From time to time. we like to remind you of information and guidance on a particular subject. This week, check out our packed lunch guidance, part of our Food in School website page. Why not try one of the packed lunch top tips!
Watching and browsing online
According to Ofcom, 90% of children are watching online videos and browsing the internet regularly. Many children like to stream videos and look up information. It can be a fun way to learn and relax. However, they must be guided. The online world is filled with inappropriate content and dangerous material. It’s important that you’re able to steer your child towards the right places when online. Internet Matters has published a guide dedicated to supporting adults in setting digital boundaries for children so that they can make smart choices and build healthy online habits. You’ll find practical tips on managing content access, the use of safety controls, advice on setting boundaries and ways to educate children on how to stay secure online.
EYFS survey
Thank you to the Reception parents and carers who completed our recent survey. All those who responded agree that…
- the transition into Reception was positive
- their child is happy at school
- we place a high priority on reading
- we provide enough information about their child’s progress, how to support learning at home, and about communications more generally
Two comments related to using an online tool to receive updates and pics and our use of e-books.
These are used a lot in nurseries and some schools use an app to get updates about your child’s learning. The problem is that, behind the scenes, your child’s teacher would spend a lot of time be behind an iPad – taking photos and writing observations. This takes the teacher away from having meaningful, engaging conversations and supporting your child’s learning in the classroom. Our decision not to use such a tool is made with your child at the centre – based on what we believe is best for your child’s learning.
We send home a ‘Love of Reading’ book – that’s a real library book for sharing. This is the most important homework you can do at home. Developing your child’s love of reading so they become a lifelong reader is a wonderful gift. The e-book is for a short session for your child to practise their sounds and show off their skills – they’ll have read a real version of the book throughout the week at school. Find out more on the Little Wandle website or watch this video about reading at home.
We received some great feedback…
- Our son is thriving in school…we are so happy in our decision to choose Scholes as his place to learn.
- Great school. My son has come on massively since been there. Teachers are brilliant and my son is thriving.
- The school and teachers are supportive and welcoming, super approachable and [my son] loves all the staff that work with him.
We’ve passed on individual comments to the individual staff concerned.
Washing pods and capsules
Where do you keep your laundry and dishwasher washing pods? It’s quite common to store these in a cupboard low down. The Child Accident Prevention Trust has recently published guidance.
Finally, here’s another in our series of pieces about missing a series of days at school. This one relates to writing skills.
If your child was absent for five days in a row…
We typically teach writing in 2- or 3- week blocks. Children who miss five days struggle to access the learning in that whole block because they miss a large part of the sequence of learning. They might miss the initial lessons so they have no idea what they’re writing about or why; they might miss the teaching of key skills and the opportunity to practise these; or they might miss the opportunity to plan and write their own piece. They also miss the regular practice, and teaching, of handwriting, grammar, spelling and vocabulary.
Have a happy and healthy weekend.