iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Scottish Teachers for Permanence @teachers4perm.bsky.social · 27/09/2025

📢 4,600+ teachers in Scotland stuck in insecure contracts. Councils block permanency, pupils lose continuity, talent is wasted. We demand: stop service-blocking, national supply register, real data + cap training. ✍️ Sign: www.change.org/scottishteac...

change.org

Sign the Petition

Scottish Teacher Crisis: End Broken Service and Insecure Jobs

052

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Scottish Teachers for Permanence @teachers4perm.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

Email sent by us on 27th June (no contact before this since November 28th 2024)

075

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Scottish Teachers for Permanence @teachers4perm.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

Email received from Special Advisor stating that the meeting requested was for neither John Swinney or Jenny Gilruth

055

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Scottish Teachers for Permanence @teachers4perm.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

1) Today, Jenny Gilruth stated that ‘her team’ had tried to organise a meeting with us several times. We sent an email on 27th June. A ‘special advisor’ emailed us 25th July. This person stated they were not acting on behalf of ‘either John Swinney or Jenny Gilruth’ (See post for emails)

365

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 12/07/2025

We’ve launched our Crowdfunder! Neurodivergence Connect CIC is building support for neurodivergent children in Scotland. Help us make a difference. 💙 👉 www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ndconnects...

054

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

empoweredscotland.bsky.social @empoweredscotland.bsky.social · 28/06/2025

Please share and check them out! Teachers filling the Gap in ASN training. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

064

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 28/06/2025

🧠Scottish educators! Boost your ASN knowledge with our FREE self-paced online CPD programmes: 📚 Introduction to ASN in Scottish Education 🎯 PDA Profile 🌱 Introduction to ASN in Scottish Early Years Study at your own pace. 👉 neurodivergenceconnect.co.uk/onlinecpd

095

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Scottish Teachers for Permanence @teachers4perm.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Willie Rennie is absolutely right – we are angry. 💬 Sick of temp contracts. Sick of instability. 📢 It’s time for permanent jobs for Scotland’s teachers.

082

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

Neurodivergence Connect was created to help change this. We offer lived-experience CPD that fills the gap left by the system. We believe teachers want to do better. They just need the tools to get there. neurodivergenceconnect.com #InclusionMatters #ASN #NeurodivergentVoices

neurodivergenceconnect.com

Home | Neurodivergence Connect

Neurodivergence Connect is an innovative online platform designed to bridge the gap between SCOTTISH TEACHERS and parents of neurodivergent children. Through structured, teacher-led online meetups, ed...

031

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

7. The gap between policy and practice is harming both teachers and pupils. Families feel ignored. Teachers feel unprepared. Pupils with support needs deserve more than this.

111

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

6. Teachers say: “I had no training in visual schedules or communication tools.” “I had to Google how to write an IEP.” “I learned more from parents and support staff than from my degree.”

111

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

5. Moving into ASN roles is just as unclear. There is no required qualification. No national pathway. Many teachers are placed in ASN roles without training. Some learn on the job after starting with non-verbal or high-support pupils.

111

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

4. The GTCS requires inclusive practice during probation. But there is no national requirement for ASN input. Some councils offer sessions. Others offer nothing. Teachers often rely on trial and error or ask PSAs for advice.

111

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

3. Audit Scotland confirmed the gap: “Teachers are not consistently well prepared to support pupils with ASN.” 77% of EIS members said they had no meaningful ASN training during ITE. 89% felt underprepared.

111

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

2. Many students receive just one lecture on ASN. Some say it was entirely legal background. Few ITE courses offer practical content. No course requires ASN-specific placements. Most do not involve autistic or neurodivergent voices at all.

111

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

1. GTCS and government policy claim that ASN and inclusion are built into all teacher education. But universities give vague, general statements with little detail on autism, ADHD, trauma, or practical support strategies.

111

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

🧵THREAD: The Gap in ASN Training for Teachers in Scotland Policy says teachers are trained to support all learners. But the reality in classrooms tells a different story. We reviewed teacher education, induction, and ASN roles. Here is what we found. #ASN #EducationScotland #CPD

254

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 31/05/2025

We’re not asking the system to make space for parents. We’re showing that the space already belongs to them. Inclusion starts by recognising the knowledge they bring and building policy and practice around it.

142

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 31/05/2025

Our CPD events change that. Parents lead. Teachers listen, ask, learn. The insights shared are personal, practical and grounded in lived experience. This isn’t theory. It’s what’s actually working for real children.

142

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 31/05/2025

But many parents of neurodivergent children in Scotland say they’re sidelined. Meetings held without them. Expertise dismissed. Constant battles to be heard. This isn’t inclusion. It’s obstruction.

142

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 31/05/2025

Scotland’s own guidance is clear: “parents, carers and families are by far the most important influences in a child’s life” and “when parents and schools work together, children do better.” (Scottish Government, 2018)

162

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 31/05/2025

International research backs this: when teachers partner with parents, pupil outcomes improve. Behaviour, academic progress, confidence, attendance, emotional regulation – all benefit. (Harris & Goodall, 2007)

142

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 31/05/2025

Too often, parents are treated as passive participants in the system. Yet they are the ones who notice patterns, advocate for adjustments, and understand what helps or harms their child across every setting.

