Simon Knight
@simonknight100.bsky.social
Joint Headteacher of a Special School with an interest in all things SEND and BWFC.
Reposted by Simon Knight
Some schools' behaviour policies are too inflexible for students with SEND, a new Ofsted report warns
Ofsted warns against ‘inflexible’ school rules for pupils with SEND
Too many students with SEND are leaving the school system because of ‘missed opportunities’ to identify their needs early on, says watchdog’s report
www.tes.com
December 11, 2025 at 6:35 AM
Some schools' behaviour policies are too inflexible for students with SEND, a new Ofsted report warns
Reposted by Simon Knight
EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS!
Our newsletter editor says that, very unusually, we have very few events in for next week....
Send us your community events, gigs, protests, concerts...
Our newsletter editor says that, very unusually, we have very few events in for next week....
Send us your community events, gigs, protests, concerts...
a cartoon character with the words what an unexpected turn of events below it
Alt: a cartoon character with the words what an unexpected turn of events below it
media.tenor.com
December 10, 2025 at 8:39 PM
EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS!
Our newsletter editor says that, very unusually, we have very few events in for next week....
Send us your community events, gigs, protests, concerts...
Our newsletter editor says that, very unusually, we have very few events in for next week....
Send us your community events, gigs, protests, concerts...
Reposted by Simon Knight
Christmas news from Willerby.
A short thread.
👇🏻
Saturday is our booklaunch.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christmas-...
A short thread.
👇🏻
Saturday is our booklaunch.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christmas-...
Christmas in Willerby
An afternoon of uncanny seasonal stories from a haunted village.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Christmas news from Willerby.
A short thread.
👇🏻
Saturday is our booklaunch.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christmas-...
A short thread.
👇🏻
Saturday is our booklaunch.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christmas-...
Reposted by Simon Knight
1. There's going to be a lot of talk about over or under diagnosis and the conversation is going to be a mess.
This is because how ADHD and ASD are defined has shifted. An ADHD diagnosis today isn't the same thing as an ADHD diagnosis ten years ago.
This is because how ADHD and ASD are defined has shifted. An ADHD diagnosis today isn't the same thing as an ADHD diagnosis ten years ago.
December 5, 2025 at 7:12 AM
1. There's going to be a lot of talk about over or under diagnosis and the conversation is going to be a mess.
This is because how ADHD and ASD are defined has shifted. An ADHD diagnosis today isn't the same thing as an ADHD diagnosis ten years ago.
This is because how ADHD and ASD are defined has shifted. An ADHD diagnosis today isn't the same thing as an ADHD diagnosis ten years ago.
Reposted by Simon Knight
Teachers and education staff make a difference every single day. 💙
But to keep caring for others, you need to take care of yourself too.
📞 If you work in education and need support, our free, confidential helpline is available 24/7 on 08000 562 561.
📷 My Names_Ellen
But to keep caring for others, you need to take care of yourself too.
📞 If you work in education and need support, our free, confidential helpline is available 24/7 on 08000 562 561.
📷 My Names_Ellen
November 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Teachers and education staff make a difference every single day. 💙
But to keep caring for others, you need to take care of yourself too.
📞 If you work in education and need support, our free, confidential helpline is available 24/7 on 08000 562 561.
📷 My Names_Ellen
But to keep caring for others, you need to take care of yourself too.
📞 If you work in education and need support, our free, confidential helpline is available 24/7 on 08000 562 561.
📷 My Names_Ellen
Reposted by Simon Knight
Just added to my Etsy shop:
🌿final small print run of my '26 calendars
🪶my handmade recycled silver jewellery designs (incl intricate casts of real flowers)
🌸limited ed'n mounted art prints of my photos
💐tiny posy mental health kits
Last orders for📮 in time for🌲: 19 Nov
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/silv...
🌿final small print run of my '26 calendars
🪶my handmade recycled silver jewellery designs (incl intricate casts of real flowers)
🌸limited ed'n mounted art prints of my photos
💐tiny posy mental health kits
Last orders for📮 in time for🌲: 19 Nov
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/silv...
November 5, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Just added to my Etsy shop:
🌿final small print run of my '26 calendars
🪶my handmade recycled silver jewellery designs (incl intricate casts of real flowers)
🌸limited ed'n mounted art prints of my photos
💐tiny posy mental health kits
Last orders for📮 in time for🌲: 19 Nov
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/silv...
