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Ruth Parker

@ruthparker.bsky.social
267 followers 223 following 180 posts

Year 5/6 teacher. English Lead. Lover of reading and running in the South Downs.

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Ruth Parker @ruthparker.bsky.social · 15/11/2025
Tyger, when I first read it, it hit me how important this book is for us all to read. Since sharing it with my yr 5/6 class, a copy always goes missing - a sure sign of an incredible book.
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SF Said @whatsfsaid.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
BOOK GIVEAWAY!!! I'm not on social media much at the moment, working hard on my new book, which I feel sure will be my best one yet when it's done! In the meantime, I'm giving away signed copies of all my books so far. Follow & repost to enter, and say which book you'd like & why. Closes Dec 5!
Graphic showing the covers of all 4 books by SF Said - Varjak Paw, The Outlaw Varjak Paw, Phoenix and Tyger - all illustrated by Dave McKean
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Peter Stefanovic @peterstefanovic.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
Join the campaign to Trump-proof the BBC www.libdems.org.uk/bbc
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Josiah Mortimer @josiahmortimer.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
It's not the first time Reform UK councillors have been caught failing to properly declare their financial interests, as I covered in my On the Ground column for @bylinetimes.bsky.social this month in print... subscribe.bylinetimes.com/edition/79/o...
A Convenient Loophole
Durham County Council’s Reform UK Deputy Leader Darren Grimes’ register of interests is remarkably sparse. So when he complained recently of having been “demonetised” by Facebook owner Meta for his rage-bait video content on the platform (Meta apparently stopped the payments after realising he is an elected official and ineligible), it got me thinking: why has he never declared that income?

Under ‘employment’ on his council records, Grimes lists only his D-Dog Media Ltd firm, of which he is the director. I asked him and the council why he has not previously declared income from Facebook/Meta. Or, for that matter, his (presumably significant) income from Elon Musk’s X ‘creator revenue sharing’ programme, which bungs thousands of pounds a month to the likes of Reform Leader Nigel Farage, far-right convicted criminal Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (‘Tommy Robinson’), and likely Grimes, too.

Helen Bradley, the council’s director of legal and democratic services, said: “We understand income from Cllr Grimes’ social media has been paid to a company, of which he is a director. This company is declared on his register of interests.”

So if he has a company, he doesn’t have to declare any of his clients or who is paying him?

A council spokesperson responded: “There is no requirement for them to declare clients or payees of any business listed on this register.”

