The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

Time management

Sara Alston

Don't use your TA friendships for the wrong things

Do you depend on personal friendships with TAs to get things done? Sara Alston discusses how to utilise working relationships with TAs effectively. In any school, there are close friendships between some teachers and the teaching assistants (TAs) they work with. The realities of school mean that...
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Gareth D Morewood

A new school year, a fresh approach to SEND?

Opportunities to improve practice and share ideas can benefit new and experienced SENCOs alike. Gareth D Morewood shares some simple advice to kick-start the new term. The beginning of a new academic year is a great time to consider how we can all become the strategic SENCOs we aspire to be. This...
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Joanne Miles

The challenges of sustaining joined-up CPD

When coordinating a whole-school development cycle for all staff to get behind, there are several common pitfalls to be aware of. This year I have written online materials and organised workshops for Optimus on the thorny issue of joining up continuing professional development (CPD) cycles with...
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Alex Masters

Tick-tock! Time is not on your side

Sadly, The Rolling Stones song ‘Time is on my side’ rarely applies in day-to-day life. Get time on your side using these strategies to help you prioritise, delegate and learn to say 'No'! ‘I just need more time!’ has to be the most common refrain from people I meet in the education sector. And who...
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Evie Prysor-Jones

Streamline your SEND paperwork

Paperwork piling up? Our training day with Anita Devi will see SENCOs’ desks decluttered and their minds back on loving their job. When you’re not sure what to do, you make a list. If it’s a bit more complex than that you might make a spreadsheet, or, if not complex at all sometimes a Post-it will...
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