Sign in

Sally Michaels

@sallyjmichaels.bsky.social
739 followers 981 following 72 posts

Teacher. SENDCO. Head of AP at Blue Squid, Cambs. School governor. MCCT. (she/her)

PostsRepliesMedia
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
What a great thread. I remember someone once asking me when I came out. “Every time I meet someone new,” was my answer. I’m still in the habit of not looking at someone when I first mention my wife, to give them a moment for their face to react if they need it, and never knowing how they’ll be.
0215
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
It’s so important for young people just working out who they are to know that they are safe in the world 🤩
A close up of a Blue Squid hoodie with a heart-shaped badge in the colours of the Progress Pride flag and the words You can be yourself with me.
042
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
Sundays are for us ❤️
Sue sits on the seats at the back of a boat going down the river. Next to her, a white dog sits in a dog bed. Sue is stroking the dog’s head.
020
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Blue Squid Learning @bluesquidlearning.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
New blog: Co-Regulation – Staying Calm to Help Them Stay Calm Why logic doesn’t work with dysregulated kids, and what does. For school staff & parents. Read it here: bluesquidlearning.com/co-regulatio... #coRegulation #SchoolAnxiety #YoungPeopleMatter #MentalHealthMatters #thisisAP
bluesquidlearning.com
Co-Regulation: Staying Calm to Help Them Stay Calm
Why reasoning doesn't work when a young person is dysregulated - and what to do instead. For teachers and parents supporting anxious pupils.
042
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 27/04/2025
Some families cycle; some families hike. We love the river. We’ve lived (literally) on the Great Ouse for almost six years in our floating home and this summer we get to go further afield in this beauty 🛥️ ❤️
Sally driving a 24 foot river cruiser boat. It’s mostly white, with blue accents. She’s driving it on the river and in the background are reeds and trees. Sally stands at the wheel, and her curly, white dog sits behind her in an orange life jacket.
020
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
This holiday, we bought a new boat and have been out on the river almost every day. What a great way to get several days of meaningful rest 🛥️
View from behind Sally as she drives a river cruiser down a river. Beside her sits her dog, in her lifejacket.
020
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
I wasn’t going to say anything. Who am I to voice an opinion? But then I realised that if I don’t, I’m part of the problem. Yesterday’s ruling - and the disgusting celebration of other people’s oppression - was morally wrong and a worrying indication of the way we’re going. Where’s the humanity?
The Blue Squid logo on a jumper. Above it is a badge in the shape of a heart and in the colours of the LGBTQ+ flags, with the text: You can be yourself with me.
030
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
The holidays are for finding the joy in the everyday ❤️ 🛥️
Sally and her wife, Sue on the River Great Ouse. Sue is wearing a life jacket and a blue baseball cap. Sally is wearing a pink fleece. They’re both wearing sunglasses. In the background is the river and a field with some trees.
040
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 16/02/2025
All of this! ❤️
062
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Blue Squid Learning @bluesquidlearning.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
School doesn’t have to be desks, bells, and stress. What if learning looked different? For young people struggling with school anxiety, the ‘traditional’ way isn’t always their way. And that’s okay. 💙 There’s more than one way to thrive. #Education #SchoolAnxiety #AlternativeProvision #thisisAP
Two boys stand on a pile of hay bales. It's cold and they're wearing coats, enjoying the fresh air.
162
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Blue Squid Learning @bluesquidlearning.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
For young people with EBSNA, unpredictability can fuel anxiety. A predictable school day builds trust, reduces stress, and supports engagement. Read our latest blog to discover how routine - without rigidity - can help. #EBSNA #EBSA #SchoolAnxiety #thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
bluesquidlearning.com
The Importance of Predictability and Routine
Predictability reduces anxiety and builds trust in school. Discover how routine creates a safe, supportive environment for young people with EBSNA.
031
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Blue Squid Learning @bluesquidlearning.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Alternative education isn’t a last resort - it’s a proactive, future-focused choice. At Blue Squid, we see young people with EBSNA thrive in the right environment. Read our latest blog challenging misconceptions about non-traditional schools. 👇 #thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
bluesquidlearning.com
Changing the Narrative About Alternative Education
Alternative education isn’t a last resort—it’s a proactive, future-focused choice. Read how non-traditional schools help young people thrive.