It is, to my eyes, an outrageous loophole that means any local politician trying to hide their income streams can simply run it through a company. And voters are none the wiser. ■
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Ruth Parker @ruthparker.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
Sending you strength and a glimpse of the Sussex sky through an oak tree.
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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 09/11/2025
Here's a small selection of the poppies made by children for Remembrance Day using one of my simple cardboard projects. Both methods just use recycled, paper-based materials, allowing them to be recycled too (no plastic) Both videos are on my YouTube channel. (my name) www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky
Poppies made for Remembrance Day by children using one of my making ideas. Poppies made for Remembrance Day by children using one of my making ideas. The two different poppy making activities I have on my YouTube channel (my name)
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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
After last year's success, I'm doing more online Christmas workshops this year. So, if you want to do some festive making with your class, get in touch. You choose what we make, I'll show you the skills, then off you go! One-hour sessions am/pm 15th - 19th December 🙂 www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky
Photos of just a few of my Christmas art projects, reindeer, snowmen, Christmas trees, robins, and Father Christmas.
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Ruth Parker @ruthparker.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
Autumn running, jogging, slipping and sliding has commenced. #EduRunners
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Rob Biddulph @robbiddulph.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
I have a brand new and very exciting episode of #DrawWithRob Icons for you tomorrow, particularly if you're a fan of Studio #Ghibli. My #Totoro drawalong drops tomorrow at 10am...
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Barrington Stoke @barringtonstoke.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
📣 Teachers and school librarians, we want to hear from you! 📣 We want to know how best to support schools with our free downloadable resources. Please take a minute to complete our survey so that we can make sure our classroom materials are the best they can be! forms.gle/yiQq3f5d366o...
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Sussex Wildlife Trust @sussexwildlife.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
Sussex Wildlife Trust celebrates success in legal battle to stop Marine Conservation Zone dumping as licence is quashed sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/sussex-... Short-snouted Seahorse © Paul Naylor
Photograph of Short-snouted Seahorse with weed in background © Paul Naylor
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Ruth Parker @ruthparker.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Thank you so much Rachel 😊 it’s good to feel less alone in this.
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Ruth Parker @ruthparker.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
We discussed this with our CDC consultant who heavily suggested we stick with the NHS pathway (we trusted her advice) and now we’re running out of time. I’ve just looked and ‘right to choose’ have a wait time of 12-18 months and we need it by May. I’m exasperated. Thank you for your advice.
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Ruth Parker @ruthparker.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Yes, I thought this would be tricky to traverse and keep to paths. Thank you for the information.
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Ruth Parker @ruthparker.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
After over 3 yrs on an autism pathway with the NHS, we have now been delayed AGAIN. Son is yr 5. specialist secondary school needs a diagnosis to accept him so needs a diagnosis by June. Has an EHCP and is severely dyslexic. Feeling broken by this system and I’m a teacher! #autism
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Ruth Parker @ruthparker.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
The scrubland by our river has been completely razed. Feeling a little confused as this was a haven for wildlife. @lukebmtb.bsky.social do you know anything about this area of land? Ownership etc? @ouseadurrt.bsky.social @wsccnews.bsky.social @sussexwildlife.bsky.social
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Ruth Parker @ruthparker.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
Fantastic!
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LukeBMTB @lukebmtb.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
Someone has repurposed the recently closed Model Bakery in the nearest town as the Model Bikery (by putting an 'i' over the 'a'). Offering bike repairs, a bike loan scheme plus help with DIY repairs. Hope it goes well for them. steyningbicyclerepair.co.uk/irepair/
steyningbicyclerepair.co.uk
I REPAIR – Steyning bicycle repair
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Jon Biddle @jonnybid.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
The @empathylabuk.bsky.social conference on Thu 27th Nov is going to be superb. The links between reading and empathy are very powerful. Fantastic speakers, including @michaelrosenyes.bsky.social, @teresacremin.bsky.social and @amdassu.bsky.social. More info here: empathylab.uk/raising-gene...
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Ruth Parker @ruthparker.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
Sights from the local beach: lesser spotted dog fish, grass hoppers and common lizards. @sussexwildlife.bsky.social
