Jill Rowe

God of Love, at the beginning of this New Year, filled with the unknown, grant us the enthusiasm that trumps anxiety and opens up the road before us. As we traverse this new pathway, with its challenges and opportunities, grant us your wisdom, grace and courage.

As a teenager all I learned from school was I was thick! But at my youth club I learned to play the guitar, I became a junior leader & I got the chance to travel. I felt trusted & empowered. Enrichment both ‘in’ & ‘beyond’ school is an essential part of education for every child.

I understand that local councils are broke & so feel the need to sell off closed schools & other community assets. However, the long-term cost in terms of healthy community life is massive. But if instead we use them to build community, the long-term cost savings to will be huge.

When a child lacks security they come to school in search of what they are starved of. It’s only when a child enjoys security that they can come to school fully focussed on learning.

Out today. Why schools don't work for far too many children - and what should we be doing about it! My conversation with Amal Rajan! Available from @BBCSounds now.