NAHT Life, summer 2014

Life MAGAZINE FOR LIFE MEMBERS

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COVER

A MODEL MEDIA? Anne Lyons and Amanda Hulme set out the case for A model media? an NAHT charter to curb the amount of sex, violence and bad language on TV before the 9pm watershed INSIDE

MEET THE NATIONAL OFFICERS NAHT EDGE SET TO LAUNCH BECOME A SCHOOL GOVERNOR

SUMMER 2014 ISSUE 83

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Editorial Making a difference

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he NAHT’s annual conference in Birmingham in May heard many impassioned debates about education and the NAHT’s role. One of the outcomes was an election manifesto intended to influence policymakers (see page 4); another was the publication of A model media?, a charter designed curb the amount of sex, violence and swearing on TV before the 9pm watershed. Head teacher Amanda Hulme said: “We all have a moral duty to protect our children, but there needs to be a change in mindset from the whole of society. Producing a charter based on the concerns of school leaders and parents is the first step in making a difference, but it must be supported by the government, media providers and media regulators if we have any chance of protecting and educating all children and young people.” See page 10 for more on this subject.

The NAHT’s new president, Gail Larkin called for respect from the government (page 4), something that might be more forthcoming as an election approaches. You can find out more about her in an interview on page eight.

Finally, if you would like to make a difference, there are many ways to do it. One is to become a school governor and let schools in need benefit from your years of experience (page 6). You can also let us know what you think of Life magazine. Have we got the balance right in terms of news and features; education and lifestyle articles? Is there anything you would like us to include?

Email us at naht@redactive.co.uk. And don’t forget the association is on Twitter at @nahtnews.

CONTENTS

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NAHT PARTNERS Selected services for members.

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NEWS NAHT’s election manifesto; September start for NAHT Edge; Primary Futures is launched.

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NEWS Celebrating school leadership in the honours list; Why not become a school governor?; Changes to leadership pay.

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OPINION NAHT past president Dr Rona Tutt.

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NATIONAL OFFICERS Meet the NAHT’s new leadership team: vice president Tony Draper and president Gail Larkin.

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10 LET CHILDREN BE CHILDREN Anne Lyons and Amanda Hulme call for an end to inappropriate material before the TV watershed.

12 HEALTH Dealing with pain from sciatica.

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13 RECIPE Cook up a tasty ‘social supper’ with the help of chef Jason Atherton.

14 TRAVEL The Dorgdogne region of France offers a step back in time.

15 CONTACTS AND CROSSWORD Find a local group; and test our Life member crossword compilers. Tip: don’t look at the answers below.

Steve Smethurst, Managing editor

CROSSWORD SOLUTION EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES

EDITORIAL

Life is published by Redactive Publishing Limited on behalf of the NAHT

Managing editor: Steve Smethurst Designer: Adrian Taylor Senior picture editor: Claire Echavarry Production manager: Jane Easterman Printed by: Gemini Press

ASSOCIATION ENQUIRIES NAHT, 1 Heath Square, Boltro Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 1BL www.naht.org.uk Tel: 0300 30 30 333

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CONFERENCE NEWS ROUND-UP NEWS IN BRIEF

NAHT’s election manifesto 2015 At NAHT’s annual conference in May, head teacher Sally Bates (pictured) proposed a motion to adopt Owning what is ours, the NAHT’s manifesto for the 2015 general election.

Among the proposals are: • backing for the establishment of a college of teaching to develop evidence-based practice; • a call on government to plan and manage reform in an orderly fashion; • priority for early years in funding and status, including pupil premium from age two, qualified teacher status for early years practitioners and an end to the age-weighted pupil unit; • a move by school leaders to accept

September start for NAHT Edge September will see the launch of NAHT Edge, a service that will offer professional advice and support to middle leaders.

NAHT Edge CEO Louis Coiffait spoke at annual conference. He said: “All of you know middle leaders who

Gail Larkin: ‘show us respect’

tough critical reviews of their school’s progress by colleagues, moderated by external inspectors; and • an entitlement to paid time off work for governors.

Some 97.5 per cent voted in its favour. bit.ly/NAHTmanifesto

need extra support. The senior maths teacher looking to improve their ICT skills; the head of year who’s looking for new ideas on how to improve progress for all students; and the assistant head who’s unsure how to communicate effectively or sensitively with their staff or their boss.

“The next generation really does need focused support so that they can become better teachers and better managers.” www.nahtedge.org.uk

Primary Futures is launched Following a successful pilot, the Primary Futures scheme will now raise the aspirations of primary school children across the country.

