HEY! Magazine Mid Somerset edition by Tina Veater

FREE • MID SOMERSET EDITION • ISSUE 52 • BACK TO SCHOOL 2017

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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 7500 families through primary schools and other outlets in the Wells, Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury and Street areas. 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!

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St Dunstan’s School St Dunstan’s School is a small school in Glastonbury which has had a transformational year. Last September the new headteacher, Keith Howard, started and has led the school with “drive, determination and ambition” (Ofsted 2017), making significant improvements to the school. Not only is the school a “calm atmosphere where pupils show respect for each other and for adults” (Ofsted 2017), St Dunstan’s has “invested heavily in the school site” and facilities, making the school “a pleasant place to learn” (Ofsted 2017).

St Dunstan’s has many extra-curricular clubs with provision being further extended through its exchange with Millfield School. With extra-curricular experiences ranging from music and drama productions to horse riding and rock climbing, the exciting opportunities are endless. Further experiences for pupils are taking place through a close working relationship with the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership, enhancing the curriculum and collaboration with other schools. St Dunstan’s pupils get the best of both worlds: a small school with individual care and a strong sense of community, whilst also offering a broad range of experiences and enrichment. The school offers a new and exciting mix of high standards and opportunities in a caring community that supports and values every individual. Open day is on Wednesday 27 September, when you will be able to see what makes St Dunstan’s School such a great place to learn. You can also contact the school at any time to book a tour of the school to see it in action.

Since September new systems have been introduced that have “ensured that standards have risen, attitudes to learning are more positive and the need for sanctions have fallen” (Ofsted 2017). Being a small school means pupils at St Dunstan’s are known as individuals and supported to reach their potential. Teachers know pupils well and “pupils have strong relationships with their teachers and other staff. They rightly have trust and confidence in them” (Ofsted 2017).

St Dunstan’s School

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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.

WHAT TO ASK TEACHERS WHEN VISITING A SECONDARY SCHOOL

• How many children in a class? • Do all teachers have a teaching assistant? • How do you deal with bullying? • How do you deal with disruptive pupils? • How do you encourage kids who don't want to learn, or find learning difficult? • How do you look after kids who are especially gifted? • What do you do to stretch and challenge children's learning? • What clubs and extra-curricular activities are available? • What percentage of pupils go on to higher education? • How does the school communicate with parents?

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BENEFITS OF HOME COOKING 2. SAVES MONEY

Packaged and prepared meals cost you considerably more than cooking with raw ingredients at home. Preparing meals at home can save you money. Just by bringing your home-cooked leftovers to work for lunch can save you a cool £50 each month. Other ways to save money include buying your food in bulk, using store coupons, eating more vegetarian meals, buying on sale and freezing for later use.

3. LESS SALT AND TRANS FATS

Food producers and restaurant chefs use higher levels of salt and fat to make their products taste better to the consumer. Preparing meals at home allows you to control the amount of salt and oils you use in your recipes. This in turn reduces the possibility of weight gain and clogged arteries.

4. BALANCED MEALS

Taking the time to plan your weekly menu not only helps to save time and money, but also provides a way to create meals with a balance of protein, carbohydrates and fat, plus all the essential vitamins and minerals needed for the adult and child’s body. When eating balanced meals your body feels satisfied, has fewer cravings and this in turn prevents late-night snacking.

5. AVOID FOOD POISONING

When preparing meals at home you can better control the temperatures when cooking meats, keep hands and countertops clean and properly wash your raw produce.

6. BETTER ENERGY

hen it comes down to feeding your body and mind, nothing is superior to preparing your food from scratch, with quality ingredients and served with love. If you have never experienced this phenomenon then try it out for 90 days and see how you feel. Come to that, see how your family feels as you work together in the kitchen to create a level of harmony and good health that is only possible when food is prepared in a loving manner, and eaten slowly with others. OK, so no excuses about time and schedules and…and…and. Instead let’s take a look at why preparing your food is a win-win situation for everyone.

1. SAVES TIME

In the time it takes to drive to a take away, place your order, wait for your order, return home and serve the meal, you could have made a three-course meal from scratch with time to sit and chew slowly. For those on a busy schedule, prepare half the week’s meals on a Sunday and the other half mid-week, which can allow time for relaxation or beneficial exercise.

