FREE • SOUTH BRISTOL EDITION • ISSUE 38 • BACK TO SCHOOL 2017
Read more at www.familymatters-uk.co.uk
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WELCOME Director Tina Veater 07834 542955 | tina@ignyte-uk.co.uk Editorial Team Tina Veater info@ignyte-uk.co.uk Advertising Team Zoe Jenkins Theresa Saadeh Jane Groves 01761 410141 | info@ignyte-uk.co.uk Graphic Designer Pamela Evans Published by Ignyte Media Ltd Printed by Flying Colours Ltd, Weare, Somerset Business Address: Ignyte Media Ltd, Unit G5, Second Avenue, Westfield Industrial Estate, Radstock, BA3 4BH 01761 410141 info@ignyte-uk.co.uk While every care has been taken to ensure the data contained in the publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Ignyte do not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system in any form without the prior permission of the publisher. Distribution: We deliver to 6,500 families through primary schools and other outlets in Keynsham and South Bristol. The next edition is our October/ November issue & is filling fast.
The summer is over and it’s time to get back into the routine of early mornings, homework, and afterschool clubs. The stress of school uniform shopping is over and our little ones should be looking forward to the new and exciting challenges ahead. September is always a great time to encourage your children to take up a new sport or activity after school. These clubs can help to build self-esteem and confidence as well as improve sporting ability and teamwork skills. There are a huge variety of options open to your family from singing and dancing to karate and football, the choice is yours. Homework can be a nemesis for some parents, with children struggling to sit still and parents not recognising or understanding new teaching methods. Read our hints on how to make homework stress free for all involved. Both you and your children will get so much more out of it if it's easy to manage and perfect for you to monitor your child's progress. If you have a child that is starting year six, the visits to open days and evenings will be just the beginning. It is vitally important that the next stage of your child’s education is chosen carefully. The school needs to be right for you but also for your child and we advise that children play an active part in the decisions that will need to be made on this journey. You will find many ideas, hints and tips within this issue of HEY! which will help you to ask the right questions and investigate important facts. As your child starts this new school year, take time to listen and enjoy your child’s stories of their new teachers and new things they are learning. Encourage them along the way, after all, school should be rewarding for you all!
Tina Hey Magazine
@hey_tweeter
www.familymatters-uk.co.uk
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DECISION TIME CHOOSING A SECONDARY SCHOOL
S
electing which secondary school your child goes to is a big decision. There are a huge range of factors to take into consideration from the strengths of your child and the school, to the practical issue of travelling there and back. And, lest we forget, it is a two-way process. It’s ultimately up to the school to accept or reject an application. While it may all seem overwhelming, there is plenty you can do to make the decision making process less stressful. Here’s an at-aglance guide.
MAKING A START The deadline for making the application will depend on your local authority but tends to be around the end of October for those in their final year at primary school. So if you haven’t already done your homework, and your child is in Year 6, now is the time to start. Given this early autumn term deadline, it makes sense to start considering secondaries while your child is still in Year 5. Most schools have open days in the summer term. If you’re thinking about grammar or selective schools, you’ll definitely need to start your search early in Year 5. Many have entrance exams in the summer (for Year 5 pupils) or in September (for Year 6 pupils) – and it pays to prepare for these. The best thing to do is check your target schools’ websites and make a diary note of the admissions deadline. A quick job that can save a huge amount of stress later on.
YOUR OPTIONS Before getting too bogged with looking at individual schools, take a step back and consider the type of education that might best suit your child. Are they highly academic? Sporty? Sociable? Keen to do lots of extra-curricular activities? Perhaps they love performance art, IT or music? Do they need strong pastoral care? Would they be happier in an all-girls or all-boys school? It can help to write a list of the key attributes you would like a secondary school to have – this alone could discount some of the schools you might otherwise have perceived as a natural follow-on from your child’s primary school. You’ll probably have a good idea of your local secondaries by the time your child gets to Year 5 but it doesn’t hurt to consult your local authority’s website which will have a list of all state schools, including academies (which are free from local authority control). Consider too the logistics of how your child will get to school before you start honing in on specific schools. Think realistically
about how the commute could be made, especially if you have other children to cater for.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA All schools have admission criteria and some are more particular than others. Some schools you consider nearby could have a catchment area that excludes your area, other schools you might have thought were oversubscribed could be easier to access than you presumed. Local authority and school websites will have details about catchment areas, but bear in mind that these can change from year to year. If you are eyeing up a faith school, your likelihood of a place will depend on the school’s specific admissions criteria and how well-subscribed it is by members of its religion. Even if you are of ‘suitable’ religious denomination, it’s worth confirming how you can prove it.
EVALUATING SCHOOLS Once you have your target schools listed, it’s time to go into the nitty-gritty detail. A good first port of call is the school’s Ofsted report. Schools are rated from grade 1 (Outstanding) to grade 4 (Inadequate). If a school has a less than glowing report then consider why. It could be that teaching is weak for gifted pupils or, on the other hand, fails to support pupils in special need of pastoral care. Weigh up if these weaknesses apply to your child and remember that all schools are in a constant process of evolution. League tables will give some idea about how a school performs academically, but can give a skewed perspective. Some schools are highly selective and so will unsurprisingly have a higher standing than a school that supports those with additional needs. You might also ask around about a school’s reputation but be aware that some people’s opinions might be out of date! Underperforming schools can be turned around by a change of head teacher or other key staff, and what works for other people’s children might not for yours. Of course, your child will most likely have a view about where they wish to go. And the chances are high that they’ll opt for the school their peers appear to prefer. Yes, some 10-year olds might have the sagacity to take into account their long-term prospects, but, if they don’t (and you clash over the matter) keep that bigger picture – your child’s future – in mind. Be strong! Last but not least, open days can be really useful for getting a feel for a school, although it’s even better to have a look round on an ‘ordinary’ day, after all that’s what your child would experience.