It has been developed by NAHT in partnership with the Education and Employers Taskforce charity and is free to state primary schools.

Primary schools will be able to access a vast network of volunteers

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from a varied selection of backgrounds and professions who pledge one hour, once a year, to talk about their job with pupils at a state school near their home or work.

If you would like to volunteer for Primary Futures, visit the website below and follow the instructions. www.primaryfutures.org

NAHT president Gail Larkin told annual conference: “I know how difficult it is to raise the aspirations and morale of staff while feeling overwhelmed by the initiatives to be implemented in September. This government, and all future governments, need to work with us, to listen to us and to show they trust us.”

See Gail’s interview, page 8

‘Trojan horse’ concerns The NAHT has responded to the conclusions of the Ofsted investigation into the ‘Trojan horse’ affair. General secretary Russell Hobby said: “The findings are serious, if isolated. The majority of schools have been cleared of any serious failings. Nonetheless, unacceptable practice has been reported. The profession should be the first to stand up for the basic entitlements of children in schools.”

Respects paid to Ann Maguire Delegates at annual conference fell silent in memory of Ann Maguire, the teacher who died after being attacked by a student armed with a knife at Corpus Christi Catholic College in Leeds.

Ann had taught at the school for more than 40 years and had been due to retire in September.

New secretary of state As Life went to press, Nicky Morgan, the Conservative MP for Loughborough, had been appointed secretary of state for education, replacing Michael Gove. NAHT General secretary Russell Hobby said: “We welcome her to the most important post in the cabinet and look forward to working with her.”

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NEWS ROUND-UP

NAHT members honoured QUEEN’S HONOURS REWARD SCHOOL LEADERS FOR SERVICES TO EDUCATION

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he NAHT sends its congratulations to members who are among more than 90 people awarded honours for their services to education, children and families in the Queen’s 2014 birthday honours list.

Andrew Carter OBE (pictured), head teacher of South Farnham school in Surrey for the past 24 years, has received a knighthood.

In 2010, Sir Andrew became a national leader of education and the school was designated a national support school. Since then he has helped improve more than 20 schools.

Many of the teachers that Sir Andrew has recruited have gone on to become

outstanding teachers and head teachers.

Kate Frood, head of Eleanor Palmer primary school in Camden has been awarded an OBE. Ms Frood has been a head teacher for more than 17 years. In 2013 her school was the first in Camden to be named as a mentor to others in the borough and it became one of 350 schools selected as a national teaching school by the National College.

Eddy Jackson, ex-head teacher of an outstanding Blackpool special school, has been awarded an MBE. Mr Jackson

has been recognised for the positive impact he has made on the lives of pupils, parents and staff at Highfurlong school. Mr Jackson, who recently retired as head after 23 years of service, has been praised for his exceptional work at the school including helping disabled children to compete in national and paralympic games.

Mr Jackson said: “It brought a tear to my eye because of the huge efforts and tremendous work involved in gaining the award.

“I share this honour with every person who has contributed to Highfurlong’s immense success including classroom assistants, nurses, therapists, teachers and governors.”

Governance was one of the hottest topics at annual conference with a motion proposed by Hilary Alcock (pictured) who said she was speaking for: “…too many colleagues who feel their professional voice has been disempowered in school”.

She said there was evidence that members faced inappropriate questioning of judgements, that their confidentiality had been breached and that they felt bullied into inappropriate actions.

Brian McNutt stressed that it was important to recognise that 90 per cent of governors worked well while former general secretary Mick Brookes suggested that it would be helpful if every life member became a governor.

This is also the message that NAHT has had from the DfE, which is keen to attract highly skilled professionals to join governing bodies. The NAHT has been asked to encourage its members, both serving and retired, to become governors.

With increasing expectations on school

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Why not become a governor? Changes to leadership pay

governors, there is no doubt that the experience of a retired school leader would be of immeasurable benefit. This would also help offset the findings of a recent survey of governors by the University of Bath and the National Governors’ Association that governing bodies tend to shy away from longer term strategic issues – an area where retired heads could really contribute. Visit the website below for more details. www.sgoss.org.uk

The DfE recently issued a consultation on proposed changes to the school teachers’ pay and conditions document (STPCD) which proposed: • a revised leadership pay framework allowing greater flexibility for employers to take into account all the responsibilities of a leadership role in setting pay, rather than the current salary and allowances; and • that this would apply to all new posts appointed after September 2014 as well as those whose roles have significantly changed and need review.

The NAHT has asked for more transitional support for governors as they develop their experience in setting pay.

There is also concern about a proposed change to assistant heads’ professional responsibilities which could require them to fill in for the head in their absence.

