How many days was your child away from school during the last school year? If it was more than 3 weeks, chances are you’d have had a call from the Education Welfare Officer.
The Education Welfare Officer is employed by the Local Authority to liaise with parents whose children are not being brought to school. In extreme cases, he/she can refer the matter to the courts and ask that these parents be fined for not taking their children to school regularly enough.
Local Authorities which have detected high levels of absenteeism during term-times have cracked down on the number of days that children can be off school before the Education Welfare Officer is called in. One local authority, in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, for example used to allow children to be absent from school for 20% of the school year without sanctions being made against the parents; when absenteeism began to creep up, though, it changed that to say that children who were absent for 15% of the school year would be notified to the Education Welfare Officer. That meant that if a child was taken out of school for a two-week holiday and then was ill for a different week during the year, the Education Welfare Officer would call.
Statistics are clear that significant amounts of missed school (whether the amount missed is over one period or is cumulative) equates to lower academic results. It is by no means difficult to see that a child who misses lessons will be missing information and methods of learning that they will need to do their work effectively.
Anyone who works in a school will tell you that the first few days after a child has been away from school for any length of time is hard work for the child. As early as Year 1 or 2 they may have missed vital instruction on things like how to do multiplication, division or partitioning. If the school has time, they will try to help the child to catch up by taking them to one side to teach it to them one-to-one, but this in turn makes them miss further work alongside their peers. They also miss out on the social aspect of school life, playing games with their friends and keeping up with the latest games.
On the other hand, a child who is taken on holiday gets the chance to spend good quality time with their parents and siblings, and gets to play, relax and (if it is a holiday abroad) get to see another culture. Those can be extremely valuable things (though of course, some children are left to play on their own on the beach whilst their parents soak up the sun or recover from hangovers… not exactly a stimulating experience for the child), and out of term-times the cost of a holiday rockets.
If a parent cannot afford to pay school-holiday prices, then it becomes a matter of choosing between not having a holiday or not going to school. Many parents don’t want their child to miss out on a holiday and take them out of school. It does seem unfair that only rich children should be allowed to go on holiday.
This issue has come to the fore this week as Michael Gove apparently said that he would remove headteachers’ current ability to authorise some absence within term-time. As a rule-of-thumb, headteachers can currently allow children to stay away from school for up to two weeks (to allow flexibility to deal sensitively with issues such as bereavement, ill-health and so on) if the parent requests. Michael Gove wants there to be no such thing as authorised absence, and that any absence for any reason would count towards the number of days a child is off before the Education Welfare Officer is called in. He is also keen to introduce stricter penalties for absenteeism – at the moment, the fine of £100 is a drop in the ocean compared to the increased cost of a holiday in school-holiday time. If a parent can pay £1000 for a holiday during term-time, but would have to pay £2000 in school-holiday time, they’re likely to go in term time and pay the £100 fine…
The changes might also mean that schools will lose points in the league-table system if their levels of absenteeism are deemed too great.
Many people say that this is the wrong way to tackle things, and that instead of punishing parents for wanting to take their child on holiday, the government should be tackling the grossly inflated prices put on holidays by travel companies during school holidays.
Term-time Holidays To Be Banned?
by adminPlanning Ahead: Life Insurance
by adminThere are many important types of insurance cover that you should consider investing in, depending on your personal circumstances. Amongst these, life insurance is ne of the most unusual in that it is an insurance policy which the policyholder him or herself, will never reap the benefits of. However, if you have a family who are dependent on your income for financial support, it is absolutely essential that you think seriously about securing the appropriate life insurance cover. No one wants to consider the prospect of serious illness or death, especially if they have a family, but should the worst happen to you, it is preferable that your family are not left in financial – as well as emotional – distress.
As the name suggests life insurance policies are ones which pay out in the event of you losing your life, but there are a number of different types of policy that come under the umbrella term ‘life insurance’ and it is important to secure the one that fits your needs. The types of life insurance policy available include: term life insurance, which pays out to your dependents if you die within the fixed period agreed in the terms of the policy – usually around 18-20 years; whole of life insurance, which guarantees a lump sum payout to the next of kin when the policyholder dies, regardless of when this happens; decreasing term insurance, which is usually taken out to ensure that mortgage payments are covered in the wake of death. The payout with this type of policy decreases over time, just as the mortgage itself will; and critical illness cover, which pays out in the event of the policyholder being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.
The type of policy you should choose will depend entirely on your individual situation and you should make enquiries with different providers before deciding on the right policy type. You may wish to take out more than one policy, combining say a whole of life policy and a decreasing term one, if you have both a family and a mortgage. In terms of cost, again this varies between different providers, but rates amongst the top companies are competitive. Many of these companies offer a quotation via the company website – for example www.endsleigh.co.uk.
Source:
www.moneynet.co.uk/Product-Guides/Life-Insurance/life-assurance-policy-types/37
Franchise Opportunities for Mums
by adminWould you like to earn a little extra cash? Would you like to fit your working hours around your family? Not sure if you could run your own business? Then a franchise opportunity could be exactly what you’re looking for.
