Matthew Harper-Duffy
@matthewharperduffy.bsky.social
Primary teacher and founder of Local History Hub. Building a grassroots network for sharing local stories, ideas, and place-based learning in schools.
Reposted by Matthew Harper-Duffy
Local History Hubs are meeting across the country this autumn!
Informal, teacher-led spaces bringing together schools, heritage organisations and local partners to talk local history, place and belonging.
Here’s what’s coming up before Christmas 👇
Informal, teacher-led spaces bringing together schools, heritage organisations and local partners to talk local history, place and belonging.
Here’s what’s coming up before Christmas 👇
October 1, 2026 at 9:55 AM
Local History Hubs are meeting across the country this autumn!
Informal, teacher-led spaces bringing together schools, heritage organisations and local partners to talk local history, place and belonging.
Here’s what’s coming up before Christmas 👇
Informal, teacher-led spaces bringing together schools, heritage organisations and local partners to talk local history, place and belonging.
Here’s what’s coming up before Christmas 👇
Interesting to hear Lisa Nandy confirm that universal free entry to England's national museums will remain.
She talked about museums reminding us of our shared history and helping people step beyond the confines of their own lives.
I really like that framing.
She talked about museums reminding us of our shared history and helping people step beyond the confines of their own lives.
I really like that framing.
September 30, 2026 at 1:06 PM
Interesting to hear Lisa Nandy confirm that universal free entry to England's national museums will remain.
She talked about museums reminding us of our shared history and helping people step beyond the confines of their own lives.
I really like that framing.
She talked about museums reminding us of our shared history and helping people step beyond the confines of their own lives.
I really like that framing.
Really interested in Dawn Airey's suggestion that children's access to arts and culture “should almost be a human right”.
I think that's a really useful way of framing it.
I think that's a really useful way of framing it.
‘I want us to be loud’: Arts Council England’s new chair aims to reconnect young people with culture
In first interview since starting job – and after visiting school where arts are central – Dawn Airey says she wants to fix ‘shocking’ lack of access
www.theguardian.com
September 23, 2026 at 3:38 PM
Really interested in Dawn Airey's suggestion that children's access to arts and culture “should almost be a human right”.
I think that's a really useful way of framing it.
I think that's a really useful way of framing it.
What stories are waiting to be discovered on your school’s doorstep?
Local History Day returns on Wednesday 21 April 2027.
Explore local places, people and stories - and help children develop a stronger sense of place and belonging.
🔗 www.localhistoryhub.org.uk/local-histor...
#LocalHistoryDay
Local History Day returns on Wednesday 21 April 2027.
Explore local places, people and stories - and help children develop a stronger sense of place and belonging.
🔗 www.localhistoryhub.org.uk/local-histor...
#LocalHistoryDay
Local History Day | Grassroots, teacher-led and rooted in belonging — Local History Hub
Join Local History Day 2026 to connect communities, inspire students, and celebrate stories close to home through educational events and heritage partnerships across the UK.
www.localhistoryhub.org.uk
September 21, 2026 at 11:15 AM
What stories are waiting to be discovered on your school’s doorstep?
Local History Day returns on Wednesday 21 April 2027.
Explore local places, people and stories - and help children develop a stronger sense of place and belonging.
🔗 www.localhistoryhub.org.uk/local-histor...
#LocalHistoryDay
Local History Day returns on Wednesday 21 April 2027.
Explore local places, people and stories - and help children develop a stronger sense of place and belonging.
🔗 www.localhistoryhub.org.uk/local-histor...
#LocalHistoryDay
It's interesting how often the word ‘belonging’ is appearing in education policy at the moment. I'm very pleased it is.
This piece from @salforduni.bsky.social on building belonging in divided communities caught my eye for exactly that reason.
www.salford.ac.uk/news/educati...
This piece from @salforduni.bsky.social on building belonging in divided communities caught my eye for exactly that reason.
www.salford.ac.uk/news/educati...
Education to play a vital role in building belonging in divided communities
The University of Salford, Department for Education and National Union of Students are partnering to develop a national Community Cohesion Framework for students at colleges, universities and in stude...
www.salford.ac.uk
September 16, 2026 at 2:05 PM
It's interesting how often the word ‘belonging’ is appearing in education policy at the moment. I'm very pleased it is.
This piece from @salforduni.bsky.social on building belonging in divided communities caught my eye for exactly that reason.
www.salford.ac.uk/news/educati...
This piece from @salforduni.bsky.social on building belonging in divided communities caught my eye for exactly that reason.
www.salford.ac.uk/news/educati...
