We previously published a three-part research series in September 2023, highlighting the perilous state of school finances and increased pressures on pupils and families as a result of #CostofLiving pressures: nfer.ac.uk/costofliving

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But have things changed since then? Next Monday, we will be publishing an update on how schools have been coping, based on a survey of over 1,200 teachers and senior leaders across mainstream primary and secondary schools.

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We have written to Gillian Keegan MP with ASCL over shortfalls in The Teachers’ Pension Employer Contribution Grant, which extend to £70,000 or more in some schools.

Read the full letter 👇

Mental Health Awareness Week

When I was a teacher and a headteacher, I didn't really appreciate what anxiety can do to a child.

I cared deeply but I didn't truly understand.

Then one of my own children fell ill.

Lived experience changes everything.

stevebheadteacher.wordpress.com/2023/03/01/the…

And one year later, it happens to us!

Had the Ofsted call today while staff are absolutely all over the place invigilating SATs. Absolutely pathetic that inspections are take place this week. Wellbeing?

One of our schools got the Ofsted call this morning, actually during the SATS test. How on earth can this be allowed to happen? The significant negative impact on staff and pupil well being is huge, never mind it being Mental health awareness week as well!

Gillian Keegan MP There is £1.1billion (2022/23) cumulative deficit across all local authorities driven by the lack of funding for SEND.

The behaviour shift in primary schools has been more apparent than ever this year. I'm sure the long-term effects of lockdown, the impact of technology and the loss of Sure Start Centres have all played their part but, whatever the actual causes, the cracks are clearly showing.

Taking place tomorrow in support of those asylum seekers - including some in Calderdale - being rounded up to be sent to Rwanda #RwandaBill
halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/people/vi…

Loved stitching a sensory book to be used along with Michael Rosen 💙💙🎓🎓 ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’. Hoping it helps some of the children I’m TA for to explore the textures of the story and access the text in a new way 🐻 🌾

Britain First are hating this being pointed out. Do share again and again...

London Mayor: Count Binface beats ‘Britain First’ immigration candidate cityam.com/london-mayoral… UAF Stand Up To Racism

When I first wrote about the brutal emotional toll Ofsted was taking on heads, following Ruth Perry’s death, Ofsted tried a similar line on us, saying journalists like me were pushing teachers to edge with “negative” stories. Wake up! It’s not the exposure that is the problem.

Just to remind everyone, there is a survey that is clearer, easier and quicker to complete, AND asks all the right questions. Lets give this noble effort as much data as possible, please complete and share the ‘Alternative Big Listen’!

surveymonkey.com/r/22SCKCG

We are very excited that our Beech Hill orchestra will feature very briefly in this programme on Channel 4 on Sunday 5th May at 10:05pm due to our work with Daniel Bath from Music for the Many Music for the Many

channel4.com/programmes/the…

This will be a brilliant gig and all the proceeds will go to Music for the Many's work. We need all the help we can get!

‘Musical soulmates’ ⁦Daniel Bath⁩ ⁦Music for the Many⁩ ⁦Ravenscliffe High School & Sports College⁩ theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/a…

I don't really care when the Tories tear each other apart. I do care when they tear the country and our public services apart. They can still do a vast amount of damage over the next few months. #bbclaurak

Breaking News…… from September ungraded inspections WILL NOT include ‘deep dives’ so 40% of planned inspections will not have deep dives. NAHT #NAHTConf Chris Dyson FCCT Talk for Teaching.😀 HeadsUp4HTs HeadteacherChat Tes National Education Union Department for Education

If this Government doesn’t fix the current toxic, punitive and dangerous inspection system, then we need to.

The power is in our hands.

We need action, not words.

#NAHTconf