Dominic Gunn
@dominicgunn.bsky.social
Early Childhood Education, Symbolic Play (also known as learning, or ‘play’ - I’m calling it ‘plearning’), Creativity, Justice.
Organizations: Early Education, SEBDA, Helen Hamlyn Centre for Pedagogy 0-11 at UCL
Also @Edtangled, on the old platform!
Organizations: Early Education, SEBDA, Helen Hamlyn Centre for Pedagogy 0-11 at UCL
Also @Edtangled, on the old platform!
Absolutely, sing with young children.
And that doesn’t include a whiteboard doing it for us btw!
Recommended training by Early Education, Froebel, and me😁
And that doesn’t include a whiteboard doing it for us btw!
Recommended training by Early Education, Froebel, and me😁
Singing with Young Children Webinar
www.froebel.org.uk
November 14, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Absolutely, sing with young children.
And that doesn’t include a whiteboard doing it for us btw!
Recommended training by Early Education, Froebel, and me😁
And that doesn’t include a whiteboard doing it for us btw!
Recommended training by Early Education, Froebel, and me😁
For the attention of @sebdaorg.bsky.social and anyone considering the different values and purposes of ‘observation or surveillance?’
NEW POST: Are behaviour-tracking apps harming #SEND children and their families?
Natalia James, discusses her research into how digital monitoring may be discriminating against disabled children and increasing stress on their parents: www.specialneedsjungle.com/b...
#SENDsky #disability
Natalia James, discusses her research into how digital monitoring may be discriminating against disabled children and increasing stress on their parents: www.specialneedsjungle.com/b...
#SENDsky #disability
October 2, 2025 at 5:35 AM
For the attention of @sebdaorg.bsky.social and anyone considering the different values and purposes of ‘observation or surveillance?’
Reposted by Dominic Gunn
Siren Films have extended their free to watch offer on our short, but beautiful, film about sustainability at The Grove. Do share with friends and colleagues ...
FREE to watch all this week! Our new short film on sustainability was received so well last week that we've made it FREE this week too. The film is ideal for staff training, curriculum planning or just some classroom inspiration.
www.sirenfilms.co.uk/library/sustainability-in-the-early-years/
www.sirenfilms.co.uk/library/sustainability-in-the-early-years/
Sustainability in the Early Years
In this inspiring film, Author and early years expert Laura Henry-Allain MBE speaks with Claire and Sarah, teachers from The Grove Nursery School in Peckham. Together, they explore what sustainability...
www.sirenfilms.co.uk
September 29, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Siren Films have extended their free to watch offer on our short, but beautiful, film about sustainability at The Grove. Do share with friends and colleagues ...
Reposted by Dominic Gunn
Statutory guidance on "Children missing education" has been updated: It's not also statutory for schools and includes a summary of responsibilities, including for parents, and a policy and procedure checklist: www.gov.uk/government/public...
Children missing education: statutory guidance for local authorities and schools
www.gov.uk
September 8, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Statutory guidance on "Children missing education" has been updated: It's not also statutory for schools and includes a summary of responsibilities, including for parents, and a policy and procedure checklist: www.gov.uk/government/public...
Monk Debunks - well worth sharing with anyone who is still to understand how grains of truth are manipulated by some media to present something utterly deceptive in order to generate outrage and conflict for their own personal gain. open.substack.com/pub/monkdebu...
Benefits, Taxes, and Misleading Headlines
The truth behind the claim that most households take more from the state than they contribute.
open.substack.com
September 7, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Monk Debunks - well worth sharing with anyone who is still to understand how grains of truth are manipulated by some media to present something utterly deceptive in order to generate outrage and conflict for their own personal gain. open.substack.com/pub/monkdebu...
Just a reminder about the excellent range of local and national events to fuel and inspire us this Autumn, from Early Education:
early-education.org.uk/news/events/...
early-education.org.uk/news/events/...
Continuing professional development - Early Education
Explore our programme of Early Years CPD courses for practitioners. Online webinars and local CPD training with our early years specialists.
early-education.org.uk
August 29, 2025 at 6:49 AM
Just a reminder about the excellent range of local and national events to fuel and inspire us this Autumn, from Early Education:
early-education.org.uk/news/events/...
early-education.org.uk/news/events/...
Useful reminder of Cathy Gunning’s previous advice on Healthy Settling for High Well-being.
Also, that there is no ‘key worker’ in EYFS. The ststutory term, and requirement, is ‘Keyperson’.
early-education.org.uk/settling-chi...
Also, that there is no ‘key worker’ in EYFS. The ststutory term, and requirement, is ‘Keyperson’.
early-education.org.uk/settling-chi...
Settling children - Early Education
Healthy settling for high wellbeing How can we best help children feel at ease so that they are secure and settled in their new provision? To hold children in mind and consider them as the person to p...
early-education.org.uk
August 15, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Useful reminder of Cathy Gunning’s previous advice on Healthy Settling for High Well-being.
