The last two decades have seen a significant rise in the number of children being diagnosed with mental and behavioural disorders. As yet there is no definitive consensus as to why this is, or what it means about the world in which we live. Neverthless, parents and educators are being faced with challenges they did not foresee, and are often ill-equipped to address.

Steiner-Waldorf education is based on the principle of seeing every child as an individual – nothing is ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’; labelling children doesn’t help. Drawing on the ideas of Rudolf Steiner’s pioneering Curative Education course, this book goes back to basics and examines the potential benefits of this unique educational approach in today’s classrooms. Robyn Brown, an experienced teacher, argues that it can lead to calmer, more productive learning spaces and children who develop into rounded individuals, ready to become responsible and creative citizens.

At a time when even longtime experienced educators are struck by how the dynamics of their classrooms have changed, this is a much needed reminder of a tried and tested approach which can work for every child, and ultimately for a society.