Sally Michaels
@sallyjmichaels.bsky.social
Teacher. SENDCO. Head of AP at Blue Squid, Cambs. School governor. MCCT. (she/her)
What a great thread. I remember someone once asking me when I came out. “Every time I meet someone new,” was my answer.
I’m still in the habit of not looking at someone when I first mention my wife, to give them a moment for their face to react if they need it, and never knowing how they’ll be.
I’m still in the habit of not looking at someone when I first mention my wife, to give them a moment for their face to react if they need it, and never knowing how they’ll be.
The privilege of being straight is that you never have to look for these symbols. You don’t have to wait for someone to clock you or your partner, and wait to see how they’ll react.
It is easy when you’ve had that privilege to eye-roll about symbolism and how unnecessary it feels…
It is easy when you’ve had that privilege to eye-roll about symbolism and how unnecessary it feels…
For noen kan et lite regnbueflagg bety at vi føler oss tryggere. Man ser flagget og tenker; « her kan jeg passe inn»
En enkel måte å vite at jeg også blir satt pris på.
Veldig fin video
Oslo Pride🌈
En enkel måte å vite at jeg også blir satt pris på.
Veldig fin video
Oslo Pride🌈
May 30, 2025 at 5:10 AM
What a great thread. I remember someone once asking me when I came out. “Every time I meet someone new,” was my answer.
I’m still in the habit of not looking at someone when I first mention my wife, to give them a moment for their face to react if they need it, and never knowing how they’ll be.
I’m still in the habit of not looking at someone when I first mention my wife, to give them a moment for their face to react if they need it, and never knowing how they’ll be.
It’s so important for young people just working out who they are to know that they are safe in the world 🤩
May 29, 2025 at 1:01 PM
It’s so important for young people just working out who they are to know that they are safe in the world 🤩
Sundays are for us ❤️
May 11, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Sundays are for us ❤️
Reposted by Sally Michaels
New blog:
Co-Regulation – Staying Calm to Help Them Stay Calm
Why logic doesn’t work with dysregulated kids, and what does. For school staff & parents.
Read it here: bluesquidlearning.com/co-regulatio...
#coRegulation #SchoolAnxiety #YoungPeopleMatter #MentalHealthMatters #thisisAP
Co-Regulation – Staying Calm to Help Them Stay Calm
Why logic doesn’t work with dysregulated kids, and what does. For school staff & parents.
Read it here: bluesquidlearning.com/co-regulatio...
#coRegulation #SchoolAnxiety #YoungPeopleMatter #MentalHealthMatters #thisisAP
Co-Regulation: Staying Calm to Help Them Stay Calm
Why reasoning doesn't work when a young person is dysregulated - and what to do instead. For teachers and parents supporting anxious pupils.
bluesquidlearning.com
May 8, 2025 at 3:10 PM
New blog:
Co-Regulation – Staying Calm to Help Them Stay Calm
Why logic doesn’t work with dysregulated kids, and what does. For school staff & parents.
Read it here: bluesquidlearning.com/co-regulatio...
#coRegulation #SchoolAnxiety #YoungPeopleMatter #MentalHealthMatters #thisisAP
Co-Regulation – Staying Calm to Help Them Stay Calm
Why logic doesn’t work with dysregulated kids, and what does. For school staff & parents.
Read it here: bluesquidlearning.com/co-regulatio...
#coRegulation #SchoolAnxiety #YoungPeopleMatter #MentalHealthMatters #thisisAP
Some families cycle; some families hike. We love the river. We’ve lived (literally) on the Great Ouse for almost six years in our floating home and this summer we get to go further afield in this beauty 🛥️ ❤️
April 27, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Some families cycle; some families hike. We love the river. We’ve lived (literally) on the Great Ouse for almost six years in our floating home and this summer we get to go further afield in this beauty 🛥️ ❤️
This holiday, we bought a new boat and have been out on the river almost every day. What a great way to get several days of meaningful rest 🛥️
April 19, 2025 at 7:05 PM
This holiday, we bought a new boat and have been out on the river almost every day. What a great way to get several days of meaningful rest 🛥️
I wasn’t going to say anything. Who am I to voice an opinion?
But then I realised that if I don’t, I’m part of the problem.
Yesterday’s ruling - and the disgusting celebration of other people’s oppression - was morally wrong and a worrying indication of the way we’re going.
Where’s the humanity?
