iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

The first SEND training package from the DfE has landed. Very pleased to see that it's SLCN. It's designed to be delivered by SENCO to their schools but I'd advise local services to get involved to integrate it also. www.gov.uk/government/p...

gov.uk

SEND training for schools: speech, language and communication

Training materials on strategies for supporting pupils with speech, language and communication needs in mainstream schools.

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Caroline Keep @ka83k.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Reminding everyone. We still have 2000 odd autistic people including 200 autistic and learning disabled children. We are locking up. Literally locking up. Thanks to @danielhewittitv.bsky.social for continously covering this. youtu.be/_PktdFu9rho?...

youtu.be

'We wish we'd never asked for help': Thousands with learning disabilities locked up | ITV News

YouTube video by ITV News

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Lottie @alottie.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

They saved my nephew, without them he may never have been found. Thank you RNLI.

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Campaign for Disability Justice @campaignfdj.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Everyone wants to feel valued and respected by the people around them, but Disabled people are facing hostility. Disabled leader Mik Scarlet has been sharing what needs to change, to make a society where we're all included and valued for who we are.

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Down's Syndrome Association @dsa-uk.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Q&A Session: Common Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Issues in Children who have Down Syndrome Friday 6 November 2026 | 12 noon to 1.15pm | FREE In this webinar, Patrick Sheehan (ENT Consultant) will answer your questions about ENT issues. Please sign up here: loom.ly/MbfPMIw

Image of a young boy who has Down's syndrome. He is sat in a big armchair.

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Mark Hamill @markhamillofficial.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

It doesn’t get any cuter than this, folks. 😍

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Simon Knight @simonknight100.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

There is something very very wrong with our country & the culture that allows situations like this to occur time & time again. The ease with which those with learning disabilities are treated with appalling disregard for their inherent humanity is a stain on our society that we do little to address.

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Feeling the heat? So is our wildlife! Water and shade can be a lifeline to the birds, bees, bugs & other critters that share our spaces. Tell a friend to tell a friend, we're helping wildlife beat the heat 👇

Illustrated infographic titled “Help wildlife beat the heat” showing a sunny garden with a tree, long grass, shrubs, a wooden fence, a shallow water dish, a muddy puddle, and wildlife including a Blue Tit, bees, a frog and a lizard. The graphic shares simple ways to help wildlife during hot weather: hold off mowing so grass grows longer to provide a cool refuge for small animals; plant dense, leafy shrubs to create shady hiding places; set out shallow water stations for drinking and cooling, remembering to refill them daily; and create muddy puddles, as wet mud is essential for many birds to build and repair their nests. A final note adds that amphibians and reptiles will thank you too.

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National Trust @nationaltrust.org.uk · 22/07/2026

Stop scrolling!!! A puffling* has been spotted in Purbeck, Dorset for the first time in 30 years! *Baby puffin (yes, they have the cutest name)

A small bird - a young puffin - is seen in the gap between rocks on a cliff ledge

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Menestune @menestune.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

This is Oreo, the only black bear we've ever seen with any white on her coat. She has visited us every summer since 2019. More than anything else, Oreo is really good at enjoying life. #mammals #nature #bear #love #trailcam #Seattle #wildanimals #goodmorning #PNW #love #nokings #bears #outdoors

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Andrew Stronach @aistronach.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Find a little peace in the sight of a wild European hedgehog having a drink at dawn. Please leave water out for your neighbourhood creatures. It’s dry as a bone out there. 🦔

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Rosie (she/her) @airfriedrosie.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Remember Streeting's review into whether young people are being overdiagnosed with ADHD, autism, and mental health issues? Well, the interim report is out, and there's a reason the media are silent on it (spoiler: it proves what a lot of us have been saying all along)

In others, notably ADHD and autism, rising diagnoses and referrals appear to exceed changes in underlying epidemiological prevalence and are likely to reflect a combination of:

improved recognition
changing help-seeking behaviour
institutional incentives
pressures within existing service pathways
Across both ADHD and autism, best currently available population-based estimates remain relatively stable, while administrative diagnoses, self-identification and recorded service demand have increased substantially. In autism, the evidence also points to particularly rapid growth in identified need within educational systems, including increasing identification among girls and among young people without learning disability.

