Title: Playing with Fire: embracing risk and danger in schools
Author: Mike Fairclough 
Publisher: John Catt Educational

When I received an email asking me to review this book, I will admit that I was initially hesitant. It was the first week back after summer and - the same as every other headteacher in the land - I had returned to an ever-increasing mountain of things to do. But the title Playing with Fire: embracing risk and danger in schools, piqued my interest and I decided to give it a read.

I would love to be one of those headteachers who reads books on effective leadership theory and puts them to good use. The truth is, though, that I am usually far too tired to read these kinds of books, and I am often left feeling confused rather than inspired. In refreshing contrast, this book had me hooked immediately.

It is written by the inspirational head of a unique school in the South Downs: West Rise Junior School. This is a school that has built its own Bronze Age settlement on the land around the school - land that would once have housed the second largest Bronze Age settlement in Europe. It has a herd of water buffalo, children regularly shoot shotguns and the curriculum includes beekeeping. 

This is a state-funded junior school with a challenging catchment, but a very impressive Ofsted report and equally impressive Sats results. In the book, the school’s headteacher, Mike Fairclough, tells the journey of his school, beautifully communicating his passion for his job and his belief that all schools have the same potential.

Pushing the boundaries

This book is a practical guide: each chapter deals with a different aspect of the school and gives sensible advice on how to adopt this approach. It is easy to read, and the author has a wry sense of humour that is evident on every page. It is a book that would appeal to anyone who is interested in looking at a different approach to educating children.

Fairclough says that this book is a response to everyone who asks him how on earth he does it - or at least how he gets away with it. He answers that question clearly: there is no trick. 

The book dispels myths regarding health and safety and Ofsted. But, more importantly than that, it is a vehicle for his belief that we need to trust more and we need to expect more from our children. 

It is not a book about encouraging schools to buy water buffalo, but rather reminds us that, with heart, passion and courage, the sky is the limit. Don’t be afraid of breaking the perceived rules, Fairclough implies, because they are just that - perceived.

If I take the time to read a book about education, I want to be inspired, I want it to make me reflect on my own practice and change it. So thank you, Mike Fairclough, because your book did just this; this book has confirmed what I believe and encouraged me to push the boundaries further.

I challenge any teacher to read this book and not be inspired. The only downside is that I expect Fairclough’s school may again be inundated with requests to visit - and I will be at the front of the queue.

Christina Zanelli Tyler is the head teacher of West Cliff Primary School in Whitby, North Yorkshire