Sophie Smith-Tong / Mindfulness for learning

@mforlearning

Author of Teacher Autonomy. Founder of Mindfulness for learning. Teacher. EYFS. MHWB Lead. Speaker. Writer. Podcast Prod + Host. Education Consultant.
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Weeks posts
@elizafricker_missingthemark gets it and she says it. I love this badge so much and I am now wearing it on my lanyard with pride. I vow to never call out to a parent saying "mum!" Or "dad!" If I don't know their name I promise to ask. Humans. Not robots.
17 5
2 days ago
I cannot wait to read this one. Could Try Harder by Eliza Fricker. Eliza is an extremely important person in our world as educators. She isn't afraid to say it how it is, and as a teacher that is extremely important. The silencing that goes on within our schools is maintaining an inflexible and exclusive education system. We must join Eliza in saying it how it is, say no to being silenced and speak up for all those that are being damaged within this structure. Thank you @elizafricker_missingthemark Oh and she also illustrated my beautiful front cover too which I am forever grateful for 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
55 3
3 days ago
Excited to share my recent interview with Sophie Pickles of @letterland International, Literacy Lounge. Really enjoyed the conversation about autonomy in education, what it means for teachers to have the freedom and confidence to bring playfulness, imagination, and joy into early reading, rather than feeling constrained by phonics schemes that can sometimes drain the excitement from learning to read. Watch the full interview here (link also in bio): /watch?v=Phmy8HGGesU&t=2s #Education #Literacy #Phonics #Learning #EdTech #Teaching #EarlyYears #Letterland
6 2
3 days ago
In-House Speech Therapists: A Game Changer. I’ve just recorded an episode with @ruth_jones_slt , Speech and Language Therapist and author of Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice for Speech and Language Therapists: Supporting Curiosity, Compassion and Conversation. I can’t wait for you all to hear the full episode, coming in a few weeks - follow or subscribe so you know when it lands. Such a great conversation about speech and language in schools, the systemic barriers that exist, and how we can work around them. In this clip, though, we talk about the dream scenario. #SpeechAndLanguageTherapy #NeurodiversityAffirming #InclusiveEducation #SENDSupport #Neurodiversity
34 9
4 days ago
Teacher Autonomy is a compelling exploration of the erosion of teacher independence in an era dominated by high-stakes accountability, rigid educational frameworks, and a growing distrust of educators. This thought-provoking book delves into the history of autonomy in primary education, examining how shifts in policy and systems have drained creativity, individuality, and meaningful connection from classrooms, leaving educators and learners alike disengaged and unmotivated. Through the voices of real educators, including teachers, teaching assistants, senior leaders, and early years practitioners, this book paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by those on the frontlines of education. It highlights the far-reaching consequences of reduced autonomy, from teacher attrition and low morale to school refusal, mental health struggles, and pupil behaviour issues. In response to this, it offers a call to action and provides practical strategies, moments of reflection and actionable solutions to empower educators and leaders to reclaim their professional independence. Covering key topics such as Ofsted, observation and accountability, planning and assessment, teacher retention, teamwork, and mental health and wellbeing, each chapter ignites vital conversations about the future of education. This book is a must-read for teachers, school leaders, and policymakers at any stage of their career, offering valuable insights into how to rebuild trust, foster creativity, and rekindle meaningful connections at the core of teaching, as well as navigate the change in the current educational landscape. Cover illustration: @elizafricker_missingthemark LEARN MORE AND ORDER HERE: /
16 0
4 days ago
Here we are, turning 16. Best Friends. Born 5 days apart. 12th, 17th and 22nd May. Met at 11 and still together navigating life, turning 42 this month. From house parties, raving, lost love, falling out, alcohol poisoning to chat about HRT, careers, mothering and the mental load. The special thing is that we can all see each other underneath it all. People that knew who I was before all the responsibility and heaviness set in. I love you all so much @marie_mcgon , @michaelalowefilm and Toni. My sisters, always. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! xxx
18 3
4 days ago
This is child admin. Admin should be left until adulthood. SATs must go. #MoreThanAScore #EndSATs #ChildrensMentalHealth #JoyfulLearning #EducationReform
13 1
5 days ago
Mental Health Awareness Week and SATs Week falling together should make us stop and think. This year’s theme is 'Action' - but what action are we really taking for children? For years before SATs even begin, children are trained, measured, rehearsed and prepared for tests that reduce their learning to a score. In the process, too many lose confidence, curiosity and the joy of learning itself. We cannot continue to talk about protecting children’s mental health while accepting systems that create pressure, anxiety and fear at such a young age. Children are more than a test score. They are creativity. They are kindness. They are imagination. They are potential. If you are a parent - speak up. If you are a teacher - do not be silenced. If you are a leader - give children the time, care and childhood they deserve. Action is not a poster. Action is challenging systems that are harming children. We must continue to say clearly and loudly: these tests are unnecessary, and our children deserve better. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek2026 #MoreThanAScore #EndSATs #ChildrensMentalHealth #JoyfulLearning
15 2
6 days ago
Weekend Vibes. Much needed rest following an absolutely crazy, full on week.
12 0
7 days ago
Environment Walk Time! Buy Teacher Autonomy. Where Has It Gone and Why We Need It Back - https://amzn.eu/d/00n99kWC #mforlearning #teacherautonomy #education #teachers #wellbeing
14 0
11 days ago
I’m really excited to be part of the Teacher Agency Working Group with the @charteredcollegeofteaching , and to be speaking about this on a panel at the Festival of Education in July @educationfestuk . Teacher Agency Matters. At a time of reform, pressure and burnout, teacher agency is essential for wellbeing, retention, and better outcomes for children and young people. The Chartered College of Teaching has convened a new working group of teachers, researchers and leaders to make the case for evidence-informed trust in the profession and to advocate for teachers at a system level. I’m proud to be part of this group, contributing to work that is focused on shifting how teacher voice and professionalism are understood and valued. This links closely to my own writing and the work behind my book, where I explore what it means to reclaim voice, trust, and autonomy in education. Find out more about the Teacher Agency Working Group here: https://chartered.college/research-and-policy/policy-and-advocacy/teacher-agency-working-group/ You can also see the Festival of Education agenda and get tickets here: /agenda/ #TeacherAgency #TeacherProfessionalism #TeacherWellbeing #Inclusion #ProfessionalBody
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12 days ago
22 0
14 days ago