Food can be healing medicine or it can deplete your energy and cause sickness and pain. This may sound dramatic, but the truth is that whoever is cooking is in charge of the people we become.

7. BRINGS FAMILY TOGETHER

Preparing meals at home and including family members in meal preparation is a way to give and share love. When food is prepared with a calm mind and loving thoughts it can become a tonic for both the physical body and the soul. Teaching children how to cook is a gift of health they will use for their entire lives and pass it on to their children and grandchildren.

8. WEIGHT CONTROL

Plates have gone from 10 inches in 1990 to 12 inches in 2013. With larger portions people tend to eat more, but cooking at home allows you to control serving sizes and prevent overeating. Buy locally, in season, the best quality food, organic when possible. When cooking from scratch you know exactly what is going into your recipes. The choices you make can keep you healthy and help prevent weight gain, digestive troubles and allergic reactions.

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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.

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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.

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! Classrooms available, parking for coaches, toilets, disabled facilities, picnic area and our mini-marshes discovery zone

Teachers - Sign your pupils

up to nature at RSPB Avalon Marshes near Glastonbury

To find out more contact: jane.allen@rspb.org.uk Tel: 01458 860494. For our full programme visit: www.rspb.org.uk/schoolvisits

Programme: EYFS and Key Stage 1 • Brilliant Birds • Discovering Pond Minibeasts • Discovering Land Minibeasts • Seasonal Sensory Walk • Plant Detectives (KS1) Key Stage 2 • Rocks and Soils • Investigating Minibeasts • Living Things and their Habitat • Pond Habitat Study • Discovering Birds

Half day visits costs from £3.50 per primary child all year round.

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CELEBRATING TEACHER ASSISTANTS N

ational Teaching Assistants’ Day was created by Teaching Personnel to recognise the valuable contribution Teaching Assistants make to the education and support of school children across the UK. This year National Teaching Assistants Day is on the 15th September.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A TA?

Teaching assistants support children with their learning activities in the classroom and act as an extra pair of eyes. They work closely with teachers to make sure pupils enjoy learning in a safe and caring setting. Just as with any teacher, the students are the best way to measure a TA’s success. The happier and more educated the students, the better job the TA is doing.

Here we have our top 5 things that make a good teaching assistant. 1. They are prepared to ask students questions, engage the classroom as a whole, and maintain a healthy learning environment. 2. Answer a student’s specific questions, rather than giving a blanket answer. 3. Are friendly and fun. 4. Explain theory/idea, and then work a series of problems AND real life examples with the students themselves. 5. Learn the student’s names and educational goals, as well as strengths and weaknesses.

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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.

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.

Wordsearch P

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

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

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From age 4

Trip Adv iso

10% OFF parties this autumn!

0117 373 7531 www.leapoffaith.co.uk

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

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.

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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 whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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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FOCUS ON FEET A

rising number of children are being referred to podiatrists and GPs with more serious foot problems than ever before.    Retailers have reported seeing far more serious foot health problems including Hallux Valgus, Ankle Valgus, heel bumps and Plantar Fasciitis in children - conditions which are usually only seen in the elderly.    A lot of the problems can be traced to ill-fitting, cheap fashionable shoes and are likely to result in leg, knee, back and neck pain, as well as migraine.    The trend is causing concern among the Society of Shoe Fitters, a not-for-profit organisation which has campaigned for better industry standards across the British Isles since 1959.    Secretary Laura West says: “Sadly there is no legal obligation for anyone selling shoes to know anything about feet or footwear but there is a moral obligation!    “Younger children insist on wearing the latest fashion which is not suitable for their age, and they - and their parents - have no idea that they are actually storing up long term damage to their feet.” Feet are designed to take body weight and give mobility essential to quality of life.    Feet are often crammed into the most unsuitably shaped shoes - often made of plastic - and the only time they are given a thought is when they hurt.    From birth to early teens, feet are at their most vulnerable; in fact there are 26 bones in the foot, and they do not stop growing until around the age of 18.