032
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Blue Squid Learning @bluesquidlearning.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
School doesn’t have to feel like a roller-coaster ride! 🎢 At Blue Squid, we focus on calm vibes, fresh air, and steady progress. 🌿 Think of us as your child’s anxiety-free zone. Ready to explore? Let’s chat! #thisisAP #Cambridgeshire #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter
Two dandelions stand in a patch of grass. In the background, a blue sky.
011
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Steve Walker @stevemaths.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Here's the #OCRMathspuzzle for this week! Have a great weekend! :) The below number properties apply to five consecutive numbers. What are the five numbers? #maths #teacher #puzzle #resource #number #numberproperties #MathsToday #ITeachMath #UKMathsChat
Five consecutive numbers have the following properties;
Prime, Multiple of seven, square, even, prime.
What are the five numbers?
1205
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Children really are the best 🤩 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Word of the Year: Kindness wins children's 2024 vote
043
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Blue Squid Learning @bluesquidlearning.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Calmer classrooms and smarter learning? 🌟 Discover how emotional literacy transforms chaos into focus, unlocking better outcomes for students. #thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter #emotionalliteracy bluesquidlearning.com/from-chaos-t...
bluesquidlearning.com
Chaos to Calm: How Emotional Literacy Transforms Learning
Discover how emotional literacy transforms classrooms by helping students regulate emotions, unlock learning, and build resilience.
032
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Blue Squid Learning @bluesquidlearning.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
We know that progress isn’t always a straight line, sometimes it’s more of a funky dance. 🕺 At Blue Squid, we celebrate the little wins: a smile, a question, or trying something new. 💙 Let’s help your child find their groove again. #BlueSquidCambridgeshire #thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters
A white table covered in objects to help learn about space: a book open to a page entitled: The Apollo programme; a light-up moon; a book about Neil Armstrong; a coloured in map of the surface of the moon; maps and coloured pencils.
011
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Blue Squid Learning @bluesquidlearning.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
Flexibility in education isn’t optional - it’s essential. Discover how alternative provisions like Blue Squid are transforming lives by meeting young people where they are. Read our latest blog and see how thinking differently changes everything. #thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
bluesquidlearning.com
Flexible Learning: the Unstoppable Revolution
Joe's journey shows how flexible, alternative education can transform lives, helping children rediscover learning and thrive on their own terms.
041
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Gráinne Hallahan @heymrshallahan.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
Worth reading if you’re a DSL
063
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
Really felt we were back in the flow today! We seemed to get the right balance between self-regulation time and work time for each learner and the morning flew by! Today, we started another great Literacy Shed unit 🏠 #thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
A white table top. On it sits a print out showing two screen captures of a dark, animated street. Around the print out are words, adjectives paired with nouns: smashed door; dirty gutters etc. evidence of a successful English lesson.
010
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 08/01/2025
Today’s lesson? Never underestimate the power of being wrapped in a blanket and snuggled up on the sofa with a dog if you’re struggling to self-regulate. Betty the schnoodle is the most wonderful part of our wellbeing strategy ❤️ #thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter
A white dog lies on a red sofa. Beside it, sits and adult with a laptop on their knee and a young person wrapped in a teal blanket. The photo has been cropped so you can’t see their faces.
000
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
Today I was reminded how hard the transition in and out of the school holidays can be for some young people. Patience, teamwork, communication and flexibility was the order of the day 👍 #thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter
072
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
Great to be back at our alternative provision today. Kids and staff all re-energised after the break. We caught up and started to get back in the routine of things #thisisAP #maths #spelling #alternativeprovision
040
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 02/01/2025
Some students aren’t skipping school, they’re overwhelmed by it. As educators, how do we spot the signs of Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) early? And what strategies actually help students feel safe enough to re-engage with learning? 1/2
140
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Jenny M @abbyaug.bsky.social · 01/01/2025
A great blog - every child deserves to be able to enjoy their learning & be happy at school. The key is relationships to quote- “Worst of all they didn’t know him. They never knew his dreams, his passion. They didn’t see him. They saw a target and a grade, no one talked to him about his ambitions.”
