iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Esther Rantzen brought the story of Sir Nicholas Winton's heroism to the world. 600+ children saved from death. One of the most moving TV moments ever. Worth watching every. single. moment. Rest in peace Esther Ranzten. www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcGK...

youtube.com

BBC TV's That's Life - Nicholas Winton - 28/02/1988 and 03/07/1988

YouTube video by That's Life!

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 13h

This churchyard in Sheffield is a window into ‘inclusion’ in the past. There are 2,500 unmarked graves of patients at the Wadsley Lunatic Asylum (that was actually its name). The long dry summer of 2026 meant that this year, their graves could be seen – normally, it just looks like an empty field.

A field in Wadsley Churchyard is covered by brown rectangles of grass amongst the green grass.

Each brown area is the unmarked grave of one of the former patients of the former Wadsley Asylum.

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 29/09/2026

If you want better inclusion in your mainstream school, there's a free Inclusion Strategy template that completes the compliance so that school leaders can focus on matters. It's in the free Inclusive Mainstream Fund Guide download bit.ly/4yiHVBk Please share #Inclusion

Shows compliant template for a mainstream school inclusion strategy, including pages for contents, goals, and evidence.

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 28/09/2026

Inclusion Strategies are here. Mainstream schools must publish their first one by 31st Dec. These are a brand new plans for leadership teams. The strategy outlines how they will spend their Inclusive Mainstream Fund (IMF) grant. Helpfully, there's now the Ultimate Guide to the IMF. bit.ly/4yiHVBk

bit.ly

Ultimate Inclusive Mainstream Fund Toolkit – Your free step-by-step guide

Our free Ultimate Inclusive Mainstream Fund Toolkit turns a daunting new statutory duty into a manageable, step-by-step process...

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 22/09/2026

Exam boards don't want to offer a GCSE in British Sign Language. 💫 So the charity Signature have offered to do it. They've never provided GCSEs before, so credit to them. 👏 @signature.org.uk

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Danny Nicholson @dannynic.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Did you know, UK Schools can apply for free trees from The Woodland Trust? Details here www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/...

woodlandtrust.org.uk

Free Trees for Schools and Communities

We’re giving away hundreds of thousands of trees

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 17/09/2026

🚨 SEND briefing As part of the SEND reforms in England, the DfE propose five new areas of development. #UkEd #EduSky

Slide shows 5 new areas of develop which the government proposed to introduce.

The areas include executive functioning; sensory; social and emotional; speech language and communication; and Physical.

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 08/09/2026

Will you have any new school governors this term? If so, give them Fee Stagg's A-Z of Governance. 90 superb pages to help them fire on all cylinders. It's excellent. bit.ly/3I1tiNP

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 01/09/2026

PSA: I put free inclusion advice on LinkedIn. You can search for 'Aaron King Inclusion' to find me. I've been explaining SEND reform on there for some months and am happy to connect with other educators. #UkEd #EduSky

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 27/08/2026

There's never a bad time to remind ourselves of this. #UkEd #EduSky

Image: The Mood pyramid

An illustration by Liz Fosslien of a "Mood pyramid." At the bottom is, "Time to recharge" with a recommended "As much as needed" frequency. Next are, "Time with loved ones," and "Sunlight" with a recommended "Many servings per day." Above that is, "Some form of movement," recommended "A couple servings per day." Then "Meaningful projects," with a few servings per day, and finally, "Fun," with "At least one serving per day."

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 20/08/2026

GCSE results day! 💫 Congratulations to everyone who'll be celebrating. 💫 If you're a parent, here's how grades translate.

Table: 9 to 1 grading scale compared to previous A* to G scale

The number scale is not directly equivalent to the old letter one. But if you are still used to thinking about the old A* to G grading scale, the old and current grading scales are comparable at the following points:
- The bottom of a grade 7 is comparable to the bottom of the old grade A
- The bottom of grade 4 is comparable to the bottom of the old grade C
- The bottom of grade 1 is comparable to the bottom of the old grade G

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 20/08/2026

💫 16 year olds, GCSE results day is here - Well done for your efforts! - Didn't go as you hoped? Think about apprenticeships. - Did go as you hoped? Think about apprenticeships.

