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ovendenlaura.bsky.social

@ovendenlaura.bsky.social
308 followers 606 following 76 posts

I teach children and I read children’s books.

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DamsonEd @damsoned.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Good. But ofsted needs external voices to prompt and manage these changes. The organisation has shown that it does not have the vision or creativity to see inspection in any other way. This needs to be serious reform, not more tinkering around the edges. www.theguardian.com/education/20...
theguardian.com
England school inspections to be overhauled again after barrage of complaints
Exclusive: Education secretary sends Ofsted back to ‘drawing board’ as teachers raise serious concerns about new system
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Jon Biddle @jonnybid.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Feel free to add your own. jonbiddle2.substack.com/p/25-ways-to...
jonbiddle2.substack.com
25 ways to create a non-reading school
These suggestions are deliberately quite flippant, but there’s a lot of truth buried in them.
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Education Support @edsupportuk.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Reasons why sleep is important for our mental health 👇 If you work in education and need some tips on how to improve sleep quality, you can catch up on our webinar: ow.ly/MukA50ZTtYi 📸 IG: Journey_to_Wellness #TeacherWellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #EducationStaff
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Eileen Armstrong @earmstronglib.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/blog/the-win...
lovereading4kids.co.uk
The Winners of The Week Junior Book Awards 2026 Revealed
Read The Winners of The Week Junior Book Awards 2026 Revealed on LoveReading4Kids
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DamsonEd @damsoned.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
This is horrifying. Rather than consider the impact of the teaching on the learner, the teacher is stalked by AI looking for “digressions”. Surely the value of teaching is the effectiveness of the learning!! www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
theguardian.com
Teachers at Euan Blair firm report ‘horrendous stress’ after AI used to rate their work
Exclusive: Instructors at tech training company Multiverse hit out at ‘remorseless’ and ‘unnerving’ monitoring system
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DamsonEd @damsoned.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Why are edu-influencers still posting and having conversations about education and policy on X? Do they not understand safeguarding? Or do they think it doesn’t apply to them?
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Frog and Toad Bot @frogandtoadbot.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
“Today you look very green even for a frog,” said Toad. “Get into my bed and rest.” Toad made Frog a cup of hot tea. Frog drank the tea, and then he said, “Tell me a story while I am resting.”
Frog is sick in bed. Toad brings him hot tea and tells him a story.

From "The Story"
In *Frog and Toad Are Friends*
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Michael Rosen @michaelrosenyes.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
We've just updated my website: click on the buttons: 'Events' for latest list of upcoming events; 'News' for latest news; ;'Blog' for latest poem writing idea; 'Books' for latest books. www.michaelrosen.co.uk
michaelrosen.co.uk
The Home of Writer Michael Rosen
Writer Michael Rosen's website for children, with videos, biography, news, a blog and lists of books
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Education Support @edsupportuk.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
It's #NationalTADay! 🎉 We want to say a big thank you for all the hard work that #TeachingAssistants do, supporting their colleagues and students.👏 🏆
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Neill Cameron @neillcameron.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
I was on Authors Live the other day! It was very fun! And you can watch it right now on the BBC iPlayer! www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
bbc.co.uk
Authors Live - Authors Live: Neill Cameron
Presenter Zara Janjua meets award-winning cartoonist and writer Neill Cameron. Join them to celebrate the release of Donut Squad: Destiny of the Donuts.
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Jon Biddle @jonnybid.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
I thoroughly enjoy being part of the editorial team for English 4-11. We're always looking for interesting articles about any aspect of teaching English from teachers, librarians, lecturers or anyone else involved in children's primary education.
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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Congratulations Forest Xiao, just announced winner of the 2026 #KlausFluggePrize for most exciting newcomer to picture book illustration. She wins for the 'adorable' SEVEN BABIES @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social 🎉 Prize presented by 2025 winner Emma Farrarons. booksforkeeps.co.uk/klaus-flugge...
Graphic with cover of Seven Babies by Forest Xiao, winner of the 2026 Klaus Flugge Prize. There's also a spread from the winning book showing the two adults welcoming the seven babies into their house.
