Research set to determine whether technology like iPads might be beneficial for children’s development Parents invited to participate in study now and after six months A new research project, aimed at discovering the influence technology has on children’s learning, social interactions and play, from birth to 47 months, is being launched today. Dr Elena Hoicka, and PhD students Stephanie Powell …

With the holiday season fast approaching it’s time to get organised! No need to panic, you still have time to get those last minute gifts, a turkey for ten and maybe some time to enjoy Christmas too! Each year, the countdown comes quicker, and with parents taking extraordinary measures to make sure gifts and children are all wrapped up, one …

Good King Wenceslas has become Good King Wences-LOST in the latest mind-bending puzzle to baffle the internet. In the popular carol, the kind-hearted ruler and his page head out into the snow to deliver winter fuel to a poor villager. But in this brain-teaser by Optical Express he has lost his way amid a forest of pine trees. His loyal …

Events planner and founder of Your Planning Angel, Heather Angell, provides her top tips for creating the perfectly dressed table this Christmas I love hosting a celebration and Christmas is the big one in our household where I get indulge in a bit of luxury. Christmas is the perfect time to treat yourself to new table linen and glassware so …

27th in the Pisa rankings. Why is it ok for the UK to be bad at maths? By Charlotte Gater Head of Curriculum at Explore Learning In the recent PISA rankings that compare the results in maths, reading and science of 15 year olds from across the globe, the UK came 27th in maths. Education policy will have some affect, …

Recently The BBC announced that the UK was falling behind in global school rankings. The renowned Pisa tests are based on tests taken by 15-year-olds in more than 70 countries across the world. Countries are ranked in science, reading and maths and Asia is dominating the educational leader board, with Singapore topping the list in all three subjects and China …

A journey of discovery: through time, space and a world of fantasy From time travel, fantasy and shocking stories of survival to fantastically funny football facts, this year’s Blue Peter Book Awards shortlist explores a diverse range of themes. The six titles are competing for a chance to win one of two prestigious awards: Best Story and Best Book with …

A chip shop has put a novel twist on a Christmas staple by giving away deep fried SPROUTS. The unusual delicacy has been offered out to customers while they wait for their fish and chips to be cooked. Andrea Long, 51, manager of Terry’s Traditional Fish and Chips in Huddersfield, West Yorks., said the sprouts have gone down so well …

Bah humbug! Millions of Brits will REFUSE to join in the singing of carols this Christmas. More than half – 55 per cent – of people said they will not be taking part in the festive tradition. Almost seven in ten 18-24 year-olds will stay schtum, saying they find carols old-fashioned and embarrassing. And don’t expect to rely on the …

Is it being a master of foreign films? An opera obsessive? Or is it having more stamps in your passport than anyone else? New data from market research group OnePoll reveals the top ‘signs’ a person can be considered ‘cultured’, with visiting the theater, knowing a Banksy from a Van Gogh and relaxing to a bit of classical music the …