Sophia's Diary Magazine - Autumn 2021 by Sophia's Diary

WHAT’S ON FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES IN NORTH LONDON

Autumn 2021

5 REASONS TO GET INTO FOSTER CARE BEAUTY

What is medical grade skincare?

EDUCATION

Closing the Learning Gap after Lockdown

VOUCHERS AND SPECIAL OFFERS

INSIDE! www.sophias-diary.com

Baby

HOW TO GET YOUR BABY SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT Autumn 2021 | 1

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From the editor Hello September, Hello Autumn and Hello to a New Term!

In this issue

This issue is a special one! The first after all restrictions have been lifted! What does this mean to me? The biggest thing is seeing my children back to school, and given full enrichment opportunities again! The school day is back to normal, they can play and socialise without restrictions, and they are back to the activities they love! They are happy to get back into this again after our summer of fun! We had an amazing holiday in Madeira, enjoyed a couple of weekend breaks, and spent time with the people we love, doing our favourite things. I appreciate this so much more now, and will never take normal life for granted again. As a business mum, I am so excited about seeing local

business get back to work as normal again, without restrictions. Please think about the impact of reduced capacity, buying extra equipment, staff changed, and adapting a venue! As a community, we have to support each other to sustain what we have.

FOOD Fresh Pasta

EDUCATION Closing the learning gap

MENTAL HEALTH #askliz

BEAUTY Everyday Skincare

BABY Tips for better sleeping!

FOSTERING 5 reasons to get into foster care

Let’s get back to doing the things we love, looking and feeling great, and helping each other as parents and a community! Things will only get better from now on!

Have lots of fun and spread the happiness, Your editor, Andrea xx ANDREA KRASE

Director Sophia’s Diary

@ contact@sophias-diary.com www.sophias-diary.com

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F O O D

Fresh Pasta

Ailsa O’Shea Chef @craftychefs

Pasta making is such a fun recipe to have a go with the kids and really easy to make. Pasta is probably one of the most favourite foods of kids so why not spend some time together making some! You don’t even need a fancy machine to roll it, all you need is a rolling pin. You can make pasta sheets for lasagne, and ravioli or make your own tagliatelle. Crafty Chefs would love to see your creations so please share on our social media pages... @CraftyChefsBarnet

•INGREDIENTS• 400g ‘00’ Flour 4 large eggs

PREP

COOKING

30 MIN

3 MIN

INSTRUCTIONS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Place the flour in a bowl. Make a well in the centre and crack the eggs into it. Beat the eggs with a fork until smooth. Using the tips of your fingers, mix the eggs with the flour, incorporating a little at a time, until everything is combined. Knead the pieces of dough together until you have a smooth lump of dough! Once you’ve made your dough you need to knead and work it with your hands to develop the gluten in the flour, squashing it into the table, reshaping it, pulling it, stretching it, squashing it again. Stop – when your pasta starts to feel smooth and silky. Then all you need to do is wrap it in cling film and leave to rest for at least half an hour before you use it. Make sure the cling film covers it well or it will dry out and go crusty round the edges. How to roll your pasta: If you haven’t got a pasta machine then use a Rolling pin. When it comes to rolling, it needs to be very thin. Roll lots of small pieces of pasta rather than a few big ones. Whether you’re rolling by hand or by machine you’ll need to know when to stop. If you’re making pasta like tagliatelle or lasagne you’ll need to roll the pasta down to between the thickness of a beer mat and a playing card; if you’re making a stuffed pasta like ravioli or tortellini, you’ll need to roll it down slightly thinner or to the point where you can clearly see your hand or lines of newsprint through it. Once you’ve rolled your pasta the way you want it, you need to shape or cut it straight away, don’t leave it more than a minute or two before cutting or shaping it. You can lay over a damp clean tea towel which will stop it from drying.

