Nineteen years as a school governor has taught me one thing above all else: schools thrive when every child feels seen, valued and represented. For almost two decades, I have had the privilege of serving as a school governor. During that time, education has transformed. Our classrooms are richer, more diverse and more multicultural than […]
Our Schools Need Governors Who Reflect the Children They Serve Read More »
In every school, inclusion should be visible, felt, and lived – not hidden in a policy folder or only discussed during inspection season. The role of the inclusion link governor is not to “tick boxes,” but to challenge, support and ensure that every child, family, and member of staff feels seen, valued and able to
Inclusion Link Governors: Actions, Not Words Read More »
Black. Jewish. Unapologetic. Inspired by the growing fear, trauma and silence surrounding antisemitism in Britain today, and the question many Jewish families are now quietly asking: “Would they hide me?” Opening Poem — The Question We Should Never Have to Ask Would you hide me if they came?If hatred once again had name?If windows smashed
Would You Hide Me? Read More »
Across the UK, there has been a documented rise in antisemitic incidents alongside broader hate incidents affecting many protected groups. In law, the Equality Act 2010 is clear: religion or belief is a protected characteristic, and organisations have a legal duty to prevent discrimination, harassment and victimisation. But legal compliance alone is not enough. The
I was due to speak on the radio this afternoon to discuss Bridget Philllpson telling LBC that Primary schools should let boys experiment and wear dresses at school week about gender-neutral school uniform policies. I prepared for the discussion with Tom Swarbrick, but 30 minutes before I was due to go on, I received a
It Was Never About Dresses: It’s About Child Wellbeing and the Law Read More »
As England prepares for the forthcoming Schools White Paper and the next phase of SEND reform, the system stands at a critical crossroads. Rising EHCP demand, widening regional inequalities, workforce shortages and unsustainable local authority deficits are converging with growing expectations from families and regulators. This national conference on SEND provision provides an opportunity not
SEND in England: Crisis, Reform, and the Governor’s Call to Action Read More »
Reflections of a School Governor, Then and Now Rosie grew up going to school in Stretford, alongside her older sister Sophie. In her primary school, there were only two Black children. They were sisters. And they were noticed constantly. Not for their brilliance.Not for their potential.But for their difference. From the earliest years of schooling,
When Lived Experience Never Leaves the Room Read More »
This blog is designed for schools, colleges, and education settings across all sectors. It provides practical guidance for supporting learners with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), particularly where staff teams have limited cultural diversity. The focus is on inclusion without blame, evidence-informed practice, and reflective improvement. Why
Inclusive Practice for EAL + SEND Learners from Ethnically Diverse Backgrounds Read More »
Why I have put this pack together I have been a school governor and Chair of Governors for over seventeen years. During that time, I have governed in a wide range of contexts and communities. I have also experienced racism and exclusion within governance spaces, sometimes overt, often subtle, but consistently impactful. There have been
Anti-Racist Governance Read More »
For Governors, Leaders and School Communities This blog post is written for governors who want to understand and strengthen meaningful student voice and co‑production in their schools. Too often, student voice is reduced to surveys or councils involving the same confident students, taking place after decisions have already been made. This guide centres children and
EDI Student Voice and Co-Production Read More »
