C.E. Jottings

The role of leadership is to create a climate of possibility not command and control.

102 new Free Schools announced - 8 special schools

Education Secretary Michael Gove today approved 102 new free school applications to open in 2014 and beyond. just 8 are special schools. 2 of these are National Autistic Society free schools adding to NAS's first free school due to open in Reading in September this year: one in east Cheshire for 60 pupils and the other in Lambeth for 78 pupils. Eden School - Blackburn with Darwen 8-16 INSPIRE special Free School - Medway - secondary (Appears to be promoted... Read more →

She's leaving home: cuts, mortality and independent living

Some subjects are just not easy to write about. One's mortality, for instance. How many times over the years have I heard parents of severely disabled children express their worry about what will happen to their child once they themselves 'depart this stage"? I am minded of this by an article in the Irish Independent and the distressing story of a Mum and Dad forced to give up looking after their daughter at home and to put her into residential... Read more →

Please, (Sir/Miss as you like), have I reached my potential yet?

Not so long since, I was driving home from Pembrokeshire and up the M42 when I passed a wagon on which was proudly declared that the company that ran it was the largest large vehicle and coach recovery company in the UK. I remember thinking, for some bizarre reason, I wonder if the guy who runs it has fulfilled his potential? Careers' Master (I went to a boys' grammar school) to bright pupil: You'll go a long way, young man.... Read more →