Community Events & Family Resources

We receive several notices, advertisements and invitations to events run in the local community. These are not run by the school and we do not take any role in the administration of such events, but we release them to parents for you to peruse at your leisure. We cannot assume responsibility for the events, nor can we endorse the events or activities.

Please hover and click on any item with blue text for further information.

Free School Meals

Extended Childcare

Breakfast Clubs run every day, from 7:30am. Your child should arrive by 8:15 if they wish to have breakfast.

We provide after school childcare onsite at RASCals (Redwood After School Club)  from 3:15-6:00pm

Our clubs are run by our fully qualified staff. Please make bookings via School Gateway.

 Holiday Activities 

Lemon Jelly are running Summer Workshop at Berkhamsted Boys School from 29th July - 9th August 

Times : 9am - 4pm

Children will need a packed lunch and refillable drink. 

Summer workshops are open to children aged 5+

The workshop is open to all school children, you do not have to attend Berkhamsted Boys School to attend. 

The activities are all performing arts based, including musical theatre, drama, dance, film making, scripts and props... 

 Please could I ask you to share the above information with your families to let them know about the workshops we are running as we would love to see children from the surrounding community joining us this Summer.

PLEASE CLICK HERE to go to our workshop booking page 

There are still a few spaces left on the Learn to Balance and Ride sessions at Bernards Heath Junior School in St Albans on Saturday June 29^th and Sunday June 30^th . 

Suitable for children aged 3.5 to 11 over 80% of children are typically riding after the recommended two sessions.   Balance bikes and lightweight pedal bikes are provided as part of the £34 fee (for two sessions).

 Full availability and online booking and payment are at Public Schedule & Booking – Hertsbalance.

We are excited to announce that we have finalised our SUMMER TECH CAMP venues and are now released. A full timetable can be found here ( https://moccasin-junette-33.tiiny.site )

 Across the summer we will be at each venue for 2 weeks with our flagship themes with new activities, click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWqFyudd9oU) to see a few ….

 Week 1 - Robotics, VR and Tech Fun 🤖

Program robots, design video games, model 3D creation, experience VR and lasertag, plus much more! A week of inspiration and creation with maximum excitement. We encourage children to experiment and challenge themselves, instilling a variety of exciting, real-world skills.

Week 2 - Minecraft Coding and Lego Engineering 🚀

Designed for ultimate fun and education. Students learn circuitry workings using Redstone and coding fundamentals in Minecraft Education edition creating magnificent masterpieces. Then take the virtual world to the real work and make LEGO ingenious inventions with sensors and motors. This week is designed to encourage students to experiment and push the boundaries of their imagination, while developing skills that will aid them in their future.

 Until June 14^th we are offering 1 week bookings at only £175 or 2 week bookings at only £299 (saving £191). We also have a limited number of HAF spaces which will become available closer to the event on our website. Don’t miss out and book today, simply visit:

BARRACUDAS OFFER

Add SCHOOL10 in the promotion box to receive an extra £10 off a full week booking. 

The good news is that we’ve extended our lowest weekly rates to be guaranteed on bookings made by 11th February, saving up to £79 a week. With flexible payment options such as using Tax-Free childcare or Childcare Vouchers and paying with interest-free monthly instalments, it really is a great time to book. 

Health Advice for families and young people

NHS Healthier Together

Visit the NHS Healthier Together website at www.hwehealthiertogether.nhs.uk for health resources and practical information to help support children and families

MEASLES

We are currently seeing outbreaks of measles across England.  We know that more than 3.4 million children under the age of 16 years are not fully vaccinated against measles and are at risk of catching this serious and completely preventable disease.  For every 1000 children who catch measles, between 1-2 will die.  This is a highly infectious disease.  Pregnant women are at higher risk of developing serious complications from measles and should speak to their GP as soon as possible if they have been exposed to measles.

Parents can check their child has had both MMR vaccinations with their GP, on the NHS app or in their child’s red book.  Catch up vaccines are available via a GP or the School Aged Immunisation Service (details below).  GP’s, the immunisation service and your school nursing team are happy to discuss the MMR vaccine with any parents who have questions or concerns.  If you or your school have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or your area school nurse lead.

School aged immunisation service contact details -

admin.imms@nhs.net

Telephone: 01727 732062

Information for parents and carers from Professor Jim McManus, Director of Public Health regarding Coronavirus

Social distancing and taking basic hygiene precautions remains the best way to reduce the chances of spreading any virus: sneeze or cough into a tissue, bin it, wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands.  Using a normal detergent to clean the surfaces people touch regularly like door handles and lift buttons is also sensible.