Also, that there is no ‘key worker’ in EYFS. The ststutory term, and requirement, is ‘Keyperson’.
early-education.org.uk/settling-chi...
Also, that there is no ‘key worker’ in EYFS. The ststutory term, and requirement, is ‘Keyperson’.
early-education.org.uk/settling-chi...
Although late to the cricket party, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this. And not least because, after nearly 25 days of serious effort…there is no ‘winner’!
The endeavour is still valued, and tells us so much about the individuals and the teams.
Yes, assessment of children’s abilities is still on my mind.
The endeavour is still valued, and tells us so much about the individuals and the teams.
Yes, assessment of children’s abilities is still on my mind.
England v India, fifth Test: Woakes walks out to bat one-handed
Watch the moment Chris Woakes walks to the crease to bat for England one-handed after sustaining a shoulder injury during the fifth Test against India at The Oval.
www.bbc.co.uk
August 4, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Although late to the cricket party, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this. And not least because, after nearly 25 days of serious effort…there is no ‘winner’!
The endeavour is still valued, and tells us so much about the individuals and the teams.
Yes, assessment of children’s abilities is still on my mind.
The endeavour is still valued, and tells us so much about the individuals and the teams.
Yes, assessment of children’s abilities is still on my mind.
Non-linear progress in Early Years.
The National Strategies, 2008.
Clearly accepted that educators can incorrectly or incompletely assess ‘progress’ if under-trained and reliant on linear assessment models.
We’re not doing that now, are we? Especially with SEND, or non-SEND learning differences?
The National Strategies, 2008.
Clearly accepted that educators can incorrectly or incompletely assess ‘progress’ if under-trained and reliant on linear assessment models.
We’re not doing that now, are we? Especially with SEND, or non-SEND learning differences?
July 25, 2025 at 8:10 AM
Non-linear progress in Early Years.
The National Strategies, 2008.
Clearly accepted that educators can incorrectly or incompletely assess ‘progress’ if under-trained and reliant on linear assessment models.
We’re not doing that now, are we? Especially with SEND, or non-SEND learning differences?
The National Strategies, 2008.
Clearly accepted that educators can incorrectly or incompletely assess ‘progress’ if under-trained and reliant on linear assessment models.
We’re not doing that now, are we? Especially with SEND, or non-SEND learning differences?
Is the Cornish word for ‘childish’ really ‘betwattled’?
July 14, 2025 at 9:57 AM
Is the Cornish word for ‘childish’ really ‘betwattled’?
@mrjamesob.bsky.social reading 1984 now, for all those who quote it without realising it is they who Orwell warns us about.
July 11, 2025 at 9:13 AM
@mrjamesob.bsky.social reading 1984 now, for all those who quote it without realising it is they who Orwell warns us about.
The ‘profound violence’ of Key Performance Indicators…
✍️ Resisting the tyranny of the measurable
How metrics and numbers have come to rule our lives, and what we lose sight of in the process
By Mike Chitty
@mikechitty.bsky.social
How metrics and numbers have come to rule our lives, and what we lose sight of in the process
By Mike Chitty
@mikechitty.bsky.social
Resisting the tyranny of the measurable
How metrics and numbers have come to rule our lives, and what we lose sight of in the pro-cess
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
July 9, 2025 at 6:41 AM
The ‘profound violence’ of Key Performance Indicators…
Read more about the Best Start in Life Strategy through the Early Education newsletter. ‘We welcome the emphasis on integrated services within the Early Years..’
Stop press: Best Start in Life Strategy launched
mailchi.mp
July 8, 2025 at 6:34 AM
Read more about the Best Start in Life Strategy through the Early Education newsletter. ‘We welcome the emphasis on integrated services within the Early Years..’
Just discovered this from Emma Monk. Perfect for Mondays media (or statistics) lesson plan, teachers!
coff.ee/MonkDebunks
coff.ee/MonkDebunks
Emma
I tackle misinformation - both scientific and political - and write explainers and debunks in ways that people enjoy and understand.I'm passionate about people having access to fact based information,
coff.ee
July 5, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Just discovered this from Emma Monk. Perfect for Mondays media (or statistics) lesson plan, teachers!
coff.ee/MonkDebunks
coff.ee/MonkDebunks
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Took a while to find it but here’s the gem. Femi thanking the teachers, social workers, therapists and everyone supporting young people 🫶
Took a while to find it but here’s the gem. Femi thanking the teachers, social workers, therapists and everyone supporting young people 🫶
Glastonbury - Ezra Collective
Figureheads of the UK jazz explosion bring their legendary live show to Glastonbury.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 29, 2025 at 6:52 PM
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Took a while to find it but here’s the gem. Femi thanking the teachers, social workers, therapists and everyone supporting young people 🫶
Took a while to find it but here’s the gem. Femi thanking the teachers, social workers, therapists and everyone supporting young people 🫶
Children’s agency, as well as Teacher agency and Teaching Assistant agency, need to be understood and enabled far better if we are to improve education. Looking forward to Dominic and Yana’s book immensely.
