Anna Kirk

Now looking forward to some family time tomorrow and over the weekend! ☀️

And I attended the final trustees meeting of the year at
Watergrove Trust, contributing to conversations on school improvement and how we can continue to #providemore for the schools we serve.

I presented to a fantastic group of headteachers at
@wirralcouncil.bsky.social's Wirral Education Summit with @smncx.bsky.social (@blackpoolrs.bsky.social).
We shared insights from our partnership so far, and our ongoing plans to support adaptive teaching in KS2/KS3 maths classrooms.

I met with Gill Fearns (Lancashire Research School) and Susie Fraser @mancomrs.bsky.social to reflect on Year 1 of our Evidence into Action partnerships and plan for Year 2.
It is so exciting to see early signs of impact from this in-depth evidence mobilisation approach.

It’s been a busy but energising week filled with great conversations and purposeful collaboration 👇

@blackpoolrs.bsky.social
@mancomrs.bsky.social

These videos bring to life the evidence and recommendations from the @theeef.bsky.social 'Deployment of Teaching Assistants' Guidance Report.

They are designed to spark professional discussion and support CPD sessions focused on making the most of TA support in every classroom.

Deployment of Teaching Assistants - YouTube A selection of videos from the North West Research Schools Network, exemplifying effective deployment of teaching assistants in Early Years, Primary, Seconda...

The North West Research Schools Network is proud to share a brand-new series of short videos showcasing effective deployment of Teaching Assistants (TAs) across all phases: Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Post-16.

www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...

Great morning spent with the North West Research Schools, filming some content around effective deployment of teaching assistants in all phases from Early Years to Post-16.

@theeef.bsky.social
@blackpoolrs.bsky.social
@mancomrs.bsky.social

'I know we will not find a holy grail.. but it is worthwhile to look for it!'

I can't wait for day 2 😁

It was great to present our poster on @theeef.bsky.social Regional Partnerships with
@sarahmullins.bsky.social, sharing insights into our approach to embedding evidence in schools.

I also enjoyed chairing a roundtable to troubleshoot evidence mobilisation challenges in the Early Years.

Day 1: Evidence for Education Network Workshop 2025

An incredible first day full of professional challenge, sharing of expertise, and international collaboration.

Great day at our final Evidence Exploration Partnership with @wirralcouncil.bsky.social, @blackpoolrs.bsky.social, and @theeef.bsky.social

We spent the day designing our partnership model and identifying behaviour change strategies to develop pedagogical excellence in maths at KS2 and KS3.

Deployment of Teaching Assistants Guidance on deploying TAs to boost attainment for pupils with evidence-based strategies and best practice.

📣
@EducEndowFoundn
have published a new edition of their guidance on teaching assistants.
The report offers five evidence-informed & practical recommendations to support school leaders to effectively deploy their teaching assistants.

Download the report: tinyurl.com/5f7p5ftm

Early Years Evidence Store Put evidence-informed approaches into practice.

Today, the @theeef.bsky.social added two new approaches to the Early Years Evidence Store:

✍ Interactive writing, and,

🧼 Self care.

You can explore the two new approaches & a host of other evidence-informed content in the EYs Evidence Store:
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/early-years/...

Evidence partnership for further education Building a network of colleges

The @theeef.bsky.social are looking for general FE & sixth form colleges to join a two-year funded partnership focused on supporting colleges to access, understand, & apply research evidence within teaching & learning.

Apply below before the 25th April:
tinyurl.com/2c5ukhe7

Curriculum and Assessment Review publishes interim findings Becky Francis and review team publish their initial findings and set out the next phase of work which will focus on four key areas.

'..In practice, “high standards” currently too often means “high standards for some”. Our ambition is “high standards for all”.'

Curriculum and Assessment Review publishes interim findings www.gov.uk/government/n...

Fab day at the Evidence Exploration Partnership with @theeef.bsky.social , @blackpoolrs.bsky.social & Wirral Council.

We explored behaviour change at school & system level to improve maths outcomes & adaptive teaching. Great collaboration & professional challenge as always!

It's here! I can't wait to have a read and then share with school colleagues at Watergrove Trust 😊

@thatpovertyguy.bsky.social

It has been a great morning at the Spring Research Schools national conference. We are joined by Dutch colleagues from Expertisescholen Ontwikkelkracht, exploring our approach to exemplification of evidence-informed practice in action.
@theeef.bsky.social

Early Years Pupil Premium The EEF is an independent charity dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement.

📢 NEW EEF RESOURCE
Explore @theeef.bsky.social's new guide to the Early Years Pupil Premium.

To support the DfE increase to EYPP funding, the EEF has launched a brand-new resource to help early years settings support their socio-economically disadvantaged children.
tinyurl.com/mwn9edn2

Great day 1 of our Manchester partnership 'The Write Beginning' today, expertly led by Susie Fraser and Hannah Heron.
We explored metacognition in the context of writing in Reception & Year 1 & what we can learn from each phase
@theeef.bsky.social
@mancomrs.bsky.social
@mancitycouncil.bsky.social

Earlier this week, the @theeef.bsky.social opened recruitment for 11 brand new programmes for schools, focused mostly on writing and secondary maths.

Search your school to find out which programmes you could take part in: buff.ly/3wo4JkL

🌟 Celebrating National School Governors’ Day! 🌟

Proud to serve as a trustee for Watergrove Trust, helping to ensure we #providemore for all children in Rochdale.

Huge thanks to all governors making a difference! 👏
#NationalSchoolGovernorsDay

New year, new headshot! 📸 💁‍♀️

Tackling Poverty and Disadvantage in Schools Actionable, road-tested approaches to understanding and tackling poverty in schoolsThe stark reality of poverty and disadvantage in our communities is one of th…

I have just pre-ordered this book from the brilliant
@thatpovertyguy.bsky.social & Katrina Morley.

Filled with case studies & practical tools, this book equips leaders & educators to understand more deeply, diagnose issues, & better address inequalities in schools.
tinyurl.com/3rbx2b4t

A great day at the launch of our Manchester Partnership 'The Write Beginning' between @theeef.bsky.social , @mancomrs.bsky.social and @mancitycouncil.bsky.social

It was great to share some contributions on the long term aim of the partnership, and implementing the learning back in the classroom.

YouTube video by Anna Kirk North West Research School Conference 2024

Check out the video from the 2024 conference and join a growing network of leaders using evidence-informed practice to support all children to thrive in their schools:

youtu.be/wyhHf8VSkvw?...

🌟EARLY BIRD SPECIAL🌟

Check out the details of our North West Research School 2025 conference below - focused on developing provision for SEND students in mainstream settings.
@theeef.bsky.social

Book now and take advantage of the early bird discount!

A great day spent with School & System Leaders from Wirral for workshop 2 of our partnership.
The highlight was the school tour led by brilliant Year 4 tour guides! Thank you to St Georges Primary for hosting us.
@blackpoolrs.bsky.social
@smncx.bsky.social
@theeef.bsky.social