It’s a cross between working for someone (as most franchises are well known names) and being your own boss. You choose your hours, you choose what to sell and you choose how it will go. You do need some sales skills and there is usually a startup fee which can vary from very small to quite a lot.
Have a look at www.workingmums.co.uk for information on how to start your own business, what fees are involved and there are advertisements from companies looking for ‘franchisees’ that you can peruse at your leisure. There’s even a section where you can ask questions and have them answered by someone working as a franchisee.
The section where the various companies are displayed is invaluable for beginners who are looking for more information before they commit. See which opportunites are suitable for your skills and which you think you would enjoy doing – life’s too short to be doing something you don’t enjoy. There’s everything from health and fitness companies to creative opportunites and working with children. There’s even some advice on how to fund your new venture, should you decide to go ahead.
If you’ve had a look and still aren’t sure, the case studies section of the website allows you read stories from real people who have taken the opportunity and have never looked back.
If you already have a business and are looking for franchisees, you can advertise on the site and generate interest. Try the event information for some other ideas on where to advertise.
Top Resources for Parents to Learn at Home
by adminIt can be tough getting back into work after the children have gotten older and you now have more time to rejoin the workplace. Companies seem to want more and more qualifications, even for the most mundane jobs and you might not want to go back to college if you’re a little older than the average school leaver. Distance learning may be the right solution for you if you want to update your CV, learn a new skill, or just find a good way to pass the time as well as expand your interests. It’s great when the kids are at school all day, or when they’re safely in bed at night – the perfect balance of family life and time to learn.
There are many resources available, depending on the type of course you would be interested in. The Open University has been around since 1969 and is still going strong. With their educational resources open to anyone with an internet connection, many of them free of charge, there is plenty to choose from as the OU have one of the largest research collections in the UK.
Kaplan.co.uk established a UK centre in 1993 and is one of the world’s leading providers of english as a second language courses. And that’s not all. Whether you want a qualification in finance or a qualification in law, there will be a distance learning course suitable for you. Kaplan have over 70 years of experience in Test Preperation and Admissions and provide private tutoring and admissions consulting services as well. Click here to visit Kaplan and see what they have to offer.
There are plenty of others that may appeal to the stay at home parent and a good search engine will open the world up for you. Do your homework, research your chosen course thoroughly and you won’t be disappointed.
Employment Options For Parents
by adminFinding work when you become a parent can be extremely difficult, especially if childcare is hard to come by. Young children not yet in school require hours of our time and attention and beyond this it can be very hard to leave them with someone else, even extended family.
Once children start attending nurseries and primary schools, some parents feel slightly more confident about seeking employment or returning to their pre-pregnancy roles. For a parent that needs to find a new job from scratch it can be extremely daunting to get back on the career ladder but government initiatives now help parents in need and there are some simple jobs you do on your own terms from home if you are struggling to fit in the normal 9-5 routine.
There are companies such as Body Shop, Virgin Vie or Avon (probably the most well known examples) that enable people to go out and sell their items for a commission, this has become an extremely popular way of making money during hours that suit you. Avon recently saw their first self-made millionaire so this can lead to extreme success if you want to really put the work in!
There is now a growing number of franchise opportunities for parents, usually aimed at mums who want to get involved with helping other children learn through arts and crafts. This is a popular example that sees mums setting up workshops that other parents can bring their children along too. These opportunities can be very simple or you can go into something really creative such as photography or ballet. These are things mums may have dreamed of making a career out of before parenthood and franchising makes this possible.
The outline of a business is ready made for you and you take a percentage of the earnings against working hours that suit you best.
Essentials For Newborns
by adminHaving a baby is exciting for any parent, but making sure you’re prepared for your baby’s arrival can be a daunting prospect. From bottles to bibs and babygros – the list is endless, but there are definitely some things that you cannot survive those first few weeks without.
Here’s a quick checklist of some of the absolute essentials for newborns.
• 8 babygros – a mix of both long and short sleeved.
• 8 sleepsuits – Make sure baby is comfy at night too and go for ones with zips for easy access.
• 5 pairs of stretchy trousers/leggings
• 2 newborn sized hats
• 8 pairs of socks or booties
• 2 pairs of scratch mittens – essential in the early weeks
• 2 cardigans or jackets (although you may need more if you have a winter baby)
• A snowsuit (or two) for a winter baby
• Baby friendly washing powder
• 4 dressing up outfits – for when you have relatives visiting
• 3 baby blankets – you’ll be surprised at how many you need!
• 8 muslin squares – very handy for when you are feeding
You’ll also need plenty of equipment for when you bring your baby home:
• Car seat – You can’t leave the hospital without one, so make sure you have one that’s suitable and fits well in your car before the baby is born.
• Pushchair – Once you’re up and about after the birth, chances are you’ll relish the chance to get out the house. You’ll find that a pushchair is one piece of equipment you can’t live without – not only does it carry baby but it carries an awful lot of other things too.
