Half of UK teachers have experienced harassment by students online
Half of teachers (49%) have been the target of inappropriate use of online devices and social media by students, according to new survey conducted by classroom management and safeguarding software provider, Impero. A similar number (43%) agreed that this type of behaviour is on the rise in UK schools. Around one-fifth revealed they have been approached online (22%) or followed on social media by their students (21%), while 15% have been filmed without permission in the classroom. One in ten have been abused online (11%) and the subject of student group chats (11%). Charlotte Aynsley, safeguarding expert at Impero, says: “It’s not news to safeguarding experts that teachers are often on the receiving end of cyber-bullying, but the extent of the trend is unsettling – especially since harassment of other students is also on the rise. A natural curiosity from children will quite often lead to social media interactions such as follow requests from students; teachers therefore have a responsibility to ‘protect’ their identity so they can’t be obviously found on social media. They should also follow the professional standards around not allowing students to befriend them to prevent any unwanted interactions.” She adds: “In today’s world, you can simply pick up a mobile phone, create harmful or inappropriate content, and share it to a wide audience online without being held accountable. Whilst schools play a critical role in educating students about online safety, the long-anticipated Online Safety Bill will be a huge step towards a safer online world for both adults and children – making platforms more accountable for the harmful content being disseminated.” Growing teaching pressures The survey of 500 UK-based primary and secondary school teachers, also found that the vast majority (89%) have considered leaving the profession as they face growing workplace pressures and classroom challenges. The most common reasons teachers have considered quitting: · Excessive workload (67%) · Anxiety and stress (53%) · Salary expectations (40%) · Lack of support from the school (30%) However, almost one-fifth (17%) cited harassment by students as a key reason, while just 14% expressed a loss of interest in teaching itself. A call for improvement The research also found that the majority of teachers also believe their schools need to improve on issues such as teacher safety and wellbeing (71%), staff retention (65%) and diversity, equity and inclusion (52%). Other areas where teachers called for improvement were: · More effective classroom management technology (69%) · Academic performance (66%) · Student safety and wellbeing (60%) Justin Reilly, CEO, Impero and former headteacher, says: “Teachers have a job unlike any other. Their workloads seemingly increase year-on-year, especially with the continued rise in concerns around student behaviour, academic performance, and safeguarding. There are clear actions which can be taken to remove everyday stresses if we are to empower teachers and retain them. After, all the top reasons for wanting to leave are not linked to losing interest in teaching but are instead rooted in safety and wellbeing concerns. “It is vital to create a safe and open environment for teachers to work effectively and feel valued. This means reviewing practices for engaging, protecting and retaining teachers, as well as swiftly addressing emerging safeguarding issues, such as the myriad of online abuse which we know can cause great harm to both students and teachers alike.”
Adventure Togs making it easy to source robust outdoor clothing
The team at Adventure Togs know a thing or two about outdoor clothing. The company, from Port Talbot, South Wales have been supplying schools and groups nationwide since 2003. “I can’t believe we will be celebrating our 20th Birthday next year’ says Catherine Graham, Managing Director. “I started the business when my own children were young as I found it difficult to find quality children’s waterproof clothing on the high street.” Adventure Togs now supplies local authorities across the UK, making it easy for schools to raise purchase orders for clothing on their admin systems, with payment on account. “We’ve practically helped shape how people look at the benefits to children of being outside. Schools all across the country trust Adventure Togs with their outdoor clothing. You’ll find our knees and elbows in sandpits, muddy pools, in ice and snow and beside the campfires burning away in the woods nationwide, 365 days a year.” In addition to the UK, suppliers come from Denmark and Sweden, countries known for their healthy approach to outdoor learning in the early years. The Adventure Togs range has been quality tested and they only stock the most robust of kids outdoor gear. They also stock a good range of craft wear and accessories and offer to source products for your specific requirements. Enquiries, however big or small are always welcome. Adventure Togs makes it easy for schools, and groups to find the right sort of clothing for children to learn and play in, from waterproof suits to wellies and sun hats to paint aprons. Adventure Togs is able to supply outdoor clothing for: Local Authority Schools Forest Schools Playgroups Nurseries Independent Schools Football Clubs, Charities, YMCA, Scouts, Guides, Children’s schemes They offer discounts and free delivery on bulk orders. Website: www.adventuretogs.co.uk Email: enquiries@adventuretogs.co.uk Tel: 01639 689183
Future-proofing learning environments with next-gen networking
School-wide connectivity and networks that are scalable and secure has never been more important in education. Networks must support hybrid learning, immersive digital experiences and emerging EdTech – all whilst making the management of IT simpler and keeping students secure. As organisations, schools are gradually transitioning into ‘smart spaces’ where monitoring everything from room temperature and device tracking to port management and encryption updates must be in a centralised, agile dashboard. Whether to do with site management, or the quality of classrooms, one thing is clear about the future of learning; a space where education can thrive comes down to high performance networking. Many schools are focusing on this digital transition, but without considering the foundations needed to underpin it successfully; it relies on more than just deploying the latest EdTech. Schools, colleges and MATs need networks that have anticipatory capacity and performance for tomorrow’s EdTech. These future-focused networks don’t just need to offer the highest levels of bandwidth and security, they also need to streamline monitoring and management to avoid IT teams growing at the same rate as networks themselves. Next-gen, cloud-based networks mean school IT teams can benefit from features that save time and resources, including automated network management, zero touch provisioning, and total network visibility in a single pane of glass. Redway Networks are independent networking and wireless specialists to schools colleges and MATs, offering WiFi, switching, security and network support services that are tailored to future-proofing educational organisations. Web: http://www.redwaynetworks.com/
Why use outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic?
