James Orr 🏳️🌈
@seamusj.bsky.social
34 | Glaswegian 🏴 European | Primary School Teacher 📕 | Organiser: @Teachers4Perm 🚨
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
📢 4,600+ teachers in Scotland stuck in insecure contracts.
Councils block permanency, pupils lose continuity, talent is wasted. We demand: stop service-blocking, national supply register, real data + cap training. ✍️ Sign: www.change.org/scottishteac...
Councils block permanency, pupils lose continuity, talent is wasted. We demand: stop service-blocking, national supply register, real data + cap training. ✍️ Sign: www.change.org/scottishteac...
Sign the Petition
Scottish Teacher Crisis: End Broken Service and Insecure Jobs
www.change.org
September 27, 2025 at 6:46 PM
📢 4,600+ teachers in Scotland stuck in insecure contracts.
Councils block permanency, pupils lose continuity, talent is wasted. We demand: stop service-blocking, national supply register, real data + cap training. ✍️ Sign: www.change.org/scottishteac...
Councils block permanency, pupils lose continuity, talent is wasted. We demand: stop service-blocking, national supply register, real data + cap training. ✍️ Sign: www.change.org/scottishteac...
Please read and watch
1) Today, Jenny Gilruth stated that ‘her team’ had tried to organise a meeting with us several times.
We sent an email on 27th June.
A ‘special advisor’ emailed us 25th July.
This person stated they were not acting on behalf of ‘either John Swinney or Jenny Gilruth’
(See post for emails)
We sent an email on 27th June.
A ‘special advisor’ emailed us 25th July.
This person stated they were not acting on behalf of ‘either John Swinney or Jenny Gilruth’
(See post for emails)
September 9, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Please read and watch
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
Email sent by us on 27th June (no contact before this since November 28th 2024)
September 9, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Email sent by us on 27th June (no contact before this since November 28th 2024)
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
Email received from Special Advisor stating that the meeting requested was for neither John Swinney or Jenny Gilruth
September 9, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Email received from Special Advisor stating that the meeting requested was for neither John Swinney or Jenny Gilruth
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
1) Today, Jenny Gilruth stated that ‘her team’ had tried to organise a meeting with us several times.
We sent an email on 27th June.
A ‘special advisor’ emailed us 25th July.
This person stated they were not acting on behalf of ‘either John Swinney or Jenny Gilruth’
(See post for emails)
We sent an email on 27th June.
A ‘special advisor’ emailed us 25th July.
This person stated they were not acting on behalf of ‘either John Swinney or Jenny Gilruth’
(See post for emails)
September 9, 2025 at 7:52 PM
1) Today, Jenny Gilruth stated that ‘her team’ had tried to organise a meeting with us several times.
We sent an email on 27th June.
A ‘special advisor’ emailed us 25th July.
This person stated they were not acting on behalf of ‘either John Swinney or Jenny Gilruth’
(See post for emails)
We sent an email on 27th June.
A ‘special advisor’ emailed us 25th July.
This person stated they were not acting on behalf of ‘either John Swinney or Jenny Gilruth’
(See post for emails)
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
We’ve launched our Crowdfunder! Neurodivergence Connect CIC is building support for neurodivergent children in Scotland. Help us make a difference. 💙
👉 www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ndconnects...
👉 www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ndconnects...
July 12, 2025 at 10:12 PM
We’ve launched our Crowdfunder! Neurodivergence Connect CIC is building support for neurodivergent children in Scotland. Help us make a difference. 💙
👉 www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ndconnects...
👉 www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ndconnects...
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
Please share and check them out! Teachers filling the Gap in ASN training. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
🧠Scottish educators! Boost your ASN knowledge with our FREE self-paced online CPD programmes:
📚 Introduction to ASN in Scottish Education
🎯 PDA Profile
🌱 Introduction to ASN in Scottish Early Years
Study at your own pace.
👉 neurodivergenceconnect.co.uk/onlinecpd
📚 Introduction to ASN in Scottish Education
🎯 PDA Profile
🌱 Introduction to ASN in Scottish Early Years
Study at your own pace.
👉 neurodivergenceconnect.co.uk/onlinecpd
June 28, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Please share and check them out! Teachers filling the Gap in ASN training. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
🧠Scottish educators! Boost your ASN knowledge with our FREE self-paced online CPD programmes:
📚 Introduction to ASN in Scottish Education
🎯 PDA Profile
🌱 Introduction to ASN in Scottish Early Years
Study at your own pace.
👉 neurodivergenceconnect.co.uk/onlinecpd
📚 Introduction to ASN in Scottish Education
🎯 PDA Profile
🌱 Introduction to ASN in Scottish Early Years
Study at your own pace.
👉 neurodivergenceconnect.co.uk/onlinecpd
June 28, 2025 at 2:01 PM
🧠Scottish educators! Boost your ASN knowledge with our FREE self-paced online CPD programmes:
📚 Introduction to ASN in Scottish Education
🎯 PDA Profile
🌱 Introduction to ASN in Scottish Early Years
Study at your own pace.