• Baby bath – Putting a newborn in a bath can be quite daunting, so investing in a baby bath can be a good idea. Baby will be secure and you can focus on getting them clean instead of worrying that your baby keeps wriggling out of reach.
How To Deal With Death In The Family
by adminA death in the family, particularly in close family, can be an extremely traumatic experience for all those involved, and especially for young family members. It should, however, be carefully discussed rather than avoided. Not talking about such a definitive alteration in family life can cause long term divisions and make communication about other issues more problematic. The most important thing following a death in the family is keeping the rest of the family bonded closely together, and aware that there is support and affection there to help them through such a tough time.
On a more practical level, following a death in the family there are various other considerations that adults have to make. Inheritance in the form of property or money may have been passed down; other family members may wish to discuss arrangements for a funeral or for young family members who were dependant on the deceased. Discussing these things with all adult family members involved is essentially, preferably face to face rather than over the phone, in order to avoid disagreements and arguments. The last thing a family needs in this kind of situation is division.
Following the death of a prominent family member who was close to you and to those who depend on you, you may have to reconsider your own lifestyle arrangements. Children may need additional care, or you may wish to rearrange your work commitments in order to spend more time with family members and dependants.
The Importance Of Car Seats For Babies
by adminIf you own a car and are planning on having a baby then a car seat is one of those things you can’t live without. Not only are all children under 135cm tall legally required to have one, but you can’t actually leave the hospital in a car unless that car is fitted with an appropriate car seat.
There are several different types and groups of car seat to choose from. Here’s a quick guide:
Group 0 rear facing car seats. These are designed for children weighing up to 10kg /22lb. Suitable from birth to 9 months old.
Group 0+ rear facing car seats. These are designed for children weighing up to 13kg /29lb. Suitable from birth to 15 months old.
Group 0+ & 1 rear facing or forward facing car seats. Suitable for children weighing up to 18kg /40lb, from birth up to 4 years old.
Group 1 forward facing car seats. Designed for children weighing 9 – 18kg /20-40lb. Suitable from 9 months to 4 years old.
Group 1 & 2 forward facing car seats. Designed for children weighing 9 – 25kg /20 – 55lb,Suitable for age 9 months to 6 years.
Group 2 forward facing car seats. Designed for children weighing 15 – 25kg /33 – 55lb. Suitable from 4 to 6 years old.
Group 1, 2 & 3 forward facing car seats. Designed for children weighing 9 – 36kg /20 – 79lb, from 9 months to 12 years old.
Group 2 & 3 booster seats. Designed for children weighing 15 – 36kg /48 – 79lb, suitable from 4 to 12 years old.
There are several systems that will allow you to buy safe baby car seats that should last several years. Newborns need more support and padding, especially in the neck and head area. The main thing to remember about choosing a car seat is that is should be safe. Make sure that it is fully secure and fits properly in your car before attempting a journey with your baby.
Dealing with Teens: Trust Issues
by adminA friend of mine was just talking about how she couldn’t trust her teenage boy anymore. This reminds me of how trust is a serious issue in parent-teen relationship. In this part, we are going to talk about trust itself and how trusting your teens can exactly be the best way to go. Let’s get started, shall we?
Instead of being suspicious and bossy all the time, you should really trust your teens and let them make their own decision. Have a sit-down and discuss the common terms you want them to understand before putting your trust completely. Believe me when I say that teens really appreciate trust; they fell like an adult and will start to appreciate your trust even more.
Since you and your teenager already discussed the ground rules, you don’t need to monitor your teens all the time anymore. Let’s say the rule allows you to call your teens every several hours, you can do that and check on your teens without making them feel they are being scrutinized. Don’t forget to also set a curfew that your teen must follow.
Rewards and punishments must also be set when setting the ground rules. If your teens break the rules, you can punish them accordingly. If you are the one who broke the rules – for example if you call more than a certain times a day – you must also receive a form of punishment. Again, this will create a sense of equality and will make your teens even more trustworthy.
Limiting Screen Time
by adminAre your kids spending too much time in front of the television or the computer? A lot of kids these days tend to spend countless hours – sometimes over 8 hours each day – playing computer or video games and watching movies and TV shows. This condition can surely cause some serious behavioral problems and you need to start dealing with the source. If you want to find out more about the best time to limit your kids’ screen time, this article will help you for sure.
The first step you should take right away if you want to limit your kids’ screen time is to remove the associated devices from your kids’ bedrooms. This includes TV, computer, and other similar devices. Instead of putting them in the bedroom, you should place these devices in the living room where you can easily maintain their usages.
The same rule applies to mobile devices, including portable gaming devices and cell phone, when it is near your kids’ bedtime. It might be difficult to enforce this particular new rule at first, but by being persistent you will be able to deal with the main source of the problem in no time. Your kids can have their mobile devices again in the morning.
Once you have executed the first two steps we just discussed, you need to find activities that can substitute the thrills of playing video games. Sports and other outdoor activities work best so make sure you look into available programs and options your kids would enjoy.