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Wonderland Bookshop @wonderlandbookshop.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Last year, we offered Book Advent Calendars to schools. These contain 24 books, all individually wrapped & numbered. A list of books can be provided. These were really popular and we're offering again - a great way to boost libraries and classrooms. Private orders also welcome ❤️
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Sue Cowley @suecowley.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
I'm running a webinar about adaptive teaching after half term with lots of practical advice on inclusive approaches to teaching. Grateful for reposts. Many thanks to everyone who has shared this already! 😘 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-ultima...
eventbrite.co.uk
The Ultimate Guide to Adaptive Teaching - Webinar with Sue Cowley
Sue Cowley shares ideas about adaptive teaching and offers a range of practical strategies for creating an inclusive classroom
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BookTrust @booktrust.org.uk · 28/10/2025
Are you joining us for our upcoming webinar about the importance of book choice in primary schools? We'll be joined by our Writer in Residence Matt Goodfellow and @debbiethomas.bsky.social from @openuni-rfp.bsky.social for research, practical insights and more 👇 bit.ly/4qvcFv8
An illustration by Sandhya Prabhat of a group of children reading with a teacher on the floor of a school library. Plus the words: "Webinar: Developing a culture of reading for pleasure. Why book choice matters for children. 4pm, Thursday 20 November." And the logos for BookTrust, and The Open University Reading for Pleasure
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Greg Jenner (Historian) @gregjenner.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
Got kids aged 8+? Get them my latest book! It's a chaotic rollercoaster ride through the Stone Age -- it's tonnes of fun, full of the latest scientific discoveries, is cowritten with the expert archaeologist @brennawalks.bsky.social, and is illustrated by @rikinparekh.bsky.social. Cheers!
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The Guardian @theguardian.com · 27/10/2025
NHS trust pleads guilty after teenage girl absconded from 24-hour care and killed herself
theguardian.com
NHS trust pleads guilty after teenage girl absconded from 24-hour care and killed herself
Ellame Ford-Dunn, 16, suffered with severe mental health problems and absconded from Worthing hospital in March 2022 An NHS trust has pleaded guilty to failures over the avoidable death of a teenage girl who killed herself after absconding from 24-hour supervision under its care. Ellame Ford-Dunn, 16, who suffered with severe mental health problems, died on 20 March 2022, minutes after leaving the Bluefin acute children’s ward in Worthing hospital, part of University hospitals Sussex NHS trust (UHSussex). Continue reading...
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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
Introducing ‘Egg Box Monsters’ . . . just in time for half-term and Halloween. One egg box, no leftovers, totally recyclable. What I call ‘Pure Making’. Full instructions are on the website here . . . www.darrellwakelam.com/news/egg-box... #edusky #halloween
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Jon Biddle @jonnybid.bsky.social · 26/10/2025
Important piece from @booktrust.org.uk and @openuni-rfp.bsky.social about the value of book choice for pupils and how to help promote it in the classroom. Do have a read! files.booktrust.org.uk/docs/documen... @teresacremin.bsky.social @richardruddick.bsky.social
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Ruth Parker @ruthparker.bsky.social · 26/10/2025
Beautiful 5km run. Spotted two of my favourite birds, Kingfishers, along the river. I am so grateful to be able to get out and enjoy where we live.
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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
I’ve been up to Lickey End First School in Bromsgrove this week, helping the children to rebuild their lovely little school, from cardboard! 😁😮 Every child has taken part, remember the oldest is only 7! darrellwakelam.com #edusky #schooldisplay
The children’s sculpture of their school, made from cardboard, covered with paper mache, and painted. The children’s sculpture of their school, made from cardboard, covered with paper mache, and painted. The children’s sculpture of their school, made from cardboard, covered with paper mache, and painted. The children’s sculpture of their school, made from cardboard, covered with paper mache, and painted.
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Ruth Parker @ruthparker.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
Me too. 👍
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Rob Biddulph @robbiddulph.bsky.social · 19/10/2025
You spoke, I listened. Several brand new, exquisitely crafted art prints will be available in my shop soon (in very limited editions). More details to follow in the next few days...
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Ruth Parker @ruthparker.bsky.social · 19/10/2025
Inspired by @silverpebble2.bsky.social and our autumnal walks, the boys and I created this leaf display. #autumn
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Nadia Shireen @nadiashireen.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
Do you like scary movies? With animals in? Have resurrected some prints. Signed, A3 and available from Fiveways Arts and Crafts, Brighton. Online here: fivewaysartsandcrafts.com/search?q=nad...
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Ruth Parker @ruthparker.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
We saw three (just North of the High Street bridge) on Sunday. My boys are now brilliant at hearing the calls and spotting the movements. We are so fortunate.