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TOPS TIPS AND QUESTIONS TO ASK 1. Even if you have your heart set on one school, at least try to visit a few to compare. 2. How does the location of the school, cost or difficulty of travelling to and from the school, and public transport options affect you? 3. A great way to get an accurate impression is to visit the school on a normal day if you can. While open evenings offer a good overview of a school, normal days are when teachers and pupils aren’t on their ‘best behaviour’ 4. The toilets, library and canteen can give you a good impression on how the school is maintained as a whole 5. Look at how teachers discipline the students. Some children need a firmer approach than others and some children need a friendly understanding ear. 6. Do the teachers and head know the children by name? It’s a good sign if they do and are visable during breaks and assemblies. 7. During school visits do you only get to meet the headteacher or are you introduced to the relevant key stage teacher? 8. Are the classrooms organised? Is work displayed on the walls in the classroom and corridors, and is it up-to-date? Children like to see their work displayed but make sure it’s not just the top students’ everywhere. Every child should get the chance to shine. 9. How is the security at the school? Is there a button entry, Do visitors need to sign in etc? 10. Does the school share information about how you can contribute as a parent and what opportunities there are for you to attend the school?
11. Look into the governing body online. Has the school had trouble recruiting governors or do people finish their term and stay on again? 12. What extracurricular activities – sport, art, music, drama and so on – are available to suit your child’s interests? What are the time and costs associated with these? 13. What school trips are programmed and at what stages? Will your child be happy to participate in those, what will they cost and can you support it? 14. Does the school have a school council or a house system? What is that used for and is it competitive? Some children respond well to competitiveness, others don’t, and schools have very divergent views on competition. 15. Are the teachers newly qualified (NQTs) or experienced members of staff? Will teachers have new techniques and up-todate knowledge? Does the school promote teacher training? 16. Schools are financed on numbers and they need to attract children. This gives you the upper hand and you have the choice. So check them out, ask questions; they should be very happy to entertain you and be informative. If you feel they aren’t, then they probably won’t work with you if you have concerns later. Take your child and allow them to see the school and listen to their opinion, but make your choices based on a wider view – they will make friends anywhere!
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BENEFITS OF EXTENDED LEARNING F
oreign language classes, sports, clay, tutoring, dance and business skills workshops - how children’s clubs aim to extend children’s education. The learning day has changed: school’s are being encouraged to offer wrap around care and this means the school day can run from 8am-6pm and pupils are encouraged to start the day with a breakfast club and finish with an after-school club. This is great news for working parents - now you can top and tail the day with good quality childcare. Another target of the extended schools programme is to help pupils improve attendance and punctuality by offering breakfast clubs. Mnay schools have been delighted with the success of the breakfast club. Schools offer a healthy breakfast and a ‘wake up and shake up’ mini-exercise circuit in the school hall with music and the children have a fantastic time. Attendance has improved, because the children want to go to the club and then they are on time to start school. Clubs and classes for school-age children are not only after school, but can run at weekends and during holidays. These clubs can encourage children to take part in a new hobby, meet new friends and extend their social network, all great skills for developing and growing each child. Club membership provides an opportunity to participate in new roles. The leadership roles that are available in clubs provide a valuable experience that is not generally available to young people. Other roles, such as being a helper in a service club, a soloist in a music club, or an artist making scenery in a drama club, enable identity exploration. Not only are after-school clubs fun, but they also help boost children’s self-esteem and self-confidence. We want happy, selfconfident children because they are motivated and can achieve more. By offering after-school activities our children get the chance to succeed in a different area, then they can take success and use it to overcome barriers in the subjects they find difficult. Raising the self-esteem of children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, is a central mission of the extended schools programme, as is keeping children safe and healthy.
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Clubs keep the children busy and active and healthy after school. The children are safe, they are engaged in learning and they are being supervised. The clubs also give peace of mind to parents while saving parents worrying about children going home to an empty house or having to make alternative arrangements. Finally, relationships formed with adult leaders and with peers at the clubs are important. Adults and peers at these organisations can serve as models and as sources of social support, friendship, and caring. Several developmental theories point to the importance of adult mentoring for child and adolescent development. Mentoring relationships are important characteristics of clubs and youth programs. Adolescents who have an after-school relationship with a mentor are far less likely to use drugs or alcohol than adolescents who do not have such relationships. Peer relations might also benefit from participation in clubs. “Hanging out” unsupervised with peers contributes negatively to child and adolescent development. However, participation in supervised constructive activities provides adolescents with opportunities to gain social skills from positive interactions with peers. Contrary to popular belief that the nation’s youngsters are couch potatoes obsessed with television and video games, millions of children are involved in five or more hobbies or interests. Girls are the more expensive of the sexes, costing their parents an average of £472 a year. More than one in 10 girls have five hobbies or interests, with ballet the most expensive. Boys’ hobbies are slightly less likely to break the bank with a price tag of £418 a year. Twelve per cent regularly participate in five activities, with football topping the bill. More than half go swimming, and just over a third see themselves as cycling champions. For girls, swimming is the most popular hobby, followed by singing and ballet. The research, commissioned by Abbey National and involving 650 parents, found that one in four children regularly takes part in at least five hobbies. Swimming costs an average £92 a year, football £132 a year, cycling £69 a year, art £51 and singing £39.
