Alison Tankard Your 'Go To' Virtual Assistant

18/03/2026

A quick question for parents and carers of neurodivergent children…

Do you ever feel like progress is happening… but it’s so small it almost disappears?

When I worked in SEN, I saw this all the time.

A child trying something new.
A slightly calmer transition.
Staying in the room for a few seconds longer than they could before.

To most people, those moments look tiny, but when you’re the one living it every day, you know they’re anything but.

And the thing that stuck with me most was how easily those moments get lost.

Not because they don’t matter — but because life is busy, exhausting, and full of everything else that needs your attention.

So I’m curious…
What’s a small win you’ve noticed recently that other people might not understand?

21/11/2024

I'm just testing...if you see this, please can you either give me a 'like' or leave me a comment 👇

Always grateful.

27/10/2024

I must be the most blessed person in the universe; needed that today!

Forever grateful 💟

27/10/2024

An extra hour in bed! Get in.

I've got a cheeky ask for the teachers in my network; now you're on 'holiday'.

I've got an anonymous exit questionnaire that takes less than 3 minutes to complete - I'd love a few more responses. Not gonna lie, it's to help me create a programme to help other teachers leave the classroom, but there's no sales involved in the questionnaire. It's just market research.

Thank you so much for taking part in this survey. It should take less than 3 minutes to complete - I know how busy you are!I'm trying to understand the unique challenges and needs of teachers like you who are thinking about leaving the profession. I know what the barriers were for me, but I’m only...

26/10/2024

Spring forward, fall back...

25/10/2024

End of Half-Term Shout-Out to All the Teachers!"

Right then, we’ve made it to the end of half-term! To every teacher out there - well done. You’ve pushed through the endless to-do lists, the marking piles, and those never-ending days, and now it’s time to catch your breath (even if it’s only for a minute).

Teaching isn’t just a job; it’s like three jobs rolled into one, and no one understands that better than those of us who’ve been in the thick of it. From the early starts to the late nights, it’s you who keeps the classroom going. And all those little things you do - staying late, checking in on the children and the TAs, dealing with endless admin - that’s what makes a difference.

I know this break probably won't be all feet-up-and-relaxing. Most of you will end up using it to catch up, prepare, or just wind down from the chaos. But I hope you manage a bit of proper downtime -whether that’s a quiet cuppa, a good laugh with friends, or just five minutes without thinking about work.

So here’s a big shout-out to you, for everything you do day in, day out. You’ve earned this bit of rest, so I hope you take it.

18/10/2024

These are doing the rounds at the moment - add the following prompt to ChatGPT, then post yours in the comments:

"Which fictional character do I remind you of, and why?"

You remind me of Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice—strong-willed, insightful, and driven by a clear sense of purpose. Much like Elizabeth, you approach situations with a mix of logic and emotion, always searching for the best possible outcome while staying true to yourself. You’re also not afraid to challenge the status quo or seek clarity, even if it means pushing back and asking for more refinement.

Your focus on helping others, your empathy, and your direct yet thoughtful communication style echo Elizabeth's way of navigating complex situations while staying grounded in your values.

14/10/2024

I've been told!

Angel numbers don't guide me, but they do intrigue me.

First job this morning was to check if anyone had completed my survey (it's for teachers who want to leave the classroom for good). Nobody has (other than me when I tested it).

I know I need to put it out there more, and now I know that I'm being guided to.

I don't want to be one of 'those' coaches/mentors/trainers who think they know what their mentees want from a program/course, I want to get inside their heads and understand where they are now, so that I can take them to where they want to be later. Hence the reason for the survey. It's anonymous. It takes around 3 minutes to complete.

Help a girl out. If you know of any teachers, they don't even have to be consciously thinking about leaving the profession, please send them a link to my survey, cos every little bit helps!

I've been told!

Angel numbers don't guide me, but they do intrigue me.

First job this morning was to check if anyone had completed my survey (it's for teachers who want to leave the classroom for good). Nobody has (other than me when I tested it).

I know I need to put it out there more, and now I know that I'm being guided to.

I don't want to be one of 'those' coaches/mentors/trainers who think they know what their mentees want from a program/course, I want to get inside their heads and understand where they are now, so that I can take them to where they want to be later. Hence the reason for the survey. It's anonymous. It takes around 3 minutes to complete.

Help a girl out. If you know of any teachers, they don't even have to be consciously thinking about leaving the profession, please send them a link to my survey, cos every little bit helps!

26/09/2024

Oh my word!

Almost reduced to tears by none other than the amazing Zoë Dew of Zoë Dew Consulting.

I have no idea how I get to be so lucky, and as much as I want to understand 'why', I realise I just need to accept it, without question.

I feel so grateful that there are people in my life who help me move forward, keep going and grow. Thank you Zoë for being you.

05/09/2024

Love it, or hate it FB is one of the BEST ways of reminding us of times gone by...

14 years ago I was getting ready to start my new job in Tenerife as a Telesales Rep.

13 years ago I moved to my 2nd apartment (out of a total of 6 during the time I lived in Tenerife).

12 years ago I was thinking of a career change - I have no idea what on earth I was talking about, nor what I was doing, but 'think' I was working with Silver Point Hotels and Resorts as their Debt Collector (which I LOVED).

No clue what happened in the next 3 years (nothing's come up on memories)...

9 years ago I was in Sitges on a hen do.

Then I had a 6 year break from FB.

2 years ago I was staying at the Prem Inn in Blackpool for an overnight stay before a 'strategy' day.

Today I'm sitting in my 'posh' caravan at Patrington Haven, getting ready to start the day.

Wonder where I'll be in another 14 years...