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E D U C AT I O N

Closing the Learning Gap By Martin Lavelle, Head Teacher at Southgate Secondary School

HOW DID THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK IMPACT ON YOUR SCHOOL? It is hard to overstate the impact that COVID had on all schools, including our own. I can hardly think of a single aspect of what we do that wasn’t, to some extent, adapted in response to the circumstances we found ourselves in. For Head teachers and our senior teams, managing an ever-changing situation was certainly challenging, a situation compounded by the fact that the DfE issued more than 200 pieces of guidance in the first 90 days of the pandemic starting from 18 March 2020, including a dozen days when the department issued at least five separate pieces of guidance! This was an almost unmanageable state of affairs, especially as much of the advice was contradictory, arrived at midnight or at weekends and was always likely to change. If 6 | Autumn 2021

senior leaders found it tough, so too did students, parents, teachers and support staff. Students and teachers had to adjust quickly to online learning which, and managed remarkably well. Many young people struggled with isolation and learning at home. Society is aware of the stress families operated under and, whilst I couldn’t be prouder of the work done by our Pastoral Team to support those students and families who were struggling, the mental health impact of lockdown was truly significant. WHAT HAVE STUDENTS MISSED OUT ON DUE TO LOCKDOWN AND COVID RELATED RESTRICTIONS? With Cavitation, an Ultrasound wave shakes the It may sound harsh, but we have tested all students since their return to school, with end of year exams and mocks as we would every year. This year it was arguably more important than ever

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that such tests took place because we needed to see where the gaps in student learning were. I’m not being complacent when I say that because of the remarkably high levels of engagement with online learning, student performance in these tests was actually most encouraging. It wasn’t just academically that student’s suffered; but social isolation, not seeing friends and not having normal conversations or interactions. Research into the social impact of lockdown and the pandemic has shown – perhaps unsurprisingly - a spike in the number of students with mental health problems. We saw this when students returned to school in September 2020 after the first lockdown, when there was a wonderful almost joyous atmosphere in school. The return in March 2021 after Lockdown 2, was different in the sheer volume of students in need of support. The adjustment to ‘normality’ took longer, and for some students will be ongoing, but support mechanisms are in place. The school once again has its usual buzz and vitality back. We were even treated to our first – wonderful - ‘live’ music performance by the 6th form Jazz band in July; the Duke of Edinburgh expeditions are back, students have been on various trips across the country. We are returning to the vibrant and extensive enrichment programme that we encourage students to engage in. WHAT ARE THE PRIORITIES FOR YOUR SCHOOL THIS YEAR? Fat is broken down in both procedures and As I write this (in early August) we are about to give Year 11 and 13 students their final grades. This has been a difficult time for students who have had to adjust to another initiative in response to the cancelling of public exams, and this year schools have had to evidence all grades awarded

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to students, thus removing the usual upward trajectory that we see for many students between their last set of mock exams and their final exams. Nonetheless, I believe that the outcomes are fair and accurate. The challenge is ongoing; exams in 2022 will not be the same because of the disruption students have endured. Schools are still awaiting for clarity as to what these exams, should they happen, will look like. We have a tight grip on internal data and will meet regularly to monitor academic progress, ready to intervene. We are fortunate as a school to have a counsellor on site as well as our Student Support Centre, with its Learning Mentors, and the Be Well zones where our young people know that they can go if they have a problem. We are looking forward to welcoming a new Year 7 intake, who sadly had to miss the usual transition day, but who have lots to look forward to. Their integration and the return to a consistent, regular school experience, are priorities. IS THERE ANY EXTRA SUPPORT THAT THE SCHOOL WOULD WELCOME? This is a lovely question Andrea! Maybe some readers of this article will be aware of the debate in many sections of the media about the English education system; the future of GCSEs and BTECs, the need to level up state and private school experiences and, somewhat bizarrely, should state schools teach students Latin..? Yet in truth, schools would simply welcome a year where they are not inundated with DfE bulletins, government policy initiatives or another lockdown. It is surely imperative that schools are able to give our young people stability, safety and hope for their futures.

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M E N TA L

H E A LT H

#ASKLIZ

Liz Sorton Lifecoach and Mentor for teenagers MHFA England Instructor Member (Youth) @YouthcoachLizSorton

