Reposted by Simon KidwellNAHT @naht.org.uk · 05/11/2025NAHT past president, Simon Kidwell, spoke to BBC Breakfast this morning about the strengths and weaknesses of the recommendations in the new curriculum and assessment review 👇 022
Reposted by Simon KidwellSimon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 12/09/2025I spoke on BBC Breakfast about school readiness and the importance of education settings and parents working in partnership to access key services and support. 061
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 12/09/2025I spoke on BBC Breakfast about school readiness and the importance of education settings and parents working in partnership to access key services and support. 061
Reposted by Simon KidwellNAHT @naht.org.uk · 16/07/2025Former NAHT president, Simon Kidwell, spoke to ITV News about the impact testing can have on children's well-being. Other assessment methods can sometimes be more appropriate and the government's curriculum & assessment review should look carefully at this. 062
Reposted by Simon KidwellAndy Jolley @andyjolley.bsky.social · 13/07/2025Great from Simon Not only is it wrong that schools have to subsidise catering from teaching budgets But the quality of food being offered is unquestionably getting worse No one can justifiably claim school food is nutritious Which undermines any notion it brings health or attainment benefits 041
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 13/07/2025This week I spoke to BBC Breakfast about the important of providing schools with adequate funding for school meals. 073
Reposted by Simon KidwellSimon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 10/07/2025NAHT Ballot After three brilliant years serving as part of the NAHT Presidential Team, my Executive term of office comes to an end this August. If you’re a member in the North West, please consider voting for me in the latest round of postal elections for our National Executive. 063
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 10/07/2025NAHT Ballot After three brilliant years serving as part of the NAHT Presidential Team, my Executive term of office comes to an end this August. If you’re a member in the North West, please consider voting for me in the latest round of postal elections for our National Executive. 063
Reposted by Simon KidwellNAHT @naht.org.uk · 09/07/2025NAHT past president Simon Kidwell appeared on BBC Breakfast this morning to talk about the challenges faced by schools in deficit over school meal funding and the risk that nutritional standards could fall as a result. 098
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 06/07/2025We’ve hit 66 miles on our #Hartford100mile ride with 16 amazing Hartford Manor parents! 🚴♂️🚴♀️ We’re at 95% of our fundraising goal — help us reach 100%! 🙌 using the link below: 150
Reposted by Simon KidwellAndy Jolley @andyjolley.bsky.social · 04/06/2025Fantastic news on Labour extending FSM eligibility to everyone claiming Universal Credit @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social making a bold and positive move that will unquestionably help address child poverty This is long overdue and credit must go to DfE But… there are still some details that need work 2139
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 03/06/2025Three years ago today… the country was celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 🇬🇧 I celebrated with a wild camping trip to the Lake District. Just me, this view, and total silence. 170
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 02/06/2025Great news! Andrew is an innovative thinker and an authentic leader. His deep experience working directly with his school community will make him a powerful voice at the heart of education policy. schoolsweek.co.uk/headteacher-...schoolsweek.co.ukMaintained school head lands new DfE adviser roleAndrew O'Neill will deliver 'frontline expertise directly into the heart of policy-making', government says 042
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 01/06/2025The RNLI 100 km route with the Three Bromptoneers. 140
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 01/06/2025It’s the #ThreeShires RNLI Sportive today. I’m hoping to finish the 100km route on my @bromptonbicycle.bsky.social 2181
Reposted by Simon KidwellAndrew O’Neill @andrewoneill.bsky.social · 28/05/2025This a fantastic piece from @samgibbs.bsky.social. It’s so important to look at the brilliant expertise from within rather than assuming that paying someone on the outside to deliver an off-the-shelf approach is going to be your silver-bullet. It isn’t. 373
Reposted by Simon KidwellNAHT @naht.org.uk · 27/05/2025Talk of a reshuffle may have the education secretary’s detractors excited, but it would be bad news for a sector in desperate need of stable leadership. bit.ly/4mya5Tnbit.lyTalk of a reshuffle should have the sector worriedEven the education secretary's detractors wouldn't benefit from another change at the top 042