🚨 Just published!
Explore the balance between educational standards and children's agency in this newly released open access book by Yana Manyukhina and @domwyse.bsky.social. Insights drawn from a comprehensive 40-month study across UK schools.
www.routledge.com/Childrens-Ag...
Explore the balance between educational standards and children's agency in this newly released open access book by Yana Manyukhina and @domwyse.bsky.social. Insights drawn from a comprehensive 40-month study across UK schools.
www.routledge.com/Childrens-Ag...
Children's Agency in the National Curriculum: The Promise of Structured Freedom
How much say should children have in their own education? Through in-depth research in diverse primary schools, Manyukhina and Wyse explore how children's voices and choices shape their learning exper...
www.routledge.com
June 24, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Children’s agency, as well as Teacher agency and Teaching Assistant agency, need to be understood and enabled far better if we are to improve education. Looking forward to Dominic and Yana’s book immensely.
@mrjamesob.bsky.social ‘When I grow up, I want to be Nick Abbot’ 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Is this a podcast?
I’ve already subscribed in anticipation.
Is this a podcast?
I’ve already subscribed in anticipation.
June 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM
@mrjamesob.bsky.social ‘When I grow up, I want to be Nick Abbot’ 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Is this a podcast?
I’ve already subscribed in anticipation.
Is this a podcast?
I’ve already subscribed in anticipation.
A few nice reminders from Book Trust. David Threlfall was great in Skellig at The Young Vic wasn’t he!
elinkeu.clickdimensions.com/m/1/11332944...
elinkeu.clickdimensions.com/m/1/11332944...
See a selection of books that are perfect to read aloud with pupils aged 6 to 7, including a mix of picture books, non-fiction, poetry and illustrated chapter books.
elinkeu.clickdimensions.com
June 19, 2025 at 7:31 AM
A few nice reminders from Book Trust. David Threlfall was great in Skellig at The Young Vic wasn’t he!
elinkeu.clickdimensions.com/m/1/11332944...
elinkeu.clickdimensions.com/m/1/11332944...
Eton records 27% of its pupils with SEND in most recent data?
We support children everywhere. But it’s a reminder that data isn’t simple or absolute. It needs unpicking and it needs context if it is to be useful at all.
www.specialneedsjungle.com/19-5-pupils-...
We support children everywhere. But it’s a reminder that data isn’t simple or absolute. It needs unpicking and it needs context if it is to be useful at all.
www.specialneedsjungle.com/19-5-pupils-...
19.5% pupils with SEND, but don’t believe the hype: Most are still educated in mainstream schools - Special Needs Jungle
NEW POST: 19.5% pupils with SEND in England in 2025, but don’t believe the hype: Most are still educated in mainstream schools.
www.specialneedsjungle.com
June 16, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Eton records 27% of its pupils with SEND in most recent data?
We support children everywhere. But it’s a reminder that data isn’t simple or absolute. It needs unpicking and it needs context if it is to be useful at all.
www.specialneedsjungle.com/19-5-pupils-...
We support children everywhere. But it’s a reminder that data isn’t simple or absolute. It needs unpicking and it needs context if it is to be useful at all.
www.specialneedsjungle.com/19-5-pupils-...
Fascism, Art and Education.
A mini post on the central role of art in education.
substack.com/@dominicgunn...
A mini post on the central role of art in education.
substack.com/@dominicgunn...
Dominic Gunn on Substack
Fascism, art and education.
Anthony Barnett’s ‘Notes on Now’ (Byline Times)
In the June issue, Anthony describes the ‘unleashing of American fascism’. He states how the supporters , many white and ...
substack.com
June 9, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Fascism, Art and Education.
A mini post on the central role of art in education.
substack.com/@dominicgunn...
A mini post on the central role of art in education.
substack.com/@dominicgunn...
Reposted by Dominic Gunn
I miss the days when there was understanding of the incredible benefits of properly supporting children and families. www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Sure Start centres saved UK government £2 for every £1 spent, study finds
New Labour initiative created ‘remarkably long-lasting’ health and education improvements, says report
www.theguardian.com
May 22, 2025 at 6:39 AM
I miss the days when there was understanding of the incredible benefits of properly supporting children and families. www.theguardian.com/education/20...
A thorough explanation from Ruth which will help educators and inspectors with any misunderstandings about healthy writing development and researched best practice.
May 20, 2025 at 6:12 AM
A thorough explanation from Ruth which will help educators and inspectors with any misunderstandings about healthy writing development and researched best practice.
Overhead at 10:03pm for all you locals! And Samatha Harvey fans.
May 18, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Overhead at 10:03pm for all you locals! And Samatha Harvey fans.