Interesting to see this develop following the White Working Class Educational Outcomes Inquiry earlier this year.
Supporting particular groups doesn't have to mean pitting children against each other.
www.theguardian.com/inequality/2...
Supporting particular groups doesn't have to mean pitting children against each other.
www.theguardian.com/inequality/2...
Ministers to put white working-class people in UK at heart of new equalities unit
Bridget Phillipson to announce creation of unit which will make class a key part of its equalities agenda
www.theguardian.com
September 9, 2026 at 12:12 PM
Interesting to see this develop following the White Working Class Educational Outcomes Inquiry earlier this year.
Supporting particular groups doesn't have to mean pitting children against each other.
www.theguardian.com/inequality/2...
Supporting particular groups doesn't have to mean pitting children against each other.
www.theguardian.com/inequality/2...
A new academic year always feels like a good time to reset a little.
A few principles I'll be trying to keep at the front of my mind this year, both in my classroom and through @localhistoryhub.bsky.social
A few principles I'll be trying to keep at the front of my mind this year, both in my classroom and through @localhistoryhub.bsky.social
September 4, 2026 at 11:10 AM
A new academic year always feels like a good time to reset a little.
A few principles I'll be trying to keep at the front of my mind this year, both in my classroom and through @localhistoryhub.bsky.social
A few principles I'll be trying to keep at the front of my mind this year, both in my classroom and through @localhistoryhub.bsky.social
I spotted an interesting line in the Government's new guidance for communities developing their 10-year Pride in Place plans.
They're encouraged to think about their area's:
"geography; history; identity; and story so far."
I like that.
They're encouraged to think about their area's:
"geography; history; identity; and story so far."
I like that.
August 26, 2026 at 2:47 PM
I spotted an interesting line in the Government's new guidance for communities developing their 10-year Pride in Place plans.
They're encouraged to think about their area's:
"geography; history; identity; and story so far."
I like that.
They're encouraged to think about their area's:
"geography; history; identity; and story so far."
I like that.
Reposted by Matthew Harper-Duffy
June & July were an important couple of months for Local History Hub.
We announced six new hubs:
Mid Hampshire
Register interest: forms.cloud.microsoft/e/epttuwx5vn
Grantham & South West Lincolnshire
Register interest: forms.cloud.microsoft/e/e2eeub4YCt
We announced six new hubs:
Mid Hampshire
Register interest: forms.cloud.microsoft/e/epttuwx5vn
Grantham & South West Lincolnshire
Register interest: forms.cloud.microsoft/e/e2eeub4YCt
Microsoft Forms
forms.cloud.microsoft
August 10, 2026 at 11:25 AM
June & July were an important couple of months for Local History Hub.
We announced six new hubs:
Mid Hampshire
Register interest: forms.cloud.microsoft/e/epttuwx5vn
Grantham & South West Lincolnshire
Register interest: forms.cloud.microsoft/e/e2eeub4YCt
We announced six new hubs:
Mid Hampshire
Register interest: forms.cloud.microsoft/e/epttuwx5vn
Grantham & South West Lincolnshire
Register interest: forms.cloud.microsoft/e/e2eeub4YCt
I'm sure many primary colleagues will be nodding along to today's BBC article on children's play.
Giving children more opportunities to play outdoors, build independence and spend time with friends is hard to argue against. I really hope the Government pursues it as a genuine long-term strategy.
Giving children more opportunities to play outdoors, build independence and spend time with friends is hard to argue against. I really hope the Government pursues it as a genuine long-term strategy.
August 5, 2026 at 3:34 PM
I'm sure many primary colleagues will be nodding along to today's BBC article on children's play.
Giving children more opportunities to play outdoors, build independence and spend time with friends is hard to argue against. I really hope the Government pursues it as a genuine long-term strategy.
Giving children more opportunities to play outdoors, build independence and spend time with friends is hard to argue against. I really hope the Government pursues it as a genuine long-term strategy.
It's always interesting to see a new Prime Minister come into office. It seems to happen more and more these days...
I'll admit I was listening out for any mention of belonging or pride in place. Occupational hazard, I suppose.
I'll admit I was listening out for any mention of belonging or pride in place. Occupational hazard, I suppose.
July 21, 2026 at 4:17 PM
It's always interesting to see a new Prime Minister come into office. It seems to happen more and more these days...
I'll admit I was listening out for any mention of belonging or pride in place. Occupational hazard, I suppose.
I'll admit I was listening out for any mention of belonging or pride in place. Occupational hazard, I suppose.
Reposted by Matthew Harper-Duffy
Some exciting news!
