Ben Ward
@mrbenward.bsky.social
Secondary Deputy Headteacher; Primary Chair of Governors; MA Education Leadership; SLE; MCCT; NPQH; Instructional & Leadership Coach; Visiting Fellow; Timetabler; disce doce
Reposted by Ben Ward
Join us on Sunday 7th September 8pm here and on X
We’ll be back on Sunday 7th September at the slightly later time of 8pm to discuss all things school and Senior Leadership related.
You don’t need to be SLT to join, all welcome!
Join us here and on X for the conversation and to make connections.
You don’t need to be SLT to join, all welcome!
Join us here and on X for the conversation and to make connections.
August 27, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Join us on Sunday 7th September 8pm here and on X
Useful post and thread...
Note there is no change to the PP eligibility threshold, so this will not see an increase in PP eligible children or in associated funding...
Note there is no change to the PP eligibility threshold, so this will not see an increase in PP eligible children or in associated funding...
A big (and very welcome) announcement from government today on free school meal eligibilty, widening it to all children on families eligible for UC.
A quick thread on these changes, and the remaining challenges 🧵
www.suttontrust.com/news-opinion...
A quick thread on these changes, and the remaining challenges 🧵
www.suttontrust.com/news-opinion...
Taking hunger out of the classroom. - The Sutton Trust
Unpacking the Government's decision to widen FSM access to all households on universal credit.
www.suttontrust.com
June 5, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Useful post and thread...
Note there is no change to the PP eligibility threshold, so this will not see an increase in PP eligible children or in associated funding...
Note there is no change to the PP eligibility threshold, so this will not see an increase in PP eligible children or in associated funding...
“We might also benefit from placing a greater value on the ability to do things. What purpose education if young people cannot go out into the world and change it?”
Thought provoking and insightful…
Thought provoking and insightful…
May 5, 2025 at 7:00 AM
“We might also benefit from placing a greater value on the ability to do things. What purpose education if young people cannot go out into the world and change it?”
Thought provoking and insightful…
Thought provoking and insightful…
“The phrase, then, invites us to be humble, and careful, when announcing our perspectives. It invites us to act with systems, rather than acting on them.”
Really enjoyed this read today…
Really enjoyed this read today…
New post⤵️
▸The fad's purpose is what it does◂
...and not what its authors thought it would do
Educational fads seen through systems theory (AKA cybernetics).
Please share (tough for bloggers recently)
#UKEd #EduSky #EruditePedagogy #Cybernetics
cmooreanderson.wixsite.com/teachingbiol...
▸The fad's purpose is what it does◂
...and not what its authors thought it would do
Educational fads seen through systems theory (AKA cybernetics).
Please share (tough for bloggers recently)
#UKEd #EduSky #EruditePedagogy #Cybernetics
cmooreanderson.wixsite.com/teachingbiol...
An (edu) fad's purpose is what it does
Not long ago a drive emerged against "fun" lessons. The push was to rid the focus on fun and return it to subject knowledge itself. Soon followed the argument that students had to accept boring lesson...
cmooreanderson.wixsite.com
April 19, 2025 at 4:19 PM
“The phrase, then, invites us to be humble, and careful, when announcing our perspectives. It invites us to act with systems, rather than acting on them.”
Really enjoyed this read today…
Really enjoyed this read today…
Today marks the end of a chapter. After Easter I embark on an exciting new challenge. Days like this are always bittersweet.
a cartoon of tom and jerry walking down a path
Alt: a cartoon of tom and jerry walking down a path
media.tenor.com
April 4, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Today marks the end of a chapter. After Easter I embark on an exciting new challenge. Days like this are always bittersweet.
Was thinking today about both the crisis in SEND provision and increase in exclusions. And I am of the opinion that (along with the usually cited reasons) the two big changes that have created much of the issues are the changes to curriculum and Ofsted of the last 10 years...
1/2
1/2
Councils across the country are routinely failing in their legal duty to provide full-time education for excluded pupils, a Schools Week investigation has found, with some youngsters waiting two years for provision
Excluded children: Councils failing in duty to find places
Councils across the country are routinely failing in their legal duty to provide full-time education for excluded pupils within six days, Schools Week has found
buff.ly
February 28, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Was thinking today about both the crisis in SEND provision and increase in exclusions. And I am of the opinion that (along with the usually cited reasons) the two big changes that have created much of the issues are the changes to curriculum and Ofsted of the last 10 years...
