John Cosgrove
@johncosgrove.bsky.social
Husband, father, grandfather, writer and retired teacher.
I blog at https://johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/
Visit my Amazon Author page here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B001KDLZQE
I blog at https://johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/
Visit my Amazon Author page here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B001KDLZQE
Reposted by John Cosgrove
Dunno whether I’m more shocked by Cornwall involvement, or horrified and ashamed by the sheer scale of all this in the write up.
We are truly lost
We are truly lost
November 13, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Dunno whether I’m more shocked by Cornwall involvement, or horrified and ashamed by the sheer scale of all this in the write up.
We are truly lost
We are truly lost
Reposted by John Cosgrove
"The pressures have been such that the wonder is not that some schools have tried to squeeze out pupils with SEND, but that so many have continued with courage and tenacity to do their very best for all." Interesting blog post here from John Cosgrove.
Why are "Some schools in England taking up to six times more special needs pupils than others"? And what can be done about it?
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/s...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/s...
SEND Reform: It’s not (just) about the money…
Another day, another article about how the cost of provision for pupils with special needs (SEND) is bankrupting the country. This morning (Friday 31st October 2025) I read in the Guardian about a …
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:27 PM
"The pressures have been such that the wonder is not that some schools have tried to squeeze out pupils with SEND, but that so many have continued with courage and tenacity to do their very best for all." Interesting blog post here from John Cosgrove.
This morning's Guardian report is about something that's been happening, and accelerating, for over a decade. Why "Some schools in England [are] taking up to six times more SEND pupils than others" is explained in my blog post: link in next post.
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Some schools in England taking up to six times more special needs pupils than others
Findings come as government prepares white paper to urgently overhaul provision and funding
www.theguardian.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:38 PM
This morning's Guardian report is about something that's been happening, and accelerating, for over a decade. Why "Some schools in England [are] taking up to six times more SEND pupils than others" is explained in my blog post: link in next post.
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Reposted by John Cosgrove
SEND REFORM: IT'S NOT (JUST) ABOUT THE MONEY.
"No amount of funding can “put things right” because a rotten system can never be “right”... [It's] a “uniquely bad system … which guarantees conflict” [and] is also ruinously expensive."
BLOG POST
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/s...
"No amount of funding can “put things right” because a rotten system can never be “right”... [It's] a “uniquely bad system … which guarantees conflict” [and] is also ruinously expensive."
BLOG POST
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/s...
SEND Reform: It’s not (just) about the money…
Another day, another article about how the cost of provision for pupils with special needs (SEND) is bankrupting the country. This morning (Friday 31st October 2025) I read in the Guardian about a …
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:51 PM
SEND REFORM: IT'S NOT (JUST) ABOUT THE MONEY.
"No amount of funding can “put things right” because a rotten system can never be “right”... [It's] a “uniquely bad system … which guarantees conflict” [and] is also ruinously expensive."
BLOG POST
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/s...
"No amount of funding can “put things right” because a rotten system can never be “right”... [It's] a “uniquely bad system … which guarantees conflict” [and] is also ruinously expensive."
BLOG POST
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/s...
SEND CRISIS: IT'S NOT (JUST) ABOUT THE MONEY...
Today, The Times points to concerns over the Abu Dhabi Sovereign Wealth Fund running special schools in the UK for profit. Another reminder that our SEND system is rotten and ruinously expensive.
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/s...
Today, The Times points to concerns over the Abu Dhabi Sovereign Wealth Fund running special schools in the UK for profit. Another reminder that our SEND system is rotten and ruinously expensive.
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/s...
SEND Reform: It’s not (just) about the money…
Another day, another article about how the cost of provision for pupils with special needs (SEND) is bankrupting the country. This morning (Friday 31st October 2025) I read in the Guardian about a …
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
November 8, 2025 at 9:10 AM
SEND CRISIS: IT'S NOT (JUST) ABOUT THE MONEY...
Today, The Times points to concerns over the Abu Dhabi Sovereign Wealth Fund running special schools in the UK for profit. Another reminder that our SEND system is rotten and ruinously expensive.
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/s...
Today, The Times points to concerns over the Abu Dhabi Sovereign Wealth Fund running special schools in the UK for profit. Another reminder that our SEND system is rotten and ruinously expensive.
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/s...
SEND REFORM: IT'S NOT (JUST) ABOUT THE MONEY.
"No amount of funding can “put things right” because a rotten system can never be “right”... [It's] a “uniquely bad system … which guarantees conflict” [and] is also ruinously expensive."
BLOG POST
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/s...
"No amount of funding can “put things right” because a rotten system can never be “right”... [It's] a “uniquely bad system … which guarantees conflict” [and] is also ruinously expensive."
BLOG POST
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/s...
SEND Reform: It’s not (just) about the money…
Another day, another article about how the cost of provision for pupils with special needs (SEND) is bankrupting the country. This morning (Friday 31st October 2025) I read in the Guardian about a …
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:51 PM
SEND REFORM: IT'S NOT (JUST) ABOUT THE MONEY.
