WELCOME

Top tips for starting a new school

...the parent edition

If this is your first time reading Family Matters it means your little darlings have started school for the first time! In that case, welcome, we hope they’ve settled in well. We also hope you’ve settled in too, you see starting a new school isn’t just a new experience for the children, it’s a whole new experience for parents and carers too, so here are our tips for parents of new school children.

Acknowledge your feelings about school

You might think that your child is the only one who has to navigate all these new rules and regulations and learn where they fit in the school hierarchy. But you’d be wrong. Parents are often surprised by the feelings they get from simply picking up and dropping off their child or when visiting the school. Much like when you were in school yourself you’ll find the same groups congregated in the playground waiting for their children, acknowledge We all have huge expectations for our children, but you need to be realistic. Their teacher might not know your child as well as you do, but they see them every day in a classroom setting, so what they say about them and their

your feelings about judgemental parents, yummy mummies and the other groups you spot but try to keep them under control.

Make sure you get your timings right

For the school there is nothing more annoying than a child that is consistently late, so make sure you are able yourself into school life will help you get to know different staff members as well as other parents and help you learn how the school works. Make sure you are able to

to get them to school on time. Staff will not take kindly to having to hang around watching children that haven’t been collected on time, so being punctual is important.

Don’t take breaks during term time

Yes, we know. Everyone doubles their prices during the school holidays, but there are rules about taking kids on holiday during term time for a reason. Each school has their own policy and these work with the rules and necessary, speak to the school, but don’t book a holiday in term time if you can help it.

Treat teachers as professionals

Teachers can get a lot of criticism but they are all dedicated to doing the best for your child and the other children in their care. Schooling has changed a lot since you were there, don’t let your experiences cloud how you view your child’s school.

Be realistic

Obviously you think that your child is the best – they are! progress is usually right.

Join the PTA

If you have the time, joining the PTA and integrating regulations set out by the local authority. If it's absolutely

make the commitment and be realistic about how much you are able to participate.

Praise teachers

Positive feedback works well on everyone, so make sure to praise teachers and other staff members when you’re pleased about something.

GOING BACK TO SCHOOL WITH ALLERGIES & INTOLERANCES

If you are a parent of a child with allergies or intolerances sending them to school can cause anxiety. You are completely aware of their allergies and what needs they have but starting a new school with a new teacher and new classmates mean a whole host of people who don’t know your children’s health issues. You want your child to be safe and to make sure that the school has systems in place to deal with an issue should it arise. Here are a few suggestions so you can make sure that your children have a safe, fun start to the school year.

MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS AWARE OF THEIR TRIGGERS.

You know what triggers a reaction, so make sure that everyone else does too. Common allergies such as pollen and dust will find their way into the classroom and children who have pets will accidentally bring pet hair into the school. When it comes to other allergies such as nuts or dairy, make sure that this is something the school is aware of and that there are systems in place to keep these things away from your child.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH AN ALLERGIST OR DOCTOR.

If you have noticed that your child is coming home with difficulty breathing or a runny nose or a rash of some kind, it might be that they have been exposed to something in the classroom that they are allergic to. Making an appointment with a medical professional will give you the chance to determine what it is that is causing the reaction and will also give you an idea of a game plan to keep them safe. Medication and treatment plans will also need to be shared with the school.

MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD KNOWS THEIR TRIGGERS

Obviously you don’t want young children having their medication on their person, it will need to be left with a teacher or member of staff, but it is important that your child knows when they will need medication before an issue becomes serious. Make sure they are aware, particularly at lunch times so they know not to share food or pick items from a menu that will cause them an allergic reaction. If you trust your child to administer their medication, make sure they know how and also check that someone at the school is aware of how to use it.

MEET WITH THE SCHOOL

Ideally all members of staff should be aware of your child’s allergies, what medications they are prescribed and how this medication should be kept and administered. Make sure they understand the signs and symptoms and what precautions need to be in place. You’ll find that many schools are nut free or have certain menu items that are gluten or dairy free so be sure to check what their policy is.