Please visit  www.gov.uk/coronavirus for the most up to date government advice

Scarlet Fever

Please click here for more information and Frequently Asked Questions regarding Scarlett Fever and GAS

There has been an increase in cases reported nationally of Scarlett Fever and iGAS (invasive group A streptococcal) cases.

Signs and Symptoms
Scarlet fever is a common childhood infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus (GAS). The early symptoms of scarlet fever include sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting.
After 12 to 48 hours the characteristic red, pinhead rash develops, typically first appearing on the chest and stomach, then rapidly spreading to other parts of the body, and giving the skin a sandpaper-like texture.
The scarlet rash may be harder to spot on darker skin, although the 'sandpaper' feel should be present. Patients typically have flushed cheeks and pallor around the mouth. This may be accompanied by a ‘strawberry tongue’. As the child improves peeling of the skin can occur.

Infection Advice
Infections can be spread through direct physical contact between children and through shared contact. Good hygiene practice such as hand washing remains the most important step in preventing and controlling the spread of infection to others.
Children with suspected Scarlet Fever should be kept at home from nursery/school for 24 hours after commencement of antibiotic treatment.

Winter vaccinations update for parents and carers of young children

If a child misses a school session, either because they were off on the day of visit or they are not attending school for any reason, parents/carers should be advised to contact the CSAIS provider directly to arrange for vaccination in a scheduled community clinic.

Any child or young person who is in a clinical risk group is eligible to get the flu vaccination at their GP practice and should be advised to contact their GP directly.

Visits to secondary schools have been provisionally scheduled for later in the year pending vaccine supply.

Contact details for CSAIS providers to be shared with parents/carers to access flu vaccination for 4-10 year olds:

Hertfordshire: 0300 555 5055- option 1, or email hct.immsenquiries@nhs.net. or on 01462 427008 email: hertfordshire@v-uk.co.uk

All two and three year olds, not in a clinically at-risk group (born on or after 1 September 2018 and on or before 31 August 2020) should also be advised to contact their GP practice for their flu vaccination.

Next Steps -  Primary and Secondary School Information

MOVING ON to Secondary School, September 2024

ADMISSIONS: Secondary and Upper Transfer in September 2024 – OPEN EVENTS

CLICK HERE to view the Moving On: Open Events leaflet detailing the open event dates for secondary and upper schools in the autumn term.

Please view the leaflet and note any dates for deadlines and/or events which you may like to attend.

Visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/readyforschool for ideas that will help you and your child get ready for school

South West Herts Schools Consortium Testing Information to Schools and Parents for Secondary Transfer 2024

The South West Herts Consortium schools are:

• Croxley Danes School (Music aptitude only)
• Parmiter's School
• Queens’ School
• Rickmansworth School
• St Clement Danes School
• Watford Grammar School for Boys
• Watford Grammar School for Girls

Should you wish to apply, the academic testing for these schools for September 2023 admissions will take place in September 2022.  Parents will be asked to register their child with the Consortium before Friday 16th June 2023.  The best way to do this is via the SW Herts Admissions Consortium website or click here for details

Hertfordshire County Council’s admission arrangements for 2023/24 were determined at Cabinet on 21 February 2022. The arrangements are now published on their website at the following link: 

Hertfordshire County Council's school admission arrangements for 2023/24

St Columba’s College  

St Columba’s College School is a co-ed Independent Catholic day school in St Albans, Hertfordshire, and we welcome children of all faiths and those of no particular persuasion.  In 2021, girls joined the Lower Sixth Form and this year girls were also welcomed into Year 7. This will be followed by a phased transition, which will eventually see St Columba’s offering its unique holistic education to both boys and girls from ages 11-18.

Families can register  by going to the 'Visit Us' page on our website, clicking  on  ‘Whole School Open Morning’ and completing the online registration form, or contacting admissions@stcolumbascollege.org .

Old  London Road Pre school runs from Riverside Road in St Albans has vacancies for children aged 2 -5 . Please contact Janet Audley Charles for details on 01727 865 249 or oldlondonroadp@gmail.com   www.oldlondonroaps.org

With the new Academic year approaching, this is the perfect time to find out the travel options that are available.

Arriva would like to take the opportunity to inform you about our Direct Debit payment scheme for Student & Child Scholar Saver tickets, which is a cost effective and flexible way of paying for travel costs.

Unlimited Travel – Your child will get unlimited access to travel on any Arriva bus, at any time, across all routes in your chosen area.

No Restrictions - The Saver tickets will cover travel to and from School, evenings, weekends and throughout the holidays too at any time of the day.

Flexible Payments - Arriva’s Direct Debit scheme allows you to spread the cost of your ticket over affordable monthly payments. It’s an easy way to pay for travel and there’s no contract involved, making it an ideal way to get reduced bus travel for the whole Academic year, without paying upfront.

