Ex-Harrogate deputy head's groundbreaking idea is a hit in 70 countries with teachers and parents

A former deputy head has talked about being “amazed” that an idea for a writing platform that began in a Harrogate classroom is now used by more than a million teachers worldwide.

Simon Blower, a former deputy headteacher at Grove Road School in Harrogate, created a writing platform called Pobble in his classroom back in 2013.

What began as a way to give children a more supportive and engaging route into writing has since grown into a platform used by teachers in more than 70 countries.

Mr Blower still lives in Harrogate and has just launched a new version of the popular platform, called Pobble Home, to help local families support their children's writing at home.

"It still amazes me that something we started in a Harrogate classroom is now used by teachers all over the world," said Simon who is co-founder of Pobble Education.

"As a teacher, I saw how difficult writing could feel for many children. The blank page could be daunting, and getting started was often one of the biggest barriers.

"That experience shaped Pobble.

"We wanted to make writing feel more accessible and enjoyable, while giving adults practical ways to support children."

Before launching Pobble, Simon Blower spent ten years at Pannal Primary School and five years as deputy headteacher at Grove Road Community Primary School.

He has been keen to retain strong links with Harrogate throughout its journey.

Working with Harrogate International Festivals, Simon led the first Big Write at the Royal Hall, bringing together more than 800 pupils from 30 schools for a live writing session.

Pobble later held two further Big Write events there, including one during a visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla.

The launch of Pobble Home ties into new National Literacy Trust research showing children's enjoyment of writing is at its lowest level since 2010, so there is a national hook alongside the local one.

Simon Blower said: "So many parents tell us they want to help at home but do not know where to begin.

"Parents need a simple way to start a conversation, help their child find an idea and encourage them as they write.

"Pobble Home gives families a simple, low-pressure way to enjoy writing together, without anyone needing to be the teacher.

"Rather than using worksheets or recreating formal lessons, the new platform encourages families to choose a picture, talk through their ideas and then use that conversation as a starting point for writing."