I first heard about Barry Hymer and Peter Wells on the perpetual chess podcast where they were interviewed about their new book on chess improvement. I was intrigued by the ideas they presented, so I decided to get the book. And I was not disappointed. In this review, I will tell you why I like this book and why you should probably read it too.

Read the full post here.

Find out more about Chess Improvement here.

Restorative practice describes a way of being, an underpinning ethos, which enables us to build and maintain healthy relationships. It provides a strong framework within which we can promote a whole-school ethos founded on the importance of relationships.

Read the full article here.

Discover Mark's book Independent Thinking on Restorative Practice here.

Haili Hughes is an English teacher and a former head of department and senior leader who has mentored new teachers and ITT students for over ten years. A former journalist Haili has been teaching for the best part of 15 years and has enjoyed developing teachers at many stages of their career. Haili writes regularly for TES and other education publications and she is the author of Preserving Positivity and Mentoring in Schools.

This episode discusses Haili's new book Mentoring in Schools. Listen to the full episode here.

Find out more about the book here.

Written by Dave Whitaker, The Kindness Principle: Making relational behaviour management work in schools advocates a behaviour management approach rooted in values, acceptance and a genuine understanding of children™s behaviour.

In an education system that too often reaches for the carrot-and-stick approach to dealing with poor pupil behaviour, an approach built on kindness and compassion might just provide the cure.

Find out more and get your copy here.

Jon Chaloner, CEO, GLF Schools, Vice Chair, Headteachers™ Roundtable:

In The Kindness Principle, Dave provides invaluable insights into the essential ingredients that shape successful behaviour management strategies in schools. I have known Dave for a decade and I believe that he is one of the wisest and most highly respected voices in this field.

˜If we expect to see a naughty child, then that is what we will see. If we expect to see a child in need of support, then that is what we will see.™ These two sentences encapsulate different perceptions of an individual, which contribute to the complexity of behaviour management in schools. Dave™s writing challenges and encourages the reader throughout.



The Kindness Principle is a must-read for those striving to improve the life chances of all children and young people. The inclusion of a number of practical ˜Try this™ boxes provide ample room to reflect upon, examine and develop your own practice in setting the right conditions to enable all children to flourish.

Mark Finnis™ webinar ˜An Introduction to Restorative Practice “ From Vision to Reality™ will take place on Monday 24th May and get a code for 50% off Mark™s new book Independent Thinking on Restorative Practice when you register.

Dave Whitaker™s webinar ˜The Kindness Principle - Making Relational Behaviour Management Work™ will take place on Tuesday 15th June and get a code for 50% off Dave™s new book The Kindness Principle when you register.

‹Haili Hughes™ webinar ˜Mentoring in Schools - Bringing the Best Out of Early Career Teachers™ will take place on Monday 28th June and get a code for 50% off Haili™s new book Mentoring in Schools when you register.

Find out more about the webinars here.

In Britain we like to feed the idea that every child has equal access to the tools of success, and the chance to access the career of their choice, regardless of background. Sadly, this notion doesn™t hold up under scrutiny.

Read the full article here.

Discover Bernie's new book The Ladder.