1/2
1/2
“More than that, just because professional dialogue can be an informal form of learning, that doesn’t mean it can’t be planned for. Indeed, professional dialogue is simply too important to leave up to chance”
Massive opportunities to guide & influence T&L by being intentional. Excellent read:
Massive opportunities to guide & influence T&L by being intentional. Excellent read:
February 25, 2025 at 9:43 PM
“More than that, just because professional dialogue can be an informal form of learning, that doesn’t mean it can’t be planned for. Indeed, professional dialogue is simply too important to leave up to chance”
Massive opportunities to guide & influence T&L by being intentional. Excellent read:
Massive opportunities to guide & influence T&L by being intentional. Excellent read:
Perhaps an unpopular musing... But this opinion piece from @schoolsweek.bsky.social really got me thinking, and I can 100% see a place for AI in inspections. Done right, I can see it shifting inspectors role from evidence gathering to seeking to understand.
schoolsweek.co.uk/how-ai-can-b...
schoolsweek.co.uk/how-ai-can-b...
The Knowledge: How AI can build confidence in inspections
Our trials have show AI has the potential to improve many critical aspects of the school review process
schoolsweek.co.uk
February 25, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Perhaps an unpopular musing... But this opinion piece from @schoolsweek.bsky.social really got me thinking, and I can 100% see a place for AI in inspections. Done right, I can see it shifting inspectors role from evidence gathering to seeking to understand.
schoolsweek.co.uk/how-ai-can-b...
schoolsweek.co.uk/how-ai-can-b...
Can you tell which is the ‘better’ descriptor…?
Take the quiz and find out…
Take the quiz and find out…
So, nearly 400 people have done our Ofsted Grade Confusion quiz
The average score is 3 out of 5 - meaning people are on average getting TWO wrong!
Question 3 (below) is causing particular problems - just 37% got it right!!
I only know one person so far who has got full marks …
The average score is 3 out of 5 - meaning people are on average getting TWO wrong!
Question 3 (below) is causing particular problems - just 37% got it right!!
I only know one person so far who has got full marks …
February 5, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Can you tell which is the ‘better’ descriptor…?
Take the quiz and find out…
Take the quiz and find out…
Superb post from Ben; considered and thought provoking. Ideas and issues around labels, SEND provision, evidence bases and impact are handled with nuance and clarity.
Grab a coffee and have a read:
Grab a coffee and have a read:
February 5, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Superb post from Ben; considered and thought provoking. Ideas and issues around labels, SEND provision, evidence bases and impact are handled with nuance and clarity.
Grab a coffee and have a read:
Grab a coffee and have a read:
Would recommend… click and subscribe - you’ll definitely find it useful:
4️⃣ If you have a moment, I'd love for you to check it out and consider subscribing. I promise to keep the content relevant, insightful, and worth your time. 🔍
5️⃣ And remember, if it’s not for you, unsubscribing is always an option—no hard feelings! 🙌
news.teacherprompts.ai/subscribe
5️⃣ And remember, if it’s not for you, unsubscribing is always an option—no hard feelings! 🙌
news.teacherprompts.ai/subscribe
Teacher Prompts
Helping teachers learn about, keep up with, and harness the power of AI.
news.teacherprompts.ai
January 26, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Would recommend… click and subscribe - you’ll definitely find it useful:
“Perhaps it is a nostalgic phrase but Every Child Matters and always should. We are pleased that your Schools Bill is written with that at its heart and urge all parties in the sector to engage positively and constructively on the fine detail that will mean it works best for all.”
This ⤵️
This ⤵️
An open letter to The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education from The Headteachers Roundtable.
headteachersroundtable.wordpress.com/2025/01/23/a...
headteachersroundtable.wordpress.com/2025/01/23/a...
An Open Letter to The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education fromThe Headteachers’ Roundtable
22 January 2025 Dear Secretary of State, In recent days we have seen how you have been subjected to criticism from individualsclaiming to speak on behalf of our nation’s highly respected school lea…
headteachersroundtable.wordpress.com
January 23, 2025 at 6:31 PM
“Perhaps it is a nostalgic phrase but Every Child Matters and always should. We are pleased that your Schools Bill is written with that at its heart and urge all parties in the sector to engage positively and constructively on the fine detail that will mean it works best for all.”
This ⤵️
This ⤵️
Reposted by Ben Ward
I love this. I needed to read this. Excellent post @johntomsett.bsky.social. Today I will wear my expensive perfume!
NEW POST: "This much I know about... using your best towels" www.johntomsett.com/this-much-i-...
This much I know about... using your best towels
I love January. The whole year is ready to unfurl before us. Almost imperceptibly, the days are getting longer. The daffodils have appeared in the florists. And while the weather is cold, there are od...
www.johntomsett.com
January 19, 2025 at 9:46 AM
I love this. I needed to read this. Excellent post @johntomsett.bsky.social. Today I will wear my expensive perfume!