KEEP YOUR CHILD’S FRIENDS AND OTHER PARENTS IN THE LOOP

Communication is key when it comes to managing allergies and intolerances, so it is a good idea for your child’s friends and their parents to know so they can put precautions in place for birthday parties or play time at their house. It will also mean that as your child grows and develops their friendships, they won’t feel insecure about their health and will be able to discuss it with friends who can then also keep an eye on them.

Do you have any other tips for parents of allergy sufferers? Get in touch on Facebook or Twitter @ukfamilymatters

DYSLEXIA AWARENESS WEEK 5-11th October

This year’s Dyslexia Awareness Week takes place from the 5th until the 11th October with the theme of Dyslexia Creates. While raising awareness for the condition, the British Dyslexia Association is looking at the power of dyslexia to create ideas and organisations and the invaluable contribution these ideas make across the UK. Dyslexia is one of the most understood learning difficulties that children face at school today and those that experience it will often find school in particular challenging compared to their peers.

As we look towards this year’s Dyslexia Awareness Week, here are a few misconceptions that we thought we’d clear up.

It’s not dyslexia it’s laziness

Nope. There have been over thirty years of studies looking into dyslexia and how it affects people in their day to day life. If a child is struggling, in particular with reading and writing, it is very rarely laziness and almost always a learning difficulty like dyslexia.

It’s really rare

Actually dyslexia is one of the most common causes of reading difficulties, but despite this, very few people actually apply for or even qualify for extra help in the classroom. Most people with dyslexia have a mild form that may be overlooked by schools and parents.

Dyslexia will stop me from achieving my goals

Simply put, no it won’t. Lots of people with dyslexia have gone on to have great successes.

Smart people don’t experience dyslexia

This is wrong as well we’re afraid. Dyslexia and intelligence aren’t linked, dyslexia can affect anyone no matter what their intelligence. In fact, Albert Einstein, who is considered a genius, was thought to be dyslexic.

It only affects boys

Actually, the prevalence of dyslexia across boys and girls is pretty much identical. However, it has always historically been more identified in boys than girls, possibly because more boys are sent for testing.

You’ll grow out of it

If you’ve been diagnosed with dyslexia, you will have it for life, however, regular monitoring and certain learning styles will make life a lot easier for those living with dyslexia and will enable them to gain the skills they need to enjoy reading and writing.

If you’re concerned that your child might be dyslexic or you’re worried that they aren’t receiving the right support, please speak to your classroom teacher – they’ll be happy to help and share the right resources!

Famous people with dyslexia:

Have you been diagnosed with dyslexia? You’re not alone, lots of people are in the same boat, here are some famous names that either have or are believed to have been dyslexic.

Orlando Bloom

Albert Einstein

Richard Branson

Leonardo Da Vinci

Walt Disney

George W Bush Keira Knightly

John Lennon

Jamie Oliver

JFK

Dominic Wood (aka Dom from Dick and Dom)

Are your children reading comfortably?

DID YOU KNOW 20% OF THE POPULATION CAN READ FASTER AND MORE FLUENTLY USING A COLOURED OVERLAY OR TINTED LENS?

The most common symptoms coloured lenses can help with are: • Glare from the page • Headaches when reading • Sore eyes when reading • Movement/blurring of print

PRICES FROM JUST £35 FOR BASIC SCREENING. YOU DON’T NEED TO BE A PATIENT WITH US. ALL WELCOME.

The Irlen Method has helped children and adults worldwide become successful rather than continue to experience enormous diffi culties. IRLEN® syndrome can be a part of the problem for people who have Eye Problems, Dyslexia, ADD/HD, Autism, Asperger syndrome, Dyspraxia, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Migraine and Headaches.

2 MANSBROOK HOUSE 15 HIGH ST MIDSOMER NORTON 01761 413212 www.edwardsmidsomer.co.uk

A N X I E T Y

While it might seem like anxiety, as a medical condition is something new, it has been around since the beginning of time and now with the added pressure of COVID-19 and new routines being piled onto their little shoulder’s, children are displaying more symptoms of general anxiety disorder. But what is it and how can you help?

What is anxiety?

Anxiety presents itself a number of different ways and when someone is suffering from general anxiety disorder, it is a lot more than just the normal amount of anxiety one can feel when doing something stressful. Feeling anxious has an evolutionary purpose, it helps activate the fight or flight response which we needed when it was likely we’d be eaten by sabre tooth tigers, these days, it isn’t something our bodies really need to stay alive. However, people who have an over active fight or flight response that perceives threats where there often aren’t any, which causes problems for them, especially when it starts to interfere with everyday life.

