Ellie Fahy
@elliefahy.bsky.social
Lead Teacher in SEMH AP | Trauma-informed | Nurture-based | SMHL | Always learning
Reposted by Ellie Fahy
🚨 GCSE resits aren’t the problem. Not holding GCSEs is.
There’s a lot of concern in the news about GCSE resits today. What’s missing is concern for the young people who don’t secure passes in English and maths, and what that means for their futures.
Here’s the reality 🧵
There’s a lot of concern in the news about GCSE resits today. What’s missing is concern for the young people who don’t secure passes in English and maths, and what that means for their futures.
Here’s the reality 🧵
Yesterday, BBC Midlands Today joined us at South & City College Birmingham to speak to some students from our tuition programme about their GCSE results. Here are some highlights from the day, and insights into why programmes like this are so important, particularly in the West Midlands 👇
August 22, 2025 at 10:02 AM
🚨 GCSE resits aren’t the problem. Not holding GCSEs is.
There’s a lot of concern in the news about GCSE resits today. What’s missing is concern for the young people who don’t secure passes in English and maths, and what that means for their futures.
Here’s the reality 🧵
There’s a lot of concern in the news about GCSE resits today. What’s missing is concern for the young people who don’t secure passes in English and maths, and what that means for their futures.
Here’s the reality 🧵
So many of our students love jigsaw puzzles but we need to keep building our library, so thanks to Ms Moore for thinking of us! 🧩🧩 #thisisAP
July 7, 2025 at 6:58 PM
So many of our students love jigsaw puzzles but we need to keep building our library, so thanks to Ms Moore for thinking of us! 🧩🧩 #thisisAP
Reposted by Ellie Fahy
‘Grit’ is often held up as the kind of resilience schools should be building – but the message to push on through, no matter what, can be damaging for some pupils, warns senior leader Charlotte MacDougall
Do students really need more ‘grit’?
In the push to make pupils more ‘resilient’ there can be unintended consequences, particularly for neurodivergent children, writes Charlotte MacDougall
www.tes.com
June 13, 2025 at 11:35 AM
‘Grit’ is often held up as the kind of resilience schools should be building – but the message to push on through, no matter what, can be damaging for some pupils, warns senior leader Charlotte MacDougall
Reposted by Ellie Fahy
Changing behaviour is just difficult to do and the idea that a system alone can do the work, rather than it being a tricky mix of systems, relationships, support and flexibility, has imo done damage to the way we think about behaviour. It has to be about more than compliance if we want change. 3/3
June 5, 2025 at 5:25 AM
Changing behaviour is just difficult to do and the idea that a system alone can do the work, rather than it being a tricky mix of systems, relationships, support and flexibility, has imo done damage to the way we think about behaviour. It has to be about more than compliance if we want change. 3/3
Reposted by Ellie Fahy
'With a single swipe, the complex needs of an entire school community were disregarded — replaced by the illusion of headline savings on a morbid spreadsheet.'
A must-read piece from a headteacher on the heartbreaking reality of school budget cuts 👇
schoolsweek.co.uk/labours-fund...
A must-read piece from a headteacher on the heartbreaking reality of school budget cuts 👇
schoolsweek.co.uk/labours-fund...
What Labour's pay decision really means for schools
The funding shortfall will mean vital support is lost - but policymakers either don't understand or don't care
schoolsweek.co.uk
May 6, 2025 at 10:50 AM
'With a single swipe, the complex needs of an entire school community were disregarded — replaced by the illusion of headline savings on a morbid spreadsheet.'
A must-read piece from a headteacher on the heartbreaking reality of school budget cuts 👇
schoolsweek.co.uk/labours-fund...
A must-read piece from a headteacher on the heartbreaking reality of school budget cuts 👇
schoolsweek.co.uk/labours-fund...
Reposted by Ellie Fahy
I’ve responded to OFSTED’s inspection framework consultation on behalf of PRUsAP. AP deserves a framework that values context, complexity, & relational work, not just outcomes. We’ve offered a constructive response that reflects the strength & diversity of our sector.
#thisisAP
#thisisAP
April 29, 2025 at 12:45 PM
I’ve responded to OFSTED’s inspection framework consultation on behalf of PRUsAP. AP deserves a framework that values context, complexity, & relational work, not just outcomes. We’ve offered a constructive response that reflects the strength & diversity of our sector.
#thisisAP
#thisisAP
Reposted by Ellie Fahy
Our amazing AP is growing and looking for additional staff - come and join us.
