School Attendance – a very important message for all parents/carers
Published 08/09/22
This is an important update about school attendance for the 2022/23 academic year. Please read the linked letter:
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National Heatwave Emergency – Keeping Children Safe
Published 26/07/22For the first time temperatures of 40°C have been forecast in the UK today and tomorrow.
Exceptional heat is already affecting a large part of England including Birmingham and the West Midlands and this can particularly affect children, especially babies and infants under 4yrs old and children with long term health conditions like diabetes as well as children with special needs.
We want to help keep your children safe and well during this extreme weather.
Children cannot control their body temperature as well as adults during hot weather and so can be at risk of ill-health from heat. Heat-related illness can range from mild heat stress to heatstroke.
Teachers, assistants, and all staff will be looking out for signs of heat stress when your child is at school or nursery, and you can look out for these signs too at home.
Children suffering from heat stress may behave out of character or show signs of discomfort and irritability, so be aware of any changes.
The main risk from heat is dehydration (not having enough water in the body) so make sure your child is drinking plenty of water. They will need more than normal in these high temperatures.
Children should not take part in vigorous physical activity on very hot days.
Children should wear loose, light-coloured clothing to help keep cool and sunhats with wide brims.
High factor sunscreen should be used to protect skin and try to avoid playing out in the sun.
A few tips that can help keep your children cool:
- Quarter fill drinks bottles with water, freeze then top up with cold water for a nice icy drink.
- Eat lots of salad and fruit as it has a high water content to keep them hydrated.
- Put baby wipes or damp flannels in the fridge & use them to cool little ones down.
- Fill a tray with cool water for children to put their feet in.
- Have a cool bath or shower, but avoid freezing cold ones as can be a big shock!
- Make ice lollies by freezing sugar-free diluted squash or fruit juice
If you or your child take regular medication please check the label as some medicines will need to be kept cool in this extreme heat.
We all have a part to play in keeping our children safe in these extreme temperatures.
Kind regards
Dr Justin Varney
Director of Public Health
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Stay Safe in the Heatwave
Published 11/07/22This week, we are set to experience some high temperatures and we strongly urge all pupils to follow the simple advice given below in order for them to stay safe:
- Pupils are encouraged to wear a hat when outdoors, to have sun tan lotion applied in the morning and not wear additional layers under their school uniform
- Pupils should be bringing a water bottle which they can refill in the canteen at break times
- Pupils must ensure they are taking care of themselves by staying hydrated and not running around at break times in the heat
If a pupil is attending a school trip this week, then please ensure the advice given above is followed and the pupil has plenty of water to stay hydrated.
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Encouraging Independence in Toddlers
Published 26/05/22 - Read More
Be Empowered Workshop
Published 26/05/22 - Read More
Supporting Selective Talkers & Quiet Children
Published 26/05/22 - Read More
Online Safety for 11-18s
Published 04/05/22CEOP has created a new website for teenagers called 'The internet, relationships & you' and offers advice on socialising online, online safety, getting support and sexual content online. CEOP is a part of the National Crime Agency.
The website can be found here: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/11_18
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Tackling Child Abuse
Published 04/05/22The government has launched a campaign called 'Together we can tackle child abuse'. The resources, aimed at everyone in the community, could be used with parents and include four very short videos explaining physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and online abuse.
The simple mnemonic, ABC, is used to remind people that they should look out for changes in appearance, behaviour or communication. The webpage has a search engine to find out where to report abuse.
For more information, go to: https://tacklechildabuse.campaign.gov.uk
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Top tips for exam preparation this summer
Published 03/05/22This year students will sit exams set and assessed by exam boards. For many young people this will be the first time you are taking formal exams and assessments so it may be worth taking the time to ensure you know what to expect and how you can best prepare for your exams.
Exam and assessment arrangements are also a little different this year compared to past exam years to take into account the disruption caused by the pandemic.
Here we have outlined some important tips to help with your exam preparation this year.
Familiarise yourself with exam arrangements
Ofqual have published a useful guide to exams which explains the support that is in place for you in taking exams and assessments. It also provides other information about this year’s arrangements.
In partnership withmade changes to the arrangements for exams and assessments this year.
- All the exam boards have published advance information for the majority of GCSE, AS and A level subjects to help you focus your revision.
- If you are taking GCSE English literature, history, geography and ancient history you will be assessed on less content this year.
- In GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science you will be given a sheet in the exams showing formulae or equations so you don’t have to memorise as much going into the exam.
If you want to know more, your teachers will be able to explain the changes to each of your subjects or you can look at Ofqual’s subject by subject guide to see all the changes.
Familiarise yourself with your exam timetable and where your exams are taking place. Make sure you know the rules around what you can and can’t do in an exam. For example, taking your mobile phone into the exam is not allowed.
Not following the rules could cause you to lose marks or be disqualified from the exam. Listen closely to all the instructions given by your school or college.
You can also find out everything you need to know about Covid measures during exams this summer here.
Know your exam/syllabus
In some instances, as mentioned above, you may be assessed on less content this year. This is the case for any students studying GCSE English literature, history, geography and ancient history this year. Make sure you are confident in what content you are revising and will be assessed on . If you are unsure, your teachers will be able to help.
It is also beneficial to look at old exam papers and make sure you understand what type of questions you’ll have to answer and can practice.
You can also use useful free tools such as BBC bitesize to aid your revision.
Find a form of revision that works for you
Some people find it helpful to stick with one style of revision, while for some, it’s helpful to have some variety. You can find some helpful revision techniques, including mind maps and using sounds here.
Oak Academy also has a wide range of resources that can help you with your revision. You can access these tools here
You can also do mock exams, online quizzes, make cue cards, or read textbooks and revision guides.
The most important thing is to find what works best for you.
Make a plan
Making a plan of what you need to revise and when you’re going to do it is a really good way to make sure you stay on track.
Download a free revision planning tool to help you plan efficiently. You can then mark out what days and times your exams are.
It may be a good idea to identify the key topics you need to revise and plan when you’ll fit it all in ahead of the exam.
Take care of yourself
It is normal to feel a little worried or stressed in the run up to your exams but there are things you can do to help manage this.
Talk to your friends, family and teachers about how you are feeling. They are there to support and encourage you.
Creating a revision plan, setting targets and focusing on your progress can help you feel more prepared. Make sure you take regular breaks to go outside for a walk or to do something you enjoy.
Check out our recommendations for useful mental health resources here.