Sign up in advance – Either set your direct debit a future date for when you need the ticket or, you can start your ticket now to get used to the local bus routes

Plan your journey – Please use our ‘Plan a journey’ tool on our website to work out which bus you require

It’s a simple process to apply, to arrange your Direct Debit please visit the website below and, select the region your child’s school is in

    www.arrivabus.co.uk/monthlytickets

Once registered you can select either to receive your monthly pass by post or sent to your mobile phone. This ticket will rollover every month for as long as the direct debit remains active.

If you have questions regarding the scheme, please email: talktous@arriva.co.uk

*Our tickets do not cover Arriva London/TFL routes

Local Events, Resources and Activities

St Albans Musical Voices - Find Your Musical Voice!

This is an exciting opportunity for children in Years 2 - 5 to find their musical voice.

We specialise in offering a safe space where children can come and sing whatever their ability. We create a friendly nurturing environment where each child can develop their own unique voice. The children will learn all aspects of singing, whilst singing enjoyable music, and having lots of fun. No previous experience necessary.  Workshops with visiting specialists, performance opportunities and progression routes all part of the fun.  Please note this activity takes place outside school, at St Albans Music School – Thursdays 4:30 – 5:30pm.

For more information and to sign up, please visit https://www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk/st-albans-music-school, and scroll to ‘Something for Everyone’.

ST ALBANS RANGERS (BRICKIES U11s) ARE RECRUITING NEW PLAYERS FOR 23/24 SEASON - UNDER 11 (Year 6) 

We are moving to 9 a-side from 7 a-side and in need of a few new players.

We play in the West Herts FA League on Sunday mornings at our ground on the outskirts of St Albans (Harperbury - between Arsenal and Watford training grounds).
We are looking for players to join an established friendly team.

We train on excellent 4G facilities at STAGS school Monday nights (5.30 - 7pm).
All Coaches FA accredited and CRC checked.

We are currently trialing new players between now and June 19th.  
For more information contact:
David on 07941 477680 or via the website https://stalbansrangersfc.co.uk/
In your message, please include the following information:
Previous teams: and any other experience
Preferred playing position (if any)

Music, Drama and Dance

What’s On at St Albans Music School?

Mondays
7.00-8.00pm - SAMS Rock School
7.00–9.00pm – West Herts Youth Music Theatre 

Tuesdays

Orchestral Strings Groups
4.00-4.45pm - String Stars! (Strings Players Open Strings to Grade 1)
4.45–5.45pm – Junior Strings (Strings Players Grades 2-4)
4.45–5.45pm – Intermediate Strings (Strings Players Grades 4-6)
Ukulele Groups
4.20-4.50pm - Ukulele Banditos (Absolute Beginners)
4.50–5.20pm – Ukulele Bandits (Experts of Three Chords +)
St Albans Area Orchestra
6.15–8.15pm – Philomusica St Albans

Wednesdays
4.30–5.30pm – Flutarama (Flute Players Grades 1-8) 
5.00-5.45pm - Wind Stars (Absolute Beginner Woodwind Players)
5.30-6.30pm - Junior Wind Band (Wind Players 5 Notes to Grade 1/2)
6.00–7.00pm – Wind Warriors (wind players Grades 2-5+)

Thursdays
5.45–6.30pm – Music Theory
6.30–7.30pm – St Albans Jazz Collective: Birdland Band (Grades 1-5)
8.00–9.15pm – St Albans Jazz Collective: Vanguard Band (Grades 5+)

Fridays
5.00-5.45pm - Brass Cubs (Absolute Beginner Brass players)

Saturdays
10.00–10.45am – Music and Movement: Dalcroze Eurythmics
10.00–11.00am – Rock School
2.15–4.00pm – West Herts Children's Music Theatre
Afternoon (various times) - Suzuki Groups

Message for all wind and brass players and their parents/carers.

Would your child like to develop their musical skills, play in a group, build confidence and make new friends? Come along for a free trial to see what you think.

Junior Wind Band

• Fridays, 4.30–5.15pm.
• Any wind or brass players, up to Grade 2 standard (able to play 3 notes - join after just three lessons of playing!)
• For younger wind and brass players, playing lovely music together and building ensemble skills.
• A chance to develop your technique, build confidence and have fun!

Wind Warriors

• Wednesdays, 6.00–7.00pm.
• Any wind or brass players Grades 2-4 standard
• We play all sorts of music, develop our ensemble skills and generally have great fun!

Birdland

• Thursdays, 6.30-7.30pm.
• Any wind or brass players Grades 1-5 standard, but this is differentiated by learning simple melodies and playing around with them using different techniques.
• Part of the St Albans Jazz Collective, this group focusses on jazz/improvisation. Something different to try, especially if you like playing by ear!