A female apprenticeship surveys bricks as part of a construction apprenticeship.

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 13/08/2026

💫 A Levels! Well done for your efforts. 💫 - Didn't go as you hoped? Think about apprenticeships. - Did go as you hoped? Think about apprenticeships.

An apprentice, wearing safety glasses and ear defenders, uses woodworking tools.

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 06/08/2026

When visiting North Yorkshire, I'm always reminded of this AA Milne quote.

Quote reads: "Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known."

It is written by A.A. Milne.

It has an image which shows Christopher Robbin and Winnie the Pooh and Piglet (from the Winnie the Pooh books) standing on a bridge looking down at the water below.

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 29/07/2026

1. The mammal with the biggest heart relative to its body is the shrew. 2. Inclusion begins in the heart. 3. Maybe we should try to be a bit more shrew.

A lesser white toothed shrew peers over a mossy log.

Photo is taken by Susan Warn.

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 28/07/2026

For everyone who'll take a holiday this summer. #UkEd #EduSky

A caption reads "Notice when you're happy."

A family look out onto a landscape. One member says to the others "If this isn't nice, I don't know what is."

The landscape is cleverly drawn so that the landscape could be either hills and fields or it could be the ocean. The happy landscape is in the eye of the beholder.

The image is by Sketchplanations based on wisdom by Kurt Vonnegut.

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Exeter Cycling Campaign @exetercycling.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Incentives for people who🚶‍♀️30m/day from NHS England? BMJ @scarlettmcnally.bsky.social "A better system'd reward modal shift 🚗 =>🚶🚲🛴🚌 It'd need changes to infrastructure, but strong evidence shows that active travel improves mental & physical health" #NHS #ActiveTravel www.bmj.com/content/394/...

An image of a "drug" capsule "labelled Physical Activity"
The accompanying text reads Physical activity, the under-rated 'wonder drug' Even small increases in physical activity among those who are the least active can bring great health benefits. As the former chief medical officer noted: "The potential benefits of physical activity to health are huge. If medication existed which had a similar effect, it would be regarded as a wonder drug or miracle cure cure'. - This was from a Public Health England publication

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Tes magazine @tesmagazine.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Former journalist Paul Waugh has been appointed as a DfE minister while Olivia Bailey is out as early education minister

tes.com

Who are the new DfE ministers?

The DfE team has been reshuffled, with Lucy Powell now taking the helm as education secretary. But who will she be working with?

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 22/07/2026

It normally takes several days to appoint non-cabinet ministers. By the end of the week, we should know who has Early Years and Social Care briefs. For now, it's anyone's guess if Olivia Bailey and Josh MacAlister will return to DfE. If they do not return, both will have left after 10 months.

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Teaching with my eyes shut @eyesshutteacher.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Always this. Write down or scrapbook the good stuff for when you’re feeling despondent. A folder of photos of thank you cards on your phone is a good start.

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Laura McInerney @missmc.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

If you’d like to know more background about Lucy Powell we did a profile on her in Schools Week ten years ago when she was shadow Ed Sec. schoolsweek.co.uk/lucy-powell/

schoolsweek.co.uk

Lucy Powell, shadow education secretary

For someone who by her own admission 'hardly knows' Jeremy Corbyn, you can imagine Lucy Powell’s surprise when she was offered the position of shadow education secretary

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 20/07/2026

No announcement yet over who will lead education in Burnham's government. Bridget Phillipson? Lisa Nandy? Helen Hayes? Wes Streeting? #UkEd

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 08/07/2026

Duke of Edinburgh Awards have been enriching lives since 1956! That is awesome.

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 02/07/2026

I saw the most glorious line ever in an Ofsted report. I had to zoom in and read it twice. It's for a fabulous local college.

Quote from an Ofsted report reads: "Learners and apprentices learn new knowledge, skills and behaviours as a result of the courses they study. They learn how to care for the flamboyance of flamingos that live at the Middleton Campus."

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 03/07/2026

Saw this suggested for schools, but reckon it fits most workplaces? Friction distracts, slows and can waste energy. #UKEd #EduSky

"4 ways to be school smart...
1. One do a friction audit walk two identify where daily school life creates inefficiency or unnecessary cognitive load for teachers or pupils."