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ARE YOU WONDERING HOW YOUR CHILD MIGHT BENEFIT BY JOINING A CLUB? This list is simply a starting point, but it certainly gives you 10 reasons to investigate sports and other clubs in your area for your children…
GETTING OUT
Many children spend a lot of time in front of the TV or playing computer games. Club’s can give children an opportunity to explore more varied and healthier activities.
KEEPING THEM OUT OF TROUBLE
Studies show that after-school, the twilight hours are more risky to children than night-time hours. Participating in an after-school club reduces the risk of children becoming involved in things that parents would prefer them to avoid.
MEETING PEOPLE AND MAKING FRIENDS Joining a club gives children a comfortable and appropriate place to meet others with similar interests. This environment can form the basis for lifelong friendships.
LEARNING NEW SKILLS
Children who participate in a variety of activities are introduced to new skills and are given a chance to develop them. As children realise they “can do” these things then their self-confidence grows.
LEARN TEAMWORKING
Many activities require children to work together towards achieving a common goal. Whether they are trying to win a game or complete a community service project, children learn to work as a team.
DEVELOPING INDEPENDENCE
By participating in clubs, young children learn to exist and thrive ‘outside of their family’. Older children learn skills and values that will carry them through to their adult lives.
LEADERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY
Children have the opportunity to make their own decisions – they learn to lead, follow and carry their portion of responsibility.
CIVIC MINDEDNESS AND VALUES
Some organisations exist as service organisations. Others participate in community service as part of a larger scope of activities. Either way, children can get the chance to learn to look beyond themselves and experience how they can make a difference.
IMPROVING SELECTION PROSPECTS
In addition to solid academies, employers and further education establishments like to see well-rounded applicants. Club participation demonstrated over a period of time will help to enhance any application.
PLAIN OLD FASHIONED
Fun Playing a game, camping, singing -- whatever the focus, children participate because they enjoy the activities, and sometimes fun is as good a reason as any other to join a club. This isn’t the end of the list, we are sure you could add more ideas of your own, but they are 10 great reasons to see what is out there!
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MUSEUMS WEEK BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET THIS OCTOBER HALF-TERM
M
useums in Bath and North East Somerset will host an array of special events and activities this October half-term as part of Museums Week (21-29 October 2017). Organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council, Museums Week celebrates the unique collections and activities in our local museums. All activities are free for local residents with a Discovery Card. Councillor Paul Myers (Conservative Midsomer Norton Redfield), Cabinet Member for Economic and Community Regeneration, said: “There will be something for everyone, from children’s craft sessions to guided tours, film showings to food tastings. It’s great news that local residents can enjoy all of these events for free with a Discovery Card.” There will be more than 100 activities taking place across 23 venues during the nine-day celebration. • Discover 800 years of history at the Mayor’s Parlour and see Bath’s Royal Charters, gold, silver and sword • Look at fancy dress from the 1920s at the Fashion Museum Bath, and make a colourful headdress
• Make a Roman actor’s mask at the Roman Baths • Create pictures using oil pastels and find out about complementary colours and how they work at the Victoria Art Gallery • Join a family-friendly tour of the floor at Bath Abbey and learn about the 1,500+ memorials and the lives of the people they commemorate • Experience what life was like for Victorian children at the Radstock Museum • Watch the Forged Line Dance Company bring the story of William and Caroline Herschel to life at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy • Take a tour of Beckford’s Tower and Lansdown Cemetery, which was once Beckford’s garden • Enjoy daily bun tastings at Sally Lunn’s • Follow the clues on the Children’s Trail and collect stickers at each museum For full event listings please visit www.bathmuseumsweek.co.uk
WHAT IS A DISCOVERY CARD?
If you are a resident of Bath and North East Somerset, The Resident's Discovery Card makes it easy for local residents to visit their Council-run museums free of charge. It is available at no cost to adults age 17+ and children age 14+ (under 14s go free with an adult cardholder) and is valid for three years, from any of the following locations: One Stop Shop in Manvers Street Roman Baths main entrance hall Fashion Museum Victoria Art Gallery One Stop Shop, Civic Centre in Keynsham One Stop Shop, The Hollies in Midsomer Norton. Your Resident's Discovery Card is also recognised in a range of independent heritage attractions in the Bath & North East Somerset area that provide discounted or free entry to local residents. If you give us your email address, we will send you a newsletter occasionally with details of special events and new discounts or offers. For information about Discovery Cards visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/discoverycard.
S
ugary treats are everywhere we turn, so it’s no surprise that it’s hard to avoid consuming too much. Children are especially susceptible to temptation. While the occasional treat can be part of a healthy and enjoyable diet, overconsumption of the sweet stuff can lead to serious health consequences, including tooth decay, type 2 diabetes and problems stemming from being overweight. The good news is that people are wising up on sugar, and there’s lots we all can do to improve our food environment – at home, at school, and beyond. The SUGAR SMART campaign, run by the food charity Sustain and the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation, is just about that – raising awareness and increasing healthier food access in our communities. Local campaigns in Bristol, Bath & North East and Somerset are under way. Read on to be inspired, take action and join the SUGAR SMART movement.
