Dogs for good supports making schools safe
Dogs for Good has welcomed the recent comments from Secretary of State for Education, Rt. Hon Damien Hinds’ about the benefits of dogs in schools but is keen to stress how vital it is to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of each dog working in an educational setting. Dogs for Good is an organisation that has developed a Community Dog Service for Schools and Chief Executive, Peter Gorbing says: “We believe that while dogs can make a very positive contribution in educational settings, their welfare should be at the top of the list of considerations. It’s all about making it safe for dogs as well as people because having a dog in a school can pose considerable risks; particularly if the dog has not been socialised effectively to deal with what can be a very stressful environment. Failure to adhere to some basic standards can lead to significant dog welfare issues, which in turn can create risks for pupils and staff.” Dogs for Good has been active in developing good practice guidelines, including a factsheet which is an essential starting point for any school thinking about having a dog in their school. In addition, and has also worked with the Kennel Club to produce more detailed guidelines for dogs that visit schools. As a charity with 30 years’ experience in making life-changing differences for people with disabilities, Dogs for Good has, over the past two years, developed a specific Community Dog Service for Schools. This uses the principles of Animal Assisted Interventions which supports students in reaching their individual goals. The charity has looked at a number of approaches and developed a service where highly-trained dogs work with a specialist handlers in educational settings. The dogs and handlers become part of the fabric of school life and an integral part of the staff team; working alongside teachers and therapists to maximise the positive benefits for students and the wider school environment. Peter Gorbing continues: “The handler ensures the welfare and wellbeing of the dog at all times so that it doesn’t become stressed or worried in what can sometimes be a very difficult environment.” Dogs for Good’s Community School dogs and handlers engage students in the classroom, helping them to learn and focus on individual tasks. Activities with the dog can also be designed to help students overcome specific individual challenges, supporting positive behaviours and improving interactions with others. The dog can act as a focus or role model for group learning, such as diet, health and personal care and also be a source of emotional support for students. Additionally, the school dog works alongside the handler and therapists to engage and support students in therapy sessions, such as speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Here the dog can act as an important motivator and partner in a session, boosting engagement and ultimately improving therapeutic outcomes. For more information about Dogs for Good please click here
The emotional brain of children and teenagers
Taking place on Saturday 15 June 2019 at The Child Centre for Mental Health London the latest conference hosted by CCMH will address ‘What children and teenagers need to know about life in order to live well’. Through fascinating film footage and deeply moving case material, teachers and parents can learn how to present science and psychology-informed key information to young people on vital topics such as living with your emotional brain, why love hurts, how to make up after a row and knowing your brain chemicals so you can calm down effectively after stressful emotions instead of self-harming or turning to drink or drugs. Other topics to be covered include what drugs do to your brain, the key causes of depression and anxiety, how to prevent mental illness, how to keep going when you want to give up, why people want to die and why they want to live, what you need to know about sexuality and gender, how to manage friendships well and how to be a great parent. Speakers – eminent psychologist and neuroscientist Dr Margot Sunderland, trauma informed practice and emotional health trainer Clare Williams and psychotherapist and transgender specialist Bob Withers – will present research evidence showing that supporting young people and parents with psycho-education such as the aforementioned topics can significantly reduce mental health problems and dramatically improve the ability of couples, families and friends to resolve conflict with dignity, and love in peace not torment. The aim of the conference is to help delegates understand who should impart this knowledge to young people (do-able training implications for non-psychologists) and how to move from the anxiety of ‘pseudo-competency’ to complete competence in delivering psychological and neuroscience-based PSHE-based mental health education in schools. They will also learn what aspects of prevention and alleviation of human suffering cannot be addressed effectively through didactic learning (providing students with the required theoretical knowledge) and require instead relational change through individual face-to-face contact time with an emotionally-available adult in the school or home environment. Presenters at the conference will highlight the need for mental health programmes in schools to draw on 50 years of peer-reviewed psychological studies about the human condition and over 30 years of research in affective neuroscience (the study of the neural mechanisms of emotion) if we are to see an improvement in the mental wellbeing of young people and PSHE in today’s schools. To download a booking form for the CCMH conference please follow the link: booking form. The cost per delegate is £183.