The key reasons why plastic waste is so bad for wildlife and the environment are also some of the key reasons why recycled plastic is increasingly becoming the manufacturing material of choice for so many organisations who need to provide outdoor furniture. It’s perfect – the products last longer, do not rot, are resistant to insect infestation, are often stronger, more difficult to deface & vandalise, are usually heavier and are almost totally maintenance free. And, as an added bonus (following wet weather conditions), they can be easily wiped down and used straight away. Most importantly, the use of recycled plastic also reduces demand on the world’s natural resources and the need to grow, harvest or extract new raw materials. About KBS Depot Ltd KBS Depot Ltd is a family run business offering an extensive range of high quality outdoor street and park furniture solutions. We work closely with many of the UK’s leading manufacturers, wholesalers and suppliers to bring you the broadest possible choice of products, made from high quality materials, including Steel, Wood, Aluminium, Polypropylene and Recycled Plastic (see below). Bulk Buying? – We offer very competitive pricing on bulk purchases. Our multiple-purchase discount prices are detailed against each product on our website. Credit terms? We offer 30-day credit terms to all Public Sector bodies (Councils, Schools, Universities etc.) Need a quote? Quotes are available on request from our friendly sales team! – We’re here to help, so if you’re in any doubt about your requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our team for advice. If we don’t know the answer to your query, we will always try and find out for you. Our full range can be found on our website at http://www.kbsdepot.com which is regularly updated with important Information on pricing and lead times.
Variety Children’s Charity Partners with I.D.E.A. on New Pre-school App
Variety, the children’s charity, a global non-profit advocating for kids, has partnered with I.D.E.A. on a new app for preschool children to highlight the needs of the differently able. Oville World, is an online collection of learning applications for children aged 2-5 years created by International Digital Educational Access (I.D.E.A.). After a successful launch last year, thousands of young children are using the apps to commence early reading, math, life skills, empathy and safely experience their first app. Oville World’s new partnership with Variety seeks to create awareness on inclusivity and encourage children to be leaders in a diverse society. Intuitive Learning with Oville World Oville World, built intuitively for pre-schoolers, is a collection of safe learning apps that link seamlessly into an online virtual community. In addition to kindergarten prep, Oville teaches important life lessons, including respecting others and taking responsibility. In the game, young players meet characters and explore an imaginary world to discover new houses that contain a variety of games, books, and music. Variety’s new character “Charitee” will give the children playing in Oville an opportunity to engage with a character differently abled than other characters and possibly themselves, as well as participate in being supportive members of a vibrant and diverse community. About I.D.E.A. I.D.E.A. has a mission that stands outside of traditional business goals. Our mission and vision is to impact the world, making it a kinder, gentler more inclusive place for our children to grow in. We build apps, games, toys, video and music that guide the youngest learner on an exploration that helps prepare them for life. Our team has been dedicated to this project for a number of years and every person from our first computer provider to our talented artist who has drawn every bit of Oville, all celebrate our success of Oville World together. “It’s never too soon to learn kindness, understanding and cooperation. The new mantra is Different, but the same,” says Eronne Foster founder and CEO of I.D.E.A. when asked about the fundamental message behind the new content coming to Oville World. “It can be hard for young children to know how to deal with differences. Here through the various characters in Oville, children learn how to celebrate what makes us unique while understanding what also unites us all as a community.” About Variety Variety is an international organization with 40 chapters in 11 countries currently providing support to children across the globe. It is each Chapter’s express position to raise money and awareness for those who are differently abled, providing resources for children and their families and encouraging their communities to be involved in their support. Variety fundamentally believes that there is a strong need for representation and inclusion of differently abled children in modern media and through public education. By advocating for young children to be made aware of those with different experiences early on, Variety intends to foster more meaningful relationships between children of diverse backgrounds and help raise the next generation of empathetic and understanding adults. Technology will change the social learning and development of our young children, which is why Variety feels it is more important than ever to advocate for those who need the extra care and support. Oville World is available in your App store for download https://www.ovilleworld.com/variety-house/
Medpac celebrates ten years of supplying emergency medicine bags