The NAHT believes this is too onerous for leaders at this career stage.

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VIEWPOINT

Opinion Practice makes ...

DO THE CONSTANT REVISIONS TO THE SEND CODE OF PRACTICE MEAN THAT IT’S CHANGED FOR THE BETTER?

RONA TUTT VIEW FROM A PAST PRESIDENT

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mid the plethora of changes descending on schools this autumn is a new SEND framework.

Ministers appear to be resolute in their determination that this will be implemented from September, but by mid-June the final version of the new SEND code of practice had only just gone before parliament.

During the three years it has taken for the new system to come to fruition, the terminology has wavered between SEN and SEN and/or disability.

However, because of some hotly argued amendments during the bill’s passage through parliament, it is now SEND. The advantage in putting these terms together is twofold. First, the majority of pupils with SEN also come under the legal definition for having a disability.

Second, as there is a lack of clarity about where any cut-off point should be, settling for SEND means that the issue is avoided and a slightly larger number will benefit from elements of the new system.

We are used to bills taking a circuitous route through parliament, but the code of practice has also been through many stages. First, there was an indicative draft, which was rushed out to give the politicians undertaking line-by-line scrutiny of the bill something to look at.

Last autumn, we had what we assumed would be the only consultation on what was called the SEN code of practice: for 0-25 years (no mention of disability). The consultation received a large response, much of it negative. To be fair to the DfE, it agreed to go back to the drawing board, which has resulted in an improved, revised draft version and, possibly, the shortest consultation in history: 16 April to 6 May 2014.

This time, it is called the SEND code of practice: 0-25 years. Those who read the original draft can rest assured that much of the content is the same, but organised differently and expanded in places.

There are three new chapters.

Always read the label Chapter six, which originally combined early years providers, schools and further education, has been divided into three chapters and there is an entirely new chapter: Preparing for adulthood from the earliest years. Incidentally, this means that discussions should start well before year nine.

The removal of school action and school action plus is still there (chapter six), and is replaced by the single category of SEN support. But the behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD) label, which the draft had stated would change to social,

The absolutely “ final version only gives schools the summer to prepare for implementation

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mental and emotional health (SMEH), has changed again, to social, emotional and mental health (SEMH), which sounds rather better.

The absolutely final version only gives schools the summer to prepare for its implementation, along with a new curriculum, the disappearance of levels and significant changes to the examination system. Not to mention dealing with performance-related pay, even safer safeguarding procedures for staff recruitment and being ready to serve free lunches to all infants, regardless of whether or not there is space to put them in classrooms, let alone sit them down in a dining hall or have kitchens equipped with both cookers and cooks.

So, I wish our teachers the best of luck and a restful August when it comes.

Rona Tutt is a retired head teacher and a past president of the NAHT

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NATIONAL OFFICERS

Gail Larkin NAHT president “We have to fight back – not aggressively, but in the way we know best – professionally, authoritatively and knowledgeably”

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ail began teaching in 1974 in the London Borough of Wandsworth. She recalls that she thought she was doing really well until the teacher she most admired asked if she needed any help with her class. “This induced a sleepless night as I believed he must be thinking there was something awful about the way I organised my room. When I told him this a few years later, he was mortified.

He had just been trying to help.”

Gail’s first headship was at Kingswood First School in Surrey.

“This was probably the most difficult job I have ever undertaken as I was a year four teacher for four days a week while managing a large building project, appointing new staff and working with a new team of governors – and all of this with a young family.”

After seven years at the school, the local authority asked her to go into a large junior school which was in difficulties. It was meant to be for a single term. Relationships in the school were strained, the children’s behaviour was poor and there was a considerable budget deficit.

Nor was she warmly welcomed by several of the staff. However, she persevered and she ended her career at a much-transformed Auriol Juniors 13 years later.

What attracted you to education/teaching?

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know I was going to become a teacher.

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As a young girl, I remember lining up my dolls while taking the register – I was decidedly bossy as I instructed them that it had to be done in silence.

What attracted you to headship?

I never thought that I would aspire to headship, but one of my head teachers encouraged me to become a deputy. I really didn’t enjoy the role and couldn’t wait to become a head.

When I did I just loved it.

What areas are of particular interest or concern?

The next year is going to be very challenging as I cannot recall a time when school leaders have been expected to implement so many new initiatives. The pace of change is unprecedented and it is really important that our members know that they can rely on the NAHT for support and advice.

One area of concern is that childhood now ‘ends at the age of 12’.

How often have we been watching television before the watershed at 9pm and seen images or storylines that are completely inappropriate for young children?

