If you're looking for the next book to buy the kids or grand children, then look no further than the latest graphic novel from Philip Pullman - 'The Adventures of John Blake: Mystery of the Ghost Ship'.

Read 2 very different reviews - 1 by Rachel Cooke in the Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/may/23/adventures-of-john-blake-philip-pullman-graphic-novel-review and the other a review by the School Library Journal (SLJ) - http://www.slj.com/2017/05/reviews/mystery-of-the-ghost-ship-by-philip-pullman-slj-review/ .

Many of us have the privilege of being able to play a small part in the education and knowledge of our children. A lot of us will do this as parents and will take on this enormous responsibility as best as we are able. Some of us are lucky enough to have an influence on a wider audience as part of the work we do. Having seen this programme, I absolutely know that we must not waiver in our attempts to move and inspire our children (our, as in a global context) to become better, more informed young people.

I've just noticed an article in The Bookseller (2nd May, 2017 by Heloise Wood) talking about the intention of Scotland's First Deputy Minister, John Swinney, to develop a national policy on school libraries.

Having received a petition for a national strategy from Duncan Wright, campaigner and CILIP Scotland (CILIPS) trustee, on behalf of Save Scotland’s School Libraries, John Swinney described it to the Public Petitions Committee as a 'fair point'. According to The Bookseller, he said: “I acknowledge and strongly support the provision of school libraries, which are an important part of the work that we undertake in encouraging an appreciation of literacy and literature among young people. I do not think that there is unanimity on the need to have a national strategy, but the petitioner makes a fair point about the importance of having such an approach and it is my intention to formulate such a strategy." 

I am delighted to report that you will now find some Dan Freedman books on the site in the form of most of the Jamie Johnson football-themed series.

Finally got more books on the site for the teens - Divurgent Series, Alex Rider, Darren Shan, the Morganville Vampires and lots more.

It is impossible to imagine that, in our modern society, we are struggling to keep teachers because schools either can't afford them any longer or they don't want to stay in the profession. Not only that, gone are the numerous applications for the same job; now it is a major challenge to attract the right teachers into many posts. If something isn't done soon, we will see the inevitable decline in our education system.

Have a look at the results of a recent survey conducted by WorthLess West Sussex – a grassroots campaign launched by schools in the county to oppose the funding cuts.

Poll of 707 headteachers finds schools will have lost five members of staff each, on average, by SeptemberThousands of teaching, teaching assistant and administrative posts have been lost from schools across the country because of funding cuts, according to a poll of headteachers.
The survey found that 3,629 roles have so far been lost at 707 schools – a loss of five positions per school, on average.
The poll was co-ordinated by WorthLess West Sussex – a grassroots campaign launched by schools in the county to oppose the funding cuts.
WorthLess West Sussex worked with school associations in 13 other counties to circulate the survey. It was responded to by 707 heads working in primary, secondary and special school settings, across 14 counties ranging from Cornwall to Essex.
According to the poll, "by September 2017" the schools will have lost:

• 1,161 teaching posts
• 1,595 teaching assistant posts
• 873 administrative posts

The survey does not make clear whether the positions have been lost via redundancies or natural wastage.

Gary Wilson shares some ideas with schools and teachers about how to get boys reading........

Here are four practical ways to help engage parents in supporting their boy’s development in literacy.

1. Hold a parent evening
Parent meetings are still a simple and effective way to engage parents in their children’s learning. They allow you to give background on why boys might underachieve and practical advice on how to help.

• Since some of the parents you want to see are the ones that never come, rethink how you might approach them. For example, hold your meeting twice on the same day (before they pick up their child and when they’ve had chance to go home and return). This also helps send out the message that you have 100% expectation that they will attend.
• Face to face invitations or invitations over the phone are always more effective.
• Consider a change of venue.
• Ask parents beforehand what questions they want answers to.