WISE UP ON SUGAR
The daily maximum consumption of added sugar is 19g (5 cubes) for children aged 4-6, 24g (6 cubes) for those aged 7-10 and 30g (7 cubes) for everyone else. Yet many kids consume much more than this. Check out Change 4 Life for more info and tips, and get the Sugar Smart app too. www.nhs.uk/sugar-smart
START AT HOME
Speak with your family about sugar and decide on a challenge to do together. Start with a simple swap like a breakfast cereal with less sugar, water instead of fizzy drinks and sugary juice at mealtime, or sugar-free lunch boxes for a month. Once you master one swap, try out another.
MIND THE LABELS
There is plenty of added sugar in everyday foods, and some may surprise you. Look out for traffic light labels on packaging, opting for “green” and avoiding “red” ones where you can. Many savoury foods such as ready meals and baked beans can be quite sweet, so seek out healthier options.
SUGAR SMART SCHOOLS
1 in 3 children leave primary school overweight or obese. This is a troubling reminder that setting healthy habits at an early age is key. That’s why our campaign supports schools to run activities like
SUGAR SMART assemblies and challenges, as well as working with catering teams to improve school dinner recipes. Can your school take part? They can sign up to take action at: www.sugarsmartuk.org
COMMUNITY ACTION
Other places such as cafes, leisure centres and tourism venues can take action and help your community reduce sugar overconsumption. There are lots of ways they can do their part – remove sugary foods from check outs, offer free drinking water or remove promotions of sugary foods. Use your customer power and ask local venues to join SUGAR SMART. Our website has lots of free resources and support to help businesses improve your food environment.
OPERATION EAGLE EYE
New national rules have come in restricting junk food advertising in children’s media, including magazines, billboards near schools, social media and apps. Help Children’s Food Campaign keep a close eye on soft drink companies to make sure they comply. If you spot a junk food ad you think is appealing to children, take a screenshot/photo and send it to malcolm@sustainweb.org or tweet #operationeagleeye. Also, join the Parents' Jury - a new high profile opportunity to have your say on the food & nutrition issues which matter to you and your family: www.parentsjury.net
DID YOU KNOW? BREAST CANCER IS THE MOST COMMON CANCER IN THE UK
WHAT IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month aim to get as many people as possible involved in raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER?
Everyone’s breasts are different, and your breasts can change with age and at different times of the month. It’s important to get to know how your breasts normally look and feel so it will be easier to spot if there are any unusual changes for you. If you do spot any unusual changes to your breasts you should get them checked out by your doctor. Knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer can lead to diagnosing the cancer sooner. This can be crucial in providing more effective treatment and, ultimately, saving lives. Lumps are vital to look out for, and for many women the first sign or symptom of breast cancer is a lump in their breast. But many women have breast lumps and most of them are benign (not cancerous), and there are other important signs and symptoms too. Lump - may not be seen, but might be felt. Can you feel a lump? Is there a lumpy area? Is there any unusual pain? Skin texture - Any change in size or shape? Any change in colour? Any change in skin texture? Appearance or direction of the nipple- What about the appearance or the direction of the nipple? Any rash or crusting of the nipple or surrounding area.
IT’S AS SIMPLE AS TLC: TOUCH your breasts, can you feel anything unusual? LOOK for changes, is there any change in shape or texture? CHECK anything unusual with your doctor.
FACTS AND FIGURES BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, one person is diagnosed every 10 minutes. • 1 in 8 women in the UK will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. • This Breast Cancer Awareness Month around 5,000 people will be diagnosed.
BREAST CANCER SURVIVAL RATES
• Breast cancer survival is improving and has doubled in the last forty years in the UK. • Almost nine in 10 women survive breast cancer for five years or more. • An estimated 691,000 are alive in the UK after a diagnosis of breast cancer. This is predicted to rise to 840,000 in 2020.
BREAST CANCER AND YOUNGER WOMEN
• Around 5,600 women aged 45 and under are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK. • A Breast Cancer Care survey found just over half (53%) of younger women diagnosed with breast cancer have no discussion with healthcare professionals about fertility preservation options, which include freezing embryos or eggs.
BREAST CANCER AND MEN
• Breast cancer in men is very rare with just 390 new cases in the UK each year, compared to nearly 55,000 new cases in women. • A Breast Cancer Care survey found nearly three-quarters (73%) of men don’t check their breasts for signs and symptoms of breast cancer, even though the same number (73%) know that men can get the disease. There are plenty of places to get more information so do check out www.cancerresearchuk.org or www.breastcancercare.org.uk and make sure you check YOUR breasts today!
10 SCHOOL TIPS FOR PARENTS 4 FORGIVE MISTAKES
As we all know, working with children is not an exact science. This means that, on occasions, teachers are going to get it wrong. When you’re dealing with your child’s teacher, try not to complain about every mistake she makes. If there is a serious problem or an ongoing situation, then make an appointment with the teacher and talk through the issues. If there is still no change, ask the head teacher to become involved, but continue to be polite and positive during these meetings.