It is my intention to highlight the dangers of children accessing materials and media that may be mentally harmful and to ensure that the NAHT continues to work with the government, media providers and regulators to safeguard all our young people (see also feature, page 10).

What excites you about the next 12 months?

It is a real honour and privilege to be president of our great association and I am really looking forward to meeting members. I hope that everyone will attend our roadshows and conferences, but it is also vital to keep in contact with members of your branches and regions as there is so much support to be gained from this. Please do not hesitate to send me an invitation to any of your meetings or to visit your schools. I welcome every opportunity to meet our colleagues in Wales, Northern Ireland and England.

What are your interests away from work?

I do not expect to have very much free time during the next year, although I love to travel and will be visiting my son, his wife and my new baby granddaughter in California at Christmas. I am not sure I will have much time to pursue my other hobbies, which include reading, knitting, gardening and playing the piano.

Do you have a message for members?

We know that there are difficult times ahead of us and that we will face a continual barrage of criticism from government, Ofsted and the media, which makes it even more important that we are united. We have to fight back – not aggressively, but in the way that we know best – professionally, authoritatively and knowledgeably.

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Tony Draper NAHT vice president “Standing united makes us a very powerful group. Repeated surveys describe us as among the most trusted professionals in the UK”

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ony spent the first part of his career at Duston Eldean and Thorplands schools in Northamptonshire, before becoming a deputy at St James Infants in Daventry. He secured his first headship at Heronshaw First School in Milton Keynes, moving to Water Hall Primary at the request of the local authority when the school was struggling with standards and behaviour.

He tells Life: “I have learned much about myself – and the people I work and deal with – through studying values and behaviours. Nobody else ever ‘makes me feel’ a certain way. I am always responsible for my responses.

Through spiral dynamics I understand the drivers of individuals, groups and communities, and the need to meet them in different ways. I also have a dogged Yorkshire stubbornness, will not be bullied and won’t be taken in by bullsh*t or false platitudes.”

What attracted you to education/teaching?

I hated school, so it was a surprise to all when I announced I wanted to go into teaching. However, I had a great time doing work experience at Meltham County Primary School, supporting the children and learning from staff who nurtured and respected their pupils. I ‘caught the bug.’

What attracted you to headship?

It seemed a natural progression.

I enjoyed being a deputy to two very

different heads, but eventually I wanted to put my own vision into practice.

I have the best job in the world. I work with great people, staff and children and am backed by a supportive and challenging governing body.

What areas are of particular interest or concern?

I am looking forward to meeting members in branches and exploring their local issues. It’s clear that we need to continue to lobby the government over issues surrounding free school meals and especially the impact on pupil premium and set-up costs.

Of particular interest is exploring members’ perceptions of the government’s response to the assessment consultation. While we have secured some key changes to their plans, we need to consider whether lines have been crossed.

In particular, we need to look at the introduction of another unnecessary test, ‘SPaG’ at key stage one, and the ambiguity of language surrounding floor standards.

Working with regional officers to continue to fight the ideological policy of forced academisation is another interest, as is exploring which areas share the issue of London boroughs renting homes from local private housing associations and moving families without any support structures.

This leaves children particularly vulnerable, with the accompanying problems having an impact on both schools and the community.

What excites you about the next 12 months?

We are entering the final year before the general election and we have an opportunity to talk to all the major parties and make an intelligent case to influence their education manifestos (see News, page 4). School leaders have a powerful voice and we should be influencing MPs and candidates through our branches as well as at national level.

What are your interests away from work?

I enjoy gardening and spending time with my close friends, my wife Yasmin and our grown-up children Kate and James. I also grew up with a love of football and am a lifelong Huddersfield Town supporter. Rugby league has also been a major influence and I am delighted to see the Huddersfield Giants back as a force to be feared.

Do you have a message for members?

We have a voice and we need to use it. Standing united makes us a very powerful group. Repeated surveys describe us as among the most trusted professionals in the UK. Politicians are most scared of the voter. Let’s make sure that the voter knows what is needed to make high quality education accessible for all. In the coming year, all branches and regions must ensure their local media picks up on all the major educational stories and issues and reports them with our voice highlighted.

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A MODEL MEDIA?

‘Let children be children’ Annual conference saw the launch of A model media? – a charter to curb the sex, violence and bad language that children are exposed to online and before the 9pm watershed. Steve Smethurst reports

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AHT national president Gail Larkin used her speech at annual conference to highlight the need for government, school leaders and parents to ‘let children be children’.