Flutarama

• Wednesdays, 4.30-5.30pm
• All flute players who are Grade 1 and above
• We play various styles of music, from classical to jazz, aiming to build player ability and confidence in an ensemble situation.

Sign up for a free trial, by following the link here:

St Albans Music School Groups - Sign up for a Trial!

Or visiting www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk/sams-wind and www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk/sams-jazz for more information. Please note these groups take place at St Albans Music School, based at Townsend School, High Oaks, St Albans AL3 6DR.

If you have any queries, please do get in touch with us at stalbansmusicenquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Sporting clubs and events

Batchwood Tennis Centre

Hey girls!  We’re running absolute beginner girls-only intro to tennis. 

No racket? No problem, we’ll give you one. 

No t-shirt? No problem, we’ll give you one. 

No tennis balls? No problem, we’ll give you them too!

Just bring yourself, friends and your enthusiasm. We’d love to see you Batchwood

Starting on Tuesday 18th April and running for 6 weeks.  A follow up 6 weeks session will resume after half term May school holidays. 

345pm-430pm– Ages 4-7years 

12 spaces  Cost: £35.00

To book click on the link below:-

https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/SumanSharmaCoaching/BookCourse/d3f45d1f-beee-424d-8d2f-83e7b36527cc

Girls Junior Cricket at OAs

Following a successful first full season of girls junior cricket at OAs which included the club’s first ever girls matches, having worked with Hertfordshire cricket to host a home U11s tournament at OAs and recently having 3 of our girls being selected for Hertfordshire County squads at U11 and U13 levels,  we are looking to further develop and expand the girls section at the club.

We will split the girls section into the following groups for the next season:

1. U13+ section, playing in the Hertfordshire league with Old Albanians membership (hardball)
2. U11 section, playing in the Hertfordshire league with Old Albanians membership (incrediball)
3. U9 section will continue under the Dynamos initiative (softball) 

Winter nets will be arranged for the U13+ and U11 sections from January

We are seeking assistance of current members of Old Albanians to help “spread the word” about girls cricket at the club. Please could we ask you to share details with any friends and family with daughters as well as any social media/whatsapp groups (such as other sports club/school groups) who may be interested in joining any of the above age groups for the next season. They can get in touch with us on the below details for further information.

Tom Preest - tompreest@icloud.com

Alpesh Naik – alpeshnaik77@gmail.com

Mighty Netball provides fun, dynamic, non-competitive weekend activities for school children aged 5-11. Mighty Netball provides a fun sporting experience within a supportive environment for all children, regardless of their background, gender, sporting ability or personality type. We provice an opportunity to meet new friends, learn netball skills and experience all the benefits team sports brings. 

Our invitation is for all pupils, from year 1 to year 6 to join one of our sessions for FREE.  They can come along, get active, meet our exceptional coaches and find out what we are all about.  Sessions are 45 minutes long and team a different topic from Netball each week.  No prior experience is necessary, our coaches are so welcoming and will take care of the children.

Other notices

Please click here for the Winter 2023 newsletter

Here for you – Winter Campaign

HCC have created a campaign called ‘here for you this winter’ to help inform Hertfordshire residents about the support that is on offer (locally and nationally) to help manage the rising cost-of-living and to stay safe and well this winter. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/hereforyou

JANET'S THEATRE TRIPS:

Theatre trips to London! Return coaches from Westminster Lodge. For further information email jactheatretrips@gmail.com or search Facebook: Janet's Theatre Trips

Are you looking for a fun way for girls at your school between the ages of 6 to 8 years old to get involved with football outside school?

 Then look no further! Watford FC CSE Trust are running a Weetabix Wildcats every Friday. The sessions will take place at Watford FC Training Ground, Bell Lane, Shenley from 4.45pm to 5.30pm.

 So, what is Weetabix Wildcats?

Weetabix Wildcats is the place to be, everyone is super awesome; from the friends you’ll meet to The FA qualified coaches who deliver the sessions. It’s non-competitive football for girls who want to give it a go for the very first time or want to play with other girls their own age. The sessions will help:

• Boast Confidence
• Meet New Friends
• Get Girls Active
• Introduction into Football
• Having Fun

 To book onto the session, please book via: www.bookings.watfordfccsetrust.com

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact Lou Barry on Lou.Barry@watfordfc.com

Strive Drama have classes running in St Albans and Harpenden. For more information click here or visit www.strivedrama.co.uk or contact Suzie Moffat, Principal of Strive Drama on 07841 018333.