But then I realised that if I don’t, I’m part of the problem.
Yesterday’s ruling - and the disgusting celebration of other people’s oppression - was morally wrong and a worrying indication of the way we’re going.
Where’s the humanity?
April 17, 2025 at 6:37 AM
I wasn’t going to say anything. Who am I to voice an opinion?
But then I realised that if I don’t, I’m part of the problem.
Yesterday’s ruling - and the disgusting celebration of other people’s oppression - was morally wrong and a worrying indication of the way we’re going.
Where’s the humanity?
But then I realised that if I don’t, I’m part of the problem.
Yesterday’s ruling - and the disgusting celebration of other people’s oppression - was morally wrong and a worrying indication of the way we’re going.
Where’s the humanity?
The holidays are for finding the joy in the everyday ❤️ 🛥️
April 11, 2025 at 8:01 PM
The holidays are for finding the joy in the everyday ❤️ 🛥️
All of this! ❤️
🧵An important part of the primary experience is having a lovely time- adults ringfencing the unique state of childhood and ensuring that primary is a glorious place to be little. Playful and joyful are not the antonyms of high standards and aspiration.
February 16, 2025 at 11:50 AM
All of this! ❤️
Reposted by Sally Michaels
School doesn’t have to be desks, bells, and stress. What if learning looked different?
For young people struggling with school anxiety, the ‘traditional’ way isn’t always their way. And that’s okay. 💙
There’s more than one way to thrive. #Education #SchoolAnxiety #AlternativeProvision #thisisAP
For young people struggling with school anxiety, the ‘traditional’ way isn’t always their way. And that’s okay. 💙
There’s more than one way to thrive. #Education #SchoolAnxiety #AlternativeProvision #thisisAP
February 10, 2025 at 11:31 AM
School doesn’t have to be desks, bells, and stress. What if learning looked different?
For young people struggling with school anxiety, the ‘traditional’ way isn’t always their way. And that’s okay. 💙
There’s more than one way to thrive. #Education #SchoolAnxiety #AlternativeProvision #thisisAP
For young people struggling with school anxiety, the ‘traditional’ way isn’t always their way. And that’s okay. 💙
There’s more than one way to thrive. #Education #SchoolAnxiety #AlternativeProvision #thisisAP
Reposted by Sally Michaels
For young people with EBSNA, unpredictability can fuel anxiety. A predictable school day builds trust, reduces stress, and supports engagement.
Read our latest blog to discover how routine - without rigidity - can help.
#EBSNA #EBSA #SchoolAnxiety #thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
Read our latest blog to discover how routine - without rigidity - can help.
#EBSNA #EBSA #SchoolAnxiety #thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
The Importance of Predictability and Routine
Predictability reduces anxiety and builds trust in school. Discover how routine creates a safe, supportive environment for young people with EBSNA.
bluesquidlearning.com
February 6, 2025 at 4:32 PM
For young people with EBSNA, unpredictability can fuel anxiety. A predictable school day builds trust, reduces stress, and supports engagement.
Read our latest blog to discover how routine - without rigidity - can help.
#EBSNA #EBSA #SchoolAnxiety #thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
Read our latest blog to discover how routine - without rigidity - can help.
#EBSNA #EBSA #SchoolAnxiety #thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Alternative education isn’t a last resort - it’s a proactive, future-focused choice.
At Blue Squid, we see young people with EBSNA thrive in the right environment.
Read our latest blog challenging misconceptions about non-traditional schools. 👇
#thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
At Blue Squid, we see young people with EBSNA thrive in the right environment.
Read our latest blog challenging misconceptions about non-traditional schools. 👇
#thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
Changing the Narrative About Alternative Education
Alternative education isn’t a last resort—it’s a proactive, future-focused choice. Read how non-traditional schools help young people thrive.
bluesquidlearning.com
January 30, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Alternative education isn’t a last resort - it’s a proactive, future-focused choice.
At Blue Squid, we see young people with EBSNA thrive in the right environment.
Read our latest blog challenging misconceptions about non-traditional schools. 👇
#thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
At Blue Squid, we see young people with EBSNA thrive in the right environment.
Read our latest blog challenging misconceptions about non-traditional schools. 👇
#thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
Reposted by Sally Michaels
School doesn’t have to feel like a roller-coaster ride! 🎢
At Blue Squid, we focus on calm vibes, fresh air, and steady progress. 🌿
Think of us as your child’s anxiety-free zone.