She told delegates: “We strive to ensure that children are happy, safe and secure when they are in school. We also know that most parents try to do their best to protect their children, but, as a grandparent, I know how much more difficult it is in this age of advanced technology to prevent children from accessing materials and media that are not just inappropriate, but often obscene and mentally damaging.”

Gail said that she had been appalled by some of the content shown on TV before the 9pm watershed, whether it was sexual, violent or using bad language. She said: “It is the duty of Ofcom to protect children from harmful material on TV and radio.

Since 2003 it has taken action on more than 300 occasions, but have we seen any improvements?”

She said the time had come to take a stand: “We have to continue our campaign to hold the media to account,” she said. She reminded delegates that the 2013 annual conference passed the following

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resolution: “Following the recent report that ‘childhood now ends at the age of 12’, conference instructs National Executive to work with the government and parents’ groups to highlight the detrimental effect that exposure to adult themes before the watershed has on our children.”

The immediate result of this was the formation of the ‘Resolution 20’ group within the association. Over the past year, its members have worked hard

to create an NAHT charter for the protection and education of children.

Gail said: “This is an important document, which sets out not only the responsibilities, but also the actions that school leaders, parents/carers, governments, media providers and media regulators must take to protect our young people. We demand action.”

Amanda Hulme (pictured above), head teacher at Claypool Primary School in Bolton, proposed motion

BRITAIN’S GOT PROBLEMS The launch of A model media? follows the findings of an independent survey* that showed families share school leaders’ fears.

• 96 per cent of respondents believe that bad language and depictions of sexual and/or violent behaviour are screened before the watershed. Soaps, reality shows and music videos are the worst, say parents.

• 95 per cent of parents worry to some degree about their child witnessing inappropriate material.

• 90 per cent want greater regulation of programmes before 9pm.

• 85 per cent fear that such material can start to be accepted as normal by children who see it regularly.

• 83 per cent feel that childhood is under threat in the 21st century largely due to children’s early exposure to adult themes.

• Only 34 per cent have installed parental controls on internet devices. *The survey was conducted in January 2014. In total, 1,013 responses were recorded from parents of school age children in a randomly selected sample across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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THE NAHT’S CHARTER Pre-watershed entertainment with the Britains’s got Talent panel:

RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE: School leaders should: • take all possible steps to tackle these issues within schools; and • where possible, ensure that an understanding of the influence of media strategies on children is part of the school curriculum.

TEMPEST T A MODEL MEDIA?

Parents and carers should: • consider the appropriateness of the materials to which their children may be exposed; and • work in partnership with schools and other organisations to understand the potential benefits and dangers of the media.

Charter for the protection and education of children

20, which introduced the topic last year. She said: “Parents should not feel alone in trying to hold back the tide of adult-themed content finding its way into their homes before 9pm or via internet-linked devices.

“It is not enough for us to accept potentially detrimental material as an inevitable by-product of a free media.

There are things we can all do to ensure that viewing intended for an adult audience is kept away from children, such as making it simpler for parents and carers to secure internet-linked devices with child-locks. In addition, there is the tightening up of guidelines and fines for programme-makers who screen adult material before 9pm.

“Most respondents to our survey (see left) believed that schools and regulators working together would provide the most effective defence against the effects of inappropriate material. Our charter (see right) sets out recommendations to do just that.”

Amanda related how the phrases ‘bl**dy hell’ and ‘p*ss off ’ have both been used before the watershed in recent months. The former on Secret Eaters and Britain’s Got Talent; the latter on Benefits Street – the last word.

She added that Britain’s Got Talent had allowed a woman to sing a song featuring the chorus “kiss my *rse”

at 8.10pm. I worry about the erosion of childhood,” she said.

While the mass media is a powerful tool for children’s learning, Ofcom guidance states that ‘protecting children from harmful material on TV and radio’ is one of its most important duties. Frequent use of offensive language must be avoided before the watershed and must always be justified by its context.

Amanda told delegates: “I could see no justification for any of these phrases being used. If I used them in front of children there would be serious repercussions. As school leaders we are acutely aware of our responsibilities towards the children in our care; should these responsibilities not also stretch to the media providers and regulators?”

Amanda said: “We all have a moral duty to protect our children, but there needs to be a change in mindset from the whole of society.

“Producing a charter based on the concerns of school leaders and parents is the first step in making a difference, but it must be supported by the government, media providers and media regulators if we have any chance of protecting and educating all children and young people.”

Government should: • provide good-quality, wellfocused training and guidance to all adults working with children to equip them to deal with sensitive issues; • recognise the key role that PSHE plays as part of the school curriculum; • work with other organisations to agree international guidelines and actions around the misuse and negative impacts of social media; and • allocate funding to provide support for children and families affected by exposure to inappropriate media.

