For seven months we've been running an internal process to work out how to secure a sustainable future for @OakNational as a free resource for teachers and pupils [long thread warning!]. There is a story today that shares some of this internal process that we were running with our board. This is disappointing particularly as it calls into question our motivation. But as I hope you’ve come to expect, I'm happy to be transparent and explain a little more

With thoughts turning to the return to school for more pupils, the next big issue - and ask of teachers - is catch up.

We've been thinking @OakNational how our resources could support teachers through all this. Here's some initial thoughts...👇🤔 First thing’s first. The appointment of the brilliant Sir Kevan Collins to oversee catch up is such welcome news. Whilst he knows there’s no silver bullet, he knows the evidence and will make sure we remain focused on what works, for the long run.

I've been asked a question about quality assurance. Hopefully this thread will shed some light on how we do that at @OakNational. We think we did and continue to do a solid job but it's not perfect and we're always really grateful for feedback on how lessons can be even better. Context! We had to plan a curriculum and record lessons for 4-16 year olds in a broad range of subjects and had no more than six weeks to do it. We started as soon as we could (June 2020) and teachers needed a holiday so wanted everything done by the start of August.

There are a few questions flying around about @OakNational l that I wanted to answer. Being transparent is important for all public servants and just because there is a crisis on it doesn’t mean you get a hall pass. Being kind is also important, particularly to volunteers. First up our legal status. This happened fast, so right now we're incubated at the Reach Foundation (a charity). That means I’m accountable to our Project Board (see our website) who are accountable to the Reach Foundation Board (who are accountable to the Charities Commission).

Enjoyed listening to the first episode of @GoWithMeOnThis from @Ndidi1st and @miss_mcinerney - of course I now stick my two pence worth in! My read of the literature puts me in @miss_mcinerney camp. All starts with knowing stuff. I think the vs skills bit get into semantics often - call using knowledge a skill fine (just don’t make the skill generic). Call it procedural knowledge fine. Know stuff then do stuff.