When you were a school pupil who inspired you? Who inspires our children now? Well that is quite a difficult question to answer right now because, for the past year or so, many children have experienced only a limited number of contacts – family and carers obviously, but also, mainly people they have seen through the media. Of course, people who appear on the media are not always there for reasons we would commend. So I was fascinated on one of my rather infrequent visits to Ribbleton Avenue Methodist Junior School (taking all necessary precautions and for legitimate reasons) to discover that Year 3 – the 7/8 year olds – had done some work on this question. Their work provoked some interesting ideas. Sadly, limited visiting at the school has meant that not as many as possible saw the display so here is some of the information which I was able to glean.

Not surprisingly, most of those who were inspiring the children were family members – an equal division it seems of mothers, brothers and sisters with a few cousins. Kindness, care and love were the qualities most admired along with a willingness to help with tidying bedrooms and cooking skills. It was a surprise though that only one father was mentioned (‘he’s the best and fabulous’). There was a dog, a pet parrot (‘who is sweet and full of love’) and, fascinatingly, Henry VIII. Oh, and two mentions of a teacher, but more in terms of her physical appearance! That’s me out.

Quite how the teachers took this work forward with the children I am not sure. But it is an important topic. Much educational research shows how important it is that children come into contact with a number of inspirational figures who can help them to see a future for themselves to which they might aspire. That is why frequent visitors to the school, working with and engaging children in discussion about new horizons and ideas, is so important. It is an aim the school is working on at present.

Of course, the teachers have been and are consistently doing this, not least by creating opportunities to learn and think about people in all walks of life who have ‘made a difference’. A few days after my visit I was delighted to receive by email from the Headteacher, this piece of work by Ruby who is also in year 3.

Ruby’s is a very encouraging piece of work and shows how children can be helped to collect, develop and present their thoughts and their experience in ways which can shape their future. Well done, Ruby.

Perhaps with your next cup of coffee, whatever your age or circumstances, you could spend a moment thinking who has inspired you or perhaps still does inspire you in your own life. And how, even now, you can inspire and encourage others.