Reposted by Simon KidwellSimon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 25/05/2025In my @schoolsweek.bsky.social OpEd piece, I argue why Labour must back Bridget Phillipson — and why stable leadership is key to real change in schools. schoolsweek.co.uk/continuity-a...schoolsweek.co.ukTalk of a reshuffle should have the sector worriedEven the education secretary's detractors wouldn't benefit from another change at the top 084
Reposted by Simon KidwellYorkshire Bylines @yorkshirebylines.co.uk · 25/05/2025As the calls to reinstate Sure Start grow louder, @ruthswailes.bsky.social outlines the lasting effects it had for those who used its services in the 2000s; 'reducing services means reducing friendships.'yorkshirebylines.co.ukA very personal blog: getting by with a little help from our friendsWhen Ruth’s husband was diagnosed with cancer, friends she’d made via Sure Start rallied round. But what about today’s young families? 37930
Reposted by Simon KidwellSam Gibbs @samgibbs.bsky.social · 25/05/2025Agree entirely with this piece- we need stability, not a conveyor belt of ministers. ‘More than ever, what education needs is long-term strategy shaped by those on the front line. Only through sustained, stable leadership can we secure meaningful and lasting improvement in our education system.’ 074
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 25/05/2025In my @schoolsweek.bsky.social OpEd piece, I argue why Labour must back Bridget Phillipson — and why stable leadership is key to real change in schools. schoolsweek.co.uk/continuity-a...schoolsweek.co.ukTalk of a reshuffle should have the sector worriedEven the education secretary's detractors wouldn't benefit from another change at the top 084
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 11/05/2025What’s weekend! The Traws Eryri is one the toughest physical challenges I’ve experienced. 128miles, 14000ft of climbing and some of the most testing gravel trails in the UK. 180
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 09/05/2025Heading over to Snowdonia for my next cycling adventure tonight. The Traws Eryri - 2 days, 200km and over 4000m of climbing. youtu.be/OayV3zZZiwI?...youtu.beCan Si Survive A 200km Mountain Adventure? | Gravel Bike VS Traws Eryri RouteYouTube video by Global Cycling Network 180
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 05/05/2025Back from a fantastic @naht.org.uk National Conference where I met so many inspiring School Leaders doing amazing work in our schools. A personal highlight was introducing one of my cycling heroes, and National Active Travel Commissioner, @chrisboardman.bsky.social 030
Reposted by Simon KidwellSimon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 26/04/2025Multiple, simultaneous challenges are testing the government’s ability to lead & improve lives. Ultimately, the success of any gov. should be judged by how it improves the lives of young people. This week, I spoke to @johnharris1969.bsky.social about child poverty & its impact on schools. 031
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 26/04/2025Multiple, simultaneous challenges are testing the government’s ability to lead & improve lives. Ultimately, the success of any gov. should be judged by how it improves the lives of young people. This week, I spoke to @johnharris1969.bsky.social about child poverty & its impact on schools. 031
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 25/04/2025Sandbach’s #THREESHIRES cycle sportive is back raising valuable funds for the RNLI. I’ll be riding the 100km route on my @bromptonbicycle.bsky.social Come and join us. rnli.org/find-my-near... 000
Reposted by Simon KidwellAndy Jolley @andyjolley.bsky.social · 24/04/2025Well worth a listen @johnharris1969.bsky.social talking breakfast clubs with @simonkidwell.bsky.social & @pippacrerar.bsky.social I fear Ministers (& pippa) who think breakfast clubs will address child poverty in any meaningful way, are going to be massively disappointed It's wishful thinking 122
Reposted by Simon KidwellSimon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 24/04/2025 Yesterday, I spoke @johnharris1969.bsky.social for the Guardian political podcast, exploring the harsh realities of child poverty—and how it’s hitting our schools and shaping children’s futures. www.theguardian.com/politics/aud...theguardian.comWill rising child poverty be Labour’s legacy? – Politics Weekly UKThe government began to roll out its free breakfast club scheme this week as part of plans to help struggling families. But with predictions that child poverty could increase by the end of this parlia... 1116
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 24/04/2025My first live gig of 2025. John Bramwell and Turin Brakes with @dwearing1972.bsky.social 070
Reposted by Simon KidwellNAHT @naht.org.uk · 24/04/2025NAHT immediate past president, Simon Kidwell, appeared on the Guardian podcast to discuss child poverty and school breakfast clubs. Listen here: bit.ly/4lIPgnBbit.lyWill rising child poverty be Labour’s legacy? – Politics Weekly UKThe government began to roll out its free breakfast club scheme this week as part of plans to help struggling families. But with predictions that child poverty could increase by the end of this parlia... 052
