C.E. Jottings

Outstanding Conductor posts at Paces 'Outstanding' School

Paces long association with the Peto Institute is a matter of pride. As is our part in the very first UK-wide summer schools, here in Sheffield, from 1992-94. As is the help received from Prof Kozma and Anikó Salga in setting up our own centre from 1996. As is our part in introducing conductive education to the English mainstream in 2009, when the Department for Education recognised Paces School as a Non-Maintained Special School; as is the formal opening of... Read more →

Childhood Neurodisability Research priority setting - Make suggestions for research - Survey open!

I'm going to quote this at length and hope that in the interests of spreading the word, the British Academy of Childhood Disability (BACD) is OK with that. The search is on for the top 10 ideas to establish childhood neurodisability priorities. BACD is asking for suggestions via a survey. You can take part online or by completing a questionnaire that can be emailed or posted to BACD. Here it is: Aims and objectives The aim of the Childhood Disability... Read more →

New term. New Free Schools. Time for new schools' politics?

This past week [I began this post on 8th Sept], as children returned to school, some of them did so for the first time at one of the 55 new Free Schools opening this autumn term. Also this week, perhaps not entirely coincidentally, Biteback Publishing published "Education, Education, Education: Reforming England's Schools" by former Labour Education Minister, Andrew Adonis. One theme of the book was presaged in an article written by Andrew Adonis for the New Statesman back in March... Read more →

Why isn't Paces one of the best 100 not-for-profit organisations to work for?

The Sunday Times yesterday produced a supplement "100 Best not-for-profit organisations to work for". Paces wasn't listed. Why not? A simple answer would be that we are not big enough. The smallest organisation in the top 100 has 57 employees. Or another reason could be that we were not one of the "254 organisations that took part in the survey" (You've got to be in it to win it!). Or we were not the right sort of organisation: 7 of... Read more →

Are we being crazy enough? #CondEd

My last post, following Steve Hilton's departure from Number 10, asked "Why aren't we being more radical?" I was thinking of Paces, of course, but also of conductive education in the UK in general. We had two workshops at Paces this week. I tried on both days to remind Trustees, managers, staff and parents that conductive education is not just another "alternative therapy", one option among many, but a radical departure, a quantum leap forward in the understanding and practice... Read more →

Paces at NASS Annual Conference

I'm about to head off to the Annual Conference of NASS at South Normanton, near Derby; looking forward to taking part in the Panel Discussion that rounds off the first day. My brief is to talk about our experience of applying to become a Free School. "Panel Discussion: Survival of the Fittest - Surviving and Thriving in Difficult Times Tracy De Bernhardt Dunkin, West of England School & College - The Future Remodelled Olga Sullivan, Buckinghamshire CC - Working with... Read more →

Duke of Gloucester opens new Paces School classrooms - loads of pictures

There are more pictures than I'm sure you've got time to look at to be found on the website of Chris Seaman, our photgrapher for the visit of HRH the Duke of Gloucester to Paces. (On Chris's website, click on 'Events', then on '62106 - HRH Prince Richard, The Duke of Gloucester official opening of Paces. View album') The picture of Sarah shaking hands with HRH is still my favourite. But then, I would, wouldn't I? (Previously on this visit... Read more →

Sarah gets to shake hands with a Royal Duke

So proud of her! HRH the Duke of Gloucester visits Paces School. Read more →

Duke of Gloucester opens new Paces School classrooms

"The Duke of Gloucester met with pupils, staff, Governors, Trustees and other guests today when he officially opened a new teaching block for Paces School. On unveiling the commemorative plaque the Dukes said of Paces: " It seems to me that what you do here at Paces either can't be done at all or can be done very well. The alternative education that you offer here is effective and is an example for others to follow." Chair of Trustees, John... Read more →

Excellent Yorkshire Post feature on Paces' Special Free School bid

I am very pleased to be able to share with you a link to yesterday's excellent Yorkshire Post article on Paces' ambition to become a Special Free School. Click on ... Pace Setter in parent-run school schools looking to secure state funding or go to http://bit.ly/iuHfNL There's a great photo, too. Read more →