Rethink Lockers with Action Storage
Who said lockers had to be dull? Action Storage challenges you to rethink lockers with its specially designed locker ranges that can transform student storage space. Having worked with schools for over 30 years, Action Storage understand what is required for school lockers to make them durable and easy to maintain. Action Storage have two locker ranges, firstly the versatile Atlas Steel Lockers which can cater to different student requirements and have a uniquely robust design to ensure long term use. Then there is the tougher-than-tough eXtreme Plastic Lockers with their undentable build quality they can withstand even the outside weather making them an ideal outdoor storage solution. To accommodate all schools, Action Storage have a School Locker Rental scheme that is designed to help you jump straight to the benefits without affecting your budget. If you’re not certain which locker solution best suits your school, Action Storage provide a No-Fee, No-Obligation site survey from one of their experts to measure the available space and include a detailed CAD drawing in their proposal. If that isn’t incentive enough, Action Storage are currently running a summer offer for QA Education readers. They are offering a 10% discount on your next quote from Action Storage, order before June 5th to guarantee a summer installation. If you’re ready to transform your school this summer, you can visit their website send them an email or call 01908 525 700 today.
North Devon’s professional outdoor centre
Skern Lodge has been using the outdoors for adventure activities and people development since 1976 and are committed to the highest standards in all aspects of their business. Situated on the north Devon coast in 22 acres of their own grounds, they are in the perfect location. School groups use Skern Lodge for a variety of reasons, especially its talent for creating a course that suits your requirements. No two courses at Skern Lodge are the same. With a wide variety of exciting, adventurous outdoor activities on offer and an experienced and dedicated staff team to deliver a tailored programme, it’s easy to see why they were awarded the best outdoor activity and sporting experience in the Southwest. The centre has been providing multi-activity experiences for schools for more than 40 years. Its friendly office staff are on hand to help you at all stages of your booking and in preparation for your course. Their aim – excellence in courses and services – is made easier to achieve because the full Skern staff team is on site with you at the Lodge. On your arrival, one of their staff team is allocated to be your Course Director, co-ordinating all aspects of your course with you. You have available at Skern, the full management team to ensure everything runs smoothly and to help with any problems. There is plenty of space on site for games in free-time, boundaries are clear, accommodation is easy to supervise and there is 24-hour duty cover. The residential experience at Skern Lodge develops young people’s personal and social skills and can be great fun! Team building, problem solving, communication, working and living together, combined with the range of exciting activities, gives young people the best experience they can have; skills not only invaluable in the classroom, playground and on the sports field, but also in later life at work. At Skern Lodge they pride themselves in not only providing you with an experience that you will remember for life, but also paying attention to the domestic arrangements so you will be warm, dry and well fed. You won’t find many places where the food is as good. Their domestic team are outstanding, providing superb meals and services with care and good humour. To arrange your Skern residential experience follow the link to their website. www.skernlodge.co.uk
Quality First Aid courses delivered on your premises
SPA Training (UK) was established in 1995 and has been successfully running first aid training courses since then across the UK. The key to our success has been reliability, flexibility and the quality of delivery plus our 200+ trainers strategically placed across the country. We all know how important it is that your staff are fully trained in subjects such as food safety and first aid – for your own peace of mind as well as your customers. The costs associated with poor food safety are both financial and social and can affect both employers and employees. Similarly, accidents can happen, even in low risk organisations with few employees. Having the correct first aid provision in the workplace is not only a legal requirement, it is incredibly important for the safety of you and your employees. As a minimum, a low-risk workplace such as a small office, should have a first aid box and a person appointed to take charge of first aid arrangements such as calling the emergency services if necessary. Workplaces where there are more significant health and safety issues are more likely to need a trained first aider. A first aid needs assessment will help employers decide what first aid arrangements are appropriate for their workplace. At SPA Training (UK) Ltd, our comprehensive list of courses means we can help to ensure that you have the right provision of first aid in the event of an accident or illness in your workplace. SPA delivers the essential training required such as first aid, health and safety and food safety to all levels at very competitive rates. Courses are delivered on your premises at times to suit you and we are happy to include any site specific information if required. All courses are certificated by recognised awarding bodies such as Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance and Qualsafe Awards. Our trainers are all fully qualified in their respective fields and have a wealth of experience within the commercial sector. At SPA we provide the best possible training, advice and guidance to enable your staff to improve their personal skills and knowledge and gain the most appropriate qualifications to help them succeed in the workplace. Contact us for full details of the courses we run or visit the website – spatraininguk.com and take a look at what we have to offer. Contact: Jules Hutchings – 01579 324116 – jules@spatraininguk.com