"No amount of funding can “put things right” because a rotten system can never be “right”... [It's] a “uniquely bad system … which guarantees conflict” [and] is also ruinously expensive."
BLOG POST
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/s...
"No amount of funding can “put things right” because a rotten system can never be “right”... [It's] a “uniquely bad system … which guarantees conflict” [and] is also ruinously expensive."
BLOG POST
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/s...
With Mrs C away (and swanned off with the car) I am heading to my hospital appointment by bus. It takes forever - but it's free for old folk like me, I am in no rush and the front seat at the top was available!
November 7, 2025 at 12:57 PM
With Mrs C away (and swanned off with the car) I am heading to my hospital appointment by bus. It takes forever - but it's free for old folk like me, I am in no rush and the front seat at the top was available!
Another interesting article from Dr Pam. Well worth a read.
Richard of York: coming home?
Richard of York’s remains were discovered, then retained in the area where he fell. But should he come home to Yorkshire?
By Dr Pam Jarvis
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
@drpam.bsky.social
Richard of York’s remains were discovered, then retained in the area where he fell. But should he come home to Yorkshire?
By Dr Pam Jarvis
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
@drpam.bsky.social
Richard of York: coming home?
Richard of York’s remains were discovered, then retained in the area where he fell. But should he come home to Yorkshire?
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
November 7, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Another interesting article from Dr Pam. Well worth a read.
Reposted by John Cosgrove
Well that’s an interesting possible campaign slogan ….
November 7, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Well that’s an interesting possible campaign slogan ….
Reposted by John Cosgrove
Reading the curriculum and assessment review. Very interesting, and will offer longer thoughts when through. But reflecting on lack of mention, at least at the start, for the copious concerning evidence we have on pupil wellbeing/engagement,+lack of a parent or pupil representation on review panel.
November 5, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Reading the curriculum and assessment review. Very interesting, and will offer longer thoughts when through. But reflecting on lack of mention, at least at the start, for the copious concerning evidence we have on pupil wellbeing/engagement,+lack of a parent or pupil representation on review panel.
Reposted by John Cosgrove
And on the proposals for mathematics...
November 5, 2025 at 8:45 AM
And on the proposals for mathematics...
I would love to welcome the new commitment to enrichment. Our schools, our curriculum, our children need enrichment BUT...
ALWAYS WITH THE JUDGING!
More and more new ways to fail create nothing but resentment, stress and low morale. They improve nothing.
ALWAYS WITH THE JUDGING!
More and more new ways to fail create nothing but resentment, stress and low morale. They improve nothing.
November 5, 2025 at 8:13 AM
I would love to welcome the new commitment to enrichment. Our schools, our curriculum, our children need enrichment BUT...
ALWAYS WITH THE JUDGING!
More and more new ways to fail create nothing but resentment, stress and low morale. They improve nothing.
ALWAYS WITH THE JUDGING!
More and more new ways to fail create nothing but resentment, stress and low morale. They improve nothing.
I enjoyed this. Thank you @drpam.bsky.social
Climate change – the world after tomorrow
Records of chaos following historical climate change offer a warning to contemporary global society
By Dr Pam Jarvis
Records of chaos following historical climate change offer a warning to contemporary global society
By Dr Pam Jarvis
Climate change – the world after tomorrow
Records of chaos following historical climate change offer a warning to contemporary global society
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 6:33 PM
I enjoyed this. Thank you @drpam.bsky.social
Reposted by John Cosgrove
@johncosgrove.bsky.social manages to press many buttons in this very detailed and evidenced blog. Like John, I'm not sure that @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social has a strong grasp of the realities of inclusion. "Culture change" needs a mindset change; it's a principle, not just a word.
NEW BLOG POST: SEND Reform - It's not (just) about the money...
There is no amount of funding which can “put things right” because a rotten system can never be “right”.
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/s...
There is no amount of funding which can “put things right” because a rotten system can never be “right”.
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/s...
SEND Reform: It’s not (just) about the money…
Another day, another article about how the cost of provision for pupils with special needs (SEND) is bankrupting the country. This morning (Friday 31st October 2025) I read in the Guardian about a …
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:31 AM
@johncosgrove.bsky.social manages to press many buttons in this very detailed and evidenced blog. Like John, I'm not sure that @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social has a strong grasp of the realities of inclusion. "Culture change" needs a mindset change; it's a principle, not just a word.
NEW BLOG POST: SEND Reform - It's not (just) about the money...
There is no amount of funding which can “put things right” because a rotten system can never be “right”.
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/s...
There is no amount of funding which can “put things right” because a rotten system can never be “right”.
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/s...
SEND Reform: It’s not (just) about the money…
Another day, another article about how the cost of provision for pupils with special needs (SEND) is bankrupting the country. This morning (Friday 31st October 2025) I read in the Guardian about a …
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
November 2, 2025 at 8:28 PM
NEW BLOG POST: SEND Reform - It's not (just) about the money...
