EXPERTS
Ask the Expert Ms Julia Langford Choosing a new school Identifying which school is right for your child is one of the most important decisions any parent has to make. Ms Julia Langford, headteacher at The Ryleys School in Alderley Edge, has prepared some recommendations to help you choose the best school for you and your child
How can I identify the right school for my child? What would encourage your child to learn, progress and develop? Find out whether the school offers a broad curriculum with specialised teaching. Quality teaching will ensure your child’s needs and interests are met and their potential maximised. In addition to this, details on independent inspections are publicly available for all schools. This provides an independent, objective view of the school, which may well confirm your own first impressions.
What should I look out for on a school tour/open day? Nothing quite compares to visiting a school, meeting the headteacher and teachers and seeing the pupils in action. Ask questions and take notes. Do children experience diverse opportunities? Are prospectus promises fulfilled? Research the school website and follow news stories on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The Ryleys School would like to wish you every success in your search for the right school for you and your child. If you are interested in visiting the school, please contact reception@theryleys.com
Are extracurricular activities important? Joining a football team, dance club, swimming team or chess club can be the important first step in children making close friends, who may well stay with them for their entire life. Look for schools that offer quality and varied extracurricular programmes. This will help your child find like-minded children to bond with and allow them to experience new activities that inspire them to broaden their horizons and step out of their comfort zone. The Ryleys School offers over 35 extracurricular clubs.
Sam Platt Sam Platt is the Head of the Vegetarian Society Cookery School and has a wealth of experience, having worked in the catering industry for more than 15 years. She frequently leads cookery classes at the school and at events across the country to teach people how to make fantastic vegetarian and vegan food
What’s the easiest way to start eating less meat?
How do you know you’re getting the right nutrients in veggie/vegan foods?
What would I learn on your cookery classes?
Start a little at a time with something familiar. Try using meat alternatives instead of meat once a week in a main meal. For example, you could replace the beef mince in your favourite bolognaise with veggie mince. You can use exactly the same recipe with the same flavourings and accompaniments. It will taste just as delicious and be better for you and the planet.
The same way as with any other foods. Everyone should eat a well-balanced diet with lots of variation and plenty of fruit and veg. When following a vegetarian diet, make sure you’re replacing the protein you might get from meat with other protein sources, like pulses, tofu, eggs or soya. Lots of foods are now fortified with extra vitamins and minerals, so it’s easy to make sure you get what you need.
How to make delicious food! We concentrate on having fun and learning to make great-tasting dishes. Our classes are for anyone, whether you are veggie or vegan or not. We want people to learn new skills they can put to use at home again and again. It’s a great introduction to new and exciting flavours and ingredients.
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