Clare Spires

Executive Headteacher, The Hermitage Infant School and The Hermitage Junior School.

[Clare Spires @ClareSpires1]

@SqSehrish Aman

[Clare Spires @ClareSpires1]

Work hard play hard @KomandooM

[Clare Spires @ClareSpires1]

@Headteacherchat We have just begun to introduce OPAL with huge positive impact on behaviour at lunchtimes. In simple terms - EYFS provision extended for all (R-6) with all children engaged and learning through play.

[Kyle Tormey @ktormreport]

Should schools be given more time to implement safeguarding requirements? DSLs tell Tes the proposed KCSIE changes feel like a “significant overhaul” and raise concerns about the timeframe for compliance. @tes

https://t.co/WsM5qkpPzt

[Tes magazine @tes]

With the government planning for all schools to provide inclusion bases, new research highlights what schools are already doing on inclusion – and here are 5 key insights for leaders
https://t.co/zyw8MoXz2i

[Clare Spires @ClareSpires1]

@Headteacherchat I have a large wall of colourful enlarged photographs of our children from all year groups undertaking a variety of activities and having fun. A daily reminder who I am here for - keeping children front and central.

[Clare Spires @ClareSpires1]

@wearejames It was insane - thank you 🙏🏻

[Clare Spires @ClareSpires1]

@RealTimBooth Congratulations 🙌

[Clare Spires @ClareSpires1]

@wearejames @dovesmusicblog Can’t wait 🌺

[Clare Spires @ClareSpires1]

Absolute pleasure this morning on the WSLP Heads conference in Christ Church, hearing from the entertaining and inspirational Amjad Ali @TeachLeadAAli Thank you

[HeadteacherChat @Headteacherchat]

“Ofsted’s been… and now what?”

That post-inspection mix is real: relief, adrenaline, exhaustion, second-guessing… and “what happens next?”

This week leaders told us:
✅ It can feel personal (especially small schools)
✅ Inclusion is everywhere — but the focus shifts
✅ “Impact, impact, impact” beats folders of evidence
✅ The day-after crash is normal

If you’re in the window: tighten your inclusion story, know your groups, protect SENCO capacity, plan the day-after.

What helped you most — and what do you wish you’d known? 👇
https://t.co/WFXjqTME6q

[SSF SCITT @ssfSCITT]

Curious about teaching? 🎓
If you have a degree and a passion for inspiring young minds, now’s the time to explore South Farnham SCITT. Join our in-person info event and discover our 1 year, school-based route into teaching.
📅 Book free: https://t.co/WuJs02q5zC

[Jamie Clark @XpatEducator]

📊What’s the hardest part of Cold Calling? Here’s what readers have said so far…

🧡 Keeping the tone warm & invitational — ~16%
⏳ Giving enough wait time — ~22%
⚖️ Distributing questions fairly — ~20%
🤔 Handling “I don’t know” moments — ~31%
✋ Defaulting to ‘hands-up’ questioning — ~25%

You can cast your own vote in the latest edition of ⚗️DistillED.

https://t.co/PhYCa3H9UO

[Clare Spires @ClareSpires1]

What an exciting morning for all young and old! 🌨️ All our children enjoyed the awe and wonder seeing the snowfall this week. It may not have settled or lasted long but it didn’t stop some children in Reception from trying to catch snowflakes ❄️ Such fun. ⛄️

[Michael Chiles 🌍 @m_chiles]

The new EEF guidance report on metacognition 💡👇

https://t.co/eCCY9hpZEQ

[Clare Spires @ClareSpires1]

Today @GerGraus reminded us of the importance being each individual child’s champion. Let us as their role models remember to inspire them to aspire.

[Clare Spires @ClareSpires1]

A great inspirational mornings training by @schoolsallexcel Chris Painting and Kenny Wheeler speaking passionately about Inclusion and Equity.

[Clare Spires @ClareSpires1]

@Headteacherchat Listening to understand rather than to respond for sure.

[Clare Spires @ClareSpires1]

A great read - highly recommended.