April 10, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Our amazing AP is growing and looking for additional staff - come and join us.
Reposted by Ellie Fahy
The Cultural Learning Alliance's 2025 Report Card is out. It notes "a long-term dismantling of the infrastructure that
supports young people to benefit from
Arts and culture – with the most marginalised
bearing the brunt of a decline": www.culturallearningalliance.org.uk/wp-content/u...
supports young people to benefit from
Arts and culture – with the most marginalised
bearing the brunt of a decline": www.culturallearningalliance.org.uk/wp-content/u...
April 4, 2025 at 9:26 AM
The Cultural Learning Alliance's 2025 Report Card is out. It notes "a long-term dismantling of the infrastructure that
supports young people to benefit from
Arts and culture – with the most marginalised
bearing the brunt of a decline": www.culturallearningalliance.org.uk/wp-content/u...
supports young people to benefit from
Arts and culture – with the most marginalised
bearing the brunt of a decline": www.culturallearningalliance.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Ellie Fahy
Whose line is it anyway?! Teachers'/leaders' perspectives on non-linear career progression.... www.researchtoclassroom.com/post/whose-l...
Whose line is it anyway?; Non-linear careers in education
Why we should be more open to non-linear career progression in education
www.researchtoclassroom.com
March 26, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Whose line is it anyway?! Teachers'/leaders' perspectives on non-linear career progression.... www.researchtoclassroom.com/post/whose-l...
Reposted by Ellie Fahy
My latest blog around why primary CPD needs experienced primary voices.
thinkingflexibly.com/2025/03/24/w...
thinkingflexibly.com/2025/03/24/w...
Why primary CPD needs primary expertise – avoiding “Secondary Lite”
Primary and avoiding “Secondary Lite” CPD. I led a session last week where the schools in attendance were focusing on primary pedagogy and the need for specific approaches across the developmental …
thinkingflexibly.com
March 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM
My latest blog around why primary CPD needs experienced primary voices.
thinkingflexibly.com/2025/03/24/w...
thinkingflexibly.com/2025/03/24/w...
This is an important thread...
In light of @edupolicyinst.bsky.social report on unauthorised absence today, I wanted to share some reflections from my perspective as former head, school governor, and from working alongside school leaders. The data tells a clear story, but as the report suggests the solution isn't straightforward
March 18, 2025 at 10:29 AM
This is an important thread...
Reposted by Ellie Fahy
Exclusive: School leaders are turning away SEND pupils and the practice ‘needs calling out’, the ASCL union head has said
Bosses must adopt ‘ethical’ approaches and become ‘models for the next generation’
buff.ly/rF3YG5U
Bosses must adopt ‘ethical’ approaches and become ‘models for the next generation’
buff.ly/rF3YG5U
ASCL head: Leaders turning away SEND kids need 'calling out'
School leaders are turning away SEND pupils and the practice 'needs calling out', the ASCL union head has said, calling for more 'ethical' approaches
buff.ly
March 14, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Exclusive: School leaders are turning away SEND pupils and the practice ‘needs calling out’, the ASCL union head has said
Bosses must adopt ‘ethical’ approaches and become ‘models for the next generation’
buff.ly/rF3YG5U
Bosses must adopt ‘ethical’ approaches and become ‘models for the next generation’
buff.ly/rF3YG5U
A lovely afternoon of escapism @southbankcentre.bsky.social listening to the wonderful @philharmonialondon.bsky.social has set me up nicely for the week.
February 2, 2025 at 8:30 PM
A lovely afternoon of escapism @southbankcentre.bsky.social listening to the wonderful @philharmonialondon.bsky.social has set me up nicely for the week.
Reposted by Ellie Fahy
SEND is not a diagnosis and I am not sure why we are conflating diagnosis with Special Educational Needs. You may have a diagnosis of x/y/z and not have SEND, and vice versa. Or you might have a diagnosis and SEND.
January 28, 2025 at 10:42 AM
SEND is not a diagnosis and I am not sure why we are conflating diagnosis with Special Educational Needs. You may have a diagnosis of x/y/z and not have SEND, and vice versa. Or you might have a diagnosis and SEND.
Reposted by Ellie Fahy
Sometimes, all it takes is the right environment and the right support to spark a transformation.
At Blue Squid, we’ve seen young people go from avoiding school entirely to feeling excited about their future. 💙
Could we help your child too?
#thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
At Blue Squid, we’ve seen young people go from avoiding school entirely to feeling excited about their future. 💙
Could we help your child too?
#thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
January 22, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Sometimes, all it takes is the right environment and the right support to spark a transformation.
At Blue Squid, we’ve seen young people go from avoiding school entirely to feeling excited about their future. 💙
Could we help your child too?
#thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
At Blue Squid, we’ve seen young people go from avoiding school entirely to feeling excited about their future. 💙
Could we help your child too?
#thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters
A busy week - getting back into routines, welcoming new students, Pupil Pathway Reviews, and yet another 1000+ jigsaw completed. Truly the best job in the world #thisisAP
January 17, 2025 at 7:20 PM
A busy week - getting back into routines, welcoming new students, Pupil Pathway Reviews, and yet another 1000+ jigsaw completed. Truly the best job in the world #thisisAP
Reposted by Ellie Fahy
Last week I wrote about the amazing buzz of working in alternative provision; this week we are seeking an additional learning coach to join the team. Apply here: www.wmjobs.co.uk/job/220205/l...
January 17, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Last week I wrote about the amazing buzz of working in alternative provision; this week we are seeking an additional learning coach to join the team. Apply here: www.wmjobs.co.uk/job/220205/l...
Always find it refreshing to spend time working with colleagues from a variety of services across the LA as we move towards a common approach to support young people and their families who are navigating EBSA and school-based trauma #thisisAP
January 15, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Always find it refreshing to spend time working with colleagues from a variety of services across the LA as we move towards a common approach to support young people and their families who are navigating EBSA and school-based trauma #thisisAP
The first week back after a holiday is often tricky, but our wonderful young people have risen to the challenge. We have seen some significant personal achievements while also welcoming some new students who have already made their mark. Looking forward to the rest of the term! #thisisAP
January 10, 2025 at 9:15 PM
The first week back after a holiday is often tricky, but our wonderful young people have risen to the challenge. We have seen some significant personal achievements while also welcoming some new students who have already made their mark. Looking forward to the rest of the term! #thisisAP
Reposted by Ellie Fahy
Thoughtful piece from our co-chair @keziah70.bsky.social in @schoolsweek.bsky.social on the value of time spent in #AP “in mainstream education, there’s a lot to learn from AP about how to adapt”. Building on a sector wide perspective and collaborative approaches to young people’s needs.
January 10, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Thoughtful piece from our co-chair @keziah70.bsky.social in @schoolsweek.bsky.social on the value of time spent in #AP “in mainstream education, there’s a lot to learn from AP about how to adapt”. Building on a sector wide perspective and collaborative approaches to young people’s needs.
Reposted by Ellie Fahy
A gentle reminder that many colleagues and pupils may not have had a lovely Christmas.
It might have been awful.
They may be very happy to be back where it feels safe, or where there's routine, or where there's company.
They may be dreading the question 'what did you do then' or 'what did you get?'.
It might have been awful.
They may be very happy to be back where it feels safe, or where there's routine, or where there's company.
They may be dreading the question 'what did you do then' or 'what did you get?'.
January 5, 2025 at 7:24 PM
A gentle reminder that many colleagues and pupils may not have had a lovely Christmas.
It might have been awful.
They may be very happy to be back where it feels safe, or where there's routine, or where there's company.
They may be dreading the question 'what did you do then' or 'what did you get?'.
It might have been awful.
They may be very happy to be back where it feels safe, or where there's routine, or where there's company.
They may be dreading the question 'what did you do then' or 'what did you get?'.
So much fun working as a team to solve this year’s GCHQ Christmas Challenge. Great to see different strengths and skills being appreciated and celebrated by all our young people. A fantastic day! #thisisAP
December 12, 2024 at 6:32 PM
So much fun working as a team to solve this year’s GCHQ Christmas Challenge. Great to see different strengths and skills being appreciated and celebrated by all our young people. A fantastic day! #thisisAP
A productive week - core learning, support from Y12 volunteers, seasonal craft activities, Pupil Pathway reviews and visits from prospective students. This morning, LinkedIn suggested I might like to be a speech writer in the Ministry of Justice. Nope, I'm happy where I am! #thisisAP
December 6, 2024 at 5:28 PM
A productive week - core learning, support from Y12 volunteers, seasonal craft activities, Pupil Pathway reviews and visits from prospective students. This morning, LinkedIn suggested I might like to be a speech writer in the Ministry of Justice. Nope, I'm happy where I am! #thisisAP