The Coquet Shorebase
The Coquet Shorebase has a history of providing educational watersports going back nearly 70 years. Originally a Nautical Training base run through the Coquet High School at Amble, on the Northumberland coast, it is now a Community Watersports Centre providing affordable watersports training and recreation for the local community. As a registered charity, our aims reflect the social and education benefits these activities can bring to participants. Our main activity base is Ladyburn Lake, part of Druridge Bay Country Park, where we run sailing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing and raft building activities. What can we offer to schools? You may just want a fun end of year session or a series of skills training sessions leading to a certificate. However, all our sessions will have an emphasis on team-work, confidence building, problem solving and water safety, not forgetting enjoyment, challenge and getting to know each other better, appreciating everyone’s strengths and weaknesses. Let us know your aims and objectives and we will tailor our sessions to these. For example, the most popular activity for a half-day session (up to 24 pupils), particularly with First Schools, involves splitting the group into two, and giving them 50 mins in sit-on-top kayaks and 50 mins on the big Stand up Paddleboards, swapping over half way through the session. It’s a lot of fun, really boosts water confidence and emphasizes teamwork and helping others. (Cost is £280). We can also offer improvised raft building (suitable for the older age group), and sailing or windsurfing for smaller groups. Activities really are for everyone. We work regularly with people with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities; our facilities are wheelchair accessible and we have Sailability and Paddle Ability approval status. It isn’t just about introductory sessions. We have three affiliated clubs (for Canoeing, Windsurfing and Sailing), which can use all our equipment, and provide a low- cost means of continuing activities for those who live locally. Many of our enthusiastic instructors are drawn from club members. Our other facility is situated at Amble, on the banks of the Coquet, which offers a more challenging environment for more advanced paddling or sailing activities. Both centres have changing rooms and hot showers. Wetsuits, cagoules and buoyancy aids are provided. We are licensed by AALA, an RYA training centre and hold the British Canoeing Quality Mark. See our webpage for more details about The Coquet Shorebare: click here Or contact us info@coquetshorebase.org.uk to discuss your ideas.
Customised Activity Weeks & Holidays on a Private Cornish Beach
Big Green Surf School is the sole activity provider on the stunning, National Trust managed, Crantock Beach in Cornwall. We provide expert tuition in surfing, bodyboarding & stand-up-paddleboarding to all abilities and would love the chance to work with your school. SURFING – Surf lessons for all abilities from complete beginners up to competition level. Crantock has amazing waves without the crowds of nearby Newquay. BODYBOARDING – Ideal for younger students or those less confident in the water. Often a first step towards stand-up surfing and very accessible for those with different needs. STAND-UP-PADDLEBOARDING (SUP) – We offer enclosed water beginner sessions, technique coaching and coastal exploration as well as fun and games on our 10-person “Monster SUP”, all under the supervision of our incredible coaches. BEACH SAFETY & AWARENESS – We provide dedicated, bespoke training and advice on key concepts that promote safety in a beach environment. We can introduce students to scientific principles that govern waves, current, sediment, tide and weather, linking in to National Curriculum objectives or lesson content provided by your school. Experience & Education We are proud to work with a lot of schools from all over the world, each with different requirements and preferences. From small groups of 10 students for an afternoon away from school, right up to groups in excess of 200 students on a dedicated activities week. We’ll customise a package to your requirements and aim to complement key concepts being taught in the classroom in-line with National Curriculum objectives if required. Safety & Insurance All staff hold full Beach Lifeguard Qualifications, nationally and internationally recognised coaching qualifications as well as DBS checks as a minimum. We conduct regular in-house training as well as enhanced training with the RNLI to ensure the safety of our clients. Big Green Surf School is a National Trust authorised activity provider, accredited by Surfing England and holds a licence from AALA (Adventure Activities Licensing Authority). All of our Risk-Assessments, EAPs & policies are available in PDF format to all schools and we hold insurances in excess of the standard requirement. Special Needs & Disabilities We have extensive experience working with students with a range of differing needs; including behavioural disorders, learning difficulties and physical disabilities. Our coaches are passionate about ensuring all students have the same opportunity to enjoy the ocean. We look forward to hearing from you and helping to plan your school’s next adventure! Find out more
