As proud parents, we all know our children are unique. They're smarter than anyone else's, funnier, certainly more attractive, better behaved and above all bursting with the kind of talent that would leave Wayne Sleep, Kate Winslett and Nigel Kennedy standing.

And for some extraordinary - though totally understandable - reason, everyone but us seems blind to our offspring's God-given artistic gifts. Sometimes, just sometimes mind, there's true talent lurking behind that precocious façade and while many Shirley Temple and pop star wannabes grow up and grow out of it, others continue to harbour hopes of life in a more public spotlight and start to show real promise.

Whether it's in art, music, dance or the dramatic arts, such budding talent needs careful nurturing and that means finding the right educational environment in which it can flourish.