"If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, she learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, she learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, she learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, she learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, she learns to like herself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world."
Dorothy Law Nolte

I think that applies equally to little learners, big learners, children, parents and carers and should help us think through what we mean by brilliant learning places. I mentioned my friend John Gibson and his uniquely different perspective on brilliant learning places...

John contacted me again last week... a week which had not been a good one for me in lots of ways. John wanted me to know about two other fantastic learning places... Blackgates Primary School and Austhorpe Primary School... schools where he had been working recently.

John tells me that what makes these schools special is:

• inspiring leadership;
• fantastic teamwork;
• great children; and
• high expectations.

Thanks John.

We do have some inspiring learning places here in Leeds; places where children learn tolerance, fairness, respect, and friendship; places where all children are accepted, encouraged and praised and where everyone feels secure and valued.

Chris