Rewilding Childhood

Mike Fairclough says such wise and wonderful things it could change your life forever. * Dame Jacqueline Wilson, bestselling children’s author *
Fairclough is not just unwrapping the cotton wool from around his children, he's throwing it with glee onto the campfire. * Sunday Telegraph *
He is, after all, the man who hit the headlines for his unorthodox take on education at West Rise, the East Sussex school where he has put rabbit-skinning, shooting and fire-making alongside mathematics and verbal reasoning on the curriculum... Mike is on a mission. * Daily Mail *
Mike Fairclough, the author and head teacher of West Rise Junior School in East Sussex, comes across as both wildly unconventional and eminently sensible ... Fairclough shares his advice on how to nurture confident, capable children who can thrive in the face of life's challenges. * Anna Maxted, The Times Weekend *
Mike Fairclough is a remarkable and visionary human being who has made it his life's mission to bring happiness to adults and children alike. * Richard Gerver, award-winning speaker and bestselling author *
Mike Fairclough is doing something magical at West Rise Junior School - magic that has drawn the eyes of educators from around the world. * Professor Barbara Oakley, New York Times bestselling author *
A book about risk and resilience; central ingredients to a happy and prosperous future for all our children. Coming from one of the bravest and caring teachers I know. This book prepares us for an unknown future and gives us guidance on parenting, building children up to be strong, resilient and happy. * Anna Brees, journalist and former BBC and ITV reporter *
I can't recommend this wonderful book enough - a refreshing and inspiring take on childhood - and parenthood - from a headteacher who has become one of the most courageous voices of the pandemic. It rails against the 'cotton wool culture' stifling our children and provides a fresh and much needed perspective on our attitudes to risk, danger and how critical it is for children to engage with the natural world. As a parent of two primary aged children I particularly liked the tips and inventive suggestions peppered throughout the book for hands on activities and practical advice. A must read for parents and teachers alike * Molly Kingsley, writer, journalist for The Telegraph/Mail, campaigner *
Rewilding Childhood is an essential guide for parents and grandparents who want to bring back some of the magic to childhood that existed before smartphones, games consoles and our sometimes-overbearing culture of health and safety. Author Mike Fairclough is an inspiration to parents and children alike. The pupils at West Rise Junior school where Mike is headteacher are extremely lucky. * James Wells, former British MEP, former head of UK trade team at Office for National Statistics *
I want my children to be young again so I can send them to Mike's school, more than that, I want to go back to being a child so I can have Mike as my head teacher. THIS is what children need to be able to grow up brave and free in this controlling, fear-mongering world. * Tonia Buxton, television presenter, restauranteur and bestselling author *
Fairclough shares his advice on how to nurture confident, capable children who can thrive in the face of life's challenges. * Anna Maxted, The Times *
I have become so concerned for what has happened to our children over the last two years and I believe this 'handbook for living life to the full' will repair some of the damage. So easy to read for adults and children and very hard to put down. It will rekindle the magic of childhood in all of us. Adventure, imagination, excitement, being allowed to learn from mistakes without being judged, great suggestions for kids and adults. An affirmation that life is for living. Highly recommended. * Dr Tony Hinton FRCS, Consultant Surgeon *