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
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
Why I Let Children Play with Knives: The Importance of Taking Calculated Risks In A Child’s Development.
It might seem controversial at first glance, but yes - I let children as young as five use knives at our outdoor education sessions at Ambleford. Before you raise an eyebrow or two, let me explain why this practice is not only safe but crucial to children's development. At Ambleford, we understand deeply the importance of allowing children to take calculated risks. Handling … [Read more...] about Why I Let Children Play with Knives: The Importance of Taking Calculated Risks In A Child’s Development.