🌿final small print run of my '26 calendars
🪶my handmade recycled silver jewellery designs (incl intricate casts of real flowers)
🌸limited ed'n mounted art prints of my photos
💐tiny posy mental health kits
Last orders for📮 in time for🌲: 19 Nov
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/silv...
Reposted by Simon Knight
The Government's response to the CAR sets out a "sensible direction of travel".
The focus on oracy & accountability reforms is a positive step. However, the forthcoming white paper must be even more ambitious on SEND to deliver a system that works for all.
Full comment: epi.org.uk/comments/gov...
The focus on oracy & accountability reforms is a positive step. However, the forthcoming white paper must be even more ambitious on SEND to deliver a system that works for all.
Full comment: epi.org.uk/comments/gov...
November 5, 2025 at 9:27 AM
The Government's response to the CAR sets out a "sensible direction of travel".
The focus on oracy & accountability reforms is a positive step. However, the forthcoming white paper must be even more ambitious on SEND to deliver a system that works for all.
Full comment: epi.org.uk/comments/gov...
The focus on oracy & accountability reforms is a positive step. However, the forthcoming white paper must be even more ambitious on SEND to deliver a system that works for all.
Full comment: epi.org.uk/comments/gov...
Re. the Curriculum & Assessment Review & SEND, @natalieperera.bsky.social sums it up well.
"But with no adjustments being made to age-related stages of education, assessments for younger children risk continuing to lead to misidentification of SEND and children being labelled as failing."
1/2
"But with no adjustments being made to age-related stages of education, assessments for younger children risk continuing to lead to misidentification of SEND and children being labelled as failing."
1/2
November 5, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Re. the Curriculum & Assessment Review & SEND, @natalieperera.bsky.social sums it up well.
"But with no adjustments being made to age-related stages of education, assessments for younger children risk continuing to lead to misidentification of SEND and children being labelled as failing."
1/2
"But with no adjustments being made to age-related stages of education, assessments for younger children risk continuing to lead to misidentification of SEND and children being labelled as failing."
1/2
Reposted by Simon Knight
Today the curriculum and assessment review is published. Please do read the executive summary and recommendations.
Thank you to everyone who gave evidence and who came and spoke to us. I really appreciated you all giving your time and expertise.
👉 www.gov.uk/government/p...
Thank you to everyone who gave evidence and who came and spoke to us. I really appreciated you all giving your time and expertise.
👉 www.gov.uk/government/p...
Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report
The conclusions and recommendations of the independent review of the curriculum, assessment and qualifications system in England.
www.gov.uk
November 5, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Today the curriculum and assessment review is published. Please do read the executive summary and recommendations.
Thank you to everyone who gave evidence and who came and spoke to us. I really appreciated you all giving your time and expertise.
👉 www.gov.uk/government/p...
Thank you to everyone who gave evidence and who came and spoke to us. I really appreciated you all giving your time and expertise.
👉 www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Simon Knight
Public service announcement: if you're working in state schools or the public sector and you want sight of the data behind this article, hit me up (DM here, or email on the @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social site)
Thread in graphs below
Thread in graphs below
On SNJ Today: @captaink77.bsky.social warns the current state of SEND funding is chaotic & deteriorating faster than expected. He says at the top level, no one really knows how much is spent on SEND and reforming the system's finances will be immensely painful:
www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
November 4, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Public service announcement: if you're working in state schools or the public sector and you want sight of the data behind this article, hit me up (DM here, or email on the @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social site)
Thread in graphs below
Thread in graphs below
@captaink77.bsky.social is brilliant at making volumes of information accessible whilst painting a picture. This is a particularly good example.
www.specialneedsjungle.com/send-funding...
www.specialneedsjungle.com/send-funding...
SEND funding reforms will be immensely painful—but the current situation is chaotic and sinking fast - Special Needs Jungle
A stark warning that reforms for SEND funding reforms will be immensely painful—but the current situation is chaotic and sinking fast.
www.specialneedsjungle.com
November 4, 2025 at 6:32 PM
@captaink77.bsky.social is brilliant at making volumes of information accessible whilst painting a picture. This is a particularly good example.
www.specialneedsjungle.com/send-funding...
www.specialneedsjungle.com/send-funding...
Reposted by Simon Knight
This one is to work with me at @hamiltonbrookes.bsky.social
Please share and apply this week!
