Barbara Maines and George Robinson

George Robinson and Barbara Maines set up Lucky Duck Publishing in 1988 to provide written materials that supported the In Service Training they provided around the UK.

Barbara Maines has been an educational psychologist since 1968 when the job was "IQ testing". In 1982 she threw away the tests so she could focus on working with teachers, in the classroom, helping to clarify difficulties and to plan interventions.

In 1997 Barbara made a career change and was appointed as a part-time support teacher for young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties in Bristol.

George Robinson started teaching in 1967, working in primary schools in England before teaching overseas. On his return he worked in a school for children with severe learning difficulties and then in a disruptive unit. In 1982 he took up a post as head teacher of an EBD school.

In 1988 George moved into the field of teacher training at The University of the West of England. In 1996 he became co-ordinator of the Community Action Centre where he was responsible for widening access to higher education.

Barbara and George joined forces in 1988 to produce and publish their then radical approach to positive behaviour management.

Since 2000 George and Barbara have worked together in the role of joint directors of Lucky Duck Publishing, expanding the training and publications side of the business. They have an international reputation as lively, innovative and challenging presenters of INSET days. The publishing side of the company has expanded can now boast the most extensive list of books and materials on humanistic education in the UK.

Publications

When Lucky Duck started, George and Barbara wrote all the publications. As the company became successful and more widely known, other authors were added to the list. The focus of all our publications is books for practitioners by practitioners.

Since 1988 we have published more than 100 books, videos and resources to support teachers and other adults working with young people. The list ranges from such topics as Behaviour Management, Self-esteem, Special Needs and Asperger’s Syndrome.

Publications by Barbara Maines and George Robinson:

• All for Alex - 1998
• B/G-Steem - 1988
• Bag Of Tricks - 1988
• Big School - 1988
• Celebrations - 1995
• Circle Time Resources - 1998
• Crying For Help - 1997
• Developing Circle time - 1995
• Easy Life Resources
• Even Better Parents - 1997
• Invisible Support - 1995
• The (No Blame) Support Group Method (Video and Booklet) - 1992
• No Bullying Starts Today - 1995
• Punishment - 1991
• Safe to tell - 2000
• Stamp Out Bullying - 1991
• Teacher Talk - 1991
• Write To Spell - 1990
• You Can - 1989

Occasionally George and Barbara do publish separately:

Barbara Maines:

• Children Can Learn With Their Shoes Off - 2002
• Mark And Mum - 1997

George Robinson:

• Keep Your Coooooool - 2002
• Coming Round to Circle Time - 1995