Sam Platt – The Vegetarian Society / Helen Taylor – Spire Manchester Hospital

Ask the Expert

Sam Gibbons

Sam Gibbons is the Head of Preparatory at Manchester High School for Girls and is also an Inspector of Schools for the Independent Schools Inspectorate. She has a wealth of knowledge of the independent sector and is passionate about providing children with a happy and fulfilled education

What are the benefits of independent education? Independent education is just that – independent; free from government directives with respect to the curriculum and class size. Adapting the curriculum and the extra-curricular opportunities to meet the exact needs of the school community is a privilege that independent schools do not take for granted. A consequence of this approach is that young people feel valued, knowing that learning opportunities and teaching style are all designed for them. Why choose a single sex school? The significant benefit to single-sex education is the removal of gender stereotypes. They have the opportunity to explore fully all the education opportunities available to them and excel in subjects and roles regardless of perceived gender-weighted expectations to become resilient, self-confident individuals. The desire to be - and become - anything they want is a powerful motivator, underpinned by the successes of their female role models. What can I do to prepare my child for school? Read, read and read some more! Language acquisition and a wide vocabulary are essential bedrocks to learning and mental wellbeing. If children have the language to describe how they are feeling, they are much happier. Talk, talk and talk some more! Young children model what they hear and absorb everything you are telling them about the world and if you want to cultivate some early number work - make it practical and fun!

Helen Taylor

Helen Taylor is a Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist at Spire Manchester Hospital with a specialist interest in pelvic health, postnatal physiotherapy, clinical pilates and Mummy MOT® assessments. As a mum of three, she recognises the demands placed on women and how this can lead to many of them ignoring their pelvic health symptoms and avoiding seeking the right help

What is a Mummy MOT®? Following childbirth, many women experience weakness in their abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. A Mummy MOT® is a specialist postnatal examination for women following both vaginal and C-section deliveries. It is one of the UK’s most comprehensive postnatal check-ups. Pregnancy and childbirth are life-changing experiences and we are here to help, whether you gave birth six weeks ago or many years ago. The Mummy MOT® is recommended from six weeks postnatal, but it’s never too late to make an appointment. Once postnatal, always postnatal! What is included in a Mummy MOT® assessment? • A full posture screen and an abdominal and pelvic floor assessment • Screening for bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction • A bespoke written recovery plan

Are there any other postnatal treatment options at Spire Manchester Hospital? We offer postnatal clinical pilates, which can be delivered one-to-one or in our weekly postnatal pilates class. Postnatal pilates at Spire Manchester is a functional, dynamic and educational exercise programme. This rehabilitation method can be highly effective in resolving a variety of common postnatal problems, such as pelvic pain, pelvic floor weakness, abdominal separation and lower back pain. Postnatal clinical pilates focuses on improving muscle strength, posture, balance, releasing tight muscle groups, general fitness, relaxation and stress management. Babies are very welcome.

We also offer one-to-one reformer postnatal pilates and return to running assessments.