0185
Reposted by Sally Michaels
andrewoa33 @andrewoa33.bsky.social · 26/12/2024
OK. I've read it. Twice. As ever with Russ, the gasps and guffaws come in equal measure and at breakneck speed. Superb and just like his books, hilariously unmissable.
0243
Reposted by Sally Michaels
National Trust @nationaltrust.org.uk · 12/12/2024
Two years after its felling, the Sycamore Gap tree lives on through 49 saplings donated to causes around the country as 'Trees of Hope'. Here's where they'll be sprouting up 🌳
A white map of the UK against a green and yellow background. Small green National Trust logos mark the locations that received a sapling.
9469128
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Celia Richardson @celiarichardson.bsky.social · 14/12/2024
I love this map of places where sycamore gap tree saplings will be planted. They include the Rob Burrow Centre for MND and a plot in memory of a 15 year old girl killed by her ex-boyfriend. They stretch from the Orkneys to Cornwall. By @nationaltrust.bsky.social
331286284
Reposted by Sally Michaels
🐱Mrs J🐝 @mrs-j.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
Being a SENDCo is one hell of a struggle at the moment. Paperwork is out of control. Funding is non-existent. Constantly feeling that our children deserve better - I'm doing all I can and it's not enough. I've never known things to be so difficult. Year 29 of teaching is really testing me.
0122
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
This term, we’ve been talking a lot about getting back up when things get tough, and this morning’s trip to a dry ski slope was a great time to practise this! Everyone had at least a few turns down the small slope and one lad was so enthusiastic, he definitely got his money’s worth! #ThisisAP
A young person is walking up a dry ski slope, carrying a ski in each hand. They wear black trousers, a grey top and a white helmet. To their right is an orange netting barrier.
031
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
Last day of term for us today - no more than 6 weeks at a time. Guess what we’re doing today? We’re off to the dry ski slope! ⛷️ Wish us luck 🤞 #thisisAP
040
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Ed Finch @edfinch.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
At some point in the next two or three weeks, you're going to need a child/family friendly Christmas Quiz for a class party or family get together. I made this one a few years ago - people tell me it works from Yr 4 right up to adults. mrefinch.wordpress.com/2020/12/06/the-great-christmas-quiz/
68924
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
The key to re-engaging young people experiencing EBSA? Patience, empathy and collaboration 🤩
010
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
How cute are these? Christmas crafts are in full swing this week at Blue Squid! @bluesquidlearning.bsky.social #thisisAP
Five sock snowmen stuffed with rice and kitted out with hats and scarves and one sock rabbit!
010
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 07/12/2024
This morning, we visited our local craft shop to buy wool, then enjoyed a craft activity at Blue Squid Learning. The plan? Pom-Pom Santas. The outcome? Something far more delightful. …cont. 🧵
A Pom Pom Santa. The hat is made of red wool wrapped around a piece of toilet roll holder. Under the red wool hat is a white Pom Pom, representing Santa’s beard. Two Google eyes are glued onto the bottom of the hat.
110
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
Recognising when a student needs to stop and self-regulate is key to their success 👍
021
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Celeste Ng @pronounced-ing.bsky.social · 30/11/2024
Reposting with alt text!
@stimmyabby:
“Sometimes people use "respect" to mean "treating someone like a person" and sometimes they use
"respect" to mean "treating someone like an authority"
and sometimes people who are used to being treated like an authority say "if you won't respect me I won't respect you" and they mean "if you won't treat me like an authority I won't treat you like a person"
and they think they're being fair but they aren't, and it's not okay.”
@do-as-youre-told: 
“this is so well put I am stunned”
81165507
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Blue Squid Learning @bluesquidlearning.bsky.social · 29/11/2024
🎄 A Christmas Miracle at Blue Squid! 🎄 We’ll admit it – we’d been (just a little bit!) dreading putting up the Christmas tree this year.
