The other day, I brought out a basket of freshly fallen conkers at our weekly class of home educated kids, thinking we might enjoy a round or two of the game I grew up with. I expected instant recognition—excitement, even. But what I got were curious looks and genuine questions: “What are these for?” “What’s a conker game?” I was taken aback. Not in a judgmental way, but in … [Read more...] about It’s Just a Game… Or Is It? Why Children Not Knowing Conkers Should Make Us Pause for Thought
AirTags and Child Trackers: Safety Net or Symptom of Fear?
In an age where technology offers us instant connection and location tracking, many parents are turning to devices like Apple’s AirTags or GPS watches to keep tabs on their children. Marketed as tools to provide peace of mind and protect children from harm, these gadgets are becoming increasingly common in backpacks and coat pockets. But are we trading trust for … [Read more...] about AirTags and Child Trackers: Safety Net or Symptom of Fear?
A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Child with Anxiety
If your child shows signs of anxiety, you are not alone. In my work with hundreds of children each year through outdoor learning and forest school sessions at Ambleford, I’ve seen how common anxiety is among children of all ages. Sometimes it shows up quietly—in a child who clings to the edges of a group or activity—or more visibly, in tears and refusals to leave a parent. … [Read more...] about A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Child with Anxiety
If Traditional School Isn’t Working for Your Family, You’re Not Alone!
In a world where mainstream education often feels increasingly rigid, overstretched, and impersonal, many families are searching for something different—something that allows their children to thrive, not just survive. Flexi-schooling at Ambleford School could be the answer. Who is Flexi-Schooling For? Our flexi-school programme is designed for families who want a more … [Read more...] about If Traditional School Isn’t Working for Your Family, You’re Not Alone!
Why Music in the Charts is Rubbish —And Why That Should Worry Us
Spend a few minutes listening to the music charts today, and you might notice something odd: where have all the bands gone? The guitar solos? The harmonies crafted in dusty rehearsal rooms? Increasingly, mainstream hits are written by teams, performed solo, and built on samples rather than instruments. This isn’t just nostalgia talking or the moaning of an old fart—there’s real … [Read more...] about Why Music in the Charts is Rubbish —And Why That Should Worry Us