Calibre Audio Library
Calibre Audio Library is a national charity that brings audiobooks to those unable to access print because of dyslexia, sight loss or another disability that prevents them from holding a book. Our library has around 11,000 audiobooks; all are unabridged, recorded by professional actors and broadcasters and available for unlimited borrowing by our members. Do you need key texts in audio? One in ten have dyslexia*, and this can create additional strains and challenges throughout their education and beyond. Calibre is here to support these students. We know how important it is for children to keep up with their peers, enabling them to contribute in class, and it is vital we reflect this in our library’s catalogue. So Shakespeare, Dickens, Hardy, Bronte? We have them at the ready. Meera Syal and Kazuo Ishiguro? Their books too. William Golding and George Orwell? Of course! Birdsong, Atonement, The Great Gatsby, Rebecca, The Go-Between… the list goes on. The love and importance of reading is not limited to those on the curriculum, and nor is our library. We are constantly adding new titles and we have worked hard to ensure we offer the books that English teachers and students alike have told us are unmissable, such as these: • Wonder • The Fault in Our Stars • The Penderwicks • Never Let Me Go • The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas • The School of Good and Evil • One • Of Mice and Men • Anne of Green Gables • To Kill a Mockingbird • Little Women • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings And of course, any library would be incomplete without such staples as the Harry Potter series, Veronica Roth’s the ‘Divergent’ Trilogy and Malorie Blackman’s ‘Noughts & Crosses’. Calibre Audio Library Our audiobooks are grouped by key stage and study level for guidance, but members can browse and borrow across all categories (restrictions are in place on unsuitable material for children). Books can then simply be streamed online or downloaded on Calibre’s free app – or they can be borrowed by our free postal service on MP3 CD and memory stick if preferred. We offer a group membership package for an annual fee of £18 per student (inc. VAT). Alternatively, if you feel it better meets your needs you can buy individual lifetime memberships for a one-off payment of £20 per child (£35 for adults). To join or for more information contact our membership services team on 01296 432339 or visit our website, www.calibre.org.uk. *www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/about
The top construction skills needed from tomorrow’s workforce
With the global construction industry forecast to hit $8 trillion by 2030 – and the UK driving industry growth in Europe – it’s an attractive career for young people seeking versatility and progression. Here, Liz Scott, Head of HR at Actavo Direct, offers advice on the construction skills needed to help young people thrive in their chosen career. Communicating clearly Many associate the construction industry with just the physical work, however, most critical tasks are completed in the planning stage. Research shows 85 percent of construction projects experience delays, making strong communication skills key. When unexpected disruptions occur, ensuring your team knows its responsibilities – while also managing client expectations – is vital. Strong written and verbal skills are demanded in such a time-pressured industry, with project details, safety messages and more needing to be communicated clearly and concisely. Risk management Health and safety will be the foundation of any construction career, whether your work as an individual on-site or are responsible for managing a team. All employees should understand the importance of hazard perception and be able to perform a risk assessment for any project. This involves evaluating a site, building or office for every potential risk. Health and safety basics also include understanding the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) and how to dress appropriately for every environment. Those looking to gain knowledge of health and safety best practice can check out the bank of content on the government’s dedicated website, while those interested in a career more focused on regulations in construction could explore an apprenticeship in health and safety. Use your initiative Construction projects are constantly subject to disruption – from adverse weather to deadline movements – making a proactive attitude invaluable. With clients waiting and projects running to tight deadlines, employees need to make decisions on how to best manage tasks and time. If rain delays a project, are there tasks you can progress in the downtime to prepare for when the weather clears up? Even those looking to pursue physical roles are advised to learn project management basics to improve decision-making and initiative skills. Keeping pace with tech Technology is set to shape the future of the construction industry, with innovations like digital mapping, 5D modelling and the Internet of Things (IoT) revolutionising surveying and site management. Tech-literate employees will thrive as technology continues to play a greater role. Fluency in tools like Excel will set employees up for site management tasks like project tracking and budgeting. For more information on construction skills, see Actavo Direct