Shoe fitters and chiropodists spend the majority of their time trying to correct damage and ease discomfort which could have been avoided if shoes had been correctly fitted when purchased.    Shoes should always be fitted by trained personnel as a fitting gauge plays only a small role in the selection of the correct shoe.    Materials should be natural - cotton and leather linings and leather uppers are porous and ensure that moisture is absorbed and allowed to escape, keeping the feet dry and avoiding irritating complaints such as Athletes Foot. Leather is also the only material to conform to the shape of the foot and stay there, thus making the best possible fit. This is why shoes should never be passed down to another child!    Children’s feet grow erratically in fits and starts during infancy and feet can grow by a half size in a matter of weeks. Children aged four and upwards should have shoes checked every 10 to 12 weeks, and at the least every four months.    Admittedly this time in the child’s development can be an expensive one! However, this is money well spent - don’t be tempted to make shoes last longer or revert to badly made self-fitted footwear, as your investment in the future will pay dividends.    Finally, don’t forget socks! Cotton is best but always check the toe seam as a casting-off knot on the end can cause painful abrasions. Teach your child to loosen their socks at the toe before putting on shoes as they can restrict the blood flow and cause discomfort - particularly with diabetics.

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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. 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.

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AVOID THE HOMEWORK BLUES W

e've all been there. The last minute rush to get homework done that leaves both my child and I stressed, and, in contrast, the homework session that drags on and on with him twiddling his pen, staring into space. But homework can, and should, be time well spent that connects you to your child's learning, as well as being a benefit to your child's overall education. Here's how I overcame a few pitfuls and made homework a breeze! (Well, a little easier anyway)

LOCATION IS ALL

I like to provide my son with a quiet, well-lit space, away from distractions and with all the study materials that he needs to hand â&#x20AC;&#x201D; paper, pens and pencils, a dictionary, and whatever else he may need to be comfortable yet productive.

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PERSONAL SPACE

I would recommend that you try to find a separate space for each of your children, or schedule quiet times for homework in designated spaces. If one child finishes their homework earlier than the other, I would encourage reading time or quiet time until the entire family is ready to do something together, or 'noisy' time.

CREATE A ROUTINE

I find that the most productive time for homework is earlier in the evening and not too close to bedtime. Sometimes he needs a little after-school play break and dinner, or at least an energising snack, before hitting the books. The most important thing is to establish a routine that works for your child.

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News and Reviews LATEST SCHOOL NEWS

EVENTS

FRUIT PICKING AT EVERCREECH

DIARY DATES

YOUR SUCCESSES

KINDNESS CUP AWARD A pupil from Evercreech Church of England Primary School has been awarded the kindness cup as she has very kindly donated her hair to The Princess Trust. The Trust provides real hair wigs free of charge to boys and girls across the United Kingdom and Ireland that have sadly lost their own hair due to cancer treatment and other illnesses. What an amazing and kind thing to do.

The children from Holly Class at Evercreech Church of England Primary School were joined by parents to enjoy a day of fruit picking at Thurloxton Fruit Farm. A fantastic day out was had by all.

DAY AT MAGDALEN FARM

Reception and Key Stage One Children from across the Fosse Federation spent the day at the Magdalen Farm Project. All of the children spent the day together taking part in a variety of outdoor activities, such as den building, making potions and visiting farm animals. The children from both Evercreech and Lovington Church of England Primary Schools had a fantastic time.

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‘WHAT A KNIGHT!’ AND ‘SUPER STAN’ Children in KS2 at Ashcott Primary School ended the school year with 2 fantastic stage performances. The children in Y5 and Y6 performed the play ‘What a Knight!’ a comedy based on the story of King Arthur. The school hall was packed to the rafters as the children put on their final performance to parents. With excellent comic timing and wonderful singing voices, the performance was well received by the audience and the show was a great success! The school would like to thank teaching assistants, Mrs Morton and Mrs Davis for their support with props and costumes, and Y5/6 class teacher Miss Stevens for directing and choreographing the performance. Children from Years 3 and 4 performed the show ‘Super Stan’, all about an everyday superhero called ‘Staggering Stanley’. Once again the children were pitch-perfect with their beautiful singing and the staff and parents were very proud of them all. The school would like to thank Mrs Speakman, Miss Frampton and Mrs Wilson for their help with singing, props and scenery, and to Mrs Chamberlain for directing another successful performance!

THE LION KING AT EVERCREECH

Key Stage Two children from Evercreech Church of England Primary have performed ‘The Lion King’ for family and friends. All of the performances were very much enjoyed by all that attended. The children were thanked for the determination that they had shown and also thanks was given to the staff and helpers for all of their hard work. A truly magnificent achievement.

Is your child a star? Have they received a medal or certificate? Let us know info@ignyte-uk.co.uk