Tanya Blake

@Headteacherchat Happy to talk if you want.

Anon post: I’ve just stepped into headship and I’m keen to move the school forward — but we’re up against some big headwinds: an overdue Ofsted, a fragile starting point, and staff morale that’s on the floor. We’ve begun with the obvious essentials — putting staff wellbeing first, tightening up the curriculum, and making feedback expectations clearer — yet the ripple effect hasn’t been significant enough so far. I’d really value insight from anyone who’s steered a school through this kind of moment: - What genuinely lifted morale (beyond slogans and initiatives)? - What helped you reset the culture and make the place feel like a better, kinder place to work? There’s a growing sense of pessimism across the wider community, and I’m determined to change the story.

@ballater6 @Headteacherchat However, no one seems to bat an eye when it goes the other way. Why? Primary has specificity too.

@Headteacherchat You could but don’t be surprised if you’re not shortlisted - just being honest

Anonymous Post: I’ve been a deputy headteacher in a primary school for over five years, and am now considering applying for a deputy head position in a secondary school. Given my lack of direct experience in the secondary sector, is it still worth applying?

@JohnBaldLangLit @Suchmo83 Absolutely this! Inference starts very young.

@Suchmo83 Start with picture books. Rosie's Walk, Our Cat Flossie.

I was just listening to a podcast where someone was talking about teaching kids 'inferencing skills'. Every example they gave of an inference was one that would be automatic (or at least fairly obvious) with relevant knowledge, but impossible without that same knowledge. >>

@antonylittle Couldn't agree more.

The old saying is “you never know what people are going through”. So try kindness.

@NeilDotObrien How does somone sit on tjose benches?

They created a new embankment in London! Should we fill it with: A) Trees, nice flowerbeds, maybe a little cafe? B) Brooding black modernist obelisks, unusable disturbed bench "things" Obviously they went with B

@Headteacherchat I assume reducing lunchtime increases directed time?

Anonymous post: How long do children in your school get for lunch? We currently allow 60 minutes, but staffing is becoming a challenge. Do other schools offer more or less time?

@Headteacherchat Yes

Anonymous post: I’m a newly appointed head and unsure whether to rewrite the existing Self-Evaluation Form straight away. I suspect it isn’t accurate and doesn’t reflect the school’s current position. Should I focus on rewriting the SEF first, before starting the School Improvement Plan?

@antonylittle I know! It never occurred to me!

Blimey. Why didn’t we think of this before?

@DavidDidau I guess it's just as well the birth rate is falling drastically and primary schools are having to close.

*NEW* We think the teacher crisis is about recruitment. It’s not. We train thousands every year then watch a third leave within 5 years. Almost half of trained teachers are not teaching. The real crisis is retention. And we’re losing many who could have become great. Link in reply ⬇

@Duncangreen11 The Man Who Wore All His Clothes!

@MrsTMBlake I have so many lovely memories of group reading with Alan’s books!

So many children have loved his books. I think i might be reading some to children in September in his memory.

@Rachel_deSouza @GelupoGelato Have been making homemade ice cream with all the fruit harvested this year!

Sunday night in July - strawberry and sherbet gelato & blood orange sorbet ⁦@GelupoGelato⁩ 🌞

@antonylittle Is that a real response? OMG

They really aren’t a serious political party, are they?

@Headteacherchat I can remember getting one for Christmas as a child.

Do you remember when every EYFS classroom had one of these?

Yep, so annoying. And they were done on carbon paper so we could keep a copy.

@Headteacherchat Always stop and think.

Welcome to #SaturdayEduChat What would be the best piece of advice you could give a new headteacher using only four words?

The terrifying beauty of wildlife.🧵 A Thread Not for the soft-hearted ⚠️

Ha ha, I had to use these a lot!

Do you know your feet can reveal hidden health problems before they become serious? Most people ignore these signs—until it’s too late. Here’s how your feet can reveal early health issues and what to do about them: 🧵👇