Medpac are practical bags specifically designed for carrying and storing prescription and emergency medicine in school, complete with photo identification. They are ideal for asthma inhalers, Epipens, epilepsy and diabetic medication and more. Medpac is the brainchild of Jayne Tarrant, a mum who saw a need for such a product when her own daughter was diagnosed with a condition that required her to carry emergency medicine with her at all times. Not able to find a product to fulfil the need, Jayne set about designing and sourcing a product that would work in many situations. Jayne says: “When I sat down at my kitchen table all those years ago and came up with the concept of a Medpac as a safe way for my then young daughter to store and carry her emergency medicine, I could never have dreamt that 10 years later it would be a thriving business supplying Medpacs worldwide.” Each Medpac is insulated and comes complete with a Medpac Photo ID and a Medpac Treatment Card to include clear instructions on how to use the medication. In summary Medpac is designed to store medicines safely and efficiently, easily identify correct medicine for correct child, save vital time in an emergency, help older children to carry own medication and display expiry dates to save time for staff Ideal for use in school, on school trips, after school clubs, swimming lessons and school transport. To discover more about this innovative range of products visit www.medpac.co.uk and see how Medpac could change the way you store the medicines in your school. There is no minimum order value, order online at www.medpac.co.uk or download an order form if you would prefer to receive an invoice, we also offer a 5% discount on orders over £200. Web: www.medpac.co.uk
Nine ways to help your overwhelmed teen prepare for exams
Leading online tutoring platform, MyTutor, reveals the best tips to support your child’s study habits and wellbeing during the upcoming exam season For the UK’s cohort of students, the main summer exam period is due to begin next week. Yet in the run-up to this year’s GCSEs and A-levels, a new report has unveiled the spike in levels of anxiety among pupils, with teachers reporting an all-time high in panic attacks, angry outbursts, self-harm, and disengagement among students. Acknowledging students’ heightened anxiety, particularly due to being the first cohort in three years to sit in-person exams, MyTutor – the UK’s most trusted tutoring platform – has highlighted some tips from world renowned educator and expert on teen learning, Professor Barbara Oakley, who shared her insights on top ways to support your overwhelmed teen preparing for exam season. Encourage your teen to work ‘retrieval practices’ like flashcards into their study routine The best way for teens to learn a new topic is through retrieval practise. “When you’re first learning something, there’s faint links forming between neurons in their brain,” Professor Oakley explains, “the more you retrieve that learning– the stronger the links become.” Have them look over key learning areas before bed The brain is hard at work even when we’re sleeping. Professor Oakley told MyTutor that during sleep, “neurons are connecting.” So, telling your teen to glance over their notes right before bed for 2-5 minutes, helps consolidate their learning. So, when your teen is sleeping, by building “neural connections”, their brain will actually work to keep this new information in their memory. Who knew sleeping could double as revising? Breaks are important for learning Like sleep, breaks are important in making learning stick. Professor Oakley explained that short study breaks are vital for the part of the brain that stores new information. She says the best way to organise study time is by using the Pomodoro technique. It’s really simple: you turn off all distractions, set a timer for 25 minutes of focused study, and have a 5-minute break once the timer goes off. That makes one Pomodoro round – Professor Oakley recommends doing 3 over the course of a study session. She says it’s key for teens to avoid any focused activity in their break time – and that means they shouldn’t go on their phones where distractions might pop up. Staring into space or petting the cat are both a good use of break time. Having a snack and stretching works too. Spacing out learning is better than cramming for hours This might seem obvious, but we’ve all heard of someone we know who’s pulled an all-nighter: “Learning takes time,”Professor Oakley says, “just like a weightlifter developing their muscle, it takes time to build neural structure.” Your teen needs time to learn from direct instruction (so from their notes, textbooks, teachers), and then they need to go back over what they’ve just learned. Ideally, all the way up to exams, they’d repeat this cycle: study from classroom learning, retrieval practice, study from classroom learning, retrieval practice, and so on… Encourage them to study in different places Studying in different places, Professor Oakley informed MyTutor, can help refresh your teen’s brain and boost their memory. So, if they normally study in their room, try giving them the option to set up shop in the kitchen, a quiet corner of the house, a library or even a cafe (if they don’t get distracted). They could try making mind maps in a noisier space, and keep the library for past paper practice. Having different places to travel to can also help motivate them too. Slow learners can learn more deeply There are two kinds of learners: declarative learners – or as Professor Oakley likes to call them – “race car learners,” and there are procedural or “hiker learners”. Declarative learners pick up things quickly, but they might be less flexible. Procedural learners take longer and are often more accurate. Both fast and slow learners are just as good– one is not better than the other. But often in schools, fast learning is rewarded. If your teen’s stuck on their Maths homework, encourage them to take time to work it out. That’s where home learning can be so valuable – it’s where your teen can learn at their own pace, and go over things as many times as they need to until they get it. Starting