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID? I have been a coach for teenagers and young adults, a workshop facilitator and now an Instructor Member of MHFA England delivering online youth mental health first aid training. I am trained in mental health first aid for the last 3 years, I use the skills and tools in my initial chats with parents and young clients, in my family and my own life too. I am excited to announce that I was granted an UnLtd award to deliver UnLtd supported places for 12 new mental health first aiders who work with children 8-18 in the N9 area of Bountagu, Edmonton. This is to support young people with their mental health by training the trusted adults they already know in their community in mental health first aid. If your organisation works in this area please get in touch as I am setting my course dates shortly? My email is hello@ youthcoachliz.com. • I am delivering a discounted online course in October which is also raising money for local charity Family Based Solutions to assist in my Instructor Member training sign off too. • If you work with children aged 8-18 or live or care for them and over 16, you can join us too. Completing the two day course (/in 4 sessions online) qualifies you as a Youth Mental Health First Aider. The course is delivered in four manageable chunks: - About mental health - Depression and anxiety - Suicide and psychosis - Selfharm and eating disorders. It focuses on issues faced by young people today, such as cyber bullying and substance misuse, and teaches how to promote protective factors and good parenting. Everyone who completes the course gets a Youth MHFA manual to refer to whenever they need it, and a certificate to say they are a Youth Mental Health First Aider.

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YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDERS HAVE: - In depth understanding of young people’s mental health and factors that affect wellbeing - Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues - Confidence to reassure and support a young person in distress - Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening - Knowledge to help a young person recover their health by guiding them to further support - Tools to look after your own mental wellbeing

SERVICES AVAILABLE One to one coaching for secondary school age students or KICKSTART work placements Tailored virtual workshops for staff INSET days, PTA group sessions, organisations and charities that work with groups of young people Online 2 Day MHFA England Youth mental health first aid training Email : hello@youthcoachliz.com

“The very things that hold you down are going to lift you up.” – Timothy Mouse, from Dumbo film

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Diddi dance classes are designed to engage and inspire children's own creativity by using action songs, dancing games, fun exercises, hoops and dance ribbons to our own original, funky pop songs. Classes are suitable for both boys & girls 18 months up.

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B E A U T Y

Everyday Skincare - What is best? OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) PRODUCTS VS MEDICAL GRADE PRODUCTS (MG) Most women have some knowledge of skin care products, and most know the basics of a skin care regime. However, what you may not know is, finding the right skincare, with products that are customised and tailored for your specific skin concerns and goals, is not as simple as walking onto the local high street and picking up a cleanser, toner and moisturiser from a local beauty counter or pharmacy. Nowadays, our skin is exposed to both internal and environmental stresses and pollutants. As mums and professionals, we are well used to being busy, with lack of sleep, and a few precious minutes in the day where you can actively take care of you and your skin. So, how do you know that the skincare you are spending your money on it actually worth it? How do you know that the products you have been encouraged to use, from glossy advertising campaigns using beauty industry buzzwords, are actually addressing your skin needs? The simple answer is, that you don’t. Over the counter products are developed and formulated by big beauty houses, designed with a limit product base that appeals to the masses. Usually priced from as little as £5, they are purse friendly, while also promising to deliver the holy grail of youthful, vibrant, wrinkle free skin. They have a creamy consistency, smell wonderful and come in beautiful packaging, tricking you into believing that the promises made on the bottle are true. To understand how these products can never deliver on their message, we need to look at the skin at a basic level. The upper layer of your skin, the part you see in the mirror every day, is actually dead skin. OTC skincare is manufactured in such a way that when you apply it topically, it does not have the power to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin where it is needed. It sits on top of the dead skin, and is shed with those skin cells before it can do any of the work it says it can.

Natasha Brennan Nurse Consultant @areteclinic

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Enter, Medical Grade Skincare. MG products have a unique delivery system which reaches the lower level and layers of the skin and tissue, aiding in cellular change. They contain prescriptive strength ingredients which target individual skin conditions, and the promises made are backed by scientific research and clean chemistry. The ingredients work on living tissue, giving tangible and long term results by getting to the root of the skin issues you may see in the mirror. You cannot buy medical grade skincare on the high street or in a local department store. The active ingredients in these products must be used under supervision of a skincare specialist, as most will contain Retinol, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic and Lactic/Salicylic Acids, in much greater and concentrated percentages that what is available over the counter. Although MG products are a little more expensive than OTC products, what you are getting in return is more bang for your buck ….and products that are tailored to your specific skin goals, that actually work.

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FOOTBALL HOLIDAY CAMPS AVAILABLE AT POWERLEAGUE ENFIELD The best football camps for 5-14 year olds. Full days of play, skills and fun!

Visit us online for more information 14 | Autumn 2021

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PARTY AT POWERLEAGUE!

Celebrate your special day with a football themed party! We have everything you need for the perfect day.

