Mr D

Starting my first headship after Easter-very excited! Top tips please Twitter friends for … improving positive parental engagement in an inner-city area (Hull) of extremely high deprivation. #leadership #school #parent #headship @chrisdysonHT

Here’s the reality…that leads to the “surprise”! 🥰 #gratitude #joy #keepgoing

Remember Covid when inspections were paused? The psychological safety, time & brain space created by this led to schools doing what was best for their community, not Ofsted. We need to be disruptive, we need radical change, we need to move quickly. The system needs to change.

This 👇❤️❤️

Leading school turnaround is hugely rewarding but very risky. Leaders will be vilified, whilst devoting all waking hours to the school. No one piped up when the school was failing.These leaders are doing the most important work in the sector and need full backing and recognition.

School improvement is not about perfection — it’s about progress, courage, and the determination to keep moving forward, even when it’s tough. Over the past few years, I’ve learned that meaningful change in schools doesn’t come from chasing perfection or quick wins. It comes from really honest conversations, consistent reflection, and a relentless focus on what matters most — our children. The path isn’t always smooth. There are tough days, hard truths, and moments when the mountain feels steep. But with the right people around you — those who challenge, support, and never lose sight of the bigger picture — real, lasting improvement happens. #SchoolImprovement #Leadership #EducationMatters #AuthenticLeadership #ProgressNotPerfection

@Headteacherchat I was in your boat three years ago … don’t plan too much in as lots of things will crop up during your first week that need your attention. Just settle and be for a while!

Anon post: My first week as Headteacher is fast approaching. I’ve prepared for the initial staff meeting, SLT meeting, and assembly. I’ve also scheduled time to visit classrooms, meet the office staff, and be present at the school gates to connect with parents and pupils. Is there anything essential I should prioritise during my first week that I might have overlooked?

If Ofsted thinks pressure for change has faded, they’re mistaken. We haven’t gone quiet – we’re just overwhelmed by relentless demands of the job. Awarding Amanda Spielman a peerage feels like a slap in the face to profession, ignoring challenges we’ve been raising for years.

YES. #JoyfulLeaders

Friday's Quote: “Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder. Help someone's soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd.” Rumi

SEND - well worth a read.

A Headteacher’s Call for a Rethink on SEND and Accountability: A Plea for Change In an open letter to policy makers & educators, Headteacher James Searjeant calls for meaningful change to the curriculum & assessment system in 2025 to make the education system truly inclusive

@Headteacherchat I did this 2 years ago - DM me!

Anon post: I'm about to start my first headship at a medium-sized primary school that requires improvement. Feeling excited but also a bit overwhelmed! Experienced heads, I'd be grateful for your wisdom: Top 5 things to know: What are the most important things to know when taking over a school in this situation? First day actions: What 5 actions did you take on your first day to build relationships with staff and set a positive tone? What key data (e.g., attendance, attainment) should I be most familiar with from day one? Any advice would be a huge help. Thank you!

The days when the early years were much more and best start in life mattered. Families had access to early help services, settings working together, family support & services for health for child and mother. Reverse the thinking and move back towards this. It worked it mattered

#SEND I'm wondering how common this is. +Child granted EHCP and specialist provision recommended. +No places available so child remains in current setting. +Current setting receives no additional funding. #edutwitter @ModernCassie @MrsHeadteacher @Callum_SEND

Loving our library mural! 💙

'This is the woman who, as a sitting MP, spent two weeks in the jungle.' 'Do these people have no shame?' @BenKentish can't believe Nadine Dorries has the audacity to claim Angela Rayner is 'demeaning her office', despite going on I'm a Celebrity while she was still an MP.

🚨 NEW: We’re scrapping single headline Ofsted judgements with immediate effect. Ofsted judgements have been high stakes for schools, low information for parents. We’ll: ✅ Give parents more transparency ✅ Drive high & rising standards ✅ Pave the way for school report cards