The Teacher Station

21/07/2026

I have no idea how a Prime Minister chooses their cabinet but I can only assume that Andy Burnham had a big pot of named lolly sticks on his desk and he chose them at random.

The lolly stick picked when the role of Education Secretary came up was…🥁

17/07/2026

Hi everyone!!!

I’ve had a pretty long break from here so apologies for the radio silence!

It’s that time of the year when the summer holidays are either here already or are just around the corner. I finished school yesterday after surviving on daily hits of Red Bull and Lucozade for the past week! (Surely I’m not the only one?!)

My main reason for posting today is to share a very important message about mental health…

The 6 week holiday is often thought of, by those outside of the profession, to be the golden ticket. The reason why people MUST want to work in education. The belief is that we get 6 weeks off to twiddle our thumbs and be bored! 🙄 Teachers and school staff know the truth though… This time off, whatever we decide to do with it, is actually needed for mental and physical recovery. It’s time for us to prioritise ourselves!

So I’m sharing a brilliant calendar from Pobble, to hopefully help and support you with your mental health over the summer break. If it helps just one person, this post has been worth it!

Have a good summer all - even if you do just sit and twiddle your thumbs!

🌞

19/12/2025

Don’t even think about slacking!!! 😳

03/10/2025

Oooo I do love these animations!

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the very first look of our brand new Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler adaptation, ‘The Scarecrows’ Wedding’! 💒 Coming to BBC One this Christmas, will you be in attendance? 💍

01/09/2025

Hello September! Hello everyone!
It’s been a busy summer for me with lots going on, hence the quietness. Back to work today - a new school year awaits! Bring it on!!!!

29/08/2025

I shared details of the Knit for Nowt charity a couple of years ago. They make wonderful worry monsters and hand puppets for schools. Please check them out and note down that their waiting list is due to open very soon!!!!

Appeals for knitted and sewn hand puppets and worry monsters and donates them for therapy with children

21/08/2025

Good luck for today!

13/08/2025

Happy Left Handers Day!

So many people have told me it’s today so I thought it deserved a post on here!

12/08/2025

Hi all ☀️
There are some sunny days forecasted for this week. My local council have posted some excellent advice (for a change!) so I thought I’d share it here 👇🏼

An Amber heat-health alert has been issued for London, running from 9am on Tuesday 12 August to 6pm on Wednesday 13 August, with temperatures expected to go over 30 degrees.

What can we do to stay safe and well?

🟢 Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you. 👴👵

🟢 Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them 🥵: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/

🟢 Keep out of the direct sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm. 🕚🕒

🟢 If you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening. 🆒

🟢 Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun. 🪟

🟢 Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 stars. Use it generously, reapply regularly and use together with shade and clothing. 🧴

🟢 If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly. 🧢😎

🟢 Drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake. 🚰

🟢 Never leave a young child unattended near an open or unlocked window. 👦👧

🟢 If you’re looking for a place to cool down in water, whether a paddling pool at home or heading to the coast, follow water safety advice 🌊: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/healthier-high-streets-and-workplaces/keeping-cool-summer/water-safety?fbclid=IwY2xjawMGq_9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE3WjU2Q1diM28ySE9KRkRqAR7CxuAl9EVjXOP14kKfrIXV0gJIcH4eAB6ZPoa5NIQbydOEr5s1RWo6yorwkQ_aem_4Hz6gz7f3jdrsUH7kohqWQ

Hot weather can affect us all, but some people are at particular risk of ill-health during the heat. Follow specific advice for:

🟢 older people – https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/mind-body/staying-cool-in-a-heatwave/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMGrB5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE3WjU2Q1diM28ySE9KRkRqAR6FcpELlHjPKngWJa9MuAL06keqn0dldsCIeZ5-FYn8SsHoSev3N6pcWTxVKQ_aem_H7hdC2vq6bhjbZ5tSP3AGA

🟢 young children and babies – https://www.nhs.uk/baby/first-aid-and-safety/safety/safety-in-the-sun/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMGrDZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE3WjU2Q1diM28ySE9KRkRqAR4ykN40ac_RKC2NvsDXIJURToIM89jbpzNXcisvzxdtnzAnbkruigISgWiOVg_aem_plcdUBABEmIHkjor--_1pA

🟢 and pregnant women – https://www.nct.org.uk/information/pregnancy/body-pregnancy/hot-weather-and-high-body-temperature-during-pregnancy?fbclid=IwY2xjawMGrEdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE3WjU2Q1diM28ySE9KRkRqAR50yso-xZXxRpO5NHTqYQy2mfZ17ERvswwoVMoKkGyj-bPt0gLx3eaBJEVEVA_aem_6z5vBd0ctCST-MKnBwLbGw

For more tips and support to stay safe in the hot weather, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMGrLNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE3WjU2Q1diM28ySE9KRkRqAR6FcpELlHjPKngWJa9MuAL06keqn0dldsCIeZ5-FYn8SsHoSev3N6pcWTxVKQ_aem_H7hdC2vq6bhjbZ5tSP3AGA

22/07/2025

The window blinds are down and the lights are off in my classroom. My laptop is shut in its case and my lanyard is hung up out of sight. It will remain there until September 1st. That can only mean one thing….