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Please contact club on 02038233277 and quote Sophia’s diary to receive a 10% discount* *Party booking must be booked by 1st January 2022.

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Autumn 2021 | 15

B A B Y

5 top tips

FOR NEW MUMS TO HELP THEIR LITTLE ONE TO SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT START A BEDTIME ROUTINE:

AVOID OVER-TIREDNESS

By 6 weeks it is worth having a bedtime routine in place. This can be quite short and simple, but the idea is to do the same steps in the same order every evening. This could be a bath, feed, story and lullaby followed by bed. It becomes rhythmic and helps cue your baby for a longer stretch of sleep. Be sure to complete the last stages of the routine in the room in which your baby will be sleeping and in low level lighting.

This is one of the biggest causes of sleepless nights. A well-rested baby will sleep far better than an overtired baby. Remember this phrase ‘Calmer days equal calmer nights’ so avoid busy shopping centres or parties because, even if he is asleep, he will be in a light sleep and aware of the outside stimulation. It is useful to understand your baby’s wakeful windows as this can make a big difference to how easily he will settle to sleep and how long he sleeps.

CREATE A SLEEP FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

DROWSY BUT AWAKE

This needs to be nice and dark, calm and quiet. Also try to keep the room temperature steady and comfortable. Blacking out natural light helps avoid confusing the body clock, and your baby wanting to wake with the daylight. If you do need some light, use a low wattage night light, preferably amber colour which is more conductive to sleep. White noise can help to drown out a noisy street or household.

From 6-8 weeks, practice putting your baby down when he is ready for sleep but still awake. Some call this ‘drowsy but awake’. Just practice to begin with and help him along to sleep if need be but from 4+ months you can give him a little more chance to settle before rescuing him. It takes time to master the skill of selfsettling but this gentle practice will help to develop it.

SLEEP SPACE When your baby wakes, or while she is trying to settle to sleep, try picking her up to calm her and then placing her back down awake, and repeating this a few times to help her become aware of her sleep space. Try to soothe her in the crib as well. We want her to feel safe there and to know that you are close by. 16 | Autumn 2021

Sammy Therapist @sammysleepnanny

sam@sammysleepnanny.com www.sammysleepnanny.com

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C A R E

5 REASONS TO GET INTO FOSTER CARE IN 2021 As summer comes to end and the kids are going back to school, it’s important to remember the children that may not have had an easy summer holiday. There are many children for whom school is a safe space. You could help provide them with longer term stability and compassion that will allow them to thrive. A lot has changed over the last year, so here are just some of the reasons to give it a go.

WORK FROM HOME Becoming a Foster Carer is so much more than just a job, but it’s important to consider the professional side of getting involved. While it is possible to carry on working outside of fostering, we also have many full-time carers. With COVID-19 highlighting the advantages of home working, such as time and money saved and a healthy work-life balance. Fostering allows you to reap these benefits whilst making a difference.

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ACCESS TO A DIVERSE SUPPORT NETWORK OF FELLOW CARERS As a Foster Carer with Enfield Council, you certainly won’t be alone. You’ll be supported every step of the way by our team of social workers and other members of the children’s service. You’ll be part of a large community of foster carers within Enfield and neighbouring boroughs. You won’t just have a child joining your family, you’ll be joining our foster care family.

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SHAPE A CHILD’S FUTURE AS WELL AS YOUR OWN Every child you care for will be different. They will come to you with their own range of challenges that you will help them tackle. There is also scope for further career development into a wide range of areas related to children’s services and fostering such as recruitment.

EXPAND YOUR FAMILY Welcoming a child into your home will not just have a positive impact on yourself, but on every member of your household. We often see that other members of a carer’s family get a lot out of the fostering experience. If you have sons and daughters, they’ll play their part in making the new child feel at home.

VARIETY AND FLEXIBLE FOSTERING OPTIONS Traditional long-term fostering is perfect if you’re looking for continuous placements with children from a wide range of backgrounds needing stability. However, placements through respite or short-term fostering allow you to get into fostering and provide vital support to parents or long-term foster carers. There are also unique options such as Parent and Child fostering, where you can foster a young parent and their new child.

If this has made you want to foster, get in touch with our team today by emailing us at fostering.enfield.gov.uk, calling 020 8379 2831 or visiting our website https://new.enfield.gov.uk/fosteringandpermanence/fostering/

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