Are there any symptoms?

Some common symptoms of general anxiety disorder include: insomnia, heart palpitations, irritability, poor memory, muscle tension, unexplained uneasiness, poor concentration, cold, sweaty and in some cases, panic attacks, which present themselves in a variety of ways. Anxiety isn’t an easy condition to treat, as it is difficult for doctors to measure it, however, it can be treated and it is important to believe and support your child when you notice these symptoms. If left to grow, anxiety can lead to poor school performance, depression, physical illness and more.

What causes anxiety?

It could be a product of genetics; it can be triggered by a stressful or traumatic event. It can manifest over time from a combination of factors. Feeling anxious is normal in certain situations, younger children might feel anxious when separated from their parents, but it is important to keep an eye on these feelings and make sure they don’t start affecting their performance at school or relationships with other children. Adolescent anxiety is often triggered by academic pressures, again, make sure this doesn’t manifest itself into something more negative resulting in panic attacks and poor attendance.

What can I do?

Although you should maintain the same expectations for your child as you did before, you should make sure you are able to adjust them to help manage their anxiety. Plan ahead to help minimise their exposure to stressful situations. When they are experiencing anxiety, listen and empathise with your child, it is important to validate how they are feeling and not try to belittle them, even if you don’t quite understand what is happening in their heads. You can ask for advice from your child’s school and from your GP or speak to a professional organisation to help them manage their anxiety. When waiting for an appointment or as a general rule, you can encourage them to get adequate sleep, use mindfulness techniques, exercise regularly and eat well to help them keep their anxiety under check.

NATIONAL CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO ENCOURAGE PUPILS TO #StaySafeGetActive

As pupils prepare to return to education in September, a national initiative has been launched to encourage parents and children to improve safety and air quality around schools, as well as activity levels. Modeshift STARS, which recognises excellence in supporting sustainable travel, is inviting schools across the country to create a ‘walking bubble’ for families, placing parking and driving restrictions around a five-minute radius of the school gates, helping parents and children feel safer. The bubbles are part of Modeshift STARS’ latest initiative, #StaySafeGetActive, which enables any registered school to create a walking zone map to support them with their re-opening while encouraging social distancing outside of the school gates. Nick Butler, Modeshift STARS accreditation manager, said: “We want as many schools as possible to create a #StaySafeGetActive walking bubble to protect children and their families, helping them to enjoy a safer and more active journey to school. “Everyone where possible should walk, cycle or scoot to school. Where families must travel by car, we’d like them find a safe place to park at least five minutes away from the school gates and walk for the final few metres to create a car-free zone around the school.”

The initiative has been launched on the back of research that found that only 51 per cent of primary children walk to school, compared to 70 per cent a generation ago. The Modeshift STARS team also hope it will build on the positive effect of the recent lockdown on air quality; research has found that pollutants from vehicle emissions are linked to rising levels of heart disease, as well as increasing the severity of Covid-19 infections. Nick added: “We feel that this is the ideal time to launch the walking bubbles as, during lockdown, more people than ever were taking a daily walk, scoot or bike ride. Furthermore, with the reduction in traffic on the roads, the air quality improved dramatically with some cities seeing nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels falling by up to 60 per cent. “In addition to the recognised benefits of active travel, fewer cars around the school gates will mean that there is plenty of space for families to follow the Government’s social distancing guidelines.” Modeshift STARS work with educational establishments across the country to develop and implement School Travel Plans, which include a range of initiatives to encourage sustainable and active travel on the journey to school.

Paralympian and Active Travel Commissioner for the Sheffield

City Region Dame Sarah Storey has been working with schools in partnership with the STARS South Yorkshire team.

She said: “As more pupils return to the classroom we have an opportunity to transform the school run, and this fantastic new ‘walking bubble’ tool from Modeshift STARS will enable children to walk to school safely, or park and stride the last leg of their journey. “I hope this scheme is taken up by schools across the country.” Larissa Lockwood, Director of Clean Air at Global Action Plan, an organisation calling for nationwide action by government and local authorities to improve air quality at schools said: “Returning to school is full of anxieties for parents, and simple street improvements like walking bubbles will drastically reduce the worry over children being able to get to school safely.