5 BE PUNCTUAL
This might seem trivial, but there is nothing more annoying than parents who consistently bring their children in late. Teachers are sympathetic to the odd bit of tardiness, but it is maddening to hear “Sorry I’m late” from the same parent every morning. Wake up earlier and get organised.
6 OFFER TO HELP OUT
Many schools like parents to get involved. If you can spare an hour or two a week to hear children read or help in an area of expertise, such as art or PE, then most teachers would be more than happy to see you. But equally, be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to the class.
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hen your child first heads off to school, it can be hard to let go. You remember your own teachers. What’s this one going to be like? And most importantly, how can you get the best out of your child’s teacher and ensure your child’s time at school is happy and fruitful.
7 GIVE POSITIVE FEEDBACK
1 TREAT TEACHERS AS PROFESSIONALS
8 GET THE TIMING RIGHT
Teachers get a lot of criticism in the press, but the vast majority are very competent and dedicated. They have had many years of training and standards have improved in the last few years in both private and state sectors. Treat your teachers with respect and professionalism.
2 BE REALISTIC
As parents, we have huge expectations for our children. Having high expectations and wanting the best for your child is great, but it’s even better if you can remain realistic. When the teacher says your child is just about average, then he probably is. Yes, there are some late bloomers who don’t flourish until they are older. But as teachers, they usually get it right.
3 ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR FEELINGS ABOUT SCHOOL
When children first start school, parents are often surprised by the feelings that are aroused when they set foot on the school premises. Just remember to play the adult when visiting school. Be mindful of these old feelings, but don’t be hijacked by them.
Everybody thrives on praise and teachers are no different. Parents often find it hard to give positive feedback because schools can make them nervous, but teachers love being given compliments about thier work. Teaching can be a very isolated job.
Teaching is an exhausting job. Until you have done it yourself it’s impossible to realise what a drain it can be. After a long day teaching your delightful child, and sometimes up to 29 others, teachers are not always at their best.
9 DON’T TAKE BREAKS DURING TERM TIME
It’s really frustrating that airlines double their prices during the school holidays, but your school will have a policy of no holidays in term time, please stick to it.
10 IT’S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS
Receiving presents from parents is fantastic, but don’t go over the top. A token gift at Christmas or at the end of the year always goes down well, especially if it comes with a card containing thanks and appreciation for all the teacher’s hard work.
PUZZLES Colour me i n !
Can you work out these school anagrams? nieces clap _____________________________________________ bowed pair _____________________________________________ oh cook slob ____________________________________________ mismatch tea ___________________________________________ act here ________________________________________________ leg sucks it ______________________________________________ helpers prance in _________________________________________
Anagram answers: Pencil Case, Wipe Board, School Book, Mathematics, Teacher, Glue Stick, Pencil Sharpener.
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Can you find these words? PENCILS ERASER TEACHER LESSON LUNCH BOOKS MATHS ART DESK PAPER MUSIC SUM READ GLUE STUDY
Can you get 10 out 10? 1. Which word can go before, meat, dog and roll? 2. What is the next highest prime number after 31? 3. How many consonants are there in the English alphabet? 4. What kind of nut grows on an oak tree? 5. Which fabric is made by worms? 6. What is the closest planet to Earth? 7. What is the tallest existing mammal? 8. How many edges are there around the edge of a fifty pence piece? 9. In which galaxy is the Earth? 10. The Clifton Suspension Bridge spans which river? Answers: 1.Sausage 2. 37 3. 21 4. Acorns 5. Silk 6. Venus 7. Giraffe 8. 7 9. Milky Way 10. River Avon
What’s On
September 16 - October 1
Hello Autumn Trail at Hestercombe Explore Hestercombe as autumn takes over the gardens. Crunch over golden brown leaves, spot crimson berries and learn about which animals are embarking on their winter holiday to warmer climes. Normal admission applies. www.hestercombe.com
September 16
Peppa Pig at West Somerset Railway Join us at the West Somerset Railway for a great family day out. The cheeky little piggy will be making personal appearances at intervals between 10am and 4pm. Entertainment on the day will include: Enjoy a 20 mile steam train ride to Minehead Station from any of our stations along the line. Free vintage bus ride trips round Minehead and sea front from Minehead Station. Free Face painting. Free Crafts Entertainer on the platform Helter Skelter and Bouncy Castle (additional charge applies, subject to weather.) Buffer Stop Shop, Turntable Cafe. See www.west-somerset-railway. co.uk for more details.
September 17
Time for Bricks (Lego Event) We have some amazing displays as well as activities for all the family to enjoy and participate in. Some of the models on display are built by Brickish Association members, as well as some local Lego fans showing their creative builds. Doors open at 11am and the show closes at 4.30pm There will be plenty to see and do, making it a fabulous day out for all the family. Centurion Hotel, Charlton Lane, Radstock.
September 19
Selwood Open Day and Evening Guided tours 9.15am, 11.15am and 2pm and 5pm-7pm. Call 01373 462798 for more information.
September 19
Writhlington School Open Evening 6pm. Call 01761 433581 for more information.
G N I Z A M A ty! e par r u t n g! ve e s a d i a n t sw i n p o r g h i g h s O N LY ol Brist
Rate
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From age 4
Trip Adv iso
10% OFF parties this autumn!