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Emma Mitchell @silverpebble2.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Liquidambar leaf palette just now👇🏼. Pause for a moment if you’re feeling anxious-your brain’s likely to release dopamine due to a positive response to colour gradation, certain bright colours & looking at images our brains find appealing. A pause here will make your day slightly easier to tackle 🍁
Liquidambar leaves laid out in order of colour, green through to deep red, on a buff coloured linen background
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Jon Biddle @jonnybid.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
On Monday 20th October, I'm running an online session with the brilliant @joshuaseigal.bsky.social all about raising the profile of poetry in the primary classroom. It will start at 3:45pm and end at 5:00pm. More information here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/i-dont-lik...
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Sussex Wildlife Trust @sussexwildlife.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
We are excited to watch Hamza's Hidden Wild Isles on BBC One tonight. Hamza Yassin is travelling around the UK to uncover hidden wildlife spectacles. Hamza filmed some of the first episode amongst the Bluebells at Ebernoe Common Nature Reserve.
bbc.co.uk
BBC One - Hamza's Hidden Wild Isles
Hamza Yassin reveals amazing wildlife hidden around the UK.
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Jon Biddle @jonnybid.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
If you're looking for a perfect Halloween class book for Y5/6 that can be read in a week, you won't do better than The Last Day of October by Phil Hickes. Creepy and atmospheric, with a fantastic cliffhanger at the end of each chapter. @oriolvidal.bsky.social @barringtonstoke.bsky.social
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Greg Jenner (Historian) @gregjenner.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
Useful advice on how to get rid of default AI searches on Google Chrome opus.ing/posts/how-to...
opus.ing
How to Remove AI From Your Google Chrome Experience - Opus
Follow these steps to resist the AI-pocalypse in your everyday web browsing.
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World Book Day UK @worldbookdayuk.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
Happy #BookshopDay! 🎉 Bookshops are brilliant places to get reading recommendations and give children choice in what they read. Here are a few ways you can celebrate and support your local bookshop: 📚 Visit your local bookshop 📚 Attend a bookshop event 📚 Follow their social media 📚 Write a review
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Jon Biddle @jonnybid.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
Happy Bookshop Day! There are over 200 independent children's bookshops on my map so do pay your local one a visit. It's regularly updated but please let me know of any more I could add. padlet.com/Jon_Biddle/r...
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Rob Biddulph @robbiddulph.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
✏️PENCILS AT THE READY, TEAM! In this brand new episode of #DrawWithRob we're drawing toy fox as featured in my book I FOLLOW THE FOX 🦊! So grab some paper and a pen/pencil and let's do this! Share your pictures using the #DrawWithRob hashtag. GOOD LUCK! 👉https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygw5gZ4BpgM
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M. G. Leonard @mglnrd.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
Happy Bookshop Day! To celebrate I'll be in Book Nook Hove at 2pm talking, reading, signing and generally hanging out and celebrating my favourite type of shop. Come and join me. It’s free.
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Marianne Doherty @mariannedoherty.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
With the IBC Excluded Voices report making for sober reading this week, let’s use #KidsBooksFriday to celebrate brilliant books from global majority writers. #KidLitUK #UKKidLit #KidLit www.inclusivebooksforchildren.org/excluded-voi...
Book cover for Spirit Warriors by Ashley ThorpeBook cover for Nush and the Stolen Emerald by Jasbinder BilanBook cover for Nate Yu’s Blast from the Past by Maisie ChanBook cover for Birdie by J. P. Rose
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Claire Linney Author @clairelinney.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
Today’s Black authored book is this gem. do love a Benjamin Dean book - (especially his YA) but he writes fantastic middle grade books. This adventure about demons who fall from the sky, an extra-ordinary friendship and a controlling authority is amazing.
The Boy Who Fell from the Sky by Benjamin Dean
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Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
Let's make hope normal again. Join.greenparty.org.uk
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Bloomsbury Education @bloomsburyed.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
WINNER of the #CrimeFest Best Crime Fiction Award for Children (8-12) is: Rosie Raja: Undercover Codebreaker! Congratulations to author @sufiyaahmed.bsky.social !🎉
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Fleur Hitchcock @fleurhitchcock.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
By total chance - Just read this excellent book by @sufiyaahmed.bsky.social #UnderFire so clear, so interesting #kidsBooksFriday #sharedhistory - review here with a link to buy: www.waterstones.com/book/under-f...
waterstones.com
Under Fire by Sufiya Ahmed | Waterstones
Buy Under Fire by Sufiya Ahmed from Waterstones today! Click and Collect from your local Waterstones or get FREE UK delivery on orders over £25.
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