Media providers should: • do more to ensure that prewatershed content is suitable for the intended audience; • do more too promote positive role models; and • proactively set required standards for websites, chatrooms and so on.

Media regulators should: • take firmer action on breaches of watershed protocols; and • develop a universal and easily understood approach to user ratings across all media, based on age and content.

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Health Sciatica: a pain in the…

THE SCIATIC NERVE IS THE LONGEST IN THE BODY AND SCIATICA SUFFERERS TYPICALLY DEVELOP A PAIN THAT RADIATES DOWN FROM THE LOWER BACK

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ciatica is the name given to any sort of pain that is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. It is the longest in your body, running from the back of the pelvis, through the buttocks and all the way down both legs, ending at your feet.

When something compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve, it can cause a pain that radiates from your lower back and travels down your leg to your calf. This pain can range from being mild to very painful and may last just a few days or for months. If it lasts for more than six weeks, it is considered to be persistent (or ‘chronic’) sciatica.

Sciatica is different to general back pain. The pain of sciatica hardly affects the back, instead travelling down the buttocks and beyond. The pain often gets worse over time and may also be made worse by sneezing, coughing or laughing; or by standing or sitting for long periods.

Causes of sciatica A slipped disc is the most commonly identified cause of sciatica, but in some cases there is no obvious reason.

Less common causes include spinal stenosis (narrowing of the nerve passages in the spine), injury, infection or a growth in the spine.

Most people find their sciatic pain goes away naturally within a few days or weeks.

However, you are advised to see your GP if: • you experience any other

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symptoms together with your back and leg pain, such as weight loss or loss of bladder or bowel control; • you experience increasing pain and discomfort; or • your pain is too severe to manage with self-help measures.

Your GP should be able to confirm that the pain is being caused by the sciatic nerve using the ‘passive straight-leg raise’ test. This involves lying flat on your back with your legs straight. The GP will ask you to raise one leg and they will then raise your foot up. If this causes pain or makes your pain worse, it is usually an indication that your pain is being caused by the sciatic nerve.

Treatment options Most cases of short-term (or ‘acute’) sciatica will pass without the need for medical treatment. A combination of things you can do at home, such as taking overthe-counter painkillers, exercise and hot or cold packs can usually relieve the symptoms.

For chronic sciatica, you may be advised to try a structured exercise programme under the supervision of a physiotherapist. In very rare cases, surgery may be needed to control the symptoms.

Depending on your symptoms, your GP may feel it is necessary to have further tests. These may include: • an x-ray; • a blood test to rule out infections; or • imaging tests such as a computerised tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

To minimise the risk of a slipped disc or back injury that could lead to sciatica, try to adopt a better posture and use recommended lifting techniques. Stretching before and after exercise and simple, regular exercises to improve flexibility also help. If in doubt, see your GP. Source: www.nhs.uk

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Recipe Chocolate mousse, blood orange jelly and chocolate crumbs ONE FOR CHOCOHOLICS AS CHEF JASON ATHERTON ADDS THE FLAVOUR OF A HOT CHOCOLATE DRINK TO A MOUSSE. TOGETHER WITH THE BLOOD ORANGE JELLY AND CRUNCHY CHOCOLATE CRUMBS, IT IS A TRULY SATISFYING WAY TO END A MEAL

SERVES FOUR For the mousse 200g dark chocolate (at least 65 per cent cocoa solids), roughly chopped 150ml double cream 5 large egg whites For the chocolate crumbs 50g caster sugar 60g ground almonds 40g plain flour 25g cocoa powder ¼ teaspoon sea salt 30g softened unsalted butter For the blood orange jelly 250ml blood orange juice 2 sheets of leaf gelatine

Extract taken from Social Suppers Published by Absolute Press, £25.00 Photography by John Carey

METHOD Place the dark chocolate in a large bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan until it begins to scald.

Take the pan off the heat and pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Stir until the chocolate has completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool.

Whisk the egg whites to medium peaks (the whites will be fairly stiff but the tops of the peaks will be curling over), then fold this through the cooled chocolate mixture. Spoon into individual serving glasses then chill the glasses until ready to serve.

To make the blood orange jelly, gently heat the blood orange juice in a small saucepan until it is almost simmering. Meanwhile, soak the gelatine leaves in cold water for a few minutes to soften. Drain the gelatine and squeeze out the excess water. Add to the orange juice and take the pan off the heat.

Stir to dissolve then strain the juice through a sieve into a small rigid plastic container.

Leave to cool completely then cover and refrigerate until set.