Greenwood Park Tennis Club. Check their website for more tennis info!

https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/GreenwoodParkLTC/Coaching

St Albans Cathedral Boys Choir

St Albans Cathedral is currently looking to recruit new boy choristers particularly from school years 3 and 4.

Boys applying to join the choir are not expected to be the finished article. We are looking for enthusiasm for singing, a clear sounding singing voice and the potential to develop that voice. Membership of the choir does require quite a commitment, especially at weekends and at the church festivals of Christmas and Easter. The reward for the child is the enjoyment and self-esteem that singing to an acknowledged high level brings, being part of a small team of like-minded children and a free musical education to a professional standard. The choristers form strong friendships, bond as a team and also have fun social events including singing on an international tour once every two years as well as on national TV and radio from time to time.

More information can be found at https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/music/cathedralchoir/

Any interested parents wishing to obtain more information should email the Cathedral music department, Mrs Lizzie Birnie, at lizzie.birnie@stalbanscathedral.org or ring 01717 890245 (Mon-Fri, 9-5).

Mrs Birnie will send them information and guide them through the application process, which is done by a simple vocal audition.

We also have a companion Cathedral Girls Choir of a similar age range, Information for joining that choir can also be found on the website.

St Albans Cathedral Girls Choir

Auditions for the Cathedral Girls Choir normally take place in the spring. They are open principally to any girl in Year 3 & 4 who love to sing, regardless of previous experience in a choir. After auditioning, girls normally begin at the start of Year 4. Occasionally there are vacancies for older girls, and vacancies can sometimes arise at other times in the year.

CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

The choir’s director, Tom Winpenny, is always pleased to hear about potential applicants. To discuss an audition, or to find out more, please contact him c/o the Music Department, St Albans Cathedral: tel 01727 890245 and e-mail lizzie.birnie@stalbanscathedral.org

Street Dance Academy

Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools provide drama, dance and singing classes, for students aged 3 to 18 years.  Jigsaw aims to develop confidence, focus, articulation and communication skills through fun performing arts classes therefore supporting the work that they do at school.

The sessions are run by specialist tutors who are trained by Jigsaw Arts.  All teachers have an enhanced DBS check. 

Should you wish to find out more about Jigsaw  tel: 01727789441 or visit our website 

www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

Tales of the Road -The Highway Code for Young Road Users Tales of the Road (think.gov.uk)

How to check your child's helmet, bike, scooter, please see the following video from the Bikeability team.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEzY1qFWXz8

Hertfordshire libraries are offering a new way to borrow books, Ready Reads.

Families can order books for their children and themselves using the online form and then collect from a selected library.

If you are unable to access online services, please contact them on 0300 123 4049. Some families have not felt able to visit the library for a while, this is an easy way to borrow. Also, the requests service is fully operational so for specific books these can be ordered through the catalogue and picked up in the same way.

You can find the latest information about Hertfordshire libraries re-opening plans and online services via their website here.

Salaried teacher training opportunities with Alban Federation School Direct is an initial teacher training programme based in schools as opposed to university. Although trainees are released one day a week most of the training is in school. The idea of School Direct is to give trainee teachers a more ‘hands-on’ teaching experience than traditional university based routes into teaching. There are two School Direct programmes offered; these are fee paying and salaried. Both routes award QTS at the end of the programme. Please click here for full details of the scheme, and visit www.albanfederation.com 

Established in 2008, SAM Music School provides weekly live online music lessons for guitar, drum kit, piano and voice. They are Ofsted registered and deliver thousands of lessons every month and prices are on average around 25% cheaper compared with most LA music services, plus we accept Childcare Vouchers. For further details please click here

Code Club with <Think> Big. Workshops. Click here for more information.

OA's Girls rugby is growing from strength to strength, we currently have run 4 age groups; U11's (year 5 & 6), U13's (year 7 & 8), U15's (year 9 & 10) and U18's (year 11, 12 & 13), and are regarded as the no 1 girls rugby club in Hertfordshire with 9 girls representing Herts County U15’s, 2 in the Middlesex County U15’s and 16 in the Herts county u18 squad, we also have 5 girls who are in the Saracens U18 Centre of Excellence (Academy) and 2 of our girls are in the England U18 squad as well as 3 ex OA’s girls have progressed into the England U20 set up.

As players move up to new age groups, they leave holes to fill so we are always recruiting for new players who would like to try rugby, especially amongst the 5-13 year groups (U11-U18).

For more information click here

Mini Athletics classes for children aged walking to 7 years in the local area, click here for more information.

Click for further information

Age UK are looking for helpers to offer support with cleaning and shopping; suitable hours for a parent of school-age children.

