The article in the Times (15.10.20) by Iain Martin, makes a brave statement: that ‘white working class males in Britain have traded places with ethnic minorities and are now the group most likely to fail educationally and to struggle in life’. Why is this? Is social class therefore as big an issue now – as…

Schools and society talk a lot about diversity in learning: but how often do we focus on celebrating learning differences, as well as merely accepting them? A recent article in the Times (8.10.20, Nicola Woolcock) is entitled ‘Dyslexia can be a blessing, teachers told in training drive.’ The article suggests that teachers should ‘promote the…

I have been listening to an interesting programme (BBC, Radio 4, 13.10) about raising children: so, as a parent, are you a gardener or carpenter? No, it’s not a trick question. As I understand it, from having tuned into the programme part way through, these terms summarise two alternative ways of raising children: the former…

How do picture books support the early skills of reading? I am currently engrossed in a delightful and thought-provoking book, entitled ‘Children’s Picture-books’: The art of visual story telling (Lawrence King Publishing): a gem for any writer aiming to write picture books. Whilst picture books have been around for a long time, the 21st Century…

My last blog focused on early intervention: the need to steer children in the right direction, socially and educationally, from an early age. In it I alluded to the crucial difference between equality and equity, in enabling individuals to succeed. But success is not the same for everyone – and this is where the difference…