So, as a new term / academic year hoves into view, here’s my musical, er, gift to you. Enjoy (or just endure). Seriously - all my best wishes for the year ahead. Sock it to ‘em:

Our @IPPR conversation about educational inclusion continues: this time the importance of young people feeling a sense of ‘belonging’ in their school. A parental perspective from @CarrieGrant1:.

More fake news ….

“Inclusion is not a favour; it is a responsibility”: powerful personal leadership testimony by former ⁦@ASCL_UK⁩ president, ⁦@Evelynforde1⁩ ⁦@tes⁩:

"This is the deficit model and what it does. It makes parents like me cry . ": an extraordinary personal account from @bennewmark on 'the dangers of [SEND] diagnosis': #TalkingInclusion

In our latest @IPPR ‘Talking Inclusion’ podcast, it was my privilege to talk to global expert Professor @MelAinscow about what we might learn from some other countries’ approaches to inclusive education:

The view from here: London is shimmering

Recap: a dose of optimism in our latest conversation about educational inclusion. Thank you to @katieghose ….

"Late August, given heavy rain and sun.For a full week, the blackberries would ripen . ":.annual reminder of Seamus Heaney's magnificent poem, 'Blackberry-Picking':.

‘How might the narrative around special educational needs & disabilities (SEND) move away from deficit & barriers towards joy, belonging & opportunity …?': our latest @IPPR 'Talking Inclusion' podcast with the inspiring @katieghose @KidsCharity:.

The view from our day out in Felixstowe today: heavy clouds threatened rain, but it never materialised. Predictably (and superb as ever) lunch was at Fish Dish. Meanwhile, Molly B looked on quizzically during our brief pause in the walk. Have a good weekend, all.

Handy for any staff in British schools & colleges looking to brush up their knowledge of young people's slang . (And, as an inveterate English teacher, useful too for teaching about language change). Thanks, @TeacherTapp

'Changing the story: The 5 essentials to get Labour back on track this autumn': a characteristically thoughtful, punchy, and pragmatic analysis by.@PeterHyman21 @SubstackInc:

Cheeky. But as one era ends, a new one begins! Yes, my DJGeoffyB megamixes are now out there - online - educating the world’s (and perhaps wildlife’s) musical taste … No escape, Mr F 😉🕺!

My latest conversation on how to make our education system work for all young people, whatever their background & whatever additional support they may need. This episode brings the perspective of @nic_crossley1, CEO of a group of specialist schools:

Tesla proposes $1 trillion pay package for Elon Musk. If all tranches hit — $TSLA would be valued at $8.5 trillion. Our traders now forecast:.• 82% chance of robotaxi public release in 2025.• 44% chance Optimus is on sale by 2026

The view from here: a lovely, relaxing bank holiday lunch in the garden with our great friends Richard & Mary Fawcett. (Richard was head at Thurston Upper School when I was deputy, and then became president of @ASCL_UK)

Update from the #BartonBookshelf: .Regulars will know I read a lot. Well, just now, I’ve finished one of the most remarkable books I’ve ever read, @RoseUnwin’s thought-provoking, elegant and life-enhancing ‘Beautiful Lives’, rooted in his love for his son Joey. Beautiful indeed.

Governor, trustee . or potential governor or trustee . this from @roy_blatchford is informative, relevant, and entertaining: .

Today in two pictures: .hot chilli; hot dog. Carry on.

Amid the podcast banter, ⁦@greenmiranda⁩ reflects on what she would do in education policy if she were Prime Minister: chiefly, finally getting rid of the snobbery between vocational, technical and ‘academic’ pathways. Spot-on. #TomlinsonRevisited