Stuart Rowntree
@primarythink.bsky.social
Primary leader, teacher and writer. Dad and husband. Committed to clear, calm and honest scholarship in education. Not bound to any single idea, but guided by curiosity and the pursuit of better thinking. Always learning, always refining.
Focus on consistent retrieval, vocab-rich talk and adaptive scaffolding. Build via coaching, shared planning, diagnostic teaching. Success = what pupils recall over time.
November 11, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Focus on consistent retrieval, vocab-rich talk and adaptive scaffolding. Build via coaching, shared planning, diagnostic teaching. Success = what pupils recall over time.
Reposted by Stuart Rowntree
Has anyone used the NFER Reading Tests in their school? Would you be willing to give me a little review? We're looking at updating our suite of assessments and this is one I keep seeing...
November 9, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Has anyone used the NFER Reading Tests in their school? Would you be willing to give me a little review? We're looking at updating our suite of assessments and this is one I keep seeing...
Reposted by Stuart Rowntree
Trevor Philips, "What is the implication of the white poppy?"
Zack Polanski, "The white poppy began after WWI, mainly from women's groups, who talked about peace and antifascism"
"So on the same day we remember the fallen, it's also about looking to the future and saying, we want a world of peace"
Zack Polanski, "The white poppy began after WWI, mainly from women's groups, who talked about peace and antifascism"
"So on the same day we remember the fallen, it's also about looking to the future and saying, we want a world of peace"
November 9, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Trevor Philips, "What is the implication of the white poppy?"
Zack Polanski, "The white poppy began after WWI, mainly from women's groups, who talked about peace and antifascism"
"So on the same day we remember the fallen, it's also about looking to the future and saying, we want a world of peace"
Zack Polanski, "The white poppy began after WWI, mainly from women's groups, who talked about peace and antifascism"
"So on the same day we remember the fallen, it's also about looking to the future and saying, we want a world of peace"
Reposted by Stuart Rowntree
The Staffroom's podcast doors open again with Season 6 Ep 1 on balance in the reading wars. Dominic Wyse and @charliehacking.bsky.social discuss the "double helix" of reading and writing, an approach combining phonics teaching with engaging activities. Listen here:
share.transistor.fm/s/3c03fe84
share.transistor.fm/s/3c03fe84
Bringing balance to the 'reading wars' debate | The Staffroom | IOE insights | Episode 1
A holistic view of how phonics, writing, reading and language come together to make a child truly literate.Dominic Wyse and Charlotte Hacking tell Mark and Elaine about the "double helix" of reading and writing, an approach that combines phonics teaching with engaging reading and writing...
share.transistor.fm
November 9, 2025 at 10:51 AM
The Staffroom's podcast doors open again with Season 6 Ep 1 on balance in the reading wars. Dominic Wyse and @charliehacking.bsky.social discuss the "double helix" of reading and writing, an approach combining phonics teaching with engaging activities. Listen here:
share.transistor.fm/s/3c03fe84
share.transistor.fm/s/3c03fe84
Reposted by Stuart Rowntree
(FWIW, I think the new curriculum review does a really good job at not damaging a system that is working while making sensible recommendations for additions)
November 7, 2025 at 6:22 PM
(FWIW, I think the new curriculum review does a really good job at not damaging a system that is working while making sensible recommendations for additions)
Reposted by Stuart Rowntree
this headline hums with ancient autumnal dread
October 23, 2025 at 12:41 PM
this headline hums with ancient autumnal dread
Reposted by Stuart Rowntree
Everyone working in primary schools wants to raise standards in reading. For me, the best starting point is Primary Reading Simplified by @suchmo83.bsky.social. It's superb and covers everything, with phonics, fluency, comprehension and RfP all being explored.
October 20, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Everyone working in primary schools wants to raise standards in reading. For me, the best starting point is Primary Reading Simplified by @suchmo83.bsky.social. It's superb and covers everything, with phonics, fluency, comprehension and RfP all being explored.
Nothing frightens populists more than teachers calmly explaining history and humanity to children. They call it indoctrination because it ruins the grift.
Yes, Nigel, the real danger isn’t poverty, racism or ignorance - it’s teachers daring to teach empathy. How ever will Britain survive?
Pillock.
Yes, Nigel, the real danger isn’t poverty, racism or ignorance - it’s teachers daring to teach empathy. How ever will Britain survive?
Pillock.
