That's it, we need proper funding for arts in schools – no more crumbs!

I was reading about Jeffrey Archer passing away, and it got me thinking. He was a prolific author, and while his politics might have been different from mine, his success highlights the value of creative pursuits. It just makes me so angry when I see the arts being cut back in primary schools. We’re so focused on test scores that we’re forgetting how important things like drama, music, and painting are for a child’s development.

We're constantly being told that the arts are a 'luxury' that we can't afford, especially when budgets are tight. But that's a deeply flawed way of looking at it. These aren't just 'nice-to-haves'. They teach children vital skills: creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, confidence. These are the exact skills that fuel innovation and drive success, whether in business, science, or yes, even writing bestselling novels.