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?
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?
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?
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