and fidget as much as I like and sit or stand - so 5 year olds must need those options even more!
There's a debate going on atm about how much 5 year olds should sit at desks. The weird thing about these conversations is that we have plenty of evidence on how sitting affects health and development but this gets ignored because some people see stillness as a virtue. 🤷♀️
www.nhs.uk/live-well/ex...
www.nhs.uk/live-well/ex...
Why we should sit less
There is increasing evidence that spending too much time sitting is bad for your health.
share.google
November 2, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Good mini thread and link. As an adult, I appreciate being able to do some of my work admin at home where I can get up and down and fidget as much as I like and sit or stand - so 5 year olds must need those options even more!
Reposted by Stephanie
The idea that yet another test is going to help anyone close gaps in outcomes is obviously ridiculous. The underlying message to the sector is that we're not trying hard enough while she wants to claim any improvements for herself. Very disappointing indeed.
November 1, 2025 at 3:04 PM
The idea that yet another test is going to help anyone close gaps in outcomes is obviously ridiculous. The underlying message to the sector is that we're not trying hard enough while she wants to claim any improvements for herself. Very disappointing indeed.
Reposted by Stephanie
I think if you ask parents and carers what they want from an education, a lot of them would prioritise their children being happy. Not to have fun all the time but just to feel good about going into the setting. We mustn't lose sight of that. ♥️
November 1, 2025 at 8:29 PM
I think if you ask parents and carers what they want from an education, a lot of them would prioritise their children being happy. Not to have fun all the time but just to feel good about going into the setting. We mustn't lose sight of that. ♥️
Reposted by Stephanie
Imho there are way too many tests to 'prove' progression and any new curriculum needs to balance young people's wellbeing, development and learning ahead of rigour and 'driving up high standards'. Give children (and their educators) a bit of breathing space please. 🙏🏻
November 1, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Imho there are way too many tests to 'prove' progression and any new curriculum needs to balance young people's wellbeing, development and learning ahead of rigour and 'driving up high standards'. Give children (and their educators) a bit of breathing space please. 🙏🏻
Reposted by Stephanie
That ‘people are tired of experts’ quote from Gove a few years ago rattles around in my head a lot, because it’s SUCH a stupid attitude. Experts are brilliant. Let’s give them ALL the airtime.
November 1, 2025 at 3:28 PM
That ‘people are tired of experts’ quote from Gove a few years ago rattles around in my head a lot, because it’s SUCH a stupid attitude. Experts are brilliant. Let’s give them ALL the airtime.
Reposted by Stephanie
My sense is that #inclusion is being misunderstood atm. It's not about expecting everyone to fit into a one size fits all system then adjusting when they don't. It's about creating an environment that includes everyone through making adjustments ahead of time. Start by thinking about the outliers. 🙏🏻
October 30, 2025 at 9:02 PM
My sense is that #inclusion is being misunderstood atm. It's not about expecting everyone to fit into a one size fits all system then adjusting when they don't. It's about creating an environment that includes everyone through making adjustments ahead of time. Start by thinking about the outliers. 🙏🏻
Reposted by Stephanie
It's all a bit dour, focused on efficiency and rigour and metrics and all those almost military sounding words, when we would do well to remember that in settings and schools we work with *children* and the time they spend with us is a huge part of their actual *childhood*. Let's include some joy!
October 30, 2025 at 7:46 AM
It's all a bit dour, focused on efficiency and rigour and metrics and all those almost military sounding words, when we would do well to remember that in settings and schools we work with *children* and the time they spend with us is a huge part of their actual *childhood*. Let's include some joy!
Reposted by Stephanie
Yep 👍🏻💚 @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social
cc @ruthswailes.bsky.social @signoramac.bsky.social @helenjwc.bsky.social @thepetitioner.bsky.social @aaronearlyyears.bsky.social @eyfsclaire.bsky.social
cc @ruthswailes.bsky.social @signoramac.bsky.social @helenjwc.bsky.social @thepetitioner.bsky.social @aaronearlyyears.bsky.social @eyfsclaire.bsky.social
Reminder: it is the policy of @greenparty.org.uk that formal schooling start two years later, when children are ready.
Cyrrent system sets kids up to "fail": no they are not "school-ready". They are too young
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Cyrrent system sets kids up to "fail": no they are not "school-ready". They are too young
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Do we really expect five-year-olds to sit at desks? I want a school that understands play is learning | Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett
In England, young children go from glitter clay and building dens to classrooms a Victorian would recognise – and that system is failing many of them, says Guardian columnist Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett
www.theguardian.com
October 29, 2025 at 9:03 PM