Such a brilliant day! John was a breath of fresh air, awakening the hearts and minds of my Year 6 children. Not only was he fun and entertaining, but he inspired even the most reluctant writers to believe in themselves and WRITE. All the children wrote what can only be described as powerful, ‘neck-hair-standing-on-end’ poetry. Most importantly, they are still writing!
Catherine Kidd - Buxton Junior School

You can't invite Freddie Mercury to your school but you can invite JOHN SIDDIQUE to perform his poem, "Echoes." The assembled children will chant back their responses as if they're at a rock concert and John will soon have them eating out of the palm of his hand. Then in the classroom his energy and love for his art will fire the children to write and recite their own poems. He has a way to make each child feel special and proud of their work. If you fancy some added zany fun ask him to wear some bunny ears!
Brenda Burroughs - Crawshawbooth Primary

John engages young people in the process of writing with immediacy and directness. He helps them to discover what they are passionate about and how to convey their ideas using language that is genuine and personal. As  Poet in Residence John has made a huge contribution to our Festival of Words with his energy, his tireless enthusiasm and his commitment. Children went away brimming with ideas and confidence.
Jane Lees, Festival of Words - Farnham Maltings

We were especially impressed with the way John was able to enthuse pupils, giving them the confidence to have a go and recognise their individuals talents. I was most excited by the unexpected - the 'macho' boy who wrote beautiful love poems, the school - hater girl with little self esteem who was able to take part and share her ideas. John's contribution to the place of poetry at St. Joseph's was invaluable.
Helen Hales, Head of English, St. Jospeh's RC High School, Heywood.

John is warm, personable, charming and professional. He is a gifted poet who communicates his passion for words and ideas in memorable ways, always in tune with the people around him. He is a wonderful entertainer. He does not shy away from real issues, but tackles them in a divergent and challenging manner. One of the more poetry-resistant boys commented that this was the first time he had really seen the point of poetry!
Mrs Jenny Bolton - Head of English Leeds Grammar School.

John has a great way of working with young people, an effective blend of enthusiasm for language and revelation. I would certainly recommend him to other schools
Vanessa Goucher, Literacy Officer, Belfast.

He has a modern approach, but it is very even handed in stressing the importance of centuries of poetry" "he reminds them of the importance and the beauty of our language.
Val Randall - Head of Mansfield High, Brierfield.

John has been a good male role mode, he has been like a breath of fresh air. He very quickly built up good relationships with all the children encouraging everybody and has made poetry fun and everybody has been able to join in. The children have found him fun and easy to be with. He is excellent at getting the best out of each child, helping them to feel special and good at what they do.

Since John started coming in some children have made immense progress and their confidence has grown considerably. Children who have, in the past, found it difficult to put pen to paper have felt okay about having a go and produced imaginative and creative work. He talks about respect and the children certainly respect him and want to give their best. John has truly been inspirational.
Kate Scott - The Moss Primary School, Breightmet, Bolton.

Jaime's poem

I feel happy when John comes.
He writes good poems and they are true.
We play musical statues.
And he always wants to get me out.

It is fun when he dances to the cool music.
John is very cool and mad and crazy.
He calls Kimberley Crumbly
And it is funny when he dances with me.

He laughed when I did an expression of a lion.
He is very rude.

I like it when he sings the echo song.
But he is very loud and funny when he is being a monkey.

When he comes round,
He always pulls funny faces at me and Kirsty.
He says we are fun we say he is cool and exciting.
We are very excited when he comes.