Our founder, @matthewharperduffy.bsky.social, has been awarded funding through @shinetrust.org.uk's Let Teachers SHINE programme to help grow Local History Hub.
Our founder, @matthewharperduffy.bsky.social, has been awarded funding through @shinetrust.org.uk's Let Teachers SHINE programme to help grow Local History Hub.
July 15, 2026 at 2:24 PM
Some exciting news!
Our founder, @matthewharperduffy.bsky.social, has been awarded funding through @shinetrust.org.uk's Let Teachers SHINE programme to help grow Local History Hub.
Our founder, @matthewharperduffy.bsky.social, has been awarded funding through @shinetrust.org.uk's Let Teachers SHINE programme to help grow Local History Hub.
We're delighted to launch Local History Hub Stroud, the latest addition to our growing teacher-led network.
Supported by Tony Chalk (Stroud District Council), the hub will connect schools, heritage organisations, and community partners through place-based history.
Supported by Tony Chalk (Stroud District Council), the hub will connect schools, heritage organisations, and community partners through place-based history.
July 10, 2026 at 7:30 AM
We're delighted to launch Local History Hub Stroud, the latest addition to our growing teacher-led network.
Supported by Tony Chalk (Stroud District Council), the hub will connect schools, heritage organisations, and community partners through place-based history.
Supported by Tony Chalk (Stroud District Council), the hub will connect schools, heritage organisations, and community partners through place-based history.
“White working-class children failed by education system, says inquiry.”
Headlines are there to grab attention and inevitably simplify. But having started reading the report, it’s a far more thoughtful and nuanced piece of work than a single headline can convey
Headlines are there to grab attention and inevitably simplify. But having started reading the report, it’s a far more thoughtful and nuanced piece of work than a single headline can convey
July 2, 2026 at 9:40 AM
“White working-class children failed by education system, says inquiry.”
Headlines are there to grab attention and inevitably simplify. But having started reading the report, it’s a far more thoughtful and nuanced piece of work than a single headline can convey
Headlines are there to grab attention and inevitably simplify. But having started reading the report, it’s a far more thoughtful and nuanced piece of work than a single headline can convey
The debate around devolution isn’t just about where decisions are made.
It’s also about whether people feel the place they live matters.
There are obvious political and economic dimensions to that. But I think there’s an educational one too.
It’s also about whether people feel the place they live matters.
There are obvious political and economic dimensions to that. But I think there’s an educational one too.
June 29, 2026 at 10:18 AM
The debate around devolution isn’t just about where decisions are made.
It’s also about whether people feel the place they live matters.
There are obvious political and economic dimensions to that. But I think there’s an educational one too.
It’s also about whether people feel the place they live matters.
There are obvious political and economic dimensions to that. But I think there’s an educational one too.
If you follow politics, the news is full of talk about the need for big change.
Whether you agree with it or not, there is clearly an appetite for it. Many people feel that something isn't working and that the answer lies in doing things differently.
Whether you agree with it or not, there is clearly an appetite for it. Many people feel that something isn't working and that the answer lies in doing things differently.
June 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM
If you follow politics, the news is full of talk about the need for big change.
Whether you agree with it or not, there is clearly an appetite for it. Many people feel that something isn't working and that the answer lies in doing things differently.
Whether you agree with it or not, there is clearly an appetite for it. Many people feel that something isn't working and that the answer lies in doing things differently.
Watching coverage of this week's by-elections, I've been struck by how many people seem to feel that their area only matters when it becomes part of a national political story.
Whether those interviews are representative or not, it's an interesting reflection of something deeper.
Whether those interviews are representative or not, it's an interesting reflection of something deeper.
June 17, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Watching coverage of this week's by-elections, I've been struck by how many people seem to feel that their area only matters when it becomes part of a national political story.
Whether those interviews are representative or not, it's an interesting reflection of something deeper.
Whether those interviews are representative or not, it's an interesting reflection of something deeper.
Been thinking a lot about cynefin in the Curriculum for Wales recently.
It raises a question: why doesn't England have something similar?
It raises a question: why doesn't England have something similar?
June 10, 2026 at 1:02 PM
Been thinking a lot about cynefin in the Curriculum for Wales recently.
It raises a question: why doesn't England have something similar?
It raises a question: why doesn't England have something similar?
Reposted by Matthew Harper-Duffy
We've launched Local History Hub Mid Hampshire.
We're looking for schools, heritage organisations and community partners to help shape the hub, and a volunteer Schools Hub Lead.