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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Our September issue is bursting with unmissable articles, interviews and new children’s book reviews and it’s all FREE to read, no paywall. Don’t miss an issue, sign up for our newsletter #KidLitUK booksforkeeps.co.uk#signup
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The Poetry Society @poetrysociety.org.uk · 14/09/2026
Teachers & poet-educators! Getting ready for National Poetry Day on 1 Oct? Join Dom Conlon & our Cloud Chamber network tomorrow for FREE online CPD. We'll explore this year's NPD theme 'wonder', do some practical creative activities & show you some further resources. bit.ly/CloudChamberPoetry
Photo of poet Dom Conlon wearing a dark jacket and smiling at the camera. A pink background with logos in white for The Poetry Society and Cloud Chamber. Text in black on an orange background says 'Free National Poetry Day CPD session for teachers & poet-educators with Dom Conlon, Tues 15 Sept, 4.30-5.30pm, Zoom, bit.ly/CloudChamberPoetry'
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The Economist @economist.com · 05/09/2026
Last year teenage homicides in England’s capital fell to their joint lowest level (similar to 2012) in almost 30 years. Thank London’s mayor
bit.ly
London’s approach to knife crime is working
Sadiq Khan has mainstreamed a public-health approach that was previously fringe
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Robert Saunders @robertsaunders.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
A suggested statement for Andy Burnham.
‘The British public decided in the 1930s that they would not tolerate black-shirted militias marching through their streets. They would cherish robust political argument; they would not accept thuggery and intimidation. When Oswald Mosley led his Blackshirts to Cable Street, local people turned them back. A new law – introduced by a Liberal, backed by Labour and carried by a Conservative majority – banned private militias, political uniforms and ‘the use or display of physical force in promoting any political object’. The British people are as determined today as in the 1930s that they will not accept the methods of Mussolini and the Munich Beer Hall. This government will uphold the law and defend the traditions of British democracy’.
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Greg Jenner (Historian) @gregjenner.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
I always love David Olusoga’s wonderful BBC series A House Through Time, and series 6 looks at Edinburgh. Such a brilliant way to do social history, with historical documents at its core www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
bbc.co.uk
A House Through Time - Series 6: Edinburgh: Episode 2
In the Victorian era, the residents of the house on Calton Hill include a maker of expensive shoes whose customers won’t pay, a world-famous bagpipe maker and a notorious brothel keeper.
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Michael Rosen @michaelrosenyes.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
There are now 11 poetry 'Rhyme Time' videos up on our YouTube Channel. They are meant for under-fives so that you can learn them together. Learning short poems is a great way for young children to make the bridge between oral and written. www.youtube.com/c/MichaelRos...
youtube.com
Kids’ Poems and Stories With Michael Rosen
Official Michael Rosen Channel Every video and playlist here is approved by Michael himself. If it’s on this channel, it’s the real deal and safe for children. You may see “YTP” or “poop” remixes on...
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Coopertom @coopertom.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Yeah, Flow is a must watch movie. Some things here and there are not as polished compared to huge animation studios but it's still a beautiful movie and you can sense the passion that was put into it. Being able to tell a captivating story without saying a single word is quite an achievement!
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DamsonEd @damsoned.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
This is awful. The HT felt she had no option but to go into school to talk to the inspectors. She was recovering from surgery for breast cancer. I can’t believe Ofsted felt they made an appropriate decision. bsky.app/profile/scho...
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The Poetry Society @poetrysociety.org.uk · 02/09/2026
Teachers! Book your school's National Poetry Day visit by filling in the Poets in Schools enquiry form and emailing it to our education team: bit.ly/PoetsInSchools Photo: E Aydin-Barberini for A New Direction
Call for teachers to book a poet for National Poetry Day on Thursday 1 October; classroom scene showing children with raised hands while a poet reads to them.
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DamsonEd @damsoned.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
This is hopeless. Time for change www.theguardian.com/education/20...
theguardian.com
‘Internal exclusion’ of England secondary school students almost triples in three years
Exclusive: New data shows poorer pupils and those with Send are disproportionately affected by the measure
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Pam Jarvis @drpam.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Why does *anyone * take any notice of anything OFSTED says anymore? It’s a punitive shambles. You want savings @andyburnham.bsky.social? So give the inspections back to the HMIs and cut off several million pounds of ugly fat. #EduSky
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Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · 04/09/2026
A park. A street. A journey home. No woman should have to change her route because she feels unsafe. I’m investing £15.6m to put women and girls at the heart of redesigning public spaces across the capital. London won't look away.
Orange graphic with image of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Text reads “Designed by women. Safer for everyone. The experiences of women and girls will help improve the design of parks, streets and other public spaces across London through a new £15.6m fund to make them safer.”