 Courses & Information for Parents and Families

Free online emotional wellbeing/mental health workshops for young people

Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust (HCT) Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners regularly run a variety of workshops focused on children and young people's emotional wellbeing and mental health. Some workshops are for the parents/carers of primary school aged children and others are directed at adolescents although parents can also attend these. The workshops aim to provide support, guidance, some strategies and tips to try to improve children and young people's mental health.

The workshops are free to attend and currently take place on Microsoft Teams. The workshops available can be found on the Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners Eventbrite page, where you can also find out more information about what the workshop will cover and book a place. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/childrens-wellbeing-practitioners-school-nursing-service-hertfordshire-33494371787

The service has also produced a two-part recorded webinar to help with anxiety about going to school. Please take a look at the links below: 

1.     Theory and Psychoeducation (just under 18 minutes long)

2.     Strategies and Tips (just over 30 minutes long)

For further details on dates, or to book a workshop, please click here

The HCT Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners regularly run a variety of workshops focused on child and adolescent emotional wellbeing and mental health. Some workshops are for the parents/carers of primary school aged children and others are directed at adolescents although parents can also attend these. The workshops aim to provide support, guidance, some strategies and tips to support child and adolescent mental health. 

The workshops are free to attend and currently take place on Microsoft Teams. The workshops available can be found on the Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners Eventbrite page, where you can also find out more information about what the workshop will cover and book a place. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/childrens-wellbeing-practitioners-school-nursing-service-hertfordshire-33494371787

Please see below for available workshops.

Support for Parents/Carers caring for a loved one with an Eating Disorder
 

Skills for Parent & Carers of Children with Eating Disorders
First Steps ED are offering 4 week ‘Skills for Carers’ workshops, they are full of practical tips,
scenarios and case studies.
This series is designed to help carers develop self-reflective, care-giving skills to role model
confidence, compassion and courage. The aim is to offer attendees the knowledge and ability to be an important part of supporting a loved one.
Sessions are delivered online (via Zoom) over 4 weeks and following the first session, the team will close the group to ensure that the parents and carers in attendance can develop a positive peer group through the entire four-week programme.

These courses are Free of Charge.

To self-refer, visit https://form.jotform.com/220964041104343

or contact info@firststepsed.co.uk for more information

Parenting Courses

What's available through your local Family Centre

If you feel you might need a little bit of extra parenting support, we can offer the following parenting courses over a variety of dates and times:
 

Families Feeling Safe – this is a 9 week course to help you to recognise and build on your own
strengths in communicating with others; understanding and managing your children’s behaviour; expressing feelings and making safe choices.
 

Family Toolkit - if you have children aged between 2 and 5 years old, this 4 week course will help you to understand the connection between feelings and behaviour, different elements of parenting and lots more.
 

Parenting Puzzle - for parents/carers with children aged 3 to 11 years. This course will enable you to understand how emotions can influence actions and offers practical ways of guiding children so that they learn to manage their feelings and control their own behaviour.

You can speak to a member of our team on 0300 123 7572 to find out if one of these courses would be helpful for you and your family. Take a look at our timetables on the What’s On pages for the latest dates.

Visit the Family Centre website to find out more

Steps2Skills – Courses for Hertfordshire adults and families

Step2Skills offers a range of courses for Hertfordshire residents. The full range can be browsed on their website at www.step2skills.org.uk.

Children's Wellbeing Practitioners workshops

Workshops are open to all young people and parents/carers of children and young people who attend a school or are registered to a GP in Hertfordshire. A referral is not needed to access a workshop.

All workshops are currently being delivered online via Microsoft Teams. For more information about what each workshop covers and to book a place onto a workshop, visit the Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner Eventbrite page:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/childrens-wellbeing-practitioners-school-nursingservice-hertfordshire33494371787

To access the recorded Emotionally Based School Avoidance Webinar please visit: https://www.hct.nhs.uk/ourservices-and-referral-information/our-services-a-z/childrens-wellbeing-practitioners-service/

VISTA Access to Family Support services for you and your children.pdf

FAMILES FIRST PARTNERSHIP

•   Free confidential helpline on 0808 800 2222
•   Email us for support at askus@familylives.org.uk
•   Talk to us online via our Live Chat service
•   Online advice, peer support and information on all aspects of family life     at www.familylives.org.uk

•   Face to face support groups and workshops
•   Find us on social media @FamilyLives @BullyingUK

Fran Wilson Life Coach is available to help children with confidence building, coping with transitions and developing positive mindsets. For more information please see her website:   www.franwilson.co.uk

SURVIVORS AGAINST DOMESTIC ABUSE (SADA) OFFER A NUMBER OF VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON SESSION FOR FAMILIES

Free 6 week course for parents and carers of children aged 2-19 years with a recognised additional need. Diagnosis is not essential.

