Ellen Ranyard (“LNR”), Bible women, district nurses and informal education. Known for using innovative methods, Ellen Raynard (1810-1879) brought about the first group of paid social workers in England and pioneered the first district nursing programme in London. [updated and extended April 2025]
Ivan Illich on deschooling, conviviality, and systems. Possibilities for education and social change. Known for his critique of modernization and the corrupting impact of institutions, Ivan Illich’s concern with deschooling, learning webs and the disabling effect of professions struck a chord among many educators and pedagogues. We explore some key aspects of his theories and his continuing relevance for teaching, pedagogy and learning. [Updated and extended January 2025]
YMCA and the development of informal and youth work education. In this major new piece, Tony Jeffs reflects on the YMCA’s 135-year engagement across the world with the professional education of those working with young people. He examines both the innovations and tensions involved in the growth and experience of different programmes, and the factors that led to the decline of informal and youth work education within the YMCA. This important research is also available to download as a pdf. [new June 2024]
updated
Exploring the nature of social action [through a walk in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe in London]. This area has experienced severe poverty and disadvantage over the years. Settlements, missions and various government bodies have been involved in trying to stimulate change – and some notable innovations were made. However, support and important changes also came from local people and their organizations. [updated and extended September – October 2024]
Mary Augusta Ward | Mrs Humphry Ward and the Passmore Edwards Settlement. Mary Ward aka Mrs Humphry Ward was one of the best-known writers of her day. She was also a key pioneer in the settlement movement and the development of provisions for children with disabilities and for play. Alongside this, Mary Ward was an advocate for the rights of women, yet she opposed the extension of the right to vote to them. We explore her life and contribution, and the settlement she founded. [updated and extended August-September 2024]
Acknowledgement: Opening image – looting in Chalk Farm – wikimedia – ccby2 licence.