School Principal and NAHT Past President . All views expressed are my own.
Sandbach, Cheshire, UK
Joined October 2009
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Since the new Ofsted framework was introduced @NAHTnews have campaigned for reform. At our annual conference I spoke about the unacceptable collateral damage the current framework was having on School Leaders physical and mental health and the direct action we can take.
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I spoke on BBC Breakfast about school readiness and the importance of education settings and parents working in partnership to access key services and support.
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom – quite possibly the grandest indoor space in the UK.
Last night, Sheffield’s finest @RichardHawley and his band took to the stage, . He spoke with pride about his hometown and the lasting influence Blackpool has had on his childhood.
I spoke on BBC Breakfast about school readiness and the importance of education settings and parents working in partnership to access key services and support.
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Cuts to family support services, a shortage of health visitors and the disruption caused by the pandemic have all had an impact on some young children and their readiness for school.
Former NAHT president, Simon Kidwell, appeared on BBC Breakfast to talk about the impact on schools and parents.
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We welcome @JoshMacAlister as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Education.
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A quarter of parents & carers in the UK report that helping their children with maths homework makes them anxious, but actively engaging parents can make a huge difference! Read more here 👇🏼 we'd love your feedback
ow.ly/XRgU50WRbrI – at Yorkshire and The Humber, England
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Breaking: Former council leader Georgia Gould has been appointed education minister, with ex-schools minister Catherine McKinnell departing during Sir Keir Starmer’s front bench reshuffle
schoolsweek.co.uk/reshuffle-…
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This is great news
Not only that HAF has been extended, but that there is a three year commitment.
This will provide councils and providers some certainty around funding and help them plan ahead
schoolsweek.co.uk/holiday-ac…
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"This is a podcast about how we prepare all young people from all backgrounds to take their place as future citizens ...": introducing the first of my @IPPR 'Talking Inclusion' podcasts - with national SEND expert, @MargaretMulhol2:
🎙️NEW PODCAST | Talking Inclusion… with Geoff Barton. What does truly inclusive education look like and how do we get there? From the IPPR Inclusion Taskforce, join @RealGeoffBarton & guests to explore systemic change in UK schools. Episode 1 out now🎧 ippr.org/the-ippr-inclusion-…
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At 22, I was hitchhiking to India with nothing but a backpack and my wits, fuelled by my grandad’s stories from the Second World War. I planned my life around joining the army, certain it would teach me the skills to explore the farthest corners of the earth.
Back then, I believed fear didn’t exist, that if you had enough vision and appetite for risk, nothing was impossible.
Now, after years of expeditions, close calls, and more than a few broken bones, I know fear is real. But I also know it’s one of the best teachers you’ll ever have.
These days, adventure isn’t about chasing maps. It’s about chasing meaning. It’s about pushing myself in new ways, connecting with people, and seeing the world with fresh eyes, scars and all
105 miles. 11,000+ ft climbing. From Keswick over Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Cold Fell, Hardknott & Wrynose. The Fred Whitton Four Seasons – one of the UK’s toughest bike rides. First did it 14 yrs ago. At 55, I’m chuffed to be back early 40s levels of fitness.
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I genuinely don’t write blogs much. (1st one this year)
However I felt the need, I’m excited for where we are as a school and our next steps.
What are your wishes for your school in the next academic year and beyond…
smithsmm.wordpress.com/2025/…
A fantastic last day cycling from Ullapool to Lairg, with a quick stop to see my Sandbach friends, Andy and Kirsty, who are renovating a Manse and neighboring Church.
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Brilliant 🤩 if you’re nostalgic about the 1980s and fancy a powerful and deeply poignant summer read, please look up Rock the World in the usual places. Available in paperback or eBook 📖
Just back from the Ullapool Seascape Expedition—3 hrs of pure Scottish magic! 🐬60 dolphins, 3 minke whales, seals, sea caves, kittiwakes and skies straight from the palette of WM Turner.
Simon Kidwell retweeted
.@RealGeoffBarton will lead a new task force looking at ways to improve inclusion and support for pupils with SEND
tes.com/magazine/news/genera…