Taken from Teach Primary May magazine page 35

https://cdn.artichokehq.com/teachprimary/Teach-Primary-Issue-20.4/#page=46

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 02/07/2026

I saw the most glorious line ever in an Ofsted report. I had to zoom in and read it twice. It's for a fabulous local college.

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 01/07/2026

Lots of Trust CEOs are not overpaid. They'll probably welcome guidance that reigns in the minority of excess.

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 26/06/2026

Never underestimate the importance of small steps. #Inclusion

image shows two.
first has 6 rungs which are widely spread apart. A child is unable to reach the first rung.

A second ladder, of equal length, has 40 rungs which are narrowly spread. A second child has reached the top of this ladder.

Caption reads never underestimate the importance of small steps.

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Teaching with my eyes shut @eyesshutteacher.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

In my experience (parent, teacher, scout leader, charity volunteer) young people are far more likely to chat honestly when walking or busy with some task rather than being interviewed at school with its constraints and behaviour expectations.

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 25/06/2026

It's easy to knock people, but I do think the Children's Commissioner going hiking to chat to young people is a nice thing to do. I wonder young people offer different outlooks on Cumbrian hills than in Cumbrian classrooms? #UkEd

Children's Commissioner for England, Rachel de Souza, takes a break from a hike on Hadrian's Wall to listen to six scouts who she is hiking with.

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Teacher Tapp @teachertapp.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

As the UK battles through the heatwave, we have some top tips for cooling down the classroom! ☀️ We asked our community of 10,000 teachers to give us their best advice for tackling the warmer days. Don't forget to SAVE so you can refer back to it later!

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 23/06/2026

🚨 Tuesday Briefing: New SEND Code for schools and colleges The government will update the SEND Code of Practice in the next year or so? The code almost never change. Why? Check out the picture. #UkEd #SENDReform #InclusionAdvice

Rewriting the SEND Code of Practice is very complex.

It’s like replacing the wheels, whilst the train is between stations.

And the train is 292 carriages long.

And you also have to run a consultation on your proposed wheel changes before you fit a single wheel.

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 16/06/2026

🚨 SEND Briefing: Inclusion Strategies Inclusion Strategies will be needed by all before 31 December 2026. They will replace the SEN information reports in England's schools. Here's a quick briefing. #UkEd #Schools #InclusionAdvice

📌 Schools must publish an inclusion strategy by this December.

Here's your quick briefing.

What is an inclusion strategy?
A document that explains how your school will:
1. Identify and meet common SEND
2. Embed inclusive practice
3. Use inclusion funding
4. Invest in inclusion

It will plan ahead for cohorts of SEND learners.

Source: Georgia Gould MP, Minister for School Standards

@georgiagould.bsky.social

DfE will provide by 21 June 2026:
1. Guidance for schools
2. A template

Ofsted will assess:
1. How leaders embed the inclusion strategy in practice.
2. How staff are equipped to deliver it.

Practical advice
1. Take no action yet: Wait for more DfE guidance.
2. When it comes, ask “How can we apply this to improve outcomes for learners?”
3. Think about how it relates to your SEND policy and accessibility plan. Try to avoid duplication.

Make it meaningful, not just compliance.

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 12/06/2026

Better access to digital resources = a more equal society. #UkEd #TechTipFriday

Digital Exclusion infographic gives three facts:
Fact 1. 23% of pupils who have free school meals have no home broadband.
Fact 2. One in 12 UK Households struggled to afford broadband.
Fact 3. 2,000,00 8 to 25 year olds lack access to a large screen for learning.

The source for these facts is the Good Things foundation research from September 2024.

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Lady Deirdre @ladydeirdre.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

I love stories about everyday things that we hardly notice anymore, but which quietly have a huge impact on our lives. And the often unsung heroes who designed them, like Ms Calvert 🙂

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 05/06/2026

The Forest app gamifies concentration. 💫 It helps many teens with ADHD. 💫 It is free. #UKEd #TechTipFriday

Screenshot of Forest App shows trees in a forest that have been planted as a result of the phone's user setting concentration times (and sticking to them).

