Schools still matter. There’s a growing online narrative that paints them as outdated “factories” built to create compliant workers. But as a qualified teacher who has stepped away from the mainstream system and continued to work with children and families, I want to offer another perspective rooted in reality, compassion, and a deep belief in what’s possible when we work together.

Schools Aren’t the Enemy

Yes, schools have changed. Teachers are overworked, classrooms are overstimulating, and the curriculum doesn’t always allow creativity or individual pace. I’ve seen it, and I’ve lived it.

But despite these challenges, schools still matter. They still shape futures and provide safety, structure, and support to so many children.

My role now isn’t to attack schools but to walk alongside them, supporting the system, the teachers, the parents, and most of all, the children.

That’s why Scribble the Squirrel was born. A handwriting companion, a bridge between home and school, and a fun, friendly way to remind children that learning can be joyful and empowering.

Children Are Intuitive  And Their Confidence Is Fragile

A parent recently messaged me to say their child wanted to be the class’s “star writer.” But the child believed they never would be; apparently because of something the teacher had said.

I don’t know the full context; perhaps the teacher didn’t mean it that way, but the child felt it.

Children are incredibly intuitive. They pick up on tone, expectations, and belief or the lack of it.

That’s the moment we lose them: when their self-belief disappears, they stop trying because they feel they’ll never be enough.

A Simple Shift, A Big Breakthrough

One of my students was struggling with handwriting. He needed more than practice: connection, encouragement, and a sense of purpose.

His parents began working with him using short videos I had created. But he was growing tired of writing isolated letters. Then his dad suggested something simple but powerful:
“Write a full sentence, however you want. Then let’s use what we’ve been learning to write it again.”

That’s when the magic happened.

The child could see the difference. He saw how his effort had paid off. His face lit up. He felt proud. And for the first time, he realised he could write beautifully and clearly.

That moment wasn’t just about handwriting. It was about belief. 

We Need to Join Forces

This is what I believe with all my heart:
If parents and educators work together, not in opposition but in partnership, children will feel confident, safe, supported, and ready to thrive.

The school system isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t have to be broken beyond repair.

It needs innovation, empathy, and people like you and me, who care deeply and are willing to be part of the solution.

Let’s Start a Conversation

What are your thoughts?
Does the education system need to be torn down or built up?
Have you had moments where your child’s confidence has grown or been shaken at school?

I’d love to hear about your experience. Let’s discuss how we can be allies, not adversaries, to the system and each other.

You can get in touch here, or follow us on IG @scribblethesquirrelhq 

Because every child deserves to believe that they can.