Helping Children Discover How They Learn Best
If you had to learn something new tomorrow; say, how to fix a leaky tap or speak a few phrases in another language, how would you go about it?Would you look up a video tutorial? Read a step-by-step guide? Ask a friend to talk you through it? Or would you just dive in and have a go? However you answered, you’ve already uncovered something about your own learning style. The same is true for our children; each one has their own unique way of making sense of the world. The differ
Breakfast Clubs for All: A Promising Idea That Needs Careful Thought
As someone who’s spent over 15 years working in education (both in the classroom and in senior leadership) I’ve learned that even the best-intentioned policies often play out very differently once they reach the realities of school life. The proposed Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which would require all state-funded primary schools in England to provide a free, 30-minute breakfast club every morning, is one such example. At first glance, it’s a wonderful idea. Ensuri
The Importance of Rest Over Half Term
As a former teacher, I used to see the same pattern play out every term. The last few weeks would arrive, and children—no matter how resilient or enthusiastic—would start to flag. Tempers would fray, concentration would dip, and the smallest setbacks could trigger tears. Parents would tell me their children were “just done,” and I completely understood. Then half term would roll around, and many families would dive straight into a packed schedule: playdates, day trips, activi
