#Headteacher at a #school that specialises in #behaviour management whilst continuing to provide a high standard #education & thought I'd share some thoughts!
Keen to start conversations with those in #education about all things '#school' but mainly #behaviour and how we can support children. Will always follow back!
Back to work in education after a break is tough, new routines, full inboxes. It’s tough for students too. Many need extra patience, structure, and support as they settle back in. We’ve got this.
Christmas can be overwhelming for some children, changes in routine, sensory overload, and big emotions all at once
My advice is simple-slow down, stay curious, and offer choice wherever possible. Small adjustments and connection can make the season feel safer and more manageable
Teaching math and reading is one thing… but somehow teachers are now responsible for teaching ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ too. The job keeps expanding, but the appreciation doesn’t.
@ProudlyPastoral Sadly this has become the norm. These overloaded roles will keep piling up as long as staff continue agreeing to go way above and beyond just to keep things running. Something’s got to change.
@educationgovuk Imagine doing a ‘mock apology’ only to pat yourselves on the back. The tone-deafness is unreal. If anything proves how out of touch the DfE is with the reality on the ground, it’s… well, that. Read the room.
@tombennett71 Agree! We’ve gone from describing behavior to diagnosing it, and often by people who aren’t trained to do so. A shy kid isn’t necessarily “anxious,” and a restless one isn’t automatically “disordered.” Well-meaning parents and agencies risk turning temporary traits into labels.
@SchoolsWeek Calling phone bans ‘nostalgic’ misses the point. It’s not about escaping progress, it’s about protecting focus, mental health, and real learning. Education with boundaries works best. Banning phones in schools isn’t avoidance; it’s accountability
Encouraging children (and homes) to take ownership of their behaviour and consider what they could do differently is as vital as making reasonable adjustments to support them. True inclusion balances accountability with support.
@garethkthomas Those factors can absolutely play a part. But I’d also add that sometimes what’s missing from the conversation is poor or inconsistent parenting. When boundaries, supervision, or follow-up are lacking, these behaviours can take hold much more easily.
@dolleyolley @261MH Under Education and Inspections Act 2006 (specifically section 91) a teacher in a school has the power to confiscate, retain or dispose of a pupil’s property as a disciplinary penalty where it is reasonable to do so.
Just make sure your policy is tight 👍
Confiscated several vapes this week. What surprises me most isn’t the number of students caught - it’s the number of parents angry that I won’t return them. We really do have work to do together.
@dolleyolley @261MH Even if a parent technically owns the vape, the school can legally confiscate and dispose of it if:
It was brought onto school grounds in violation of policy.
It’s illegal for a minor to possess.
Returning it would violate safety, tobacco, or controlled-substance regulations.
@garethkthomas Maybe there are layers to why kids vape. But sometimes it’s less about “oral motor input” and more about “testing limits.” And when parents defend it, the lesson learned isn’t the one we’d hope for. (Plus it’s illegal)
@tombennett71 Agree—removal rooms are essential for when students’ behavior goes beyond what the classroom can handle (and should have to handle) While there’s debate about what happens in those rooms, there’s no doubt they’re needed.
@MBDscience Absolutely this. True inclusion isn’t about ignoring harmful behaviour - it’s about protecting all students’ right to feel safe and learn. Supporting students with needs doesn’t mean accepting behaviour that puts others at risk.