It was lovely to meet with school councillors again this week, to discuss a range of issues and projects. Lydia, Adam and Aidan shared feedback and discussed their ideas for promoting healthy, breaktime snacks. Next term, the school council is meeting with Herts Catering Limited (HCL) to discuss reducing dining hall waste and meal choices.
First Steps ED are offering four week ‘Skills for Carers’ workshops, which are full of practical tips, scenarios and case studies to help support a loved one with an eating disorder. Sessions are delivered online (via Zoom) over four weeks. The courses are free of charge. Visit the First Steps ED website or contact info@firststepsed.co.uk for more information.
Spaces for the Easter HAPpy camps are going fast! Families who are eligible and are in receipt of benefits-related free school meals should already have their booking code. Any previous codes will not be recognised on the booking system so a new one for Easter is required. The popular HAPpy programme is funded by Hertfordshire County Council via the government’s Holiday Activity and Food programme and coordinated by Herts Sports Partnership and the Hertfordshire Community Foundation. It is running more than 200 activity camps from 3rd April – 14th April 2023 (not bank holidays). The activity camps give eligible children and young people a chance to have fun, meet friends, learn new skills and enjoy nutritious food.
Visit https://sportinherts.org.uk/booking for more information.
The Sandbox is a new online, mental health digital advice and guidance service for 10-25 year olds. The Sandbox is an NHS funded service to support children and young people in Hertfordshire with their mental health and wellbeing. This new free service launches on 1st April 2023 and offers a website with access to games, worksheets, group chats and online events for children, young people, their parents/carers, teachers and other professionals. The Sandbox provides access to internet enabled Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT), or one-to-one support from professional therapists by text, phone, online chat or video call, based on a triage of the child or young person’s needs. Signing up is easy and does not require a referral from a professional.
Hertfordshire Mind Network’s With YOUth Digital Wellbeing Service for 5-18s is another helpful resource to support children’s mental health and wellbeing.
There is lots to look forward to after the holiday, with new topics and exciting books to explore; year group trips for some; book swaps; a circus (April 22nd); a Coronation picnic (Friday 5th May, 2pm); and maybe a few SATS tests thrown in for Y2 and Y6 for good measure!
I hope that you enjoy the Easter break…. and don’t get too wet in the April showers!
Please be reminded that pupils return to school on Monday 17th April – there is no INSET day.