0117 373 7531 www.leapoffaith.co.uk
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September 21 Norton Hill School Open Evening
October 1 - November 26
September 21 Chew Valley School Open Evening
Lacock Abbey Sorcerer's Shield family trail 10.30am-5.30pm. This autumn, we're celebrating 20 years of Harry Potter with our marvellously magical self-led family trail. Do you have what it takes to join Lacock Abbey's Sorcerer's Shield?
September 23, 24, 30 & October 1, 7, 8
10am -12noon, Call 01225 734200 for more information.
4.45pm - 7.30pm Call 01761 412557 for more information.
6pm. Call 01275 332272 for more information.
Historical falconry displays at Montacute House 11am-4pm. Meet Albion Falconry with their fabulous birds of prey and watch flying displays that are both entertaining and educational. Displays at 11.30am and 3pm weather permitting.
September 27 St Dunstans Open Day Morning
9.30am -12.30pm. Evening 6pm Call 01458 832943 for more info.
September 27 Oakfield Academy Open Day September 28 Somervale School Open Evening Starts at 6pm Call 01761 414276 for more information.
September 30 Kingswood School Open Day
9am -12noon, Call 01225 734200 for more information.
seasonal events SSat upcoming I M T ’ N the Hawk Conservancy Trust O D E DETAILS VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MOR
Prepare yourself and your little ones for a wickedly spook-tacular family evening this Halloween.
Includes spooky crafts, flying display and refreshments PRICES FROM
£7.75
Each ch ild will rece ive an earl y Christm as present
Bring the little ones along for a bite to eat, see Father Christmas in his grotto and meet an owl. *check website for dates and times
Each Christmas event ticket comes with a half-price entrance voucher valid until 29 March 2018* * TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY – PLEASE SEE WEBSITE
We are located just off the A303 near Andover, Hampshire
01264 773 850 www.hawkconservancy.org @HawkConservancy
October 7
HorseWorld Charity Open Day 10am-4pm Staunton Manor Farm, Staunton Ln, Bristol.
October 14 Monkton Combe School Open Morning 9.30am-12 noon. Call 01225 721102 for more information.
October 14
Call 01373 462539 for more information.
at Feathers Restaurant between 16 and 24 December*
October 5 Kingswood Prep School Open Day
CHARITY NO: 1092349
Curry and Comedy Night at Bishop Sutton Village Hall 7.30-11.30pm. Phil Hammond – NHS doctor, BBC broadcaster, Private Eye journalist and whistle blowing comic is bringing comedy home to Bishop Sutton, when he combines his Edinburgh fringe shows into one unforgettable evening. Tickets are strictly limited and are £17.50 including food and on sale very soon via our website or committee members.
NATIONAL CUPCAKE WEEK 18 - 24 SEPTEMBER INGREDIENTS
• 250g (8oz) unsalted butter, softened • 250g (8oz) caster sugar • 250g (8oz) self-raising flour • Pinch of salt • 4 medium eggs • 4 tablespoons milk • Ice-cream scoop (optional) • 2 x 12-hole muffin tins, lined with paper cases
METHOD
W
e have never heard of this week before either, however we love the sound of it and any excuse to eat cakes!
On a more grown up note - Cooking with your child also helps to develop maths and coordination skills and encourage adventurous eating It’s a fun way to introduce new ingredients, and encourages little ones to explore unknown tastes, smells or textures. While you’re cooking, let your child hold the ingredients, talk about where they came from and discuss how you think the recipe will turn out. Cooking can also be a time for other learning: try reading the numbers in the recipe and on the scales together for some early maths practise, or encourage older ones to estimate what might be ‘too little’ or ‘too much’ as you’re weighing things out. This cupcake recipe will show you how to make cupcakes from scratch and that come out perfectly every time! It makes a batch of 24 cakes, so you’ll have plenty of cakes to decorate. To make your cupcakes even, use an ice cream scoop to fill the cupcake cases with mixture. This will make sure you have an even amount of mixture in each cupcake case and that they should rise to the same height. These cupcakes are ideal for making with children and can be decorated with icing, buttercream or drizzled in chocolate. The kids will love using their imagination to decorate these delicious cupcakes but beware, it might get messy!
1. Set the oven to 190C, gas 5. 2. Tip the butter into a bowl and beat it until softened. Add the sugar, flour, salt, eggs and milk and whisk until the mixture is smooth. 3. Use a traditional-style ice-cream scoop, or spoon, to divide the mixture between all the paper cases. 4. Place both muffin tins in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, then swap over the position of the tins over and bake for a further 3-7 minutes, until both trays of cupcakes are a light golden colour. 5. Remove the tins from the oven. Leave the cupcakes to cool in the tins for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool.
FREEZING
The cakes are best eaten on the day that they're baked, but if necessary, once cooled, they can be wrapped in freezer bags and frozen for up to 1 month. They will defrost in about 1 hour.
FLAVOUR VARIATIONS
To give these plain cupcakes a little extra flavour, try one these ideas: Lemon: Add finely zested rind of 2 lemons to the mixture, and use 4 tablespoons of lemon juice in place of the milk. Chocolate: Use 2 level tablespoons less flour, and add 2 level tablespoons cocoa powder. Rose: Use 1-2 tablespoon less milk and replace with 1-2 tablespoons rose water. Coffee: Omit the milk and instead, use 2 tablespoons instant coffee, dissolved in 4 tablespoons hot water.