“On top of this, cleaner air was one of the few silver linings of the COVID-19 lockdown. Through our collective behaviours - working from home, walking and cycling instead of driving - we saw and experienced extraordinary improvements in outdoor air quality. “If schools across the country rollout walking bubbles now, it will enable parents and children to continue these behaviours safely, and simultaneously keeping our air clean.” Walking bubbles are free to create for all schools in England, outside of London.

For more information and tips on how to create a walking bubble, visit www.modeshiftstars.org/staysafegetactive

Easy back to school meals!

With the kids going back to school and the stress of getting back into a routine of home time, dinner time, homework time, bath time and bedtime, you’ll need some super speedy dinners to get you back into the swing of things.

Here are five simple suppers to help you out!

Tomato spaghetti

It’s a simple, easy to prepare meal and everyone likes pasta!

480g of spaghetti (use a gluten free alternative if you like) 2x tins of quality chopped tomatoes 1 medium onion cheese of your choice.

Put a saucepan on a medium heat and add olive oil and onion, cook until soft and golden. Season with a tiny pinch of salt and pepper and then add tinned tomatoes Fill a new pot with boiling water and add the spaghetti Once the pasta is done, drain and add to the tomatoes Stir together and add in your cheese.

This is another recipe that can be adapted for children with allergies, plus you can use it as a base and add other ingredients if you’d like.

Sausage and Sweet Potato Skillet

Here’s a flavoursome, easy to make dinner which will leave everyone warm and full on those autumn evenings.

1tbsp of oil or cooking spray 8 sausages – pork or vegetarian 1 onion 4 garlic cloves 1 sweet potato 1 red pepper

In a large pan heat the oil or spray the cooking spray and brown the sausages for five minutes, take them out but keep the pan on the heat, turn it down and gently cook the onions and garlic until soft. Add the sausages back in with the sweet potato and pepper and gently cook for thirty minutes occasionally stirring and turning. Remove from the heat and serve straight from the pan.

If you’re going to use vegetarian sausages – these cook in less time than meat sausages, so brown them off to start and then reheat them for 10 minutes or so at the end.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

A more exciting version of the traditional baked potato, quick, easy and healthy!

A sweet potato for each person Olive Oil

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees or gas mark 4. Scrub the sweet potatoes, pat them dry and then rub with olive oil, sprinkle over salt and pepper and roast in a baking tray for about 40 minutes When they’re almost ready, grab some salad, coleslaw or whatever other toppings you would like, add and serve!

Sloppy Joe Warning, this is messy, but the kids will love it! It’s an American staple which the whole family can get into!

1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 onion 2 small peppers 2 garlic cloves 400g minced beef/turkey/soya mince 2 cans of chopped tomatoes 1 tbsp of mustard/bbq sauce Burger buns

Heat the oil in a deep frying pan, fry the onion, pepper and garlic for 10 mins or until soft. Add the mince, breaking it up as you go and stirring until it browns all over. Be aware that some mince will cook faster than others. Tip in the tomatoes and mustard or bbq sauce, add a little seasoning and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Pile into burger buns, add the cheese for those that want it and serve.

Pizza Quesadillas

Combine Italian with Mexican with this easy to make crowd pleaser! It might be simpler to grab a frozen pizza and bung it in the oven, but these are quick to make and much healthier!

All you’ll need is a pack of large flour tortillas (grab a gluten free version to make this suitable for anyone with allergies) 150g grated cheese (substitute for dairy free cheese if you like) 2 tomatoes Tomato puree Your choice of veg or meat – pre cooked chicken, ham etc

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees C or gas mark 6. Place half the tortillas on a baking tray and sprinkle over cheese, add a few veggies and then place the rest of the tortillas on top. Spread tomato puree over the top layer, add the remaining cheese, sliced tomatos and the rest of your veg and bake for 15-20 minutes.

And that’s it, you’re done!

This is a perfect alternative to a frozen pizza or creating one from scratch, it can be made vegetarian and adapted to be gluten and dairy free and is sure to be a big hit with the kids!