iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Aaron King @9000lives.org · 01/10/2026

ICYMI The practical and straightforward guide to your school leadership team's first inclusion strategy. #UKed #EduSky #InclusionStrategy

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 30/09/2026

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

Watch this space. The top four jobs have gone, so we're into the next tier that has Education, Transport, Science. It also has Defence... I'm interested in your reservatations?

Wes Streeting, the former health secretary, has entered 10 Downing Street.

Streeting had been seen as a potential leadership candidate but backed Burnham.

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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.

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 · 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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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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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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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 · 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 · 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

As ever, I'm interested to hear civil views of others.

No ban is perfect.

Government will need to keep refining it.
But it’s probably time for a social media ban for under 16s.

What’s your view?

Tell me in the comments below.

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

The government consultation is in its last hours.

Image shows Bridgett Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, and Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Science, and Technology.

Caption reads: "The government is consulting on a ban. Anyone can respond (search social media ban consultation). Then, ministers will decide.

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

Others say no. This includes a number of bereaved parents, such as Ian Russell.

Quote from South West Grid for Learning
“Bans risk creating the illusion of safety without addressing the root causes of harm: unsafe design, addictive algorithms, and lack of accountability.”

Quote from Ian Russell, Bereaved parent and founder of the Molly Rose Foundation.
“If a platform is behaving in an abysmally unsafe manner, it shouldn’t be in this country…”
“Bans remove the impetus to do that.”

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

They're joined by the general public and many bereaved parents, such as Esther Ghey.

Graph shows results for survey 'do you support a ban on social media for under 16s? It was done by the Good Growth Foundation and results are:
Strongly support: 23%.
Somewhat support: 32%.
Neither / Unsure: 31%.
Somewhat oppose: 6%.
Strongly oppose: 8%.

Caption reads:
"The British public is in favour. This is research from January."

Quote from Esther Ghey, mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey.
“As we’re waiting, more children are being harmed.”
“We need to move now…”

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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 · 20/05/2026

This week's interesting person to follow is Samantha Booth: 💫 Journalist, mum and Deputy Editor of @schoolsweek.bsky.social. 💫 A great track record for interesting education news. @samanthajbooth.bsky.social

Sam Booth holds the Trophy for Specialist Journalist of the Year

Text reads:
Our most amazing chief reporter @samanthajbooth.bsky.social HAS WON the specialist journalist of the year at the Press Awards

A truly phenomenal achievement. She beat off journalists reporting on war with her *amazing* journalism exposing the SEND crisis.

So well deserved.

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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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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 14/05/2026

England's schools will have to publish an inclusion strategy by December. If you write well for parents, you write well for Ofsted. Some Yorkshire schools have already been quietly changing the game. #InclusionStrategy #EduSky

Graphic reads: “Schools should write SEND information for parents first.
If so, could your inclusion strategy be akin to a prospectus for SEND?

An example of a SEN information report is shown for Hall Cross Academy in Doncaster which has well signposted sections as well as photos and graphics to break up blocks of text.

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 13/05/2026

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

In the meantime, a very happy 90th birthday to Margaret Calvert - a revolutionary in accessible design.

An octogenarian Margaret Calvert smiles at the camera.

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

Railway stations and airports adopted Margaret's simple genius too.

Railway station sign.
Clear font on plain contrasting background, with simple visuals, directs travellers to taxis and the way out.

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

💫 Clear font 💫 Clear backgrounds 💫 Simple visuals 💫 Words only when essential

Triangular warning sign informs drivers of children.

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

A young Margaret Calvert researched and designed new road signs. They are still used 65 years later.

Blue motorway sign for junction 28 of the M1.
Simple white lines point straight ahead and to the left. Clear text identifies locations straight ahead and locations to the left.

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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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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 11/05/2026

Down Syndrome Association run an incredible programme called WorkFit It builds bridges into employment. We can all aim high. 💫

An adult who has Down’s syndrome works at his desk in the lab.

Inclusive workplace photo of staff who are in an office-based public service role (e.g. travel agent or bank).

Luke, a colleague who has worked as a police administrator for 8 years and who has Down‘s syndrome, presents the Chief Constable of Wiltshire with her Coronation Medal in May 2024.

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 11/05/2026

How well do we prepare learners with Down's syndrome for employment? Work can look like: Leeds United, policing or even science. Do we know what's possible?

Employee of Leeds United Club, who has Down Syndrome, poses with Dan James, Leeds United player, in the club shop.

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 08/05/2026

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 #DeafAwarenessWeek

The BSL GCSE Story

2018: Nick Gibb, Education Minister, approves development of a GCSE in British Sign Language (BSL).
This followed a campaign by Daniel Jillings, a deaf 12 year old.
2023: DfE agree the GCSE content.
2025: Ofqual approve the GCSE regs.
Major exam boards refuse to deliver the GCSE.
2026: Signature, a Deaf charity, takes on the task of providing the GCSE. Because it hasn’t offered GCSEs before, it must develop the infrastructure to do so.
2030: The first teaching of the BSL GCSE will begin.

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 07/05/2026

💫 Ten Tips for communicating with deaf or hearing impaired learners #UkEd #EduSky #DeafAwarenessWeek

Ten tips: Communicating with deaf or hearing impaired learners
1 Speak normally: Speaking slowly or too loudly makes lip reading much more difficult.
2 Stay still: Moving around when talking makes it much harder to lip read.
3 Maintain eye contact: Face the deaf person and try not to look away or cover your mouth when talking.
4 Use gestures: Use simple gestures to communicate where possible. Use whatever is around you to point or demonstrate (pointing is not rude in deaf culture).
5 Get attention: Try waving, tapping lightly on their shoulder or knocking on a table (waving for attention is not rude in deaf culture).

6 Do not talk when facing a whiteboard: Finish writing, then turn and speak.
7 Reduce background noise: Close the room door and do all you can to speak in a quiet environment.
8 Don’t say I’ll tell you later: Deaf learners say that “I’ll tell you later” is a pet hate. They want to be as informed as their peers. If one method doesn’t work, please improvise.
9 Write it down: Use old fashioned writing to communicate.
10 Be patient: It might take time. Don’t give up!

Inspired by National Deaf Children’s Society and Walsall for All.

Created by 9000Lives.org.

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

Ben makes observations on inclusion that are thought provoking. You don't have to agree with every last 1% of his opinion to respect how thoughtful he frequently is.

Ben posts a link to his blog that highlights a quote from an astronaut "There is no problem so bad that you can't make it worse."

The blog is about SEND reforms:
bennewmark.wordpress.com/2026/03/26/things-can-get-worse/

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

He also shares frustrations of school life.

A Ben Newmark post reads:
Rage against the Machine never specified which machine they were so angry with but it was a printer.

Not my joke but I can't remember where I saw it.

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