For the chocolate crumbs, preheat the oven to 200°C/Gas mark 6. Place all the ingredients into a food processor and blitz until you have a coarse crumble texture.

Line a baking tray with baking parchment and spread the crumble evenly over the tray.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, stirring once or twice until the mixture is dry and crisp. Allow to cool completely then store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

When ready to serve, sprinkle a layer of chocolate crumbs over each chocolate mousse and gently drop one or two spoonfuls of blood orange jelly on top. Serve immediately.

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Travel De-stress in the Dordogne PEOPLE HAVE BEEN COMING HERE FOR 400,000 YEARS AND IT’S EASY TO SEE WHY – IT’S THE PERFECT PLACE TO UNWIND AND ENJOY THE AMBIENCE

Chateau de Commarque Between Sarlat and Les Eyzies in the valley of the River Beune is a ruined chateau. It’s a little off the beaten track but well worth a visit. There’s a longish walk along a forest path from the car park down an uneven track, which helps to build anticipation before you see the spectacular ruins.

To give an idea of the history of the place, it was founded in the 12th century and is built on the site of prehistoric caves. It was captured by the English during the Hundred Years’ War and is currently undergoing restoration. Don’t

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f you haven’t been to the Dordogne – an inland prefecture in south-west France – try to imagine a Gallic equivalent of the Cotswolds or Tuscany.

It’s pretty, the pace of life is much slower and rushing around is really not the done thing.

Most British visitors head for the area known as le Périgord noir. At its heart is the medieval town of Sarlat and the Dordogne river itself. Once there, it won’t be long before you’re looking up at limestone cliffs, strolling around chateaux and browsing the foods at village markets.

It’s been a popular area for a long time; paintings on the cave walls at Lascaux date back more than 17,000 years and people have lived there for an estimated 400,000 years. Be warned, though, the Lascaux grotto was closed to visitors in 1963, although an exact replica has been carved out underground close to the original location. The French National Museum of prehistory at Les Eyzies also has lots to see in terms of ancient history.

Above ground, popular sights include the Marqueyssac gardens and chateaux in various states of repair. But, as one online commentator puts it: “It is the places that you visit outside these ‘hot-spots’ that will stay longest in your memory – the scenery, the peace, the coffee in a small cafe, the picnic next to a stream.”

But, to give you a start, here are three ‘not-to-be missed’ highlights for your trip:

be put off though, this has been going on ever since it was ‘rediscovered’ in the 1970s after 200 years of neglect.

The cave of Font-de-Gaume With the originals at Lascaux hidden to the public, this is the only place to see prehistoric depictions of animals.

They were found in 1901 and of the 200-plus paintings in the cave, the most famous is a frieze of five bison. As you might expect, the number of visitors is limited and so it’s best to book ahead.

Canoes Loisirs Canoeing is a great way to see this wonderful area. Olympic strength is not required on the nine-25km routes down on the Dordogne, most of which start from the village of Vitrac and pass to Beynac and beyond. The beauty is that you’re picked up at the end and taken back to your car.

DORDOGNE ON THE WEB www.northofthedordogne.com http://bit.ly/Dorgogneguide http://bit.ly/TripAdvDordogne www.theguardian.com/travel/dordogne http://wikitravel.org/en/Dordogne www.canoes-loisirs.com [in French]

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Neglect is the most common form of child abuse The 1933 law on neglect is basic and out of date It doesn’t prevent neglect and leaves children at risk

Help us keep children safe Join our campaign to change the law Text neglect3 and your email address to 88080 or visit www.actionforchildren.org.uk/neglectlawchange

Design by Dinah, 14, who has been supported by Action for Children services Text will cost your standard network charge. Providing your email address is optional. If you choose to text neglect to 88080 you are opting-in to receive further information about Action for Children by text message and email. Please contact 0300 123 2112 for further information.

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Cryptic crossword

LIFE MEMBERS’ REGIONAL GROUPS These groups are known to be active. Please email naht@redactive.co.uk or call 020 7880 7666 with any additions or changes AVON ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED HEADS AND DEPUTIES President: Beatrice Murray Tel: 0117 962 0573 Hon secretary: Daphne Spitzer Tel: 0117 950 4936

com or Malcolm Shore (berilldon@aol.com)

BANES (BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET AND WEST WILTSHIRE) Anna Grayson Tel: 01225 742 877 Email: annagrayson@icuknet.co.uk

LONDON RETIRED HEADTEACHERS’ SOCIETY Chairman: Don Crispin Tel: 020 8651 5330

BOLTON RETIRED HEADS ASSOCIATION Secretary: Brian Essex Tel: 01706 221 028 Email: essexbrian@hotmail.com

LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON Janet Overell Tel: 01737 556 684

NAHT CYMRU Carys Brown Tel: 01656 650 685 Email: carysbrown@gmail.com

NORFOLK RETIRED HEADTEACHERS Chairman: Brian King BRADFORD Membership secretary: Secretary: Pamela Reader Jill Wigy. Tel: 01603 432 115 Tel: 01535 631 628 Secretary: Bill English Email: Les33pam@talktalk.net Tel: 01362 850 433

8x8. Eight of the across clues have a common theme and are not further defined as are eight of the down clues in a different, but comparable, theme.