SKILLS AREA and Open bounce
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Sat and Sun 9am-10am
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For more info, call: 01172034888
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EUROPEAN ADVENTURE FOR WES One of our readers and his family went on an trip around Europe and wanted to share his amazing experience with you all... MY EUROPEAN TRIP WES MARSH, AGE 8 In April 2017, whilst my friends were getting ready to go back to school after the Easter holidays, I was helping to pack up our car, ready to go on a twelve week trip around Europe with my Mum and Dad. I would be missing two terms of school, but I still had to do school work on the trip and my teacher had told my Mum and Dad what to cover. Our trip started in Portsmouth where we got a ferry to Bilbao in Spain. We visited the Guggenheim art gallery and also found lots of great parks to play in. We then did a long drive down to stay on the coast near to Barcelona where we discovered Gaudi – I liked the chimneys on the house he designed called Palau Guell, the mosaic benches in the park and the Sagrada Familia – a huge church which is still not finished. Next stop was Andorra, where we just stopped for one night before driving into France. We saw the castle at Carcassonne, the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct and also Roman amphitheatres in Arles and Nimes. I found out lots about Gladiators. Country number 4 was Italy, we stayed in Turin and took a tram up a big hill to see a church called the “Superga”. We also went to the biggest Egyptian museum outside of Cairo and saw mummified cats! I also ate delicious Italian icecream. Next stop was Geneva in Switzerland where we saw the huge “jet d’eau” – a jet of water that shoots 140 metres into the air. We also took a ski-lift up to the top of a mountain which had great views over the lake. Country number 6 was Lichtenstein – a tiny country that we visited on the way to Austria – where we stayed in Innsburck and Salzburg. We went down a salt mine (where we crossed the border with Germany underground) and we also zoomed down a mountain side on a toboggan run.
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We stayed in Bamberg in Germany – Daddy tried the smoked beer and we visited the playmobil fun park. We also went to a forest with a wooden walkway and a spiral tower 40 metres above the ground. I also skyped my class at school who asked me lots of questions about the trip! Staying in Germany we visited Berlin and I found out lots about the Berlin wall which was built after the second world war and stopped people crossing from East to West until 1989. We then took a ferry across to Copenhagen in Denmark (country number 9) where Hans Christian Anderson lived and we saw the statue of the little mermaid. We then took the Oresund bridge (which starts as a tunnel under the water and then turns into a bridge over the water) into Sweden. We stayed in three different places, I liked the islands that we visited in Gothenberg and there was a park with a huge wooden whale to play in. Our final two countries were the Netherlands, where we visited Amsterdam and saw Van Gogh’s sunflowers, and Belgium where we visited a World War 1 trench and also ate Belgium chips with lots of mayonnaise. On our final day we took the Eurotunnel car train home. I was happy to be home and sleeping in my own bed – I had slept in 24 different beds during the trip! During the 12 weeks we walked 1 million steps which is about 500 miles. We drove 4800 miles in the car. I loved exploring Europe but I was happy to see my friends at school again.
Broadlands Bears Nursery
Opening November 2017 A new nursery is opening at Broadlands Academy in Keynsham. We will be providing full day care all year round for 30 children aged two to rising five from 7.30 am to 6 pm. 30 hours funding for 3 and 4-year-olds and 15 hours funding for eligible 2-yearolds is available. For more information, please email us or visit our website.
nursery@broadlandsacademy.org www.broadlandsbears.uk Broadlands Academy, St Francis Road, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 2DY
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BACK TO SCHOOL
CHILDREN WITH ALLERGIES & ASTHMA T
here are lots of things kids get excited about when they go back to school. From brand new lunch boxes to shiny packs of pencils and catching up with friends they haven't seen for awhile, anticipation is in the air. But if you're a parent of a children who suffer from allergies, or one who’s child has asthma, sending kids back to school can cause anxious moments. Many parents look forward to their child returning to the classroom but for parents of children with allergies or asthma, school raises questions about conditions that can't be controlled or monitored. They want to make sure their child is safe, has adequate resources and that systems are in place if they have an asthma or allergy attack. By following these suggestions, you can help ensure your child has a safe, fun start to the school year.
KNOW THEIR TRIGGERS
Children with pets at home can bring pet hair into school. Other common allergens such as pollen and dust will definitely find their way into the classroom. If your child suddenly develops a runny nose, has difficulty breathing or comes home with a rash, it may be related to classroom triggers.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH AN ALLERGIST
If you think your child might have allergies or asthma, making an appointment is the first step to accurately developing a game plan. An allergist can determine what's causing your child's symptoms, as well as provide guidance to help both of you cope with allergies
and asthma. Through prescribing medication and creating treatment plans, your allergist can provide the care that leads to fewer school absences.
TALK TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT LUNCH TIME
Younger children especially might be excited to share food with friends or try new things on the lunch menu. If your child has a food allergy, it's important they know why they cannot eat certain things or share food. If your child is prescribed an auto injector, make sure the staff is trained in how to use it, and knows where your child's is located.
MEET WITH THE SCHOOL
This is one of the biggest steps in preparing for the new school year. Your child's teachers, school nurse and head teacher should all be informed about your child's asthma and/or allergies, and what medications they carry with them. If your child is old enough, teach them how to use their auto injector or rescue inhaler. Make sure they understand warning signs and symptoms, what precautions to take and who to talk to if a reaction develops.
