The evil offspring of APP
Refreshing…sigh of relief…I agree!
It’s not often I quote the words of education ministers with anything other than disdain, but just occasionally they talk sense. Back in April, Liz Truss explained the ‘freedoms’ being given to schools to lead on assessment between key stages, and commented on the previous system of APP. She described it as an “enormous, cumbersome process” that led to teachers working excessive hours; a system that was “almost beyond satire, […] requiring hours of literal box-ticking“.
Not everybody agreed with the scrapping of levels, but the recent massive response to the Workload Challenge has shown that if there is one thing that teachers are in agreement about, it is the excessive workload in the profession. Now at least we had a chance to get rid of one of those onerous demands on our time.
And yet…
Just this evening I came across two tracking systems that have been produced by…
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Primary teachers: a call to arms
The draft performance descriptors have been published a couple of weeks now, and the consultation is still open for 5 more weeks, but I’m concerned by how few responses there seem to have been.
There is a significant overhaul proposed of the current teacher assessment, that will affect every primary school up and down the country, not to mention millions of students. My personal view is that the performance descriptors are a disaster. But three weeks into the consultation, when I submitted my consultation response I got an email with identifier number 83. Surely more than 83 teachers, schools and organisations across the country must have a view on at least one of the five Yes/No questions asked?
So I urge you to take a look at the consultation document, and then respond to the consultation. There are only 5 main questions, and you don’t even need to answer them…
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Feeling Inspired…
I was recently inspired. A presenter at a training course on Friday delivered his message with enthusiasm and humour and hooked us all in. It prompted a thought however, I could not remember the last time working in education had inspired me. Now, don’t get me wrong at this point – I love, LOVE my job! I can’t imagine not doing it or ever stopping working with children. Building them a better future is incredible!
I think that I have allowed myself of late to become swallowed up with that data driven, target driven, work for works sake ethos that can overtake a struggling school. Well, no more! This post today serves more of a reminder of what should ALWAYS be number one on the priority list and also as a book review. If this book 
(from the trainer and already on its way from Amazon!) does no more than to inspire me, it has already paid for itself. I doubt that it will stop there though. I have faith that this book will serve to enhance practice in our setting and even go some way to change our stars. Oh for that fabled day when I get to see a happy and inspired staff again…
If you have children or are an educator I urge you to look him up…@Hywel_Roberts
Be Well 🙂
Love, to a child, is spelt T-I-M-E
A warm continuous relationship is the most important building block to emotional security. Responding quickly and in a caring manner to the needs of a child makes them think ‘the world is a nice place, someone is there for me.’
You can encourage emotional security by giving hugs and cuddles, singing together, sharing stories, playing games and showing your interest in the child. Valuing and liking them for who they are.
Make special time each week to catch up with how they feel, what they have done or even asking them if anything is bothering them.
Time spent giving positive attention such as listening, chatting, having fun and noticing them will give them the healthiest gift of all, great self esteem!
Be well 🙂
What children really need…
What children really need…
Affection.
Child speak – I need you to show me your love through hugs, cuddles, sitting on your knee and you telling me that you love me.
Affection is a state of mind associated with a feeling or type of love. It can be the warmth that we show those we care about and the break through of physical and emotional barriers. A child who is massaged, tickled, swung safely into the air by his parents safe hands to be caught in their arms is likely to be securely attached and more emotionally healthy.
To show affection in the form of a hug is also a healing therapy. The nurturing touch of a hug builds trust and a sense of safety. So, hug the ones you love today folks and start this week off with some affection!
Be well 🙂
What children really need…
Appreciation. Child speak – I need you to praise me, not just for what I do but also for who I am.
Let’s tell them that we appreciate them. You love their friendliness, helpfulness, humour and enthusiasm.
Appreciation is, in part, the recognition of the quality or the value or the significance of something.
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Have a great weekend folks!
Be well 🙂
What children really need…
Acceptance…
Child Speak – I need for you adult, to enter into my world and show interest in me. Stop what you are doing. Be with me.
Acceptance in human psychology is a person’s assent to the reality of a situation, recognizing a process or condition without attempting to change it, protest or exit. The concept is close in meaning to ‘acquiescence’, derived from the Latin ‘acquiēscere’ (to find rest in).
Success…
Why do we Brits find it so difficult to feel proud of our achievements? We belittle them ourselves in order to appease the odd audiences that may surround us. I am guilty of this and almost felt like it would be arrogant to hold my head high and celebrate my new job success. Well no more. We should feel proud and congratulate ourselves on a job well done. Be glad we can push for more, or even make it through the day!! Surround yourself with the positive and shed the negative attitudes in your life and your social network.
Congratulations folks, it’s Friday. We made it. We’re still standing. Feel proud of that and have an amazing weekend.
Be well 🙂
skennedy205 