These patterns suggest that rising demand is not simply the result of increasing prevalence, but of several processes operating simultaneously, including:

real increases in distress in some groups
improved recognition of previously unmet need
changing expectations about support
systems that frequently rely on formal diagnosis as the primary route to assistance
Across the system, support is too often accessed through pathways that are slow, fragmented and heavily dependent on diagnostic categorisation. While diagnosis remains essential for some forms of clinical decision-making, the evidence suggests that current arrangements do not always provide the most effective or efficient way of identifying and responding to need.

In particular, where access to support depends heavily on formal diagnosis, demand for diagnostic assessment can increase more rapidly than systems are able to respond, generating long waiting times, duplication of assessment and pressure on specialist services.

The next phase of the review will therefore focus on clarifying the relationship between distress, diagnosis and need, and on examining how systems might respond more effectively to these patterns. A central objective will be to identify opportunities for developing more coherent, evidence-informed care pathways that enable support to be provided earlier and more proportionately, while ensuring that specialist services are available in a timely and appropriate manner for those whose needs are most complex.

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Ramandeep Kaur @mumof3amigos.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

It is shocking that people with a learning disability die much earlier than the general population. But once again, nobody has mentioned the even more shocking statistic that people from an ethnic minority who have a learning disability die much earlier still. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Over half of adults with learning difficulties do not live past 65, report says

The government says the findings are stark, while a campaign group says they should be "headline news".

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Kathryn Stinton @kathrynstinton.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

What a great way to start a Sunday, yoga in the park. Thanks to the wonderful charity Park Yoga, delivering sessions in over 70 UK venues. parkyoga.co

parkyoga.co

Home - Park Yoga

Free park yoga every Sunday morning from May - mid September. Find your nearest venue now!

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WWF UK @wwf.org.uk · 08/05/2026

To mark #SirDavidAttenborough's 100th birthday, we come together to celebrate a man who has dedicated his life to championing our natural world. 🌍 Thank you, Sir David, from all of us.

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Special Needs Jungle @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

NEW POST: SNJ is hosting a WEBINAR with Department for Education SEND Minister Georgia Gould - MP for Queen's Park and Maida Vale on the Schools White Paper SEND reform proposals. Wednesday May 13th 7-8pm. REGISTER NOW! www.specialneedsjungle.com/send-webinar... #sendreform

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National Trust @nationaltrust.org.uk · 06/05/2026

The day has finally arrived. You can now *officially* watch puffins live from the Farne Islands, 24 hours a day: bit.ly/4tRz72T Please enjoy these puffins kissing in celebration of this momentous event.

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Kathryn Stinton @kathrynstinton.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

'The charity finds that the number of five‑ and six‑year‑olds suspended at least six times in a single term has reached record levels, rising by 69 per cent in two years.'

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Kathryn Stinton @kathrynstinton.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

SEND Reforms - Free Parent/Carer Engagement Events Hosted by Dingley's Promise - if you have a child under 8 years of age who has been through or is currently in the early years system. Book a free place via the link below, all events will be from 10am - 12.00pm. dingley.org.uk/send-reform-...

Image shows a blue and white background, text reads "Dingley's Promise Early Years SENCO specialists, Early Years SEND Reform Parent Engagement Event. Do you have a child with SEN under 8 years who has been through or is currently in the early education system? Don't miss your change to have your say on the policy changes which will shape early years education. Join us from 10.00am - 12.00pm at the following locations.
24th April: Exeter, Leonardo Hotel
27th April: Manchester, Townhouse Hotel
28th April: Birmingham, MacDonald Burlington Hotel
29th April: Leeds, Radisson Blu Hotel
30th April: Newcastle, Royal Station Hotel
8th May: Reading, Village Hotel
11th May: Nottingham, Park Plaza
12th May: Cambridge, Cambridge Junction
14th May: London, Park Plaza, Victoria
This event is supported by the Department for Education, Hosted by Dingley's Promise, Early Years SEND specialists, dingley.org.uk

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Kathryn Stinton @kathrynstinton.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Free Early Years SENCO training for Ofsted registered #Childminders (or those registered with a Childminding Agency) who have a Level 2 Early Years qualification with at least one completed Level 3 module. l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http...

