Thread

From the beginning, I have always been proud of how inclusive our #LoseTheBooths movement is. From our conference speakers alone we represent: support staff, class teachers, headteachers and executive principals from EYFS, mainstream, AP and specialist sectors; parents /1

Ed psychologists; counsellors; pupils; human rights lawyers; LA head of sectors; trauma psychotherapists; Ofsted inspectors; authors; education and social care consultants; academics; charity leaders; and MPs

We all have a shared vision but all been on very different journeys /2

From day one, the #BanTheBooths and then #LoseTheBooths strapline has been controversial. It has caused debate, anger, friendships, blocks. It has been discussed and debated at Union conferences, parliament, public meetings, political gatherings, BrewEds, and obv social media /3

(lack of) public sector funding, workload, recruitment and retention, societal pressures are all massive factors in the debate and are all too often ignored as professionals, who always do what they believe is their very best for pupils, turn on one another and put up barriers /4

It doesn't have to be this way and I continually do all I can to try and bring people together. Our #LoseTheBooths movement might be inclusive but it's missing one key group of people - the detractors. Your voice is important and your experience invaluable. This is a sincere /5

Invite to everyone out there who doesn't believe in our cause. Come and listen, be a part of it and engage with what we have to say. Challenge it with honesty and goodwill. Take bits you think will work well and leave the bits you don't think will work within your context /6

25th January at @carr_manor will be a great day regardless. There's amazing speakers, wonderful delegates, promises of baked goods, a sincere message of hope and change.. and a chance to catch the end of #BrewEdWake at @JollyTap in the evening. But there's an opportunity to /7

Create something truly special and I want everyone to be a part of it. These are our children and it's our profession - we need to make it the best it can be.

The end.

Tickets available at http://tiny.cc/losethebooths