#edusky #eduskyuk
#hiring #oxford #jobadvert
Please share and apply this week!
#edusky #eduskyuk
#hiring #oxford #jobadvert
Strategic Partnerships and Business Development Manager | Hamilton Brookes | Oxford #Edujobs #EduSky
my.corehr.com/pls/oburecru...
my.corehr.com/pls/oburecru...
my.corehr.com
November 2, 2025 at 12:01 PM
This one is to work with me at @hamiltonbrookes.bsky.social
Please share and apply this week!
#edusky #eduskyuk
#hiring #oxford #jobadvert
Please share and apply this week!
#edusky #eduskyuk
#hiring #oxford #jobadvert
Reposted by Simon Knight
Reason number 103847 why you shouldn’t be on Twitter/X
Seriously.
You might think your education tweets aren’t doing anything but being active at all on it means you’re feeding this dangerous disinformation machine which is trying to destroy us.
Seriously.
You might think your education tweets aren’t doing anything but being active at all on it means you’re feeding this dangerous disinformation machine which is trying to destroy us.
November 2, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Reason number 103847 why you shouldn’t be on Twitter/X
Seriously.
You might think your education tweets aren’t doing anything but being active at all on it means you’re feeding this dangerous disinformation machine which is trying to destroy us.
Seriously.
You might think your education tweets aren’t doing anything but being active at all on it means you’re feeding this dangerous disinformation machine which is trying to destroy us.
Reposted by Simon Knight
LinkedIn starts using your data from Monday 3rd November, if you use the site then make sure to switch this off.
If you're on LinkedIn, you'll probably want to switch this toggle to 'off'.
November 2, 2025 at 8:11 PM
LinkedIn starts using your data from Monday 3rd November, if you use the site then make sure to switch this off.
Reposted by Simon Knight
After a week of faffing around the @dailymail.co.uk have agreed to apologise. Here it is. Fingers crossed for fewer lies/smears dressed up as news in future
November 1, 2025 at 12:31 PM
After a week of faffing around the @dailymail.co.uk have agreed to apologise. Here it is. Fingers crossed for fewer lies/smears dressed up as news in future
One factor also driving up transport costs is the location of Special schools in areas of low population density via the Free Schools model. Pragmatic decisions on capital investment have, in some cases, locked in high levels of transport cost. We need a better, joined up, strategy re. place growth.
'Home-to-school transport was designed to enable children living in rural areas to attend school. Eight decades on, local authorities are spending billions'
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/why-its-time-for-a-closer-look-at-home-to-school-transport/
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/why-its-time-for-a-closer-look-at-home-to-school-transport/
October 31, 2025 at 11:20 AM
One factor also driving up transport costs is the location of Special schools in areas of low population density via the Free Schools model. Pragmatic decisions on capital investment have, in some cases, locked in high levels of transport cost. We need a better, joined up, strategy re. place growth.
Very excited about this…..
Lots are asking, so: (subject to change, don't shout at me if they do)
Matinee:
2.30pm - doors
3.00pm - PSB + LCO
4.45pm (ish) - done (NB if either show is more likely to run late, it’s the matinee)
Evening:
7.30pm - doors
8pm - Hamish Hawk
8.50pm - PSB + LCO
10.40pm (ish) - done
Matinee:
2.30pm - doors
3.00pm - PSB + LCO
4.45pm (ish) - done (NB if either show is more likely to run late, it’s the matinee)
Evening:
7.30pm - doors
8pm - Hamish Hawk
8.50pm - PSB + LCO
10.40pm (ish) - done
October 31, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Very excited about this…..
Reposted by Simon Knight
I'm running a webinar about adaptive teaching after half term with lots of practical advice on inclusive approaches to teaching. Grateful for reposts. Many thanks to everyone who has shared this already! 😘
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-ultima...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-ultima...
The Ultimate Guide to Adaptive Teaching - Webinar with Sue Cowley
Sue Cowley shares ideas about adaptive teaching and offers a range of practical strategies for creating an inclusive classroom
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 29, 2025 at 9:13 PM
I'm running a webinar about adaptive teaching after half term with lots of practical advice on inclusive approaches to teaching. Grateful for reposts. Many thanks to everyone who has shared this already! 😘
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-ultima...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-ultima...
Reposted by Simon Knight
I bet the Telegraph, the Times, the Mail and their VAT-tastic correspondents will be all over these school closures.
