Using imagination 'should be part of teaching'

Teaching should involve giving children the time to develop their imagination and creativity.

This is according to author Cathy Cassidy, who told the Times that she believes pupils should be given time to daydream and distract themselves from the worry of tests.

She stated: "Perhaps we've lost sight of what education should be about - boosting confidence and making well-rounded characters, developing skills and talents, and using them to pass exams, if they can."

Ms Cassidy's novel, Scarlett, is one of 12 books that have been selected to be distributed free to year seven pupils over the next few months as part of a new scheme.

Speaking to the paper, she expressed her delight at being picked for this programme, noting that it is important that teachers have time to take their pupils away from the traditional classroom environment.

Two million free books will be provided to reception-aged and year seven pupils in England before Christmas by independent charity Booktrust, with the support of the government.