Lord Adonis: live webchat about education, Friday 21 September, 12noon to 1pm

[RachelMumsnet]

Lord Adonis is joining us this Friday, 21 Sept, at noon until 1pm to answer your questions and discuss his latest book Education, Education, Education, Reforming England's Schools.

Tony Blair said his three priorities were Education, Education, Education. Andrew Adonis played a decisive role in turning this slogan into a reform programme. His book describes his quest to transform England's schools, and his ambition to make English education world class.

Andrew Adonis was an architect of education reform under Tony Blair, serving in the No. 10 Policy Unit and then as Minister for Schools from 1998 until 2008. He went on to become Transport Secretary under Gordon Brown.

Join the discussion on Friday 21 September at midday or post a question to Lord Adonis in advance of the webchat here.

Also, don't forget to have a look at Lord Adonis' guest blog over on the Bloggers Network, where he explains why he thinks academies can raise aspiration and achievement in some of our most deprived areas.

Mumsnetters can grab a copy of the book for the special price of £7.99, by clicking here and entering the promo code 'mumsneteducation' in the box on the bottom right. If you'd like Lord Adonis to sign it with a personalised inscription, email [email protected]!

[AndrewAdonis]

@Asmywhimsytakesme

Another question, do you think children in the uk start school too early? Mine will be 4.2 when he starts

It is entirely up to parents whether or not their children start school before the age of 5. Which is as it should be. In my experience, most parents of four year olds are keen for their children to start school but, of course, some take a different view and that's entirely a matter for them. It is often said that the Scandinavians start school much later but, in practice, the children's centres that their 4, 5 and 6 year olds attend do much the same job as our nursery primary schools. And on that note, after an hour and a quarter - in which I have really enjoyed answering your questions and engaging in a bit of debate - it's time to hop back onto the Northern Line and head back to Westminster. Thank you very much for all your questions and comments and thanks too to the brilliant MumsNet team who will now be flooded with applicants for internships!

[HelenMumsnet]

Thanks so much, Lord Adonis

[jennycrofter]

What a nice chap. Any Jaffa Cakes left?

[strandednomore]

Thank you Lord Adonis for the chat and answering my question, unfortunately I couldn't stay for the whole time because I had a double school run with my youngest just starting school and therefore only on half days.....