The wave of closures has left parents fighting for places at other local schools - with SEND children struggling to find new placements
Read more: trib.al/wn87Bu7
Read more: trib.al/wn87Bu7
October 29, 2025 at 9:08 PM
I bet the Telegraph, the Times, the Mail and their VAT-tastic correspondents will be all over these school closures.
Reposted by Simon Knight
Help shape the future of special schools - become a NASS trustee!
We are seeking two trustees to join our board as we enter an important period of growth and influence.
Deadline: 7th Nov
Find out more and how to appy: www.nasschools.org.uk/jobs/advert-...
We are seeking two trustees to join our board as we enter an important period of growth and influence.
Deadline: 7th Nov
Find out more and how to appy: www.nasschools.org.uk/jobs/advert-...
October 29, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Help shape the future of special schools - become a NASS trustee!
We are seeking two trustees to join our board as we enter an important period of growth and influence.
Deadline: 7th Nov
Find out more and how to appy: www.nasschools.org.uk/jobs/advert-...
We are seeking two trustees to join our board as we enter an important period of growth and influence.
Deadline: 7th Nov
Find out more and how to appy: www.nasschools.org.uk/jobs/advert-...
Reposted by Simon Knight
Important story from @cjayanetti.bsky.social - Rise In SEND Requests As Parents Fear Upcoming Reforms www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Rise In SEND Requests As Parents Fear Upcoming Reforms
Fears over upcoming reforms to the special education needs (SEND) system have led more parents to request formal support for their children, accord...
www.politicshome.com
October 27, 2025 at 9:57 AM
Important story from @cjayanetti.bsky.social - Rise In SEND Requests As Parents Fear Upcoming Reforms www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Simon Knight
I'm running a webinar on adaptive teaching on 5th November. Loads of practical advice about inclusive approaches to teaching. Pay what you can to attend. Very grateful for any shares. Thank you! #EduSky
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-ultima...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-ultima...
The Ultimate Guide to Adaptive Teaching - Webinar with Sue Cowley
Sue Cowley shares ideas about adaptive teaching and offers a range of practical strategies for creating an inclusive classroom
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 26, 2025 at 9:55 AM
I'm running a webinar on adaptive teaching on 5th November. Loads of practical advice about inclusive approaches to teaching. Pay what you can to attend. Very grateful for any shares. Thank you! #EduSky
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-ultima...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-ultima...
This is England. Wonderful writing.
Yay. Priceless. The right column at the right time. And a gleefully English two fingers to the haters.
October 25, 2025 at 4:03 PM
This is England. Wonderful writing.
Reposted by Simon Knight
7 sources of SEND conceptual confusions:
1. are SEND diagnoses concrete or abstract?
2. what's a "need'?
3. confusions re. The meaning of "cannot"
4. are explanations of SEND causal or not?
5. statistical norms and SEND
6. criteria and causes
7. SEND and emotions.
open.substack.com/pub/bernarda...
1. are SEND diagnoses concrete or abstract?
2. what's a "need'?
3. confusions re. The meaning of "cannot"
4. are explanations of SEND causal or not?
5. statistical norms and SEND
6. criteria and causes
7. SEND and emotions.
open.substack.com/pub/bernarda...
SEND and Conceptual Clarity
A survey of part of the conceptual landscape of SEND
open.substack.com
October 24, 2025 at 4:09 PM
7 sources of SEND conceptual confusions:
1. are SEND diagnoses concrete or abstract?
2. what's a "need'?
3. confusions re. The meaning of "cannot"
4. are explanations of SEND causal or not?
5. statistical norms and SEND
6. criteria and causes
7. SEND and emotions.
open.substack.com/pub/bernarda...
1. are SEND diagnoses concrete or abstract?
2. what's a "need'?
3. confusions re. The meaning of "cannot"
4. are explanations of SEND causal or not?
5. statistical norms and SEND
6. criteria and causes
7. SEND and emotions.
open.substack.com/pub/bernarda...
Its an amazing exceptional album. Can’t wait for March 13th. www.theguardian.com/music/2025/o...
Dave: The Boy Who Played the Harp review – it’s clearer than ever what a stunningly skilled rapper he is
Returning with his first album in four years, the arena-filling UK rapper is still such a smart, sharp lyricist as he explores a series of existential crises
www.theguardian.com
October 24, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Its an amazing exceptional album. Can’t wait for March 13th. www.theguardian.com/music/2025/o...