NEW: Nigel Farage has claimed teachers would go on strike within weeks of a Reform election win and accused them of “poisoning our kids” by telling them that black children are victims and white children oppressors. He said the “Marxist left” was “now in control of the education system" (Guardian)
October 10, 2025 at 4:24 AM
Nothing frightens populists more than teachers calmly explaining history and humanity to children. They call it indoctrination because it ruins the grift.
Yes, Nigel, the real danger isn’t poverty, racism or ignorance - it’s teachers daring to teach empathy. How ever will Britain survive?
Pillock.
Yes, Nigel, the real danger isn’t poverty, racism or ignorance - it’s teachers daring to teach empathy. How ever will Britain survive?
Pillock.
Reposted by Stuart Rowntree
I’ve made an Ofsted toolkit breakdown with evidence ideas for each section (although there’s no need to prepare evidence for them coming). If you’d like it, drop me a DM. Hopefully no one will!
October 6, 2025 at 6:19 AM
I’ve made an Ofsted toolkit breakdown with evidence ideas for each section (although there’s no need to prepare evidence for them coming). If you’d like it, drop me a DM. Hopefully no one will!
Reposted by Stuart Rowntree
What keeps teachers in schools? 🏫
New research shows supportive working conditions—esp. strong leadership—boost satisfaction & retention, while unsupportive ones fuel attrition.
Read more 👇
doi.org/10.1080/0013...
#TeacherRetention #EdPolicy
@drrachelswhite.bsky.social
@amyluelle.bsky.social
New research shows supportive working conditions—esp. strong leadership—boost satisfaction & retention, while unsupportive ones fuel attrition.
Read more 👇
doi.org/10.1080/0013...
#TeacherRetention #EdPolicy
@drrachelswhite.bsky.social
@amyluelle.bsky.social
October 7, 2025 at 4:12 PM
What keeps teachers in schools? 🏫
New research shows supportive working conditions—esp. strong leadership—boost satisfaction & retention, while unsupportive ones fuel attrition.
Read more 👇
doi.org/10.1080/0013...
#TeacherRetention #EdPolicy
@drrachelswhite.bsky.social
@amyluelle.bsky.social
New research shows supportive working conditions—esp. strong leadership—boost satisfaction & retention, while unsupportive ones fuel attrition.
Read more 👇
doi.org/10.1080/0013...
#TeacherRetention #EdPolicy
@drrachelswhite.bsky.social
@amyluelle.bsky.social
Reposted by Stuart Rowntree
'I'm more impressed by someone who can turn a colleague's underperformance into success than by someone who rules with fear': trust CEO @nicolemccartney.bsky.social talks about her leadership philosophy in our latest How I Lead…
Nicole McCartney: ‘Good leaders don’t hold the stick over people’s heads’
In our How I Lead series, we ask education leaders to reflect on their careers, their experience and their leadership philosophy. This month, we talk to Nicole McCartney, CEO of Creative Education Trust
www.tes.com
October 7, 2025 at 5:05 AM
'I'm more impressed by someone who can turn a colleague's underperformance into success than by someone who rules with fear': trust CEO @nicolemccartney.bsky.social talks about her leadership philosophy in our latest How I Lead…
Haven't been around on here for a while.
My first half term as a *real* AHT has been breakneck, but I've thoroughly enjoyed it.
How is everyone else?
My first half term as a *real* AHT has been breakneck, but I've thoroughly enjoyed it.
How is everyone else?
October 7, 2025 at 4:46 AM
Haven't been around on here for a while.
My first half term as a *real* AHT has been breakneck, but I've thoroughly enjoyed it.
How is everyone else?
My first half term as a *real* AHT has been breakneck, but I've thoroughly enjoyed it.
How is everyone else?
Reposted by Stuart Rowntree
As with almost every article written about reading in the past few years, this one has inspired a few suggestions that the focus on phonics has caused problems.
I'd like to explain why I disagree.
>>
I'd like to explain why I disagree.
>>
An expert shares five reading fluency strategies to support children to become better readers
Reading fluency: why it matters and how to teach it
A focus on reading fluency can help to bridge the gap between decoding and comprehension, says Penny Slater, who shares strategies for supporting children to become fluent readers
www.tes.com
September 28, 2025 at 10:49 AM
As with almost every article written about reading in the past few years, this one has inspired a few suggestions that the focus on phonics has caused problems.
I'd like to explain why I disagree.
>>
I'd like to explain why I disagree.
