Here's a quick round-up of news and ideas before I wish you all a jolly Christmas and restful holiday:

1. Switch the camcorders ON. Probably too late to mention this now that Mary's donkey and the baby Jesus doll has been put away for another year, but I was very pleased to read this message from the Information Commissioner's Office recently:

"It is disappointing to hear that the myth that photos are forbidden by the Data Protection Act still prevails in some schools. A common sense approach is needed. Clearly, photographs simply taken for a family album are exempt from data protection laws. Parents should feel free to snap away this Christmas and stand ready to challenge any schools or councils that say 'bah, humbug' to a bit of festive fun."

2. Switch the DVD players OFF. I was amazed to hear last week when, having struggled through the snow to get my nephew to school, my sister was a) reprimanded by the Head for arriving late and then b) hears once my nephew was at school, they just watched damn videos all day! With so many art and craft possibilities particularly at this time of year, and fun games to be played, I really don't believe there's an excuse for using the electronic babysitter, is there?? Here's just a couple of links for ideas:

Sparkling ideas from the Guardian Mortarboard

Games for younger children on CBeebies

3. Celebrate the League Tables. Perhaps an odd one to finish with, but I enjoyed browsing through the League Tables this week. Not, as the government might hope, to decide which schools are good (as if these damn tables could tell us that!) but to see just how many schools had a zero entry after having boycotted the SATs back in May. Bravo and a huge thank you to all those brave souls for being willing to take a stand. I send you my most grateful and enthusiastic best wishes for a very well-deserved Christmas holiday!

And with that, this is chock-a-bloke checking out for 2010.

Happy Christmas one and all.