What Was Education Like in Ancient Rome?

The ancient Romans learned about oracy and had a fairly comprehensive curriculum. Learn about their education system and how it still impacts today's schools.

What are the 24 Character Strengths?

In this blog post, I discuss positive psychology and Dr. Martin Seligman's 24 Character Strengths. Learn how to lead a happy and meaningful life and discover ways to assist children in developing the essential skills they'll need to reach their full potential.

Learning Through Play: EYFS Outdoor Provision

Two days ago at Hillingdon Primary School, I discovered the magic of learning outdoors. The idea was clear: no matter the weather, children should explore and learn through play. The outdoor spaces were purposeful, from a mud kitchen to a water play zone. Limited resources meant no clutter, letting educators create focused learning experiences. Quality interactions happened at the child's level, fostering communication and language.

A.S. Neill’s 140th Birthday: Legacy of an Education Pioneer

Today, we celebrate the 140th birthday of A.S. Neill, a remarkable educator who founded Summerhill School in 1921. Neill believed in letting children choose their own learning paths, creating a unique and democratic environment. At Summerhill, students and teachers worked together, and there were no mandatory classes, promoting intrinsic motivation. While Neill's ideas faced criticism, his legacy challenges us to create schools that prioritise individual needs and embrace the joy of learning. Happy 140th birthday to a teacher who continues to inspire change in education!

Language Acquisition and Speech Problems

Exploring early language development is fascinating. By knowing what helps children learn language, teachers and parents can help them become confident communicators. Good communication is important in today's world, especially for leadership and success. Get practical tips for teachers and parents to make every talk a learning experience. Come with me on this journey to help kids become confident communicators and set them up for a bright future!

Managing Oppositional Behaviour in Children (Ages 3-10): Effective Strategies and Support

Discover the secrets to managing challenging behaviour in kids aged 3 to 10 with my latest blog post! Learn effective strategies tailored for children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), where standard discipline methods may fall short. From recognising triggers to using positive reinforcement, I've got you covered. Learn about the potential link between ODD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and when to seek professional help. Every child deserves a chance to shine, and we're here to guide you on this journey.

‘Shadow’ Pupils: A Challenge for all Teachers

In this post, I wanted to discuss a crucial issue - the "shadow" pupils, students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who lack an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), a document outlining their essential support. A recent study by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) reveals that these "shadow" pupils, despite receiving extended school support, performed no better in their 2020 GCSEs than peers with EHCPs. The EPI is urging policymakers not to limit EHCPs to save funds. This study also highlights disparities among different ethnic groups in the education system. The key message: every child, regardless of their background, deserves equitable opportunities and support to succeed.

What Are Trauma-informed Schools?

Trauma-informed schools are all about helping students who've been through tough times. They train teachers to understand trauma and how it affects kids. These schools create a safe and caring place where students can learn and grow. They focus on things like building trust, being kind, and teaching kids to handle their feelings. Instead of punishing, they try to help. And it's not just teachers; they get everyone involved, like families and the community, to support these students. Trauma-informed schools want all kids to feel safe, happy, and ready to learn, and this helps them do better in school and life.

The Zones of Regulation: Emotional Wellbeing in Primary Schools

Nurturing emotional intelligence in children is key in today's schools. One effective framework that has gained prominence in recent years is Leah M. Kuypers' Zones of Regulation. This innovative system provides a structured approach to help children recognise, understand, and manage their emotions.