👉 neurodivergenceconnect.co.uk/onlinecpd
📚 Introduction to ASN in Scottish Education
🎯 PDA Profile
🌱 Introduction to ASN in Scottish Early Years
Study at your own pace.
👉 neurodivergenceconnect.co.uk/onlinecpd
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
Willie Rennie is absolutely right – we are angry.
💬 Sick of temp contracts. Sick of instability.
📢 It’s time for permanent jobs for Scotland’s teachers.
💬 Sick of temp contracts. Sick of instability.
📢 It’s time for permanent jobs for Scotland’s teachers.
June 11, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Willie Rennie is absolutely right – we are angry.
💬 Sick of temp contracts. Sick of instability.
📢 It’s time for permanent jobs for Scotland’s teachers.
💬 Sick of temp contracts. Sick of instability.
📢 It’s time for permanent jobs for Scotland’s teachers.
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
Neurodivergence Connect was created to help change this. We offer lived-experience CPD that fills the gap left by the system.
We believe teachers want to do better. They just need the tools to get there.
neurodivergenceconnect.com
#InclusionMatters #ASN #NeurodivergentVoices
We believe teachers want to do better. They just need the tools to get there.
neurodivergenceconnect.com
#InclusionMatters #ASN #NeurodivergentVoices
Home | Neurodivergence Connect
Neurodivergence Connect is an innovative online platform designed to bridge the gap between SCOTTISH TEACHERS and parents of neurodivergent children. Through structured, teacher-led online meetups, ed...
neurodivergenceconnect.com
June 2, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Neurodivergence Connect was created to help change this. We offer lived-experience CPD that fills the gap left by the system.
We believe teachers want to do better. They just need the tools to get there.
neurodivergenceconnect.com
#InclusionMatters #ASN #NeurodivergentVoices
We believe teachers want to do better. They just need the tools to get there.
neurodivergenceconnect.com
#InclusionMatters #ASN #NeurodivergentVoices
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
7. The gap between policy and practice is harming both teachers and pupils.
Families feel ignored. Teachers feel unprepared. Pupils with support needs deserve more than this.
Families feel ignored. Teachers feel unprepared. Pupils with support needs deserve more than this.
June 2, 2025 at 9:36 PM
7. The gap between policy and practice is harming both teachers and pupils.
Families feel ignored. Teachers feel unprepared. Pupils with support needs deserve more than this.
Families feel ignored. Teachers feel unprepared. Pupils with support needs deserve more than this.
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
6. Teachers say:
“I had no training in visual schedules or communication tools.”
“I had to Google how to write an IEP.”
“I learned more from parents and support staff than from my degree.”
“I had no training in visual schedules or communication tools.”
“I had to Google how to write an IEP.”
“I learned more from parents and support staff than from my degree.”
June 2, 2025 at 9:36 PM
6. Teachers say:
“I had no training in visual schedules or communication tools.”
“I had to Google how to write an IEP.”
“I learned more from parents and support staff than from my degree.”
“I had no training in visual schedules or communication tools.”
“I had to Google how to write an IEP.”
“I learned more from parents and support staff than from my degree.”
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
5. Moving into ASN roles is just as unclear. There is no required qualification. No national pathway.
Many teachers are placed in ASN roles without training. Some learn on the job after starting with non-verbal or high-support pupils.
Many teachers are placed in ASN roles without training. Some learn on the job after starting with non-verbal or high-support pupils.
June 2, 2025 at 9:36 PM
5. Moving into ASN roles is just as unclear. There is no required qualification. No national pathway.
Many teachers are placed in ASN roles without training. Some learn on the job after starting with non-verbal or high-support pupils.
Many teachers are placed in ASN roles without training. Some learn on the job after starting with non-verbal or high-support pupils.
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
4. The GTCS requires inclusive practice during probation. But there is no national requirement for ASN input.
Some councils offer sessions. Others offer nothing. Teachers often rely on trial and error or ask PSAs for advice.
Some councils offer sessions. Others offer nothing. Teachers often rely on trial and error or ask PSAs for advice.
June 2, 2025 at 9:36 PM
4. The GTCS requires inclusive practice during probation. But there is no national requirement for ASN input.
Some councils offer sessions. Others offer nothing. Teachers often rely on trial and error or ask PSAs for advice.
Some councils offer sessions. Others offer nothing. Teachers often rely on trial and error or ask PSAs for advice.
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
3. Audit Scotland confirmed the gap:
“Teachers are not consistently well prepared to support pupils with ASN.”
77% of EIS members said they had no meaningful ASN training during ITE. 89% felt underprepared.
“Teachers are not consistently well prepared to support pupils with ASN.”
77% of EIS members said they had no meaningful ASN training during ITE. 89% felt underprepared.
June 2, 2025 at 9:36 PM
3. Audit Scotland confirmed the gap:
“Teachers are not consistently well prepared to support pupils with ASN.”
77% of EIS members said they had no meaningful ASN training during ITE. 89% felt underprepared.