>>
The new money-saving plan: underfund schools further and gut EHCPs until they only cover PMLD.
Translation: strip protection from thousands of autistic, SEMH, SLCN and SpLD children - and dump the cost on schools already on their knees.
Happy days.
Translation: strip protection from thousands of autistic, SEMH, SLCN and SpLD children - and dump the cost on schools already on their knees.
Happy days.
Keir Starmer told the BBC this morning that he doesn’t want to take away EHCPs, but - and an important but - added that “we do need to reform this system”.
No final decision has been made on SEND reform & the PM has invited other parties to work with the govt:
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
No final decision has been made on SEND reform & the PM has invited other parties to work with the govt:
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
DfE considering if EHCPs are 'right vehicle'
SEND adviser Dame Christine Lenehan says new reforms will change the 'bureaucratic nightmare' that the system has become
www.tes.com
September 28, 2025 at 9:45 AM
The new money-saving plan: underfund schools further and gut EHCPs until they only cover PMLD.
Translation: strip protection from thousands of autistic, SEMH, SLCN and SpLD children - and dump the cost on schools already on their knees.
Happy days.
Translation: strip protection from thousands of autistic, SEMH, SLCN and SpLD children - and dump the cost on schools already on their knees.
Happy days.
American fans’ behaviour toward Europeans at the Ryder Cup shows how far decorum and integrity have collapsed since Trump stripped the nation of the dignity it once had...
September 27, 2025 at 7:57 PM
American fans’ behaviour toward Europeans at the Ryder Cup shows how far decorum and integrity have collapsed since Trump stripped the nation of the dignity it once had...
Reposted by Stuart Rowntree
Yup.
The rate limiting step in almost every context I've seen is attention. And you need a teacher to direct this. Almost every tech model starts from the wrong point because it assumes children will want to study the material and won't need their attention managed.
The rate limiting step in almost every context I've seen is attention. And you need a teacher to direct this. Almost every tech model starts from the wrong point because it assumes children will want to study the material and won't need their attention managed.
Access to information or even assessment materials and feedback has never been the rate limiting step of education.
September 21, 2025 at 7:04 AM
Yup.
The rate limiting step in almost every context I've seen is attention. And you need a teacher to direct this. Almost every tech model starts from the wrong point because it assumes children will want to study the material and won't need their attention managed.
The rate limiting step in almost every context I've seen is attention. And you need a teacher to direct this. Almost every tech model starts from the wrong point because it assumes children will want to study the material and won't need their attention managed.
Reposted by Stuart Rowntree
So yes, expose all children to the very best: take them to the theatre, watch films, go to the ballet, watch a concert, display the emotion of these wonderful pieces of art. But don’t give them the text and expect them to write an essay on it, because you’ll put them off for life.
September 21, 2025 at 4:30 PM
So yes, expose all children to the very best: take them to the theatre, watch films, go to the ballet, watch a concert, display the emotion of these wonderful pieces of art. But don’t give them the text and expect them to write an essay on it, because you’ll put them off for life.
Reposted by Stuart Rowntree
Recruit people who will help you sleep at night. Talent that will allow you go on holiday, relax, and not worry about what’s going on at work. A team where you don’t need to plan for someone deputising because they’re all top of their game.
Recruitment as wellbeing.
Recruitment as wellbeing.
September 18, 2025 at 5:37 AM
Recruit people who will help you sleep at night. Talent that will allow you go on holiday, relax, and not worry about what’s going on at work. A team where you don’t need to plan for someone deputising because they’re all top of their game.
Recruitment as wellbeing.
Recruitment as wellbeing.
Reposted by Stuart Rowntree
Hi Stuart! Check out this week’s Autism Europe Congress at #AEC2025 and #AECONGRESS25
The education presentations are 👌
Yes to #neuro-affirming teaching.
No to interventions that aim to ‘normalise’ neurodivergent learners, eg by ‘closing the gap’ & chasing standardisation.
The education presentations are 👌
Yes to #neuro-affirming teaching.
No to interventions that aim to ‘normalise’ neurodivergent learners, eg by ‘closing the gap’ & chasing standardisation.
September 11, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Hi Stuart! Check out this week’s Autism Europe Congress at #AEC2025 and #AECONGRESS25
The education presentations are 👌
Yes to #neuro-affirming teaching.
No to interventions that aim to ‘normalise’ neurodivergent learners, eg by ‘closing the gap’ & chasing standardisation.
The education presentations are 👌
Yes to #neuro-affirming teaching.