Well this is very exciting…
steplab.co/watch
The chance to watch and learn from some amazing teachers:
‘Great Teaching, Unpacked’ - a Steplab documentary
@pepsmccrea.bsky.social @joshpd.bsky.social @steplab.bsky.social
steplab.co/watch
The chance to watch and learn from some amazing teachers:
‘Great Teaching, Unpacked’ - a Steplab documentary
@pepsmccrea.bsky.social @joshpd.bsky.social @steplab.bsky.social
Steplab Videos | Watch Great Teaching, Unpacked
Browse videos produced by the Steplab team.
steplab.co
January 17, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Well this is very exciting…
steplab.co/watch
The chance to watch and learn from some amazing teachers:
‘Great Teaching, Unpacked’ - a Steplab documentary
@pepsmccrea.bsky.social @joshpd.bsky.social @steplab.bsky.social
steplab.co/watch
The chance to watch and learn from some amazing teachers:
‘Great Teaching, Unpacked’ - a Steplab documentary
@pepsmccrea.bsky.social @joshpd.bsky.social @steplab.bsky.social
What a great way to spend a Friday! @steplab.bsky.social
January 17, 2025 at 10:36 AM
What a great way to spend a Friday! @steplab.bsky.social
“For an assessment system to be effective it needs to be a) free from distorting effects, and b) honest. Progress measures – especially those based on teacher assessment – are a problem on both counts: they result in the distortion of data because they’re not real.” @jpembroke.bsky.social
‘If a progress measure is the hub on which your assessment system is built, then the wheel almost certainly isn’t going to run true.’
Progress measures break assessment
www.insightinform.co.uk/2025/01/15/p...
Progress measures break assessment
www.insightinform.co.uk/2025/01/15/p...
Progress Measures Break Assessment - Insight Inform
Levels were fine until they weren’t. Used until 2015, they provided a broad indicator of attainment at the end of each key stage and gave a notion of progress as children moved from one level to the n...
www.insightinform.co.uk
January 17, 2025 at 9:02 AM
“For an assessment system to be effective it needs to be a) free from distorting effects, and b) honest. Progress measures – especially those based on teacher assessment – are a problem on both counts: they result in the distortion of data because they’re not real.” @jpembroke.bsky.social
Brilliantly succinct summary of what *really* matters when it comes to staff wellbeing.
If you want to make a meaningful and lasting difference watch this 2 minute video:
If you want to make a meaningful and lasting difference watch this 2 minute video:
Three things to remember for staff wellbeing.
When you concentrate on these you will see improved productivity, higher morale, reduced absence and a greater impact on pupil outcomes.
When you are ready to do this, DM me.
When you concentrate on these you will see improved productivity, higher morale, reduced absence and a greater impact on pupil outcomes.
When you are ready to do this, DM me.
January 8, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Brilliantly succinct summary of what *really* matters when it comes to staff wellbeing.
If you want to make a meaningful and lasting difference watch this 2 minute video:
If you want to make a meaningful and lasting difference watch this 2 minute video:
Boxing Day present 🎁
Get downloading and sharing.
Thanks @dylanwiliam.bsky.social for your wisdom and for sharing this so generously.
Get downloading and sharing.
Thanks @dylanwiliam.bsky.social for your wisdom and for sharing this so generously.
About 8 years ago, @siobhanleahy50 and I prepared a Quick Reference Guide for Embedding Formative Assessment. It's now out of print, so the copyright has reverted to us, and we are free to share it with anyone who wants it: bit.ly/EFAQRG (pdf).
Dropbox
bit.ly
December 26, 2024 at 6:07 PM
Boxing Day present 🎁
Get downloading and sharing.
Thanks @dylanwiliam.bsky.social for your wisdom and for sharing this so generously.
Get downloading and sharing.
Thanks @dylanwiliam.bsky.social for your wisdom and for sharing this so generously.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Have a fabulous day, and for all the introverts out there - hiding in the toilet for 10 minutes is always an option; except when I’m in there already…
Have a fabulous day, and for all the introverts out there - hiding in the toilet for 10 minutes is always an option; except when I’m in there already…
a bathroom with a toilet , sink and bathtub
Alt: Gif zooming in on a cat hiding in a bathtub
media.tenor.com
December 25, 2024 at 8:20 AM
Merry Christmas everyone!
Have a fabulous day, and for all the introverts out there - hiding in the toilet for 10 minutes is always an option; except when I’m in there already…
Have a fabulous day, and for all the introverts out there - hiding in the toilet for 10 minutes is always an option; except when I’m in there already…
Reposted by Ben Ward
Huge, if true.
December 14, 2024 at 7:39 AM
Huge, if true.