“Teachers are not consistently well prepared to support pupils with ASN.”
77% of EIS members said they had no meaningful ASN training during ITE. 89% felt underprepared.
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
2. Many students receive just one lecture on ASN. Some say it was entirely legal background.
Few ITE courses offer practical content. No course requires ASN-specific placements. Most do not involve autistic or neurodivergent voices at all.
Few ITE courses offer practical content. No course requires ASN-specific placements. Most do not involve autistic or neurodivergent voices at all.
June 2, 2025 at 9:36 PM
2. Many students receive just one lecture on ASN. Some say it was entirely legal background.
Few ITE courses offer practical content. No course requires ASN-specific placements. Most do not involve autistic or neurodivergent voices at all.
Few ITE courses offer practical content. No course requires ASN-specific placements. Most do not involve autistic or neurodivergent voices at all.
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
1. GTCS and government policy claim that ASN and inclusion are built into all teacher education.
But universities give vague, general statements with little detail on autism, ADHD, trauma, or practical support strategies.
But universities give vague, general statements with little detail on autism, ADHD, trauma, or practical support strategies.
June 2, 2025 at 9:36 PM
1. GTCS and government policy claim that ASN and inclusion are built into all teacher education.
But universities give vague, general statements with little detail on autism, ADHD, trauma, or practical support strategies.
But universities give vague, general statements with little detail on autism, ADHD, trauma, or practical support strategies.
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
🧵THREAD: The Gap in ASN Training for Teachers in Scotland
Policy says teachers are trained to support all learners. But the reality in classrooms tells a different story. We reviewed teacher education, induction, and ASN roles. Here is what we found. #ASN #EducationScotland #CPD
Policy says teachers are trained to support all learners. But the reality in classrooms tells a different story. We reviewed teacher education, induction, and ASN roles. Here is what we found. #ASN #EducationScotland #CPD
June 2, 2025 at 9:36 PM
🧵THREAD: The Gap in ASN Training for Teachers in Scotland
Policy says teachers are trained to support all learners. But the reality in classrooms tells a different story. We reviewed teacher education, induction, and ASN roles. Here is what we found. #ASN #EducationScotland #CPD
Policy says teachers are trained to support all learners. But the reality in classrooms tells a different story. We reviewed teacher education, induction, and ASN roles. Here is what we found. #ASN #EducationScotland #CPD
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
We’re not asking the system to make space for parents. We’re showing that the space already belongs to them. Inclusion starts by recognising the knowledge they bring and building policy and practice around it.
May 31, 2025 at 3:17 PM
We’re not asking the system to make space for parents. We’re showing that the space already belongs to them. Inclusion starts by recognising the knowledge they bring and building policy and practice around it.
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
Our CPD events change that. Parents lead. Teachers listen, ask, learn. The insights shared are personal, practical and grounded in lived experience. This isn’t theory. It’s what’s actually working for real children.
May 31, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Our CPD events change that. Parents lead. Teachers listen, ask, learn. The insights shared are personal, practical and grounded in lived experience. This isn’t theory. It’s what’s actually working for real children.
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
But many parents of neurodivergent children in Scotland say they’re sidelined. Meetings held without them. Expertise dismissed. Constant battles to be heard. This isn’t inclusion. It’s obstruction.
May 31, 2025 at 3:17 PM
But many parents of neurodivergent children in Scotland say they’re sidelined. Meetings held without them. Expertise dismissed. Constant battles to be heard. This isn’t inclusion. It’s obstruction.
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
Scotland’s own guidance is clear: “parents, carers and families are by far the most important influences in a child’s life” and “when parents and schools work together, children do better.” (Scottish Government, 2018)
May 31, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Scotland’s own guidance is clear: “parents, carers and families are by far the most important influences in a child’s life” and “when parents and schools work together, children do better.” (Scottish Government, 2018)
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
International research backs this: when teachers partner with parents, pupil outcomes improve. Behaviour, academic progress, confidence, attendance, emotional regulation – all benefit. (Harris & Goodall, 2007)
May 31, 2025 at 3:17 PM
International research backs this: when teachers partner with parents, pupil outcomes improve. Behaviour, academic progress, confidence, attendance, emotional regulation – all benefit. (Harris & Goodall, 2007)
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
Too often, parents are treated as passive participants in the system. Yet they are the ones who notice patterns, advocate for adjustments, and understand what helps or harms their child across every setting.
May 31, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Too often, parents are treated as passive participants in the system. Yet they are the ones who notice patterns, advocate for adjustments, and understand what helps or harms their child across every setting.
Reposted by James Orr 🏳️🌈
Neurodivergence Connect is built on one core belief: parents are experts in their child’s needs. Not part-time experts. Not emotional side-notes. Experts. Our research shows why their knowledge must be central in education. A short thread 🧵
May 31, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Neurodivergence Connect is built on one core belief: parents are experts in their child’s needs. Not part-time experts. Not emotional side-notes. Experts. Our research shows why their knowledge must be central in education. A short thread 🧵