Whilst at university I was twice part of the Handicapped Children’s Pilgrimage Trust to Lourdes. Among many wonderful memories, from thirty years ago, was the lunch time one child walked into the middle of the hotel restaurant to inform their carers they had just soiled themselves (different words used) carrying in the evidence. I also ended up in bed with one of the teachers from my former secondary school. Continue reading
Having read a number of blogs about Michaela School, principally from their Assistant Head teacher Joe Kirby, I contacted Joe who kindly organised a visit. Last Thursday was spent wandering around Michaela chatting to different teachers and pupils and to be honest thoroughly enjoying myself. I sense Michaela is one of those Marmite schools, you either love it or hate it, but there is a danger this can blind you to what is good and what can be learnt. Continue reading
Spiralling into the depths of despair is all too easy when daylight is in short supply, the weather is wet, temperatures are freezing and your energy levels are plummeting at the same time as your workload is rising. It’s that time of the year when tempers get increasingly frayed as the season of peace, hope and joy draws close; people end up feeling ill and permanent exclusions hit a peak. Continue reading