155

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 31/05/2025

Neurodivergence Connect is built on one core belief: parents are experts in their child’s needs. Not part-time experts. Not emotional side-notes. Experts. Our research shows why their knowledge must be central in education. A short thread 🧵

197

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Scottish Teachers for Permanence @teachers4perm.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

This is what contempt for Scotland’s teachers looks like. A full Holyrood debate on the crisis in teaching — insecure contracts, staff shortages, burnout. The government benches? Empty. If this is leadership, every teacher has the right to ask: do they even care?

2103

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

6/ So that’s us We’re ND Connect Scotland If you’re a teacher, sign up If you’re a parent with insight to share, we want to hear from you And if you believe in this, follow and share 💜 #NeurodivergenceConnect #ASNScotland #InclusionMatters #TeacherCPD

032

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

5/ Why are we doing this? Because parents are experts Because teachers want to do better Because the system isn’t working well enough, and change starts with real conversations

141

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

4/ Our first event is in just 5 days Over 70 teachers have already signed up And it’s completely free 🗓 Tuesday 3rd June 🕢 7.30pm to 8.30pm 💻 Online 📥 Sign up: www.neurodivergenceconnect.com/simpl-e-sche...

neurodivergenceconnect.com

Book a slot | Neurodivergence Connect

131

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

3/ We’re running a brand new CPD event where teachers can ✅ Ask real questions ✅ Get practical, honest answers ✅ Hear what actually works, from parents who live it every day Just lived insight and support

122

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

2/ We bring together two worlds that don’t talk nearly enough 🏫 Educators 🏡 Parents of neurodivergent children When teachers hear directly from parents, something powerful happens 💥

142

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Neurodivergence Connect Scotland @ndconnectscot.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

🧵1/ Hey 👋 We’re Neurodivergence Connect Scotland We’re something a bit different. Not a service. Not a campaign group. Not just another training session We’re a conversation that’s been missing for too long 💬

375

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Scottish Teachers for Permanence @teachers4perm.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

🚨We FOI’d every Scottish council to find out how many teachers are on supply contracts. Here’s what we found: 2017: 6,052 2018: 6,563 2019: 6,648 2020: 7,137 2021: 8,800 2022: 10,583 2023: 11,027 2024: 11,145 That’s an 84% rise since 2017.

022

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Scottish Teachers for Permanence @teachers4perm.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

🚨Our 2025 Probationer Survey results🚨 • ❌ Only 3.6% secured a permanent or fixed-term post • 📢 Over 60% reported a lack of clear communication from councils • ❓ 73% felt unsupported by their local authority drive.google.com/file/d/1i94Z...

teachers4perm.com

Scottish Teachers For Permanence | teachers4perm

Scottish Teachers for Permanence is a grassroots group dedicated to advocating for job security and stability for over 4,000 teachers across Scotland. Our mission is to support and empower teachers in...

031

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Scottish Teachers for Permanence @teachers4perm.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

🚨We asked over 1,500 people across Scotland what they really think about teacher job insecurity🚨 The results? Unignorable.

133

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Scottish Teachers for Permanence @teachers4perm.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

We asked 1,500+ people across Scotland about unstable teaching contracts. The results: 🔍 96% aware 🙋‍♀️ 94% know affected teachers 🏫 89% say not enough permanent staff 🔁 84% see high turnover 📉 97% say pupils are impacted #STfP #EducationCrisis

023

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

empoweredscotland.bsky.social @empoweredscotland.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

Please share to reach as many as possible. We need more teachers. Permanent posts to promote consistency in the classroom and in our educators lives.

184

James Orr 🏳️‍🌈 @seamusj.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

As someone currently in this position, I wasn’t told I couldn’t stay at my school until the very day schools closed for Easter. It’s utterly heartbreaking—for me, and for the pupils I teach. We build strong, trusting relationships, only to be pulled away with no warning.

092

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Scottish Teachers for Permanence @teachers4perm.bsky.social · 01/02/2025

Yesterday, Jenny Gilruth said in parliament that supply was a choice for many teachers in Scotland. Today, we asked 787 supply teachers if this was true. 97% of them told us that they rather not be on supply.

162

James Orr 🏳️‍🌈 @seamusj.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

Hosting my first burns dinner tonight! I know this is probably a silly question and my mind has blanked, but do you make gravy for burns dinner?

481

James Orr 🏳️‍🌈 @seamusj.bsky.social · 20/01/2025

Is this the one app left that isn’t wild with racism and right wingers now?

2161

James Orr 🏳️‍🌈 @seamusj.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

I think I’m a bit too addicted to The Traitors… I’ve now watched every season of the UK, AU, USA, Canada and NZ versions and I’m up to date as the weeks go on 😂

061

Reposted by James Orr 🏳️‍🌈

Deb Chachra @debcha.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

Occasional reminder that there’s no, “it’s too late, its over” for anthropogenic climate change. Every molecule of CO2 that doesn’t go into the atmosphere makes a difference. Preventing 0.1 degree of warming makes a difference. Every bit of climate resilience we build together makes a difference.

4343607510385

James Orr 🏳️‍🌈 @seamusj.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

I’m back in the classroom tomorrow after not being able to get any work for 7 months 😅

5311