Get involved: forms.office.com/e/epttuwx5vn
Teacher-led, grassroots, and rooted in belonging.
#LocalHistory #Hampshire
We're looking for schools, heritage organisations and community partners to help shape the hub, and a volunteer Schools Hub Lead.
Get involved: forms.office.com/e/epttuwx5vn
Teacher-led, grassroots, and rooted in belonging.
#LocalHistory #Hampshire
June 10, 2026 at 12:41 PM
We've launched Local History Hub Mid Hampshire.
We're looking for schools, heritage organisations and community partners to help shape the hub, and a volunteer Schools Hub Lead.
Get involved: forms.office.com/e/epttuwx5vn
Teacher-led, grassroots, and rooted in belonging.
#LocalHistory #Hampshire
We're looking for schools, heritage organisations and community partners to help shape the hub, and a volunteer Schools Hub Lead.
Get involved: forms.office.com/e/epttuwx5vn
Teacher-led, grassroots, and rooted in belonging.
#LocalHistory #Hampshire
Reposted by Matthew Harper-Duffy
A thank you to everyone who took part in Local History Day 2026.
Great to see schools and partners across the UK exploring local stories in ways that reflect their communities.
We’ll be sharing examples over the coming weeks.
#LocalHistoryDay #TeacherLed
Great to see schools and partners across the UK exploring local stories in ways that reflect their communities.
We’ll be sharing examples over the coming weeks.
#LocalHistoryDay #TeacherLed
April 23, 2026 at 8:39 AM
A thank you to everyone who took part in Local History Day 2026.
Great to see schools and partners across the UK exploring local stories in ways that reflect their communities.
We’ll be sharing examples over the coming weeks.
#LocalHistoryDay #TeacherLed
Great to see schools and partners across the UK exploring local stories in ways that reflect their communities.
We’ll be sharing examples over the coming weeks.
#LocalHistoryDay #TeacherLed
Reposted by Matthew Harper-Duffy
We’ve really enjoyed seeing Local History Day activity shared from across the country.
April 27, 2026 at 8:12 AM
We’ve really enjoyed seeing Local History Day activity shared from across the country.
Reposted by Matthew Harper-Duffy
Across England and Wales, Local History Hub is growing.
Following a brilliant Local History Day 2026, our focus now turns to building towards 2027 and continuing to share great practice across our hubs.
Teacher-led. Grassroots. Rooted in belonging.
Following a brilliant Local History Day 2026, our focus now turns to building towards 2027 and continuing to share great practice across our hubs.
Teacher-led. Grassroots. Rooted in belonging.
April 29, 2026 at 8:23 AM
Across England and Wales, Local History Hub is growing.
Following a brilliant Local History Day 2026, our focus now turns to building towards 2027 and continuing to share great practice across our hubs.
Teacher-led. Grassroots. Rooted in belonging.
Following a brilliant Local History Day 2026, our focus now turns to building towards 2027 and continuing to share great practice across our hubs.
Teacher-led. Grassroots. Rooted in belonging.
Reposted by Matthew Harper-Duffy
We’re looking to strengthen safeguarding at board level as Local History Hub continues to grow.
We’re inviting expressions of interest for a Director of Safeguarding (voluntary) to join our Operational Board.
We’re inviting expressions of interest for a Director of Safeguarding (voluntary) to join our Operational Board.
April 30, 2026 at 8:39 AM
We’re looking to strengthen safeguarding at board level as Local History Hub continues to grow.
We’re inviting expressions of interest for a Director of Safeguarding (voluntary) to join our Operational Board.
We’re inviting expressions of interest for a Director of Safeguarding (voluntary) to join our Operational Board.
Reposted by Matthew Harper-Duffy
Launching Local History Hub Essex - our first hub in the East of England.
Led by Julie Pugh (English Heritage), the hub connects schools and heritage partners to explore local history and strengthen place and belonging.
Get involved (link in bio).
#LocalHistoryHub #Essex
Led by Julie Pugh (English Heritage), the hub connects schools and heritage partners to explore local history and strengthen place and belonging.
Get involved (link in bio).
#LocalHistoryHub #Essex
May 1, 2026 at 4:58 PM
Launching Local History Hub Essex - our first hub in the East of England.
Led by Julie Pugh (English Heritage), the hub connects schools and heritage partners to explore local history and strengthen place and belonging.
Get involved (link in bio).
#LocalHistoryHub #Essex
Led by Julie Pugh (English Heritage), the hub connects schools and heritage partners to explore local history and strengthen place and belonging.
Get involved (link in bio).
#LocalHistoryHub #Essex