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Chris Chivers @chrischivers.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Sounds like a great idea, Ed. Having a reflective aspect moves beyond the "day to day". Everyone in school is very busy, with the busyness quite often taking over. When I was actively blogging, I collated a collection of career thoughts; 1000 years of experience. Got to 700... good luck with this.
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Ed Finch @edfinch.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
'The Human in the Classroom' Podcast Are you a human? Do you spend time in or near a classroom? Do you have experience of, or thoughts relating to; laughter grief introversion creativity music play having a 'world view' Would you let me record a quick conversation with you?
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Jonathan Coe @jonathancoe.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Farage's grinning response says it all. Every day Reform and its supporters reveal themselves for who they are and yet the media continues to treat them as just another normal political party.
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Sue Cowley @suecowley.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Doing some reading for the book I'm writing and coming to the conclusion that differences about pedagogy are actually differences about how much agency learners should have and how controlling teachers should be. I simply couldn't use some of the techniques I see talked about with great fervour.
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Natalie Bennett @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Powerful and important letter about artificial so-called intelligence from Sheila Hayman from Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy, University of Cambridge, in the FT today
Margaret McGirr’s letter (“AI can lend a hand, but it will struggle to replace one”, July 21) and Chine McDonald’s guest column (“This retro revival is more than a longing for the past”, Opinion, August 7) both touch (sic) on something that should be obvious, but is carefully ignored by almost everyone in the tech world. Namely that our intelligence is embodied, evolved and biological, and inseparable from our bodies.
The brain’s job is to control the body in the world; it is the last organ to develop.
Every square centimetre of our hands (and of the rest of our skin) contains about a 170 touch sensors or nerve endings, sensitive to different kinds of touch: a slap, a burn, a caress, a hug — each of which travels to different parts of the midbrain, prompting the appropriate response. Quickly to the autonomic nervous system for something dangerous; more slowly via a different channel for something carrying meaning.
In addition to the hand’s limitless versatility, it is self-repairing, regulates its own temperature, knows without being programmed how much pressure to exert on an egg, a tennis ball or a day-old chick, and can fuse neurologically to whatever it holds.
So when we put a glass down on the table or slide a knife through an apple, we feel the table, or the apple, not the glass or handle in our hand (try it!).
Finally, and most urgently, the entire human body — including the hands — does everything on 25 or so watts of completely renewable energy: a tiny fraction of what a humanoid robot, even one of the current primitive iteration of robots, needs.
The “retro revival” is thus not cultural nostalgia.
It’s millions of years of evolution crying out to be heard, before we suppress it totally in the service of an automated — and dead — planet.
Sheila Hayman
Member of the Advisory Board, Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy, University of Cambridge, London NW1, UK
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Saganism @sagan.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
41 years ago, Carl Sagan gave a clear and elegant explanation of the science behind global warming.
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Pam Jarvis @drpam.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
On building young children’s brains: ‘Human beings did not evolve to learn like computers, transmitting isolated pieces of information for their brains to store, & their “program” cannot be ‘hacked’ to make this so.’ @andyburnham.bsky.social @lucympowell.bsky.social @edusky.bsky.social #EduSky
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
Play, learning and the young child’s brain: ‘It doesn’t work like that’
Play is essential to early learning and children's development because our brains evolved to ‘boot up’ through social interaction and exploration
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Trish Greenhalgh @trishgreenhalgh.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
I think it’s time to stop calling this man an academic. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Academic who accused Jason Arday of plagiarism suspended by his university
Researcher Nathan Cofnas previously claimed Black people would hold few high-profile positions in a meritocracy
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The English Association @englishassociation.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
This 🧵🧵🧵
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clarefeeneyuk.bsky.social @clarefeeneyuk.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Agree that more high quality oracy and less ppt is a good thing. Also, I see reading in Science as multimodal. Making meaning from a diagram is akin to comprehending a written text - inference, linking info etc. (My phone or Bluesky is glitching. I'm writing a thread but keep losing it)
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Sue Cowley @suecowley.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Important thread ⬇️
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Positively Present @positivelypresent.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
New series! ✨ Mid-month self-care ideas! Which ones are you adding to your to-do list?
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Ketan Joshi @ketanjoshi.co · 14/08/2026
This is the coverage of Arday **just in the Telegraph** in the UK. This is only the first four pages of results, just in one outlet.
