Wellington Boots 👢

As the weather turns to winter and the playground can become muddy, you can send a pair of wellington boots into school for your child to change into at break time. They can be stored in school, but please remember to label each boot! 

Supporting Your Child in a Digital World

Many children and young people spend a significant part of their day online—for school, gaming, socialising, or exploring their interests. While the internet provides exciting opportunities to learn and connect, it can also expose them to risks such as inappropriate content, online bullying, or becoming overly reliant on screen time. Some children may even begin to show signs of screen dependency, including mood swings when not online, withdrawing from family life, or struggling to sleep after late-night device use.

By recognising these behaviours early and supporting children with guidance and structure, we can help them build a healthy, balanced relationship with technology.

How Can Parents and Carers Help?

There are lots of simple, effective ways to promote safer, more balanced online habits at home. Here are some key tips:

✅ Talk Regularly

Start open conversations with your child about their online world. Ask:
What apps or games are you using?,  Who do you talk to online?
Have you ever seen anything that made you feel uncomfortable?

✅ Set Clear Boundaries

Keep screens out of bedrooms overnight,  Set agreed screen time limits,  Encourage regular breaks and offline activities, Establish screen-free zones like the dinner table

✅ Watch for Warning Signs of Screen Overuse

Children may be using screens too much if you notice:  Irritability or frustration when devices are taken away,  Loss of interest in non-digital hobbies,  Sleep disruption or staying up late online,  Avoiding homework or responsibilities,  Sneaking devices or lying about screen use, Withdrawing from face-to-face social time

✅ Use Parental Controls

Enable filters and safety features on devices, Use apps like Google Family Link, Apple Screen Time, or Microsoft Family Safety.

✅ Know What They’re Using

Familiarise yourself with apps and platforms like:  TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Discord, Roblox, YouTube. Many of these have chat or livestreaming features, so it’s important to stay involved.

✅ Encourage Healthy Habits

Promote a balance of online and offline activities,  Encourage creative screen use (e.g. coding, drawing, learning), Teach critical thinking—how to spot scams, fake content, and how to protect personal information
�� Tips by Age Group

Under 8s
Use child-safe, age-appropriate apps,  Always supervise screen time
Ages 9–12
Begin discussing online safety and privacy,  Talk about peer pressure, digital friendships, and kindness online,
Teens (13+)
Talk about reputation, relationships, mental health, and screen independence, Support them in managing their own screen time responsibly.

Sometimes we could all do with someone to talk to. If you would like to meet Helen Thorp for a confidential and non-judgemental chat about you, your child, or any other worries, they are available on Wednesdays from 9-10am. You can call/text 07429654584 or email helen@schoolscounsellingpartnership.co.uk

High School 

The online application deadline is 31st October, Recommend to complete by the 24th October.

Offer date is from 2nd March.

Dates for your diary - events coming up soon 

10th October 2025  -  School closed for Students  
14th October 2025  -  Parent Workshop - Motor skills and Handwriting for Nursery and Reception 
17th October 2025  -  Wear Red day  - Show racism the red card!  £1 charity donation
24th October 2025  -  Diwali Celebrations Day - Wear your own clothes to school
                          27th to 31st October 2025 - Half term holidays