The writings of Robert Fulghum became an interesting way to begin and end early years conferences in the early 1990s. Many will remember his book All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten.
One of my favourite stories recounts the tale of the children's party game of giants, wizards and dwarves. Corners of a hall are designated with a fantasy world character and, on command, the children run noisily into their chosen corner. All goes well until a 'mermaid' tugs at his trouser leg. 'Where do the mermaids stand?'
The current target-driven culture in schools across the land does not cater for the mermaids. We've all met them. The children who stand out in our memories for one reason or another. They are the ones who haven't learned the rules of kindergarten.
Watching our 93 Year Six children complete their SATs this week is a good illustration of this. The bulk of pupils work in the hall and just get on with the whole process. Tables overflow with 'lucky' toys, rings and photos from home, but the atmosphere is calm and unhurried. Once the first test is over, they realise that this is the format and it's not so scary after all.
These are the 'giants', the survivors who have learned the game.
Scattered all over the school, including in my room, are various 'wizards'
and 'dwarves'. The 'wizards' need their one-to-one support, as they are often capable of high scores but are volatile and have their 'off' days.
Home circumstances, failure to be given their daily medication and any number of factors can be triggers of an inability to access the tests.
The 'dwarves' need readers and struggle with the 'reading' paper they have to manage unaided. The 45-minute paper loses any attraction after 30 minutes - 'I like your earrings, miss'.
So where do the mermaids fit into all this? The one whose great-granddad died last night and she's only just found out. Pity she was too absorbed in it all to let us know. The one who needed the toilet but wet the floor instead. The child whose baby brother needed surgery at hospital so Mum had been away from home.
The list goes on. We really seem to be on the edge of an ethical dilemma.
Is this why we came into teaching all those years ago? Robert Fulghum describes himself as a philosopher. We need to re-examine the fundamental philosophy which underpins children's learning and to stand up for the principles we hold dear. Let's hear it for the mermaids.
Pat Wills is headteacher at Claremont Community Primary School and Centre of Excellence in Blackpool