Using pupil premium: guidance for school leaders - updated 11 May
Non-statutory guidance for school leaders and those involved in managing the use of pupil premium in schools, such as academy trust leaders, trustees and governors.
https://t.co/B1mOeGXecT
New exemplification for the EYFS Profile published by the DfE. Important for all YR staff to familiarise themselves with the 'pitch' of the criteria &for SLT and Y1 staff to be aware of what the data will 'mean' in September for the incumbent children...
https://t.co/ItHTpI4JpC
10 Things Educators Need During a School Break and Why
1. Sleep without an alarm
Your nervous system has been living on adrenaline and cortisol. Deep rest helps reset the brain restore emotional regulation and improve memory mood and immune function.
2. Silence and nothingness
The brain needs quiet to downshift from constant decision making. Mental stillness reduces cognitive overload and allows the prefrontal cortex to come back online.
3. A non rushed bathroom visit
Having to suppress basic bodily needs keeps the brain in a low level stress state. Unrushed bathroom access restores a sense of safety dignity and control which directly calms the nervous system.
4. Laughter that makes your stomach hurt
Laughter releases endorphins and dopamine which naturally reduce stress and anxiety. It also reminds your brain and body that joy still exists outside of survival mode.
5. Connection with people who do not need anything from you
Educators give all day long. Low demand relationships restore emotional energy and protect against compassion fatigue.
6. A slow bath or shower in the morning
Warm water activates the parasympathetic nervous system lowering cortisol and muscle tension. A slow start to the day tells the brain you are safe and not in crisis mode.
7. Food that is eaten slowly and actually enjoyed
Mindful eating supports digestion stabilizes blood sugar and calms the nervous system. Your body deserves nourishment not rushed fuel.
8. Time without solving problems
Constant problem solving keeps the brain in threat detection mode. Breaks from decision making allow the nervous system to recalibrate and reduce mental exhaustion.
9. Reminders that you are more than your job
Identity overload increases burnout risk. Engaging in hobbies or creativity activates different neural pathways and restores a sense of wholeness.
10. A true break with compassion for yourself
Compassion fatigue is real. Prolonged caring without recovery depletes emotional reserves. Rest and self kindness rebuild resilience empathy and long term sustainability.
Final Thought
School breaks are not a luxury. They are neurological and emotional repair time. Rest is not quitting. Rest is what allows educators to return regulated connected and able to keep doing the work that matters so deeply.
The Writing Framework has just been published, and I'm pleased to have been part of the sector panel to help produce this important document.
I'm optimistic that the framework will help leaders to further develop the teaching of writing in their schools
https://t.co/RUheo8Waqn
🚨 GOOD NEWS: The @educationgovuk has confirmed the continuation of the PE and sport premium for primary schools in 2025/26.
DfE has also opened the digital expenditure reporting return. All primary schools must complete this by Thursday 31 July at 5pm: https://t.co/QaReN4H1p6
Look after your headteacher!!!
We are still hearing too many stories of Headteachers at the end of their tether!
Heads do such a demanding job.
We really need to look after them!
🚨 ESSENTIAL READING if you're employing an Early Career Teacher for September. @educationgovuk have updated their statutory induction guidance to reflect changes brought about by the introduction of the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) from September
Great opportunity for schools to get involved in @10DowningStreet's VE Day celebrations 🇬🇧
Looking forward to seeing what young people come up with!
https://t.co/3mDUKFNj8c
🚨The DfE have today published the #PupilPremium allocations and conditions of grant information for 2026-26. You can find this information for your school here: ⬇️
https://t.co/o34xM5EGNb
#SchoolLeaders#Edutwitter
This summer all Catholic schools are invited to make a Jubilee Pledge to live out CST, a long-term commitment to building a better world.
We have sent pledge packs to all schools with resources to support your Jubilee pledge day. Landing this week!
https://t.co/bSooDGdOYT
🚨 A reminder that @educationgovuk is consulting on plans to update the use of reasonable force guidance (2013) for schools.
Highly recommend reading the proposed guidance & engaging in the consultation. Learn more here: https://t.co/TkBcomUUax #edutwitter#schoolleaders
The Government’s Children and Wellbeing Bill this week was a welcome first step in safeguarding our children but more needs to be done. @LibDems are pushing for more prevention and protection for child mental health - including a mental health practitioner in every school, more action and provision for special educational needs - we’ll also be scrutinising and adding our ideas to this legislation as it progresses to ensure that schools and local authorities are joined up in their response to safeguarding worries and that the response is fast and appropriately directed. Thanks to the local Headteachers who wrote to me after the tragic case of Sara Sharif and shared their views and opinions of how things need to change.