Warwick Mansell, an independent journalist and founder of Education Uncovered, joins clinical psychologist Naomi Fisher, author of Changing Our Minds. They dive into the implications of the Schools Bill on children's rights and home education. Warwick discusses how the academies system fosters inequality and secrecy, while Naomi raises concerns about increased state control over homeschooling. They explore the disconnect between educational policies and the real needs of students, emphasizing the need for reforms that prioritize well-being and parental rights.
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insights INSIGHT
Origin and Growth of Academies
The academies policy began as a targeted reform for struggling urban secondary schools around 2000.
It gradually expanded post-2010 to become the dominant school governance model in England.
insights INSIGHT
Academies Fragment Community Control
The academies system removes local authority control and concentrates power in academy trusts and central government.
This isolation causes frustration and scandals due to lack of community accountability and transparency.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Increase Academy Accountability
Open academy trust membership to all parents in the community to increase accountability.
Allow governing body meetings to be open to the public, increasing transparency and trust.
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A Different Way to Learn explores alternative educational approaches tailored for children who struggle in traditional school settings. It champions the concept of personalized learning, emphasizing the importance of understanding each child’s unique learning style and needs. Fisher argues for creating learning environments that foster creativity, curiosity, and independence, rather than conforming to standardized curricula. The book draws on insights from psychology and education to provide practical strategies for parents and educators. By highlighting successful alternative learning models, this book seeks to inspire readers to embrace a more flexible, compassionate, and individualized approach to education.
Changing Our Minds
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David Gushee
David Gushee's "Changing Our Minds" chronicles his journey from a traditional evangelical perspective on homosexuality to a position of full affirmation. The book details his intellectual and emotional process, engaging with scripture, theology, and personal experiences. Gushee's work is significant for its honest and thoughtful exploration of the complexities of the issue, demonstrating a willingness to reconsider deeply held beliefs in light of new evidence and perspectives. The book is a valuable resource for those grappling with similar questions and offers a compelling case for LGBTQ+ inclusion within Christianity. It is a powerful example of intellectual humility and the importance of engaging with difficult topics with empathy and open-mindedness.
Making Change Stick
James Mannion
This book synthesizes change management literature and strategies. It provides practical guidance for implementing school improvement initiatives. The book addresses the challenges of top-down change in education. It offers solutions-focused approaches for educators. It focuses on improving outcomes for children and young people.
Unfinished Business
Unfinished Business
Tim Brighouse
In this powerful episode, we speak with two leading commentators on education and children’s rights – Warwick Mansell, independent investigative journalist and founder of Education Uncovered, and Dr Naomi Fisher, clinical psychologist and author of Changing Our Minds.
We dig into the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill currently making ita way through Parliament, and ask: who gets to decide what’s best for children?
Warwick examines how the academies system has paved the way for growing inequality, secrecy, and reduced local oversight, while Naomi outlines how the Bill could ramp up state control over home education.
From changes to local authorities to parental rights, this episode uncovers what’s at stake – and why we should all be paying attention.
LINKS
Follow Warwick - https://educationuncovered.co.uk
Follow Naomi - https://naomifisher.co.uk/
Follow James - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-mannion/
Follow David - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-cameron-72061a15
Outro track: ‘How it is and how it should be’ by Grit Control: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ud69RIV1eOV9poMR7AORI
DON'T BE A STRANGER
The Rethinking Education podcast is brought to you by Crown House Publishing. It is hosted by Dr James Mannion and David Cameron, and produced by Sophie Dean.
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