A tall, slim fake Christmas tree stands in the corner of a grey rug. It’s been decorated with tinsel and baubles. Underneath sit two snowmen.
121
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Blue Squid Learning @bluesquidlearning.bsky.social · 28/11/2024
Getting ready for tomorrow 🤩 Our learners often have dyslexia or dyslexic traits, so we know the value of a multi-sensory approach. Here’s tomorrow’s spelling board - one of the many practical activities that will be available to practise spelling. Plus, we’re putting up the tree tomorrow! 🎄
A whiteboard showing the question can you unscramble the words. Five words are written below, with the letters scrambled up, along with the corresponding magnetic letters.
031
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
Job Centres also need to understand how to find jobs for people with disabilities. I have a relative who would love to work, but the Job Centre couldn’t seem to get their heads around what they could/couldn’t do with their epilepsy. They kept sending driving and shift work jobs: really frustrating!
000
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Ashleigh Pain @ashleighpain.bsky.social · 24/11/2024
GIVEAWAY ⭐️ A free OFQUAL Level 2 Youth Mental Health Qualification day. The day offers 16 places to students Year 9 and over. Hosted at your school and running from 9am-2.45pm. Day to be agreed with you. To enter please like and retweet this post by Thursday 28th November at 8pm.
0118
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Ashleigh Pain @ashleighpain.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
Doesn’t get much recognition, but there is now a Youth Mental Health Qualification certified by OFQUAL, from Year 9 onwards. Only requires 6 hours participation. This is something I am proud to be involved in. For more information, please email support@firstaidprovision.co.uk
084
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Blue Squid Learning @bluesquidlearning.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
AP places available now for KS3 & KS4 pupils experiencing EBSA in Cambridgeshire! Blue Squid's new alternative provision has places available now: an ideal provision for young people experiencing emotionally-based school avoidance (EBSA). Oh, and sometimes this bundle of fur joins us!
Betty the white schnoodle snoozing next to a pillow featuring a squid.
211
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 25/11/2024
This! I was also a school refuser who looked like a well-behaved and quiet child. There are lots of kids in every school who look on the outside like they’re fine but on the inside they’re building layer upon layer of school-based trauma. School has to be a safe space for everyone ❤️
010
Reposted by Sally Michaels
@theheadsoffice @theheadsoffice.bsky.social · 24/11/2024
@newtosltchat.bsky.social I hope you don’t mind me popping in just to tell you about Listening Ear. Completely free & confidential. A chance to chat to an experienced retired school leader about whatever is keeping you awake at night. I’d love you to follow me & message me for a chat
144
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Emma Goto @emmagoto.bsky.social · 23/11/2024
I like that there is a professor of public understanding of mathematics. Hannah Fry announced as Professor of the Public Understanding of Mathematics www.maths.cam.ac.uk/features/han...
maths.cam.ac.uk
Hannah Fry announced as Professor of the Public Understanding of Mathematics | Features: Faculty Insights
035
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Dawn @newlydawned.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
Whatever the truth is about Ofsted plans, and whatever the rights and wrongs are of what they should be measuring, why is this planning coming ahead of curriculum and assessment review? It seems so odd for Ofsted to decide what to measure ahead of government deciding what the curriculum should be.
161
Reposted by Sally Michaels
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 18/08/2024
If you're an educator preparing your toolkit for the year ahead, can I humbly recommend our Little Guide to Wellbeing and Self-Care? Adrian Bethune and I offer research-based, practical ideas and channel our belief that school staff deserve to thrive AND survive. #teacherwellbeingselfcare
1204
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
The view from my sofa tonight. So good for the soul ❤️ #mentalhealthmatters
A view across a marina. It’s darkening and there’s a deep sunset on the horizon.
010
Sally Michaels @sallyjmichaels.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
This is my AP. Our priority is creating a calm, purposeful, caring and therapeutic learning environment for those who just can’t attend a mainstream school. I’m so proud of what we’ve created. We have amazing staff and the best learners 🤩
020