There is no amount of funding which can “put things right” because a rotten system can never be “right”.
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/s...
There is no amount of funding which can “put things right” because a rotten system can never be “right”.
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/s...
Reposted by John Cosgrove
3 things Starmer could do instead of camps in old barracks that would actually WORK👇
1. Create safe, regulated routes to apply for asylum in the UK
2. Let asylum seekers WORK & support themselves
3. Fast track status for people from obviously unsafe countries
metro.co.uk/2025/10/29/k...
1. Create safe, regulated routes to apply for asylum in the UK
2. Let asylum seekers WORK & support themselves
3. Fast track status for people from obviously unsafe countries
metro.co.uk/2025/10/29/k...
Keir Starmer tries to look tough - and exposes himself as a coward
The government's immigration policy is in desperate need of a bold change in direction.
metro.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 8:13 AM
3 things Starmer could do instead of camps in old barracks that would actually WORK👇
1. Create safe, regulated routes to apply for asylum in the UK
2. Let asylum seekers WORK & support themselves
3. Fast track status for people from obviously unsafe countries
metro.co.uk/2025/10/29/k...
1. Create safe, regulated routes to apply for asylum in the UK
2. Let asylum seekers WORK & support themselves
3. Fast track status for people from obviously unsafe countries
metro.co.uk/2025/10/29/k...
An article by Amanda Spielman in The Spectator (editor M Gove) about a report authored by former DfE permanent secretary, Jonathan Slater, prompts the question: how did anyone with so little insight, understanding, humanityor even common sense ever get to be HMCI?
October 30, 2025 at 8:10 AM
An article by Amanda Spielman in The Spectator (editor M Gove) about a report authored by former DfE permanent secretary, Jonathan Slater, prompts the question: how did anyone with so little insight, understanding, humanityor even common sense ever get to be HMCI?
From Private Eye... It amused me.
October 29, 2025 at 9:42 PM
From Private Eye... It amused me.
150 New Zealanders have accessed my blog this week. Their interest is in this post from June about attendance. Do the references to Phillipson, Keegan, De Souza, Gove et al... resonate in NZ? Maybe I need to keep the global audience actively in mind.
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/06/28/t...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/06/28/t...
Time to Think Again on Attendance
At the start of this month, Bridget Phillipson made a speech to school leaders from the Midlands, about what she called her “mission” to improve attendance. This is what motivates her, she declared…
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:46 PM
150 New Zealanders have accessed my blog this week. Their interest is in this post from June about attendance. Do the references to Phillipson, Keegan, De Souza, Gove et al... resonate in NZ? Maybe I need to keep the global audience actively in mind.
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/06/28/t...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/06/28/t...
The walk that never fails to deliver... the soothing sounds of wind and sea... the view that for me sums up the privilege of living in West Cornwall.
October 27, 2025 at 2:58 PM
The walk that never fails to deliver... the soothing sounds of wind and sea... the view that for me sums up the privilege of living in West Cornwall.
Loving Camilla's "gothic hedgehog" costume for the Pope's fancy dress ball but, frankly, Charles could have tried harder.
October 25, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Loving Camilla's "gothic hedgehog" costume for the Pope's fancy dress ball but, frankly, Charles could have tried harder.
Wonderful Tremenheere Sculpture Park this morning (currently half price for locals) with the Mount rising in ethereal splendour from the silver waters of the Bay.
October 25, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Wonderful Tremenheere Sculpture Park this morning (currently half price for locals) with the Mount rising in ethereal splendour from the silver waters of the Bay.
Reposted by John Cosgrove
And another one, she probably thinks they're too left wing.
It's believed another 4 are ready to jump ship.
It's believed another 4 are ready to jump ship.
Another Reform councillor ditches the party in Cornwall
After another quitter, Reform UK is no longer the largest political group on Cornwall Council, less than six months after the election
www.cornwalllive.com
October 24, 2025 at 5:03 PM
And another one, she probably thinks they're too left wing.
It's believed another 4 are ready to jump ship.
It's believed another 4 are ready to jump ship.
Delighted to see @privateeyenews.bsky.social has published 2 items in a few weeks about how awful the TRA is (p50 current issue). Here's hoping they keep up the good work. Last year I wrote about why the TRA needs root and branch reform.
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2024/08/18/t...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2024/08/18/t...
TRA: NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE
The teacher put on a red wig, sunglasses and a surgical mask. She hid her carving knife in a bunch of flowers and when the door was opened in response to her ring on the bell, she stabbed and slash…
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
October 21, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Delighted to see @privateeyenews.bsky.social has published 2 items in a few weeks about how awful the TRA is (p50 current issue). Here's hoping they keep up the good work. Last year I wrote about why the TRA needs root and branch reform.
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2024/08/18/t...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2024/08/18/t...