Sally Michaels

What a great thread. I remember someone once asking me when I came out. “Every time I meet someone new,” was my answer.

I’m still in the habit of not looking at someone when I first mention my wife, to give them a moment for their face to react if they need it, and never knowing how they’ll be.

It’s so important for young people just working out who they are to know that they are safe in the world 🤩

Sue sits on the seats at the back of a boat going down the river. Next to her, a white dog sits in a dog bed. Sue is stroking the dog’s head.

Sundays are for us ❤️

Co-Regulation: Staying Calm to Help Them Stay Calm Why reasoning doesn't work when a young person is dysregulated - and what to do instead. For teachers and parents supporting anxious pupils.

New blog:
Co-Regulation – Staying Calm to Help Them Stay Calm

Why logic doesn’t work with dysregulated kids, and what does. For school staff & parents.

Read it here: bluesquidlearning.com/co-regulatio...

#coRegulation #SchoolAnxiety #YoungPeopleMatter #MentalHealthMatters #thisisAP

Sally driving a 24 foot river cruiser boat. It’s mostly white, with blue accents. She’s driving it on the river and in the background are reeds and trees. Sally stands at the wheel, and her curly, white dog sits behind her in an orange life jacket.

Some families cycle; some families hike. We love the river. We’ve lived (literally) on the Great Ouse for almost six years in our floating home and this summer we get to go further afield in this beauty 🛥️ ❤️

If your business is on Google Maps, you can also mark it as LGBTQ+ friendly on there 👍 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️

Be curious, not judgmental. Every family finding it difficult to get their child to school on time will have a different morning. Work with them to find where the struggles lie and support them to start to overcome these 👍

It’s neither easy, nor quick. But it’s the most effective way.

View from behind Sally as she drives a river cruiser down a river. Beside her sits her dog, in her lifejacket.

This holiday, we bought a new boat and have been out on the river almost every day. What a great way to get several days of meaningful rest 🛥️

I’ve read this with every class I e worked with: from Reception to Year 6, in mainstream and in AP, and they’ve always LOVED it. It’s my go-to book to read to kids who think they don’t like books 🤩

Ordered 👍

The Blue Squid logo on a jumper. Above it is a badge in the shape of a heart and in the colours of the LGBTQ+ flags, with the text: You can be yourself with me.

I wasn’t going to say anything. Who am I to voice an opinion?

But then I realised that if I don’t, I’m part of the problem.

Yesterday’s ruling - and the disgusting celebration of other people’s oppression - was morally wrong and a worrying indication of the way we’re going.

Where’s the humanity?

Sally and her wife, Sue on the River Great Ouse. Sue is wearing a life jacket and a blue baseball cap. Sally is wearing a pink fleece. They’re both wearing sunglasses. In the background is the river and a field with some trees.

The holidays are for finding the joy in the everyday ❤️ 🛥️

All of this! ❤️

I love those suggestions!

Two boys stand on a pile of hay bales. It's cold and they're wearing coats, enjoying the fresh air.

School doesn’t have to be desks, bells, and stress. What if learning looked different?

For young people struggling with school anxiety, the ‘traditional’ way isn’t always their way. And that’s okay. 💙

There’s more than one way to thrive. #Education #SchoolAnxiety #AlternativeProvision #thisisAP

The Importance of Predictability and Routine Predictability reduces anxiety and builds trust in school. Discover how routine creates a safe, supportive environment for young people with EBSNA.

For young people with EBSNA, unpredictability can fuel anxiety. A predictable school day builds trust, reduces stress, and supports engagement.

Read our latest blog to discover how routine - without rigidity - can help.

#EBSNA #EBSA #SchoolAnxiety #thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters

Changing the Narrative About Alternative Education Alternative education isn’t a last resort—it’s a proactive, future-focused choice. Read how non-traditional schools help young people thrive.

Alternative education isn’t a last resort - it’s a proactive, future-focused choice.

