Send ALL my friends to school

After a hectic term, which included an ISI inspection of the school (of which more to come), I am now on a much needed Easter 'break' which involves more than a little work as always...
I'm very fortunate to work where I do, in a school with awesome students and supportive colleagues, and to have this view earlier today as I sat in the end of term service...

Not everyone around the world is so fortunate however, and for the last few years around this time, I've been reminding people of the SEND MY FRIEND to school projects which have been running for some time now.

This year's project has just launched, so this is my annual reminder that there is a range of useful resources to download from the site for those exploring every child's right to go to school, and the importance of education for all.

TV presenter and Paralympian Ade Adepitan introduces the campaign DVD (http://www.sendmyfriend.org ) - part of a free pack with colour case study posters and a Teachers Guide – available for all schools that sign up –  (http://www.sendmyfriend.org/take-action/order-teaching-pack/) . Through Ade’s eyes pupils learn about the barriers to education for children with disabilities, and gives a step-by-step guide on how to take part in this year’s campaign.
We meet 11 year-old Lucy from Kenya in the film and on one of the colour posters; she has polio and has never been to school. Her life is explored in the Real life stories (http://www.sendmyfriend.org/resource_type/real-life-stories/) in resources tailored for both KS1 and KS 2/3.

Assembly Power Pointshttp://www.sendmyfriend.org/resource/assembly-ppt-ks1-and-ks2-ks3/ have been created to explain the promise world leaders made in 2000 on Education for All and what we can do to help children like Difasi. Education and Disability fact sheetshttp://www.sendmyfriend.org/resource/education-and-disability-factsheet/ are also tailored for KS1 and KS2/3 and look at the many challenges for disabled children trying to get an education and what can be done to address these.

There are some great learning materials specifically for Primary pupils including the Sensory bag http://www.sendmyfriend.org/resource/the-sensory-bag-activity-sheet-ks1/ which encourages them to experience the world around them and learn how they use all their senses and the 5W’s http://www.sendmyfriend.org/resource/5-ws-ks1-and-ks2-ks3/in which pupils are invited to choose a real life story and answer the What, Why, Who, Where and When questions.

For Secondary pupils the activities of Circles of Influence http://www.sendmyfriend.org/resource/circles-of-influence-activity-sheet-ks2-3/ and a how to write an Inspiring letterhttp://www.sendmyfriend.org/resource/inspiring-letters-ks2-ks3/ to their MP will introduce them to political literacy and explain how they can be part of the democratic process.