Call 07512 709556 email bookings@supportinglinks.co.uk www.supportinglinks.co.uk

6 Free weekly sessions for fathers and male carers of children aged 0-19, conducted over ZOOM

Call 07512 709556 email bookings@supportinglinks.co.uk www.supportinglinks.co.uk

6 Free weekly sessions for parents and carers of children aged 0-12, conducted over ZOOM

Call 07512 709556 email bookings@supportinglinks.co.uk www.supportinglinks.co.uk

The aim of this training is to help parents, carers and family members to recognise when their young people are experiencing suicidal thoughts and provide next steps support, along with practical advice, information and signposting.

ADD-vance courses and support groups can be accessed by clicking here. These include a telephone helpline, private facebook page, free online courses, free online support groups, access to QbCheck to measure for 3 core sypmtoms of ADHD, family coaching service, help with EHCP applications or annual reviews and a list of funded courses.

SPACE Support Group meets the second Friday of the month, term time only. Click here for details

Spectrum Famillies and Young People's Service, Hertfordshire: a free and confidential service for young people under 18 and young adults up to 25, offering help and advice with challenges in everyday life. Click here for more information

You can also book a free support session with a member of the BeeZee Bodies wellbeing team. They are experts in engaging children with healthy eating and physical activity and can help you turn healthy efforts into healthy habits for life. Sign up for a free session on www.beezeebodies.com/signup 

FREE a fun, family-focused masterclass on how to approach the topic of a healthy weight. Aimed at parents and carers of children who are above they healthy weight for their age. Get support from a team of Registered Nutritionists at BeeZee Bodies. Click above for for details.

click to download

My Baby's Brain Online Training Programme, a 3 step combined learning programme of webinars, e-learning and tutorials offering support to parents at the earliest opportunity. To find out more, please click here

Parent and Carer peer support facebook group A community peer support group for parents and carers supporting young people who are experiencing low mental health, emotional overwhelm or are in crisis. The group is for everyday support, and also for crisis moments when you may find yourself with your child at the GP or in A&E. Click here for more information and details about how to join

An integrated Children and Young People’s Therapies Service Advice Line has recently been launched by The NHS Community Trust. This is for parents, carers and professionals who may have a concern about a child or young person and wish to discuss a potential  referral to either Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy or Speech & Language Therapy. Click here for further information

For all Natural Flair Coaching courses booking please phone

01992 446051 or visit www.natural-flair.com

Potential Kids: Social Activities and Training for Neurodiverse Children (autism/adhd and related conditions), their Siblings and Families. Click here for more information

Potential Girls, a social meeting group on the first Tuesday of every month, starting on the 2nd October for girls age 12-18 with ADHD or on the Autistic Spectrum. For details click here

At any given time up to 40% of adults and 50% of children (this rises to 80% with a SEND diagnosis) have difficulties with their sleep. Yet in a recent survey, almost 60% of adults felt there was a lack of support for sleep issues. Sleep problems can leave people feeling isolated and lonely.

Our free helpline is run by trained sleep advisors, many of whom are specialists in working with SEND. We can talk to young people directly, or parents (we can also talk to adults, including older people, about their sleep issues).

The helpline is open 5 times a week, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday evenings 7-9pm, and Wednesday mornings 9-11am. The number is 03303 530 541.

You can read more here: https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/national-sleep-helpline/

Family Resources

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/in-the-home/home-alone/

Following on from the recent flu season, Vaccination UK would really appreciate feedback from you on what they can do to improve for the next season.

Parent and Carer survey link:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/family-feedback

School Nursing Service

You may not be aware that you can self-refer your child to the school nursing service. They can offer support and advice on topics such as relationships, eating, sleeping, behaviour, and feeling sad or angry. Text your school nurse on 07480635050 or look for an on line referral form on www.hct.nhs.uk/our-services/school-nursing 

You can also seek advice for teenagers on www.healthforteens.co.uk

There is also an interactive website for children and parents www.healthforkids.co.uk

Hertfordshire Family Centre Service: Supporting families, parents and carers
Family Centres are there to help with all aspects of life; from raising healthy, happy children to supporting with problems at home. They offer both universal and targeted services. The Family Centre Service is there to offer advice and guidance or to support families
during periods of difficulty. They offer targeted support through 1-1 and group packages of support, tailored to the needs of families. To find out more contact the Family Centre Service. Click here for more information about the support on offer, and how to contact them.