Ready to explore? Let’s chat!
#thisisAP #Cambridgeshire #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter
At Blue Squid, we focus on calm vibes, fresh air, and steady progress. 🌿
Think of us as your child’s anxiety-free zone.
Ready to explore? Let’s chat!
#thisisAP #Cambridgeshire #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter
January 29, 2025 at 4:43 PM
School doesn’t have to feel like a roller-coaster ride! 🎢
At Blue Squid, we focus on calm vibes, fresh air, and steady progress. 🌿
Think of us as your child’s anxiety-free zone.
Ready to explore? Let’s chat!
#thisisAP #Cambridgeshire #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter
At Blue Squid, we focus on calm vibes, fresh air, and steady progress. 🌿
Think of us as your child’s anxiety-free zone.
Ready to explore? Let’s chat!
#thisisAP #Cambridgeshire #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Here's the #OCRMathspuzzle for this week! Have a great weekend! :)
The below number properties apply to five consecutive numbers.
What are the five numbers?
#maths #teacher #puzzle #resource #number #numberproperties
#MathsToday #ITeachMath #UKMathsChat
The below number properties apply to five consecutive numbers.
What are the five numbers?
#maths #teacher #puzzle #resource #number #numberproperties
#MathsToday #ITeachMath #UKMathsChat
January 24, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Here's the #OCRMathspuzzle for this week! Have a great weekend! :)
The below number properties apply to five consecutive numbers.
What are the five numbers?
#maths #teacher #puzzle #resource #number #numberproperties
#MathsToday #ITeachMath #UKMathsChat
The below number properties apply to five consecutive numbers.
What are the five numbers?
#maths #teacher #puzzle #resource #number #numberproperties
#MathsToday #ITeachMath #UKMathsChat
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Calmer classrooms and smarter learning? 🌟
Discover how emotional literacy transforms chaos into focus, unlocking better outcomes for students.
#thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter #emotionalliteracy
bluesquidlearning.com/from-chaos-t...
Discover how emotional literacy transforms chaos into focus, unlocking better outcomes for students.
#thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter #emotionalliteracy
bluesquidlearning.com/from-chaos-t...
Chaos to Calm: How Emotional Literacy Transforms Learning
Discover how emotional literacy transforms classrooms by helping students regulate emotions, unlock learning, and build resilience.
bluesquidlearning.com
January 23, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Calmer classrooms and smarter learning? 🌟
Discover how emotional literacy transforms chaos into focus, unlocking better outcomes for students.
#thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter #emotionalliteracy
bluesquidlearning.com/from-chaos-t...
Discover how emotional literacy transforms chaos into focus, unlocking better outcomes for students.
#thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter #emotionalliteracy
bluesquidlearning.com/from-chaos-t...
Reposted by Sally Michaels
We know that progress isn’t always a straight line, sometimes it’s more of a funky dance. 🕺
At Blue Squid, we celebrate the little wins: a smile, a question, or trying something new. 💙
Let’s help your child find their groove again.
#BlueSquidCambridgeshire #thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters
At Blue Squid, we celebrate the little wins: a smile, a question, or trying something new. 💙
Let’s help your child find their groove again.
#BlueSquidCambridgeshire #thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters
January 20, 2025 at 3:45 PM
We know that progress isn’t always a straight line, sometimes it’s more of a funky dance. 🕺
At Blue Squid, we celebrate the little wins: a smile, a question, or trying something new. 💙
Let’s help your child find their groove again.
#BlueSquidCambridgeshire #thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters
At Blue Squid, we celebrate the little wins: a smile, a question, or trying something new. 💙
Let’s help your child find their groove again.
#BlueSquidCambridgeshire #thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Flexibility in education isn’t optional - it’s essential.
Discover how alternative provisions like Blue Squid are transforming lives by meeting young people where they are.
Read our latest blog and see how thinking differently changes everything.
#thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
Discover how alternative provisions like Blue Squid are transforming lives by meeting young people where they are.
Read our latest blog and see how thinking differently changes everything.
#thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
Flexible Learning: the Unstoppable Revolution
Joe's journey shows how flexible, alternative education can transform lives, helping children rediscover learning and thrive on their own terms.
bluesquidlearning.com
January 15, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Flexibility in education isn’t optional - it’s essential.
Discover how alternative provisions like Blue Squid are transforming lives by meeting young people where they are.