No to interventions that aim to ‘normalise’ neurodivergent learners, eg by ‘closing the gap’ & chasing standardisation.
🧵The data around SEND isn't any more inspiring.
Graduated response works better at SEN Support – when pupils get early adjustments (scaffolds, pre-teaching, flexible grouping), they can access enough of the curriculum to progress.
But...
Graduated response works better at SEN Support – when pupils get early adjustments (scaffolds, pre-teaching, flexible grouping), they can access enough of the curriculum to progress.
But...
September 11, 2025 at 5:58 PM
🧵The data around SEND isn't any more inspiring.
Graduated response works better at SEN Support – when pupils get early adjustments (scaffolds, pre-teaching, flexible grouping), they can access enough of the curriculum to progress.
But...
Graduated response works better at SEN Support – when pupils get early adjustments (scaffolds, pre-teaching, flexible grouping), they can access enough of the curriculum to progress.
But...
🧵A lot of data circulating that demonstrate concerning (but unsurprising) trends.
Exploring disadvantage first...
Language & vocabulary gap – word-poor homes mean children arrive with less oral language + background knowledge (Matthew Effect). Early attainment lags + compounds across key stages.
Exploring disadvantage first...
Language & vocabulary gap – word-poor homes mean children arrive with less oral language + background knowledge (Matthew Effect). Early attainment lags + compounds across key stages.
September 11, 2025 at 5:47 PM
🧵A lot of data circulating that demonstrate concerning (but unsurprising) trends.
Exploring disadvantage first...
Language & vocabulary gap – word-poor homes mean children arrive with less oral language + background knowledge (Matthew Effect). Early attainment lags + compounds across key stages.
Exploring disadvantage first...
Language & vocabulary gap – word-poor homes mean children arrive with less oral language + background knowledge (Matthew Effect). Early attainment lags + compounds across key stages.
Disadvantage trend = entrenched vocabulary + aspiration gaps, worsened by attendance and regional economic drag.
SEND trend = modest gains where QFT and adaptive teaching are strong, but the EHCP plateau signals limits of mainstream provision under strain.
SEND trend = modest gains where QFT and adaptive teaching are strong, but the EHCP plateau signals limits of mainstream provision under strain.
📈 The gap between disadvantaged Year 6 pupils and their peers in key stage 2 Sats results has increased slightly this year, new DfE data shows
KS2 Sats: disadvantage gap widens
DfE data also shows that girls still perform best overall – but boys are improving in maths more quickly
www.tes.com
September 11, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Disadvantage trend = entrenched vocabulary + aspiration gaps, worsened by attendance and regional economic drag.
SEND trend = modest gains where QFT and adaptive teaching are strong, but the EHCP plateau signals limits of mainstream provision under strain.
SEND trend = modest gains where QFT and adaptive teaching are strong, but the EHCP plateau signals limits of mainstream provision under strain.
Reposted by Stuart Rowntree
Thank you Michael Fanone. For those who do not recognize the name, Michael is one of the officers who defended America on January 6th and was left permanently injured as a result. He is a true hero of our Democracy.
September 11, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Thank you Michael Fanone. For those who do not recognize the name, Michael is one of the officers who defended America on January 6th and was left permanently injured as a result. He is a true hero of our Democracy.
1/ Progress 8 exposes a brutal truth: in post-industrial coastal towns, white working-class pupils rarely make “positive” progress. No EAL bounce, entrenched poverty, low aspiration, high SEND. It’s less about school failure than structural drag.
Among the 100 schools with the highest % of disadvantaged pupils and lowest % of EAL pupils, just 7 have a positive P8 score.
Nick Gibb claims it shows teaching needs to "improve"; the schools say P8 is broken.
@ellencph.bsky.social gets behind the numbers
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
Nick Gibb claims it shows teaching needs to "improve"; the schools say P8 is broken.
@ellencph.bsky.social gets behind the numbers
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
The ‘impossible situation’ of Progress 8 in white, working-class schools
Just seven of the 100 schools with the highest rates of disadvantage and the lowest rates of English as an additional language have a positive P8. With the metric on pause, is it time to rethink it?
www.tes.com
September 11, 2025 at 5:29 PM
1/ Progress 8 exposes a brutal truth: in post-industrial coastal towns, white working-class pupils rarely make “positive” progress. No EAL bounce, entrenched poverty, low aspiration, high SEND. It’s less about school failure than structural drag.