Are Children Less Ready for School — Or Are Expectations Too High? In recent years, there has been growing concern among teachers, parents, and policymakers that many children are starting school without the skills they need to succeed. Reports and headlines often highlight worrying statistics — from children struggling with speech and language delays to Reception teachers … [Read more...] about Should children be ready for school or schools ready for children?
Could Your Child’s Behaviour Be Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)? A Guide for Parents and Educators
In recent years, growing awareness around Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) has begun to challenge mainstream assumptions about autism, behaviour, and education. As a specialist tutor of children who present with PDA profiles, I see time and again how traditional models of schooling – with their emphasis on routine, compliance, and externally imposed structure – inadvertently … [Read more...] about Could Your Child’s Behaviour Be Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)? A Guide for Parents and Educators
Outdoor Schooling: just playtime or a necessity?
Why Outdoor Schooling Offers a Rigorous Yet Child-Centred Alternative to Traditional Education In recent years, outdoor schooling has grown in popularity as parents and educators search for alternatives to traditional classroom-based education. Often mistakenly perceived as less academically rigorous, outdoor schooling is proving to be not only equally challenging but also … [Read more...] about Outdoor Schooling: just playtime or a necessity?
Do the Year 6 SATs still have a purpose in 2025?
SATs results have long been used in school league tables, driving national performance comparisons and local authority assessments. But critics argue that what began as a useful bench-marking tool has become a high-stakes, stress-inducing event with consequences beyond its original scope. The Benefits of Year 6 SATs The Harms and Controversies of SATs SATs and … [Read more...] about Do the Year 6 SATs still have a purpose in 2025?