One of the most important things I have learnt from my husband (not an admission I am likely to make very often!) is to ‘see it from the child’s perspective’. A game-changer for me, and probably a life-changer for them (my children).

In the Bible, there is a story of some parents who bring their children to Jesus, for him to bless them. Jesus’ disciples turn them away, thinking that Jesus is too important to be bothered with children. Seeing what is happening, Jesus comes over and blesses the children, and says: ‘Unless you become like little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.’ I interpret ‘kingdom of heaven’, as John’s gospel: the best that can be known and enjoyed here and now, not in some distant unknown.

A while ago, my oldest and I were watching a group of 3 and 4 year olds play. They’re all so different, she commented, even at this age, they’re all different shapes and sizes, walk and run differently, have different mannerisms and different things they like doing.

It has been quite a half-term, a completely different experience to anything that we foresaw. We have tried as a school to build flexibility into routines, to allow for different home circumstances, and also, different ways and speeds of working, interests, proclivities, recognising that one size does not fit all.

At school council this lunchtime, we had a range of views about what was working well with remote learning and even better if….. It is so good to see and hear from the girls; watch our new Head Girls lead the meeting; see the respectful way they listen to each other. They also discussed which competitions will work well online and had some good ideas for new ones. We will look to implement many of their suggestions next half-term.

Finally, LIV were asked to write an essay on whether Cromwell was a hero or a villain. In her essay, Raheba concluded, ‘I think Cromwell was a villain because he was very cruel to his people by not letting them have any fun. Having fun is part of growing up. It is very essential for children and if Cromwell banned fun, children then pretty much missed out on their childhood.’

I hope you and your families are keeping safe and well. Every good wish for a recuperative half-term holiday.