TALK WITH YOUR CHILD'S FRIENDS AND OTHER PARENTS
Communication is always a good policy when it comes to managing your child's allergies and asthma. Talking to your child's friends, or asking their parents to talk to their children about asthma and allergies, adds another layer of support. This is important for social reasons, as the more your child's friends and classmates understand allergies and asthma, the less chance your child will feel isolated.
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News and Reviews LATEST SCHOOL NEWS
EVENTS
THE KEYNSHAM IN BLOOM GREAT BIKE TRAIL 2017
DIARY DATES
YOUR SUCCESSES
SALTFORD SAYS GOODBYE TO MRS ABEL After 27 years of dedicated service, the school said goodbye to Mrs Abel, who retired at the end end of term. Mrs Abel had been a treasured Teaching Assistant who has supported hundreds of children on their journeys through the school. The school will be very sorry to lose such an experienced and knowledgeable colleague, but wish her a very happy and fulfilling retirement. Mrs Abel writes, “Saltford School is made up of a fantastic team of people which makes it a wonderful place to work – I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the past 27 years. I would like to thank the children and staff for making it an extremely rewarding experience. Retirement will enable me to spend quality time with my grandchildren and more opportunities for holidays. It’s not goodbye though, as I will return as a volunteer helper.”
The Great Bike Trail is proving to be a huge success with over 70 bikes on display around town. The Trail will be running until 30th September and trail maps are available from Keynsham Town Council office for 20 pence. All proceeds raised from the sponsorship of the bikes and the sale of maps will go towards In Bloom planting projects in 2018.
SLIMBRIDGE VISIT FOR SALTFORD Years 1 and 2 had an amazing time at Slimbridge and learnt a lot for their science topics. The children particularly enjoyed visiting the otters and watching them twirl around while they were getting fed! Everyone loved feeding the birds and some of the cheeky ducks even nipped their fingers!
CASTLE PRIMARY PUT ON A GREAT SHOW Year 6 from Castle School performed their absolutely brilliant show ‘Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits’; it was one of the best Year 6 productions the school have ever seen and certainly the funniest. The children worked so hard and it really showed. A special thanks went to Mrs Blackman, Mrs Arnold and Mrs Adams who spent hours getting both the children and the props and costumes ready. Well done, everyone!
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ZIG-ZAG POSTER WINNERS
BROADLANDS BEAR
Well done to all the children who entered the Zig-Zag Poster competition – all the entries were of a very high standard and the decision on a winner for each key stage was very difficult.
A new nursery is opening in November 2017 at Broadlands Academy. Full day care from 7.30am to 6pm will be provided for children aged two to five years old. The full 30 hour funding entitlement can be claimed for three and four year olds and 15 hours of funding for eligible two year olds. An existing building on the Broadlands Academy site has been refurbished to a high standard. An exciting outdoor woodland play area will be created, providing a stimulating outdoor classroom. New resources and equipment are being purchased to create varied learning opportunities inside. For more information and to register your interest in one of the 30 places available, please visit www.broadlandsbears.uk or email nursery@ broadlandsacademy.org.
STEAM VISIT FOR SALTFORD SCHOOL Winner – EYFS/KS1 – Erin M – Class NJ who won a £10 Amazon Gift Card. Winner – KS2 – Rosanna W – Class JG who won a £10 Amazon Gift Card. Runners up – Mindy F, Rachel G, Abigail W-G, Benny H and Martha G who all received house points. All the winning entries are displayed at the schools entrances.
WELL DONE WHITCHURCH It is with absolute delight and pleasure to announce that the children of Whitchurch Primary School have out performed other schools nationally in this year’s KS2 SATs tests. Whilst the national pass rate stands at 61% of children meeting the required standard in reading, writing and maths combined, we are please to report that 74% of our children have met the standard in reading, writing and maths combined. This is the main measure government uses to grade our school’s effectiveness, and we are delighted that this can be seen as ‘good,’ confirming OFSTED’s belief that we are a ‘rapidly improving school.’ National figures for individual subjects are yet to be released, but at Whitchurch early indications show that 78% of our children met the expected standard in reading, 89% met the expected standard in writing and an amazing 93% met it in maths! Take a bow year 6 for your successful journey through our school, a round of applause to all parents who have supported us, and a 21 gun salute to all the teachers for their on-going hard work. You have all worked with determination, dedication and commitment over the last few challenging years!
Headteacher
Year 3 & 4 children from Saltford Primary visited STEAM (The Museum of the Great Western Railway) in Swindon as part of their World War II topic. The children took part in different activities including an air raid and an evacuation experience. To add to the experience the children dressed up in ‘authentic’ World War II clothing, carried their own gas mask and box and brought a packed lunch based upon food eaten in the 1940’s. They even wore an evacuation label on their clothing! Mr Jenkins commented, “The quality of the workshops were excellent and provided a fantastic experience for the children with opportunities for drama and role play. They really enjoyed and benefitted from the day as it brought our exciting World War II topic to life!”
YEAR 2 SINGING FESTIVAL Saltford Primary Year Two children went to St Keyna School to participate in the Keynsham Singing Festival. The children loved having the opportunity to sing with six other schools under the guidance of Tim Parker from the Banes Music Service. A particular highlight was learning the sign language version of Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake it Off ’. The children who participated with enthusiasm and enjoyment.
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