At Blue Squid, we see young people with EBSNA thrive in the right environment.

Read our latest blog challenging misconceptions about non-traditional schools. 👇

#thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters

Two dandelions stand in a patch of grass. In the background, a blue sky.

School doesn’t have to feel like a roller-coaster ride! 🎢

At Blue Squid, we focus on calm vibes, fresh air, and steady progress. 🌿

Think of us as your child’s anxiety-free zone.

Ready to explore? Let’s chat!

#thisisAP #Cambridgeshire #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter

Five consecutive numbers have the following properties; Prime, Multiple of seven, square, even, prime. What are the five numbers?

Here's the #OCRMathspuzzle for this week! Have a great weekend! :)

The below number properties apply to five consecutive numbers.
What are the five numbers?

#maths #teacher #puzzle #resource #number #numberproperties
#MathsToday #ITeachMath #UKMathsChat

Word of the Year: Kindness wins children's 2024 vote

Children really are the best 🤩

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Chaos to Calm: How Emotional Literacy Transforms Learning Discover how emotional literacy transforms classrooms by helping students regulate emotions, unlock learning, and build resilience.

Calmer classrooms and smarter learning? 🌟

Discover how emotional literacy transforms chaos into focus, unlocking better outcomes for students.

#thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter #emotionalliteracy

bluesquidlearning.com/from-chaos-t...

A white table covered in objects to help learn about space: a book open to a page entitled: The Apollo programme; a light-up moon; a book about Neil Armstrong; a coloured in map of the surface of the moon; maps and coloured pencils.

We know that progress isn’t always a straight line, sometimes it’s more of a funky dance. 🕺

At Blue Squid, we celebrate the little wins: a smile, a question, or trying something new. 💙

Let’s help your child find their groove again.

#BlueSquidCambridgeshire #thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters

Flexible Learning: the Unstoppable Revolution Joe's journey shows how flexible, alternative education can transform lives, helping children rediscover learning and thrive on their own terms.

Flexibility in education isn’t optional - it’s essential.

Discover how alternative provisions like Blue Squid are transforming lives by meeting young people where they are.

Read our latest blog and see how thinking differently changes everything.

#thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters

Worth reading if you’re a DSL

A white table top. On it sits a print out showing two screen captures of a dark, animated street. Around the print out are words, adjectives paired with nouns: smashed door; dirty gutters etc. evidence of a successful English lesson.

Really felt we were back in the flow today!

We seemed to get the right balance between self-regulation time and work time for each learner and the morning flew by!

Today, we started another great Literacy Shed unit 🏠

#thisisAP #youngpeoplematter #mentalhealthmatters

A white dog lies on a red sofa. Beside it, sits and adult with a laptop on their knee and a young person wrapped in a teal blanket. The photo has been cropped so you can’t see their faces.

Today’s lesson? Never underestimate the power of being wrapped in a blanket and snuggled up on the sofa with a dog if you’re struggling to self-regulate. Betty the schnoodle is the most wonderful part of our wellbeing strategy ❤️
#thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter

Today I was reminded how hard the transition in and out of the school holidays can be for some young people. Patience, teamwork, communication and flexibility was the order of the day 👍 #thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter

Great to be back at our alternative provision today. Kids and staff all re-energised after the break. We caught up and started to get back in the routine of things #thisisAP #maths #spelling #alternativeprovision

What Every Teacher Should Know About EBSA Explore EBSA: what it is, signs to watch for, and how educators can support anxious students to feel safe, valued, and re-engage with learning.

In this week’s blog, @bluesquidlearning.bsky.social has shared insights on recognising and supporting students with EBSA.

What’s worked for you in creating a more inclusive, supportive environment?

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#thisisAP #mentalhealthmatters #youngpeoplematter #alternativeeducation

Some students aren’t skipping school, they’re overwhelmed by it.

As educators, how do we spot the signs of Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) early? And what strategies actually help students feel safe enough to re-engage with learning?

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