Reposted by Ben Ward
Is there any evidence that shared, consistent routines and T&L frameworks matter? Or are worth the effort embedding?
@pepsmccrea.bsky.social explores just that here:
youtu.be/L-1BqYCQj_o?...
And if you don’t already, you should subscribe to his weekly snacks:
snacks.pepsmccrea.com/subscribe?re...
@pepsmccrea.bsky.social explores just that here:
youtu.be/L-1BqYCQj_o?...
And if you don’t already, you should subscribe to his weekly snacks:
snacks.pepsmccrea.com/subscribe?re...
Alignment: The Secret Sauce of Effective Schooling?
YouTube video by Peps Mccrea
youtu.be
November 28, 2024 at 6:58 PM
Is there any evidence that shared, consistent routines and T&L frameworks matter? Or are worth the effort embedding?
@pepsmccrea.bsky.social explores just that here:
youtu.be/L-1BqYCQj_o?...
And if you don’t already, you should subscribe to his weekly snacks:
snacks.pepsmccrea.com/subscribe?re...
@pepsmccrea.bsky.social explores just that here:
youtu.be/L-1BqYCQj_o?...
And if you don’t already, you should subscribe to his weekly snacks:
snacks.pepsmccrea.com/subscribe?re...
Reposted by Ben Ward
Googling Stuff: Then v Now.
December 11, 2024 at 5:15 PM
Googling Stuff: Then v Now.
Is there any evidence that shared, consistent routines and T&L frameworks matter? Or are worth the effort embedding?
@pepsmccrea.bsky.social explores just that here:
youtu.be/L-1BqYCQj_o?...
And if you don’t already, you should subscribe to his weekly snacks:
snacks.pepsmccrea.com/subscribe?re...
@pepsmccrea.bsky.social explores just that here:
youtu.be/L-1BqYCQj_o?...
And if you don’t already, you should subscribe to his weekly snacks:
snacks.pepsmccrea.com/subscribe?re...
Alignment: The Secret Sauce of Effective Schooling?
YouTube video by Peps Mccrea
youtu.be
November 28, 2024 at 6:58 PM
Is there any evidence that shared, consistent routines and T&L frameworks matter? Or are worth the effort embedding?
@pepsmccrea.bsky.social explores just that here:
youtu.be/L-1BqYCQj_o?...
And if you don’t already, you should subscribe to his weekly snacks:
snacks.pepsmccrea.com/subscribe?re...
@pepsmccrea.bsky.social explores just that here:
youtu.be/L-1BqYCQj_o?...
And if you don’t already, you should subscribe to his weekly snacks:
snacks.pepsmccrea.com/subscribe?re...
Report, ‘Behaviour Barometer’, from @schoolsurveys.bsky.social, using @teachertapp.bsky.social data.
A must read if you are a school leader. Some interesting insights that might just challenge your perceptions and stimulate some productive cognitive dissonance.
Link here:
zhi5rt9t.sibpages.com
A must read if you are a school leader. Some interesting insights that might just challenge your perceptions and stimulate some productive cognitive dissonance.
Link here:
zhi5rt9t.sibpages.com
November 24, 2024 at 11:44 AM
Report, ‘Behaviour Barometer’, from @schoolsurveys.bsky.social, using @teachertapp.bsky.social data.
A must read if you are a school leader. Some interesting insights that might just challenge your perceptions and stimulate some productive cognitive dissonance.
Link here:
zhi5rt9t.sibpages.com
A must read if you are a school leader. Some interesting insights that might just challenge your perceptions and stimulate some productive cognitive dissonance.
Link here:
zhi5rt9t.sibpages.com
I’m a big fan of instructional coaching, having launched or supported its launch in five schools recently.
I am also a big fan of @steplab.bsky.social. It’s one of those tools that is so good I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t use it.
And here’s the evidence:
https://steplab.co/resources/papers/B…
I am also a big fan of @steplab.bsky.social. It’s one of those tools that is so good I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t use it.
And here’s the evidence:
https://steplab.co/resources/papers/B…
The Evidence and Rationale Behind Steplab
In this paper, we outline the theoretical and research basis for the Steplab approach to IC. We summarise the challenges of developing a theory of teacher learning and outline an approach to IC that supports...
buff.ly
November 23, 2024 at 8:44 AM
I’m a big fan of instructional coaching, having launched or supported its launch in five schools recently.
I am also a big fan of @steplab.bsky.social. It’s one of those tools that is so good I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t use it.
And here’s the evidence:
https://steplab.co/resources/papers/B…
I am also a big fan of @steplab.bsky.social. It’s one of those tools that is so good I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t use it.
And here’s the evidence:
https://steplab.co/resources/papers/B…