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 31/05/2026

Staff members in court as witnesses? It's the first time… They feel the burden of both the confidentiality and responsibility. This tells helps with prep, what to expect, and practical tips for your first time in court.

bit.ly

Advice: When staff members attend court as a witness: Top Tips

Staff members hope they'll never need to attend court as part of the job. However, if they are called as a witness, these tips will help.

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 28/05/2026

"When all is said and done, it's totally preventable" Simon Haycock (Sam's dad)

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 12/05/2026

Happy Birthday to Margaret Calvert today. 90 years old and what an impact! Her work is in every local town. A Margaret thread 🧵1/11

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Ben Newmark @bennewmark.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Instagram now running adverts for how they protect teens but they're all weird missteps as they boil down to "our product is very addictive and dangerous."

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 25/05/2026

Tech can be good and bad. Enjoy your friends, family and the outdoors this week! #UkEd

Title reads Phubbing.
Phubbing is snubbing people for your phone.

Below is a sketch of three people sitting at a coffee table with two looking down at their phone and the third person looking forlorn and left out.

Besides the table there walks apparent and a child, the parent is looking at their phone and the child is looking forlorn and left.

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 22/05/2026

The landmark consultation on a social media for under 16s will close on Tuesday. Calling for a ban are unions, Lib Dems, Ofsted and Conservatives.

Quote from National Education Union:
“Social media is extremely addictive.”
“Access to unregulated tech is causing a huge crisis in children’s wellbeing.”

Quote from Munira Wilson, Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson:
"Failure to commit to a ban on harmful social media is simply not good enough.”

Quote from Martyn Oliver, Ofsted Chief Inspector:
“Social media is chipping away at children’s attention spans… It’s promoting poor behaviour.”
“I’d be encouraged to follow Australia’s suit."

Quote from Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party:
"The internet is a wild west.”
“I think we should bring in age limits."

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 21/05/2026

💫 Hopefully the SEND reforms will improve outcomes for people with ADHD 💫 In the meantime, here's some ADHD role models who've reached for the stars and can inspire your ADHD youngsters. #Inclusion #EduSky

bit.ly

Ten successful people who are ADHD role models - 9000 Lives

Which success stories do you know? Here's ten ADHD role models to inspire you and your children to reach for the stars.

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Teaching with my eyes shut @eyesshutteacher.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Recently retired primary teacher with 16 years experience in Scotland teaching all stages in a range of schools from small rural with composite classes to large suburban schools. Promoting life work balance, kindness, self care and gentle nonsense with a little politics. #FFBWednesday #FFBWeds

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 20/05/2026

It's #FFBWednesday on BlueSky. For educators ready to build genuine connections: 💫 Like and repost 💫 Comment with your edu bio + #FFBWeds 💫 Follow everyone who participates Let's create the education community BlueSky deserves. #EduSky

Callout reads #FFBWednesday: Connecting UK Educators and Education.

A matrix shows excellent people involved in education, including worthy BlueSky contributors:
1. @simonebeach.bsky.social, a primary school headteacher
2. @bennewmark.bsky.social, a secondary school teacher
3. @hoylerosemary.bsky.social, a chair of governors
4. @5naureen.bsky.social, a school governor
5. @primaryteachermary.bsky.social, a primary school teacher
6. @nourishworkplce.bsky.social, a supporter for school wellbeing
7. @simonknight100.bsky.social, a special school headteacher
8. @danlyndon.bsky.social, a secondary history specialist / teacher
9. @schoolsweek.bsky.social, a widely respected education newspaper.

Footer reads @9000Lives.org

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 18/05/2026

England's SEND consultation closes at midnight today. You can have your say. Link in comments 👇️ #UKEd #SEND #Inclusion

SEND Consultation is called SEND Reform: putting children and young people first.

SEND Consultation closing date is 18 May 2026 at 11.59pm.

SEND Consultation email address is SENDreform.CONSULTATION@education.gov.uk

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 15/05/2026

Know a teen who is on their phone too much? Ask if they've heard of the Forest app? Users set timers for time spent concentrating off line. The app then grows a tree for your forest whilst your device is idle. Mess with your phone and a tree will die... #TechTipFriday

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