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Jason Arday found dead
2 hours ago — Mr Arday was found •unresponsive• at an address in Battersea. south London. on Froy
afternoon. He was uter pronounced dead at the scene. A Read rnore
Jason Arday says he was an illiterate, mute child. His .
6 hours ago — Jason Arday says he was an i&erate. mute child. Cambridge's youngest-ever black
professor in 2023. Arday attended from the age of four to 11
r— mm-WI 3
A PhD is no longer a sign of brilliance — take it from Dr Arday
1 day aeo — Juon Arday resigns from the Unwersity of Cambrdge after The Telegraph reports he had
falseb• claimed to have pubåshed a book
We are all Jason Arday now
S days ago — Jason Arday resons from the University of Cambridge after The Telegraph reports he had
falsew cGimed to have published a book Aug 7.2028. Read more
Cambridge professor claimed he was on Seven Up..
2 Aug 2026 — He was not bom until 1985. Prof Arday is at the centre of a row about academk
plagiarism after The Tekgragh that he had been accused
The Jason Arday 'memoir' that now appears to be more .
7 days ago — Instead of tales of triumph over adversity. the now-fomer Cambridge professors
autob"qraphy is a case study in self-rnythobgising,
Arday failed to mention 'months-long coma' in autobiography
8 days ago — Jason Arday toz publishers he was k•ft a three-month coma fohwhg a car gash. but
never wrote about the ordeal his memoirs_
Jason Arday is living proof that you reap what you sow
6 Aug 2028 — The Cambridge professor feed plagiarism alegations and made fantastical clä'ns about
his life. so what did he expect woUz happen? Read rmre
ÄIO
Arday 'accused student of Miite privilege' after she
4 days ago — Forrner Cambrdge professor alleged* htplied that Roehamptm student was racist after
cornplaint about essay SOOre.
Jason Arday is rnerely a symptom of the Leffs corruption
Aug 2026 — Lab-curs on school standards is on the same toxic assumptions that created his
academic career.
Cambridge hired Arday after 'listening to black stu…
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Russ Jones @russincheshire.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
It's what God wants.
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Sue Cowley @suecowley.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
I don't understand why the government doesn't just ban these until the heatwaves are over. 🤷‍♀️
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DamsonEd @damsoned.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Thread. This is what the pandemic was like for teachers in schools. Schools were open ALL THE WAY THROUGH the pandemic. Let’s not forget what it was like for some, whilst others were partying. bsky.app/profile/eyes...
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Schools Week @schoolsweek.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Breaking: Mayors will be handed control of sixth form funding in a radical break from England’s Whitehall-run post-16 education system schoolsweek.co.uk/mayors-to-ta...
schoolsweek.co.uk
Mayors to take control of sixth form funding
School sixth forms and colleges in scope, with a timetable due at the autumn budget
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Sue Cowley @suecowley.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Whenever I talk to new teachers I tell them how education basically goes in a ten year cycle and, if you stick firm to your values, once every ten years people will say you were doing the right thing all along. ⬇️
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Sue Cowley @suecowley.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
If we aren't willing to explore ways of making an academic education more engaging for disaffected learners, and we're not willing to countenance alternative pathways in learning either, what's the actual solution to those learners who are currently switching off from school and learning? 🧵 1/3
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Sue Cowley @suecowley.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Just saying 'everyone must have access to this academic curriculum of which I approve' doesn't seem likely to help deal with current absence and exclusion rates. The disadvantage gap has widened not closed in recent years. A big chunk of learners are still told they're 'failing' in our system. 2/3
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Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Germany, Switzerland etc... not only have a different balance of manufacturing vs services but also a corporate model in which companies support vocational ed at scale. We have neither. Schools/colleges aren't the problem.
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Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
V true. Which is why my solution is to make unis better not trash the whole system.
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Thomas I-G @thomasig.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
"Embrace Mediterranean life"
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DamsonEd @damsoned.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Ummmm. I am still not convinced by the “powerful knowledge” argument. Just as I am sure that the students at his school do not get the same as students at Harrow and Eton… bsky.app/profile/scho...
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Nancy @nancygedge.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
This. You can be ‘bright’ and also enjoy your job that isn’t based on academics. You can be clever and love your family and want to be near them in your adult life. You can want/need/have a life that isn’t urban/London-ish
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Prof Christina Pagel @chrischirp.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
this is incredibly sad
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