OUR GUIDE TO MODERN CHILDREN'S TV

In the 1970s and early 80s we were very lucky. In my opinion it was a really great time for children's TV. But then again, I would say that. I was a child back then, so nostalgia is probably affecting my judgement.

For me, watching the telly was a ritual. If truth be told, I am always astounded I had enough time to cram everything in. My childhood is chock-a-block full of memories. Besides watching television, I can still remember playing outside, writing comics and performing puppet shows for my mum and dad. So, how I managed to watch TV always amazes me, but watch TV I did, lots of it! That is why I feel very lucky.

My generation was blessed with so many fondly remembered programmes such as Tiswas, The Multi-Coloured Swap Shop, Rentaghost, Blue Peter, Pipkins, Grange Hill, Rainbow and The Tomorrow People. All of which informed, educated and entertained. I am not saying that modern kid's TV has abandoned Reithian values, but I do believe that the Internet, DVDs and digital TV has made it much more difficult, as a parent, to know exactly what your child is watching.

For that reason I am going to take you on a brief journey through the schedules and show you what really is worth watching and see how it compares to the past.

Broadcasting has changed in many ways since the 1970s. Nowadays, if you have Sky, you can potentially access over five-hundred channels. Does this, however, translate into quality children's TV? Well, yes and no! It really depends on your point of view. Some channels are run wall-to-wall American cartoons. Others cling to traditional values and formats.

For instance, Play School has been re-launched as Tikkabilla, and despite the name change, it still retains some of its familiar iconography such as the round, square and arched window, as well as the story clock. After a ten year absence Jackanory has also returned to CBBC. Simple drawings have been replaced by state-of-the-art computer graphics, with the presenter fully planted in the middle of the action.

Despite its recent problems, Blue Peter is back on track and dominates the schedules. As does Newsround, Chucklevision and Basil Brush. Sadly Grange Hill has gone, but it did last 30 years!

I am, however, amazed that Chucklevision is still going strong. Don't get me wrong, it can sometimes hit the spot, but if you would have asked me twenty years ago if the Chuckle Brothers would be still around in 2009, I would have laughed. Back then, I would have been astounded if they reached 1990. Good on you boys!

Five is actively commissioning children's programmes. As the fifth terrestrial channel it produces 26 hours of children's animation, as well as building an extensive library of dramas, documentaries and pre-school programmes. Actually Five rarely disappoints. Its high-standard programmes include Roary The Racing Car, Roobarb and Custard Too and Hana's Helpline.

So, after watching hours of kid's TV I present my Top 5 favourite programmes…

5. In the Night Garden

4. Space Pirates

3. The Slammer

2. Little Howard's Big Question

1. The Sarah Jane Adventures

You should also check out... Timmy Time, Roy, Emu, Bookaboo, Pinky and Perky, Me Too! and Waybuloo

One question though. Will today's crop of programmes be as fondly remembered as shows from the 1970s and 80s?

The jury is still out.