Across 8 Friend with courage inside.

(8) 9 Flip the Queen! (4) 10 Uncle Fred swallowed a musical symbol. (4) 11 Bear to curry favour, say. (5) 12 Home of the French tax people. (4) 13 Demonstrates without a Passport to obtain supplies. (8) 16 Mark one of four under endless God spell. (6) 18 Egg on most of the football team. (4) 20 Cash with time replacing unknown factor. (5) 21 Follow the same unknown factor before you get part of them in. (4) 22 It is back twice before the article. (6) 23 Cut off the top of the wedding collection. (8) 26 Spaniard turning up in A Scandal in Bohemia. (4) 28 Meant to be in a muddle. (5) 30 Rubbish bed! (4) 31 Degrade me in a clergyman.

(6) 32 Local Government bodies: advises on the radio. (8)

Down 1 Mother starts to help little Eric ride. (6) 2 Alternatively very loud. (4) 3 Put Sid into a New Order, silly! (6) 4 This could be a runner, a broad or just French. (4) 5 Starlight without novice driver, jumbled and not jumbled. (8) 6 Frenchman discovered au chambre lit. (4) 7 Disease can be heard by man with a cold at the end of straw and goose, or black and logan. (8) 14 Cousteau was one, all at sea. (5) 15 All the wiser for opening 17d and 29dn, 21ac, 23ac. (5) 17 Boer’s country ahead of three different directions. (5) 19 Same trip around for the Archbishops. (8) 20 Statue just down the line from Tower Hill. (8) 24 False peace-keeping force not lying. (6) 25 A right Northern old surname for Malcolm. (6) 27 Nikki followed by Giles without a note. (4) 29 A bottle, a violin and a cheeky person all have this. (4) 30 He begins as an unmarried man. (4)

Compiled by Life members Gale Freshwater and Anthony Hunt.

Answers to the crossword can be found on page 3.

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BURY (LANCASHIRE) LIFE MEMBERS GROUP Dorothy Bailey. Tel: 0161 766 3972. Email: dorothoy.bailey @ntlworld.com

NORTHERN IRELAND Dr Desmond Hamilton Tel: 028 9076 0731 Email: desmondhamilton@ btinternet.com

COVENTRY AND WARWICKSHIRE Secretary: Yvonne Rich 11 Field House, Priory Road, Kenilworth, Warks CV8 1RA

NORTH EAST Eric Fisk Tel: 01669 620 112 Email: cloudcottage@fsmail.net

DONCASTER Acting secretary: Mike Townsend Tel: 01302 728 032 Email: mickayt@tiscali.co.uk ESS-EX HEADS Vice-chairman: Helen Jackman Tel: 01277 822 247 GWENT John Granger Tel: 01633 769 684 Email: john.granger@ntlworld.com KENT AND MEDWAY HEADREST Membership secretary Jean Pilcher, 34 Sandown Drive, Rainham, Kent ME8 9DU. Email: jeanpilcher@ hotmail.com LEEDS RETIRED HEADS SOCIAL GROUP Peter Spencer Tel: 01943 872 722 LINCOLNSHIRE RETIRED HEADS SOCIAL GROUP Gini Smith: vasmith@hotmail.

NORTH WEST ENGLAND Dave Johnson Tel: 01257 253 556 Email: davejohno69@gmail.com NORTH YORKSHIRE Sue Lonsdale York.

Tel: 01904 744 209 Email: sue.lonsdale@tiscali. co.uk NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Secretary: Robert Tristram Tel: 0115 926 3909 Email: rtristram2@sky.com OLDHAM Ossie Millar Tel: 0161 624 7268 WAKEFIELD (two groups) Recently retired heads: Colin Moran Tel: 01924 240 494 Email: cmoran@nahtwf.force9.co.uk Senior retired heads: Alwyn Peel Email: alwyn. peel@ntlworld.com WESSEX Ralph Cooper Tel: 01202 513 101 Email: ralphandcarole. cooper@ntlworld.com

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