Read our latest blog and see how thinking differently changes everything.
#thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
Discover how alternative provisions like Blue Squid are transforming lives by meeting young people where they are.
Read our latest blog and see how thinking differently changes everything.
#thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Worth reading if you’re a DSL
Investigation: even if teachers follow KCSIE, children risk not getting justice or the protection they need in safeguarding cases.
A critically important article for schools from @ellencph.bsky.social reveals a worrying gap in the safeguarding process | Free to read
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
A critically important article for schools from @ellencph.bsky.social reveals a worrying gap in the safeguarding process | Free to read
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
‘An invidious position’: the safeguarding disconnect affecting children and teachers
Legal experts say a misalignment of guidance used by professionals to record allegations of sexual abuse is failing teachers and pupils - with potentially devastating consequences. Ellen Peirson-Hagge...
www.tes.com
January 10, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Worth reading if you’re a DSL
Really felt we were back in the flow today!
We seemed to get the right balance between self-regulation time and work time for each learner and the morning flew by!
Today, we started another great Literacy Shed unit 🏠
#thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
We seemed to get the right balance between self-regulation time and work time for each learner and the morning flew by!
Today, we started another great Literacy Shed unit 🏠
#thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
January 9, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Really felt we were back in the flow today!
We seemed to get the right balance between self-regulation time and work time for each learner and the morning flew by!
Today, we started another great Literacy Shed unit 🏠
#thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
We seemed to get the right balance between self-regulation time and work time for each learner and the morning flew by!
Today, we started another great Literacy Shed unit 🏠
#thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
Today’s lesson? Never underestimate the power of being wrapped in a blanket and snuggled up on the sofa with a dog if you’re struggling to self-regulate. Betty the schnoodle is the most wonderful part of our wellbeing strategy ❤️
#thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter
#thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter
January 8, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Today’s lesson? Never underestimate the power of being wrapped in a blanket and snuggled up on the sofa with a dog if you’re struggling to self-regulate. Betty the schnoodle is the most wonderful part of our wellbeing strategy ❤️
#thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter
#thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter
Today I was reminded how hard the transition in and out of the school holidays can be for some young people. Patience, teamwork, communication and flexibility was the order of the day 👍 #thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter
January 7, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Today I was reminded how hard the transition in and out of the school holidays can be for some young people. Patience, teamwork, communication and flexibility was the order of the day 👍 #thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter
Great to be back at our alternative provision today. Kids and staff all re-energised after the break. We caught up and started to get back in the routine of things #thisisAP #maths #spelling #alternativeprovision
January 6, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Great to be back at our alternative provision today. Kids and staff all re-energised after the break. We caught up and started to get back in the routine of things #thisisAP #maths #spelling #alternativeprovision
Some students aren’t skipping school, they’re overwhelmed by it.
As educators, how do we spot the signs of Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) early? And what strategies actually help students feel safe enough to re-engage with learning?
1/2
As educators, how do we spot the signs of Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) early? And what strategies actually help students feel safe enough to re-engage with learning?
1/2
January 2, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Some students aren’t skipping school, they’re overwhelmed by it.
As educators, how do we spot the signs of Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) early? And what strategies actually help students feel safe enough to re-engage with learning?
1/2
As educators, how do we spot the signs of Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) early? And what strategies actually help students feel safe enough to re-engage with learning?
1/2
Reposted by Sally Michaels
A great blog - every child deserves to be able to enjoy their learning & be happy at school. The key is relationships to quote- “Worst of all they didn’t know him. They never knew his dreams, his passion. They didn’t see him. They saw a target and a grade, no one talked to him about his ambitions.”
Seeing the article in the Times about “Fun”, feel again we’re missing the point, the issue isn’t about fun it’s about agency. Learning is fun or at least worthwhile when you can see a purpose. What we’ve excluded is young peoples’ voices from their education smithsmm.wordpress.com/2017/03/04/t...
The Ministry of Fun
‘I believe the children are our future Teach them well and let them lead the way Show them all the beauty they possess inside Give them a sense of pride to make it easier Let the child…
smithsmm.wordpress.com
January 1, 2025 at 3:22 PM
A great blog - every child deserves to be able to enjoy their learning & be happy at school. The key is relationships to quote- “Worst of all they didn’t know him. They never knew his dreams, his passion. They didn’t see him. They saw a target and a grade, no one talked to him about his ambitions.”