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…

My last blog focused on the urgent need for young people to become problem solvers for the future – and the need for all young people to become more aware of the social and racial issues that too often prevent fairness and equality of opportunity for all. Today’s blog is inspired by an article (Jenni…

What lessons, if any, should we learn from our present pandemic? And what can we do to make amends for the past? The answer to this second question is – nothing. The past cannot be erased as if it had never happened. But we can, and must, learn from its effects upon the present. I…