Image shows a pink background with a photo of a young child. Text reads "Early Years SENCO Level 3 - Calling all Childminders. This programme is suitable for you and designed to fit around your schedule!"

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Liz Crosbie #AllianceNowUK #FBPE @lizcrosbie.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Finding #joy where we can. I saw my first swallow today and the bluebells are out in the woods. Whatever is going on out there please find a small piece of peace and hold on to it.

An English blue bell woodland scene. Fresh green and bright blue.

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Sussex Wildlife Trust @sussexwildlife.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Please check for Hedgehog nests before strimming! They like to nest in long grass, under hedges and amongst overgrown vegetation, so they are at risk of accidental injury or death if these areas are strimmed. 🦔

Check long grass, bramble patches and hedges for hedgehog nests before mowing or strimming to avoid harming wildlife.

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Helen Czerski @helenczerski.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

It's only worth going back to the Moon if it makes us look properly again at Earth, and appreciate how beautiful, precious and fragile what we have here is. The most famous images from Apollo aren't about the Moon - they're pictures of Earth. We need to stop taking our home for granted.

NASA's Blue Marble picture of Earth, from 1972

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Tes magazine @tesmagazine.bsky.social · 05/04/2026

We talk a lot in education about high expectations – and rightly so. But we also need to recognise that high expectations do not equate to the same expectations, argues this MAT leader

tes.com

High expectations doesn't have to mean above-average grades

If we're striving for more inclusion then having an accountability system that judges 'achievement' using national average outcomes is a problem, writes one MAT chief executive

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Down's Syndrome Association @dsa-uk.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

Parents - do you want to speak directly to the Department for Education about the SEND reforms? This is your chance. The DSA is hosting a series of small, focused discussion sessions online. Click here: www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/…

Images of people standing round a table chatting with their laptops and cups of tea.

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Michael Tidd @michaelt1979.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Oh good. Another f***ing form. That'll fix it.

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Sue Cowley @suecowley.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

League tables, Ofsted, narrow conceptions of curriculum, emphasis on testing, misguided focus on 'competition', plus sadly some deliberate playing of the system. Maybe we need to rethink what is meant by 'top performing'?

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Kathryn Stinton @kathrynstinton.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

A recording of the fantastic Special Needs Jungle 1 1/2hr webinar about the SEND Proposals. A must watch! Hayley Mason -Seager "We need to be louder than we've ever been before ..... Our silence will be taken as consent." www.specialneedsjungle.com/webinar-reco...

specialneedsjungle.com

WEBINAR RECORDING! The legal implications of the Schools White Paper’s SEND Proposals - Special Needs Jungle

WEBINAR RECORDING: SNJ's Legal Round Table on the SEND Proposals in the Schools White Paper, with four expert SEND solicitors.

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Kathryn Stinton @kathrynstinton.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

'Because the danger is not that inclusion bases exist. The danger is that, in the wrong hands, they become the most efficient exclusion rooms the system has ever built.'

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Down's Syndrome Association @dsa-uk.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

We are hosting a series of events to help families, practitioners, and sector partners understand the proposals, ask questions, and prepare informed consultation responses. Please find out more such as dates/times and how to sign up/register by clicking this link: loom.ly/Prli-S8

Image of children round a table at a primary school on the poster for our Schools White Paper events. One of the young boys has Down's syndrome.

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Special Needs Jungle @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

REGISTER NOW! SNJ’s Schools White Paper SEND Legal Roundtable with @stevebroach.bsky.social Hayley Mason-Seager, IPSEA & SOS!SEN: www.specialneedsjungle.com/r...