off with rewards for learning isn’t as bad as once thought Professor Oakley explained to MyTutor how her daughter was not a big reader in school. To encourage her along, she would give her little rewards every time she finished reading a book. Over time, it was easier for her daughter to read and get into a book. “She eventually became internally motivated,” Prof Oakley says. This is a perfect example of how starting with small rewards– like pocket money or a treat on the weekend (to get things going)– can help them get over their fear of difficult subjects and become more self-motivated in the long run. Calm Exam Stress with breathing exercises As we all know, exams can bring on stress. Professor Oakley shared a useful tip for teens to use if they feel panicked when they’re revising or during an exam. It’s called “box breathing”. She recommends teens to try breathing in for 5 seconds, holding for 5 seconds, and breathing out for 5 seconds. She explains, “When you get very nervous you do shallow, panicked breathing. It doesn’t give you the oxygen you need.” Practising this deep breathing technique a few days or even weeks before exams–so that it seems normal– will help your teen relax. If they feel panicked in the exam hall, using this technique can help them refocus and remember what they’ve revised too. Help your teen reach out for support There are times when they just need a helping hand from an expert. Whether that’s with a tutor (if their anxiety comes from
Laptop lockers and sanitisation from LapSafe
NEW from LapSafe® Over 70% of UK universities have now installed LapSafe®’s Diplomat™ Self-Service Lockers and over half have either expanded their service or installed further lockers across their campus since their first installation. This year LapSafe® are launching their NEW smart locker software together with a variety of new locker bay sizes. Their most powerful, sophisticated, and innovative smart locker solution to date. The new locker software, ONARKEN® offers a host of services and integrations. The powerful ONARKEN™ software is at the heart of our smart lockers and combines all of our software services in one centrally managed suite of applications. Intuitive and straightforward self-check application installed in a terminal allows quick and easy access to the services users need such as borrow, return, reservations, drop-off and collect. ONARKEN® has been designed from the ground up, following years of user feedback and is probably one of the most universal, powerful and innovative smart locker platforms to date. Existing LapSafe® customers will be able to upgrade to the new software ONARKEN® if they would like the enhanced features and functionality. The new locker bay sizes will be available later this year. To sit alongside the LapSafe® smart locker range or to work standalone, we have also worked tirelessly during the pandemic to bring to the market our NEW Diplomat™UV-C Station which sanitises a laptop or similar device in just 15 seconds! 99% of bacteria and some viruses* are deactivated when exposed to high-intensity UV-C light. Fitted with 18 Phillips UV-C bulbs ensure all areas of the device get sanitised, including the hard-to-reach places. The Diplomat™ UV-C Station is simple and easy to use, place your hand in front of the sensor to activate and follow the straightforward instructions on the LCD screen. Place your device into the cleaning bay and leave the unit to do the rest. Web: https://www.lapsafe.com/products/diplomat/uv-c
Teachers offered training to identify pupils at risk of self-harm
Headteachers, teachers and teaching assistants across the East Midlands and beyond are being invited to free mental health workshops next week which will tackle identifying self-harm and anxiety disorder in young people. The sessions are being held as part of the county’s first mental health festival Headfest, which kicks off on Monday 9 May which also marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Week. Paul Hanrahan, who is a teacher at the St Andrew’s Healthcare College, will be delivering two talks which are based on the mental health awareness programme LightBulb which the college has written for primary and secondary school children. Paul said: “We know the pandemic has had a profound effect on some children’s mental health, and even before we experienced the lockdown anxiety numbers among young people were already high. At St Andrew’s we care for some very poorly young people who have not received the help they needed until it was too late, leading to them needing to come into hospital. It is a worrying situation and the role schools can play in recognising and supporting mental wellbeing is paramount in ensuring young people have access to support when it is most needed. “LightBulb is all about equipping our young people with the skills they need to be resilient and seek help about mental health issues, hopefully reducing the distress they experience and positively impacting the outcomes they experience. We believe early intervention is essential and can make a huge difference to the wellbeing of those children who are experiencing mental health issues. “We’re thrilled to have been asked to take part in Headfest and provide teachers with a brief introduction to our programme, which could make all the difference in helping a young person who may be silently struggling.” Paul’s first session will focus on self-harm and will take place at the Royal & Derngate on Wednesday 11 May at 11:30am to 12:30pm. The second session about recognising anxiety disorder is being delivered on Thursday 12 May between 1pm-2pm.For more information about Headfest, visit https://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/headfest-2022/ To find out more about the St Andrew’s Healthcare LightBulb programme go to https://www.stah.org/education/light-bulb/