We all want the best for our children and the next generation. As parents and educators, the education and upbringing we provide children aims to make them well-rounded young people with a broad skill set. But what does this really mean and why do we...

20 October, 2015
Parents are on the hunt for great ways of teaching children valuable life lessons. We made sure the Clever Tykes books were brimming with some of the most important life lessons a child can learn. We've put together a definitive list of the life lessons taught in the Clever Tykes books. 
17 September, 2015
We're all well aware of the celebrity culture we've developed in the UK; 'culture' regularly being poetically chosen over 'obsession'. Our obsession with these individuals creates demand for TV, magazine and website coverage of related stories with varying combinations of truth and fabrication. Whilst there's nothing inherently wrong with this coverage (although much of it is negative and elicits negative comments and responses by viewers/readers) the impact of belittling people in the public eye in front of our children may have prolonged negative implications.
28 April, 2015
I am incredibly passionate about enterprise education in schools but how we educators go about inspiring and empowering enterprise in children is subject to debate. Should enterprise education be a statutory element of the curriculum? If so, at what age should it become statutory? Primary school? Secondary school? Should enterprise be lumped in with financial education or does it have a broader role to play?There are campaigners who want enterprise to be part of the curriculum but every sector has its champions and the curriculum is already jam-packed with topics teachers have to teach - just ask one! I for one, therefore, do not actually believe enterprise education should be a statutory part of the curriculum. What I do believe is that schools should produce a culture of enterprise amongst pupils. Enterprise and being enterprising is incredibly important in cultivating creativity, resourcefulness, resilience and a positive mindset. 

7 ways to create an enterprising culture in schools

19 March, 2015
Monday 9th of March 2015 will go down in enterprise education history as the day CBBC were forced to take down a children's quiz portraying entrepreneurs as cheating, sneaky and, above all, immoral people. Entitled "Are you an Entrepreneur?" the quiz naturally attracted the attention of Clever Tykes co-founder Ben Cook during his weekly quiz revision (searching for the Newsround 'quiz of the week!'). Clever Tykes posted the quiz to Facebook on Friday 6th of March and you can see our original post here. After the post was seen by a number of enterprise educators, it wasn't long before a Twitter storm ensued with a number of prominent business figures wading into the bog of war on Monday 9th. Within 24 hours, the CBBC entrepreneur quiz had been taken down and a statement was issued by the BBC. But why such the backlash and what did the BBC have to say for themselves? Co-founder Ben Cook explains...
10 March, 2015
As educators we're passionate about inspiring and empowering our students. In fact, helping children understand more about our world is an incredibly rewarding career. But often, the most rewarding elements are not around the transfer of facts and methods of how things are done; they are in bringing the best out of students; in helping them overcome challenges and have a positive outlook on life. There is an array of people skills, characteristics and traits that will help children develop into happy, successful adults. These traits not only aid academic achievement but are, arguably, even more important.
23 February, 2015
Proactive teachers are always on the hunt of the best resources to share with their pupils. With a lot of hype surround enterprise education, particularly at a primary level, and with few tried and tested resources available, it can be a difficult task to find the best. Naturally, we think Clever Tykes produces the best enterprise resources for primary schools! But what is it that makes them good? If you already have the Clever Tykes books and resources or if you're looking for more ways of inspiring and empowering students, what should you be looking out for in other enterprise resources?
17 February, 2015
There are mixed opinions about the impact of Dragons' Den and The Apprentice on business and the kind of role models the Dragons and Lord Sugar provide impressionable children and young adults.For the purpose of this blog we will refer to Dragons' Den as DD and The Apprentice as TA and the comments explain how they portray the unhelpful lesson outlined.
01 February, 2015
Opening a bank account for a child is an important milestone in growing up and is a great step in learning more about how the world works. Understanding exactly why you want you child to have a bank account is very important as to make sure you're not simply opening one because little Jimmy across the road now has one! Choosing to open an account for your child, whether it's mainly for saving money, earning and spending or so they can have their own debit card, should be just that - a conscious choice because it is a significant step.
17 January, 2015

  • I am a huge advocate of the entrepreneurial messages and characteristics that you are driving. I think it is a fantastic idea to instil the idea of entrepreneurship into children from a young age. This is a great way to open children up to the idea of not always following conventional paths and giving them the belief and confidence from an early age to pursue their own creative business ideas and ventures.

    James Caan, CBE – entrepreneur and former Dragon

  • The Clever Tykes series are such a wonderful way to introduce ‘enterprise’ to children from a young age – I can’t recommend them highly enough, and strongly urge parents to read along with their child as there is no doubt the stories will stimulate lots of questions and interest!

    Lorraine Allman, Author and Founder of Enterprising Child

  • I found Walk-it Willow easy to read and full of lovely messages that children can take from it. It touched on taking responsibility, problem solving, admitting mistakes and also the work it takes to run a small business. Willow is entertaining but very human. A lovely story.

    Naomi Richards, The Kids Coach, parent and life coach for children