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Isobel @isobelandcat.bsky.social · 28/02/2026

Can you do me a quick favour today? ✍️ The government is finally asking if they should ban cages for hens in the UK. 🐔🐔 Lobbyists are trying to block it, so we need huge numbers to show them that the public wants this ban NOW: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/en...

you.38degrees.org.uk

Days left to act: Ban cruel cages for hens

Right now we have a unique opportunity to stop this industrial-scale torture: The UK government has proposed ending the use of cages for hens, and they have launched an official consultation to ask th...

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Speech and Language UK @speechandlanguk.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Want to understand how the proposals outlined in the white paper impact children with speech and language challenges? We’re organising FREE webinars for educators, speech and language therapists and families to talk everything through. Sign up here➡️ bit.ly/46gTkpm

The image features a promotional banner for a Speech and Language UK webinar about the Schools White Paper. It reads: "Understanding the Schools White Paper. Join our webinars for families and professionals to understand what's changing and what it means for you." The background shows the Houses of Parliament in London.

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Kathryn Stinton @kathrynstinton.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

SEND Reforms Department for Education Live online event "Focus on the schools white paper with the Education Secretary" Wednesday 25th February, 4.00pm - 5.00pm www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/focus-on-t...

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Kathryn Stinton @kathrynstinton.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

'For now, the most important message for families is simple: nothing has changed. EHCPs remain in force. Legal duties remain in force. Local authorities and schools cannot lawfully downgrade, remove, or refuse support because of leaked or published proposals. '

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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

⚠️ We've had reports of seabirds washing up. Please report ALL species of dead birds ⬇️ 📍 In England, Wales & Scotland: www.gov.uk/guidance/... 📍 In Northern Ireland: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/... 📍 In Republic of Ireland: aviancheck.apps.serv... #UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland

A deceased Puffin lies on its back on the ground. Wording above reads: Please report sightings of all dead birds. A graphic showing an exclamation mark in a triangle features.

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National Trust @nationaltrust.org.uk · 17/02/2026

When you realise it's still light outside at 5pm! Photo: Justin Minns

Two lambs jumping in the air, they are facing away with a brick wall in the background

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Miranda Keeling @mirandakeeling.com · 17/02/2026

Very little girl in Walthamstow: Did you see the cow? Her mum: Cow? Little girl: The cow. In the red trousers. Mum: There is no cow, darling. Little girl: Well no mummy, you won’t if you look with those eyes.

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British Hedgehog Preservation Society @hedgehogsociety.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

Love #wildlife, but lacking motivation? 💤 🦔 Did you know that letting your garden grow wild with long grass, leafy corners & log piles is a brilliant way to help #hedgehogs & encourage all their favourite foods...? 🐛 🪲 🪱 Find out more👉 buff.ly/3Mv2rco 📹 the_rickety_shed

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BookTrust @booktrust.org.uk · 11/02/2026

👶 Did you know that early shared reading can support bonding and attachment? Join our webinar for early years practitioners on Thursday, 26 February to discover the research and enjoy a discussion about supporting families to start their reading journeys 👇 bit.ly/4bEO0iY

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Kathryn Stinton @kathrynstinton.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

"School nurseries lack the staff, space or demand to offer more wraparound, holiday or pre-school childcare, particularly in poorer areas, research shows." Well who would have predicted this?!!! schoolsweek.co.uk/school-nurse...

schoolsweek.co.uk

School nurseries lack staff and room for extra care - report

The government has promised £400 million towards 'tens of thousands of places' in school-based nurseries

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Laura Phillips @lauraphillips.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Dominic Dyer: @number10cat.bsky.social Larry the Cat will have been in Downing Street 15 years next week, he is the most stable thing about British politics these days

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Aaron King @9000lives.org · 28/01/2026

Isabelle points to a concise guide to a school's SEND responsibilities. It's very useful reading for school governors as well as school leaders. #EduSky #SEND

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Schools Week @schoolsweek.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

The DfE has chosen 46 'curriculum drafters' following a public tender – but it has prompted questions about diversity and the way experts are unevenly split across 13 subject areas

schoolsweek.co.uk

Concerns over make-up of curriculum drafters group

Leaders criticise 'lack of diversity and representation' among experts helping to write new curriculum

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