Dear Schools and Colleges,
The summer holidays are almost here and we’re sure you’re looking forward to the break. Just before you head off, we’ve got a couple of things we think you and your parents might find useful.
Click here to view this newsletter online with access to download links.
The Parents’ Guide to Getting ahead in the summer holidays
Suitable for parents of teens – free download
2021 has been another tricky year so far and students have experienced yet more disruption to their studies. As a parent, it’s hard not to worry that the lack of face-to-face schooling has set them back and their thoughts are probably turning to what can be done during the summer to help their teens catch up. Our advice is not to dwell on what they may have missed but focus on using the summer to boost their experience to help them prepare for the autumn term and future applications they will want to make.
The holidays provide a fantastic opportunity for students to think about what they can do to start making their dreams a reality. Depending on how old they are, there’s plenty they can do to help them prepare for the next stage of their life – and they can have fun at the same time! Whether they’re 15 and starting to think about what they might like to do after their GCSEs or whether they’re 18 and making plans for adulthood.
Because this has, in many ways, been another stressful year, we’ve also included a section on mental wellbeing. Click here to access your free copy.
Ofsted report on sexual abuse in schools
In March 2021, the government asked Ofsted to conduct an immediate review of safeguarding policies and procedures in both state and private schools in response to reports of abuse submitted to the website Everyone’s Invited. That review took place during April and May and was published on 10 June; we’ve summarized findings and recommendations in our blog (read more here).
Of the 900 students interviewed, the majority did not feel comfortable reporting abuse, so we continue to recommend that parents make sure the NSCPP freephone “abuse in education” helpline is programmed into their phones, so they can access independent, impartial help if they need it. The number is 0800 136 663.
Moving out?
If their teens are leaving home over the summer to start university (or perhaps an apprenticeship) in the autumn, they might be interested in our free checklist of useful buys so their teen has everything to hand, whether that’s bedding to get a cosy night’s sleep, pots and pans to cook up a storm or paperwork to make sure their bank accounts and proof of ID are all in good order. We’ve also created a pdf version – click here to download.
Virtual Work Experience
We’ve updated our list of organisations offering virtual work experience placements and opportunities for the summer, so do check it out here and share with anyone you think will find it useful.
Articles for parents
We’ve got a number of blogs your parents might find useful, including some suggestions of fun ideas for teens to do. Do share them if you can.
– Preparing for GCSE results day 2021
– A level Results Day flowchart
– Awarding academic grades in 2021 without examinations
– The ultimate ‘leaving home’ shopping list
– How stress affects teens and what you can do to help
– Engaging the senses to get more out of life for you and your teen
– Virtual work experience – why your child should take part
Our 2021/2022 guides for parents are available:
Do share our website link www.theparentsguideto.co.uk with your parents so they can find out more about their children’s options after GCSE and sixth form by buying our specialist guides.
If you’d like to share our guides with your parents free of charge, we offer school licences. Please email vanessa@theparentsguideto.co.uk for more information and you can see samples of all of the guides here.
Awareness Themes, Days and Events – July / August
Awareness days, weeks and months are often an excellent opportunity to write to parents, whether in a newsletter, social media post or blog with timely, relevant content that can be planned well in advance. Coming up in June:
11th July – World Population Day
To focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues
Find out more >
17th July – World Emoji Day
We use emojis every day, so why not celebrate them?
Find out more >
19th – 23rd July – Eid-ul-Adha
30th July – International Day of Friendship
Through friendship we can develop bonds of trust and camaraderie between people regardless of race or beliefs
Find out more >
12th August – International Youth Day
Organised by the UK, International Youth Day recognises the challenges faced by young people and the important role they play
Find out more >