NHS Childhood Winter Illness leaflet – knowing what to do.
Now we are in winter many children may be experiencing common illnesses like coughs and colds. We know that some parents and carers aren’t always sure what to do when their child is unwell. A new leaflet has been published to help  spot common winter illnesses and how they can treat children at home.
It is also important to know where to go for medical advice when  needed and what to do in an emergency. We understand this can be a little confusing during the coronavirus pandemic. We’d like to reassure parents that the NHS is still providing safe care when they need it.
As well as providing clarity on where to go for medical advice, there is a host of information in the leaflet from how to treat colds and earache at home, to how to spot serious conditions such as meningitis and sepsis. There is also information on coronavirus.

Online Safety UK are promoting the first ever Online Safety App in the UK for Parents & Educators. The links to the apps are below:

Google Play Store (or click the icon below): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.osuk.osukapp&hl=en_GB

iOS Appstore (or click the icon below): https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/online-safety-uk/id1526723143

It is completely free to use and Ad Free too.

Online Gaming Safety Advice for Parents and Carers
Online gaming can offer many positive experiences. It can give children and young people the chance to escape into a virtual world, to learn, and to connect with others.

However, there is a risk of children and young people viewing inappropriate content in games and being contacted by adults seeking to exploit them.

This week the activity pack for parents and carers to deliver to their children explores how they can stay safe while gaming: 

          4-5s

           5-7s

           8-10s

           11-13s

           14+

Thinkuknow is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. (Children Exploitation and Online Protection)

Since 2006, Thinkuknow has been keeping children and young people safe by providing education about sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.

Thinkuknow is unique. It is underpinned by the latest intelligence about child sex offending from CEOP Command.

Thinkuknow aims to ensure that everyone has access to this practical information – children, young people, their parents and carers and the professionals who work with them.

Young People’s Research Advisory Group

Aged 8-18 years? Live in Hertfordshire?

Interested in learning more about, and helping improve, research about children and young people’s health, care, family lives and the communities we live in?

JOIN THE HERTS YPAG!

WHAT DO WE DO?

• Learn about research
• Work with researchers and give them advice on how to make their research children and young people-friendly
• Share ideas on what should be researched and how
• Develop new skills, learn new things and meet new people
• Have fun!

WHEN AND WHERE DO WE MEET?

We meet about every 2 months, either online or at or near the University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield. When you apply to join, we’ll send you more information about our next meeting.

SIGN UP

To find out more about us and apply to join click here: https://generationr.org.uk/hertfordshire-ypag/ or email us at ypag@herts.ac.uk

Free School Meals

Are you pregnant or have a child under four? Did you know you could be missing out on free fruit and vegetables or milk worth at least £220 a year?

If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old, and in receipt of certain benefits, you could be entitled to a Healthy Start prepaid card worth £4.25 per child per week, to spend on healthy food and milk.

If you are entitled to Healthy Start you will also get free vitamins designed to help pregnant and breastfeeding women and growing children.

Pregnant women and parents of children over one and under four years old can apply online for a new Healthy Start digital prepaid card which will be topped up every 4 weeks. Children under one year old can get £8.50 per week.

Check your eligibility on How to apply – Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)

You can also use the benefit-checker on the County Council’s website, and access free information about benefits that you might be missing out on – www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/benefits

Matt Bennett PCSO
Police Community Support Officer
Neighbourhood Watch
Email: Matthew.Bennett@Herts.pnn.police.uk
Tel: 01707 354192

'No Idling Zones'; please do not leave your car engine running (idling) when dropping off /collecting children from school. Please be considerate to our children & adults  and SWITCH OFF your car engines.  

PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON THE YELLOW ZIG ZAG LINES AT THE SCHOOL ENTRANCE, OR BLOCK ACCESS TO THE SITE AT ANY TIME

Chickenpox and Ibuprofen

Please do not give children Ibuprofen/Nurofen if they have chickenpox. 

This type of medication is an anti-inflammatory and it reacts with chickenpox making them go deeper into the skin tissue.

Nurofen is Ibuprofen based and the NHS website does state for children not to take Ibuprofen based products for chickenpox. It should also state this on all Nurofen bottles.

Scarlet Fever information from Public Health England

Click here for their fact sheet.

The symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. This is followed by a fine red rash which typically first appears on the chest and stomach, rapidly spreading to other parts of the body. On more darkly-pigmented skin, the scarlet rash may be harder to spot, but it should feel like 'sandpaper'. The face can be flushed red but pale around the mouth.

 You can find more information on chickenpox and scarlet fever on NHS choices: www.nhs.uk.

Click here for further information from HCC

Sustainable St Albans has two thermal imaging cameras and it runs (free) information sessions showing residents how to use a Thermal Imaging Camera and what they see with it.  Residents in St Albans District can then borrow (again free) to see where heat is leaking from their houses. The information sessions have moved to Zoom and they have in place fully socially distanced arrangements for one resident to collect the camera outdoors from one volunteer.