As if branded school uniform that gets lost, grown out of, muddied or chewed or otherwise knackered as fast as you can say “Parentpay” three times whilst clicking your Clarks together wasn’t enough of an expense…when exactly did it become obligatory for each child to have a Christmas Jumper for the sole purpose of wearing it to school on one day per annum only. And all so we can pay a quid for the privilege. Gr. Argh. Bah. Etc.

Anyway, between all the usual non-festive stuff and a rare attempt at christmas shopping in an actual shop with actual people and actual things to touch and try (and actual children to sneak a peak at every item you secretly put in your basket – what was I thinking?) – I’ve not done much blogging here. I’ve done a fair amount over on The Transparency Project, which is taking up more and more time these days.

This week over on TP is some interesting stuff about that old chestnut adoption targets (there are several posts on that), and an exchange with CAFCASS about domestic abuse. There are various other cases that we’ve covered too. See here on the blog.

I’d also recommend Louise Tickle’s piece in the Guardian this week : Are we taking too many children into care?

Anyway, I’m off to iron my santa outfit for court tomorrow…