I’m late for the lesson.

Old Crouch the Grouch smiles pleasantly. I sit down.

Why isn’t he screaming at me for being late? What’s all this coloured Plasticine for on the desks? Why’s that music playing? Why’s he wearing a suit? Why’s everyone working?

Then I notice her. Ofsted inspector.

Arthur Brown had a long career in teaching. He saw a lot of changes and never did really get used to them. He draws comfort from the fact that no-one else seemed to either.