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 24/04/2025 Yesterday, I spoke @johnharris1969.bsky.social for the Guardian political podcast, exploring the harsh realities of child poverty—and how it’s hitting our schools and shaping children’s futures. www.theguardian.com/politics/aud...theguardian.comWill rising child poverty be Labour’s legacy? – Politics Weekly UKThe government began to roll out its free breakfast club scheme this week as part of plans to help struggling families. But with predictions that child poverty could increase by the end of this parlia... 1116
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 22/04/2025It’s the last day of a fabulous Easter holiday. I’m catching the early train to Hereford and will be cycling the 100 miles back to Sandbach. 051
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 21/04/2025One of the great things about being part of a school community for so long is bumping into ex-pupils. Today, I met a former Hartford Manor student who’s just become a teacher—fresh out of Newcastle University, where I studied back in the early 90s. #ProudtoTeach 030
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 18/04/2025 One of Englands’s great open spaces. #MorecambeBay 180
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 11/04/2025It’s the final day of my bike packing tour of East Anglia. Yesterday’s highlights included Southwold, Sutton Hoo and a welcome return of the spring sun. 0310
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 10/04/2025Bike packing tour of East Anglia Day 4. Lowestoft to Felixstowe. 1170
Reposted by Simon KidwellSimon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 08/04/2025Day 2 90 miles of Norfolk gravel—Kings Lynn to Sheringham via Sandringham, Holkham Hall & Walsingham. Off shore winds made it a tough day, but another incredible day in the saddle. 0121
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 08/04/2025Day 2 90 miles of Norfolk gravel—Kings Lynn to Sheringham via Sandringham, Holkham Hall & Walsingham. Off shore winds made it a tough day, but another incredible day in the saddle. 0121
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 08/04/2025 Some days on the bike, everything clicks. 85 miles of gravel from Bury St Edmunds to King’s Lynn—flinty trails, bridleways, forgotten lanes. 1312
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 05/04/2025All set for my Easter bikepacking tour of East Anglia — 387 miles of gravel tracks, bridleways, and peaceful country lanes ahead. 7491
Reposted by Simon KidwellRae Snape (she/her) FFCCT, NPQEL, Honorary Fellow Suffolk Uni 💛 @raesnape.bsky.social · 07/03/2025It was such a fabulous evening @simonkidwell.bsky.social @drmattbutler.bsky.social So many important stories to share. 🕯️ 032
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 07/03/2025During the pandemic our Coronacast Network provided a safe safe space for educators to discuss the challenges they faced. Last night I met up with my brilliant friends and colleagues, @raesnape.bsky.social & @drmattbutler.bsky.social, who helped to make the network such a success. 1131
Reposted by Simon KidwellTagtiv8 @tagtiv8.bsky.social · 25/02/2025Back in 'work' mode with many #schools back from their February HT #holiday. Do you know of any #edusky #schoolleaders or #teachers who are looking to combine movement with learning? @simonkidwell.bsky.social @simon-gregg.bsky.social @smithsmm.bsky.social @raesnape.bsky.social 👉 tagtiv8.com 👀 042
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 23/02/2025750 schools have been chosen to trial the free breakfast club intiative. I spoke to BBC Breakfast about the benefits and challenges. youtu.be/mOQr16KC7g4?...youtu.beFree Breakfast ClubsYouTube video by Simon Kidwell 1102
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 22/02/2025Saturday morning cycling adventure. Hereford - Sandbach. 070
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 19/02/2025Catching up with #UAETour on a wet and windy morning in Wales. Great to get a shoutout from the commentary team. 020
Reposted by Simon KidwellSimon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 08/02/2025My interview with BBC Breakfast about Ofsted’s proposed report card. youtu.be/01xYMLyxByY?...youtu.beBBC Breakfast Ofsted 07/02/25YouTube video by Simon Kidwell 1123
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 08/02/2025My interview with BBC Breakfast about Ofsted’s proposed report card. youtu.be/01xYMLyxByY?...youtu.beBBC Breakfast Ofsted 07/02/25YouTube video by Simon Kidwell 1123
Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 08/02/2025For years, I’ve been inspired by @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social stunning photographs of Suffolk’s big skies and @davidbedford1986.bsky.social tales about the wildlife of Norfolk. Later this year, I’m finally setting out to experience them firsthand—with a cycling tour of East Anglia. 3191