New School Mum

From seasoned school-run mum to first-time school mums, Joanne Townsend shares her insights and advice for embracing the emotional transition.

Starting school is an exciting but nerve-racking time for children and parents. The first weeks of school are perhaps the largest and last milestones your child will encounter whilst still willing to hold your hand and they're ones to treasure, not be terrified by. The first term will whizz by and create more independent, smarter and confident children. It’s thrilling to see how quickly and dramatically they develop and change; they’ll suddenly have strong opinions, likes and dislikes, and hobbies. Their social network will explode and you’ll feel you need a class list with matching photographs to keep up with who’s friend of the week and all the birthday parties. Some schools do have class blogs where they post weekly highlights or an app that lets you comment on your child’s progress, so stay informed. There will be moments when you couldn’t be prouder as they get rewarded for good behaviour, helping others or producing great work. Speaking to other parents at drop-off and pick-up is a lifeline – a chance to make friends with people who feel as you do, who can laugh with you at the inevitable school-life mishaps and remind you of the various events and donation days you’ll almost forget – and also build your social network just as your child does. Throughout the year there are many exciting things, from school performances and sports day to parent’s evenings and hopefully a glowing report as you discover their academic strengths and weaknesses.

• Do read with your kids - Whilst pupils do read a lot in class, teachers often only have the time to do one-on-one reading with each child weekly to check progress and change books so it’s really important that your child reads with you at home regularly. You’ll be amazed at the progress they’ll make in that first term. • Prepare for the tiredness - Five days of full-time school is tiring for children, especially if they’re only used to a couple of days in pre-school. Be ready for some early nights and even cranky behaviour – especially in the first couple of weeks.

Teachers will happily talk to you if you have any concerns about your child. Often chatting at the school gates isn’t appropriate for long conversations so don’t be afraid to send an email or ask for a phone call home. • Label everything - It’s guaranteed that they will misplace an item (especially on PE days) so label everything – uniform, water bottles, coats, gloves, stationery… everything! • Keep up with emails and newsletters - You will have plenty to sign and read every week.

With spiralling costs and shortages, protecting uniforms has never been more necessary; and there’s no better way than wearing a well-made apron that is designed to endure the rigours of classroom life. The Wise Owl aprons are the perfect solution for keeping clothes clean while crafting and learning. They offer three fabrics – PVC, poly cotton and PU coated, three styles – bib aprons, tabards and smocks and several sizes including adults. Stocked are a variety of colours too, which ensures all your requirements are met. The aprons have securely attached cotton ties and you have the choice of having the halters and ties fixed or adjustable. The latter has a single-side release clip at the hip, which helps avoid costly knots and tangles. They also offer a less intrusive way of the children fixing their own aprons which is great for their independence. A bespoke service is offered to ensure customers have a product that meets their specifications. There is also a customisation service to place a school logo or child’s name on the garments as well. The aprons represent excellent value for money and are a great long-term investment for your school, group or family.

A great working relationship with great customer service, removing the stress of ordering quality items at competitive prices. This includes account facilities, free postage on orders over £150 and bulk discounts. Real value for money. The aprons are made in the U.K. to a high standard and from carefully chosen fabrics which are selected for their durability. They will protect uniforms for years to come. Ordering is quick, simple, and secure through our dedicated website. View and select products easily, pay via trusted card options, or simply send a purchase order and pay via a credit account. Order today and receive a 20% discount by using the code TT20 at checkout. This code can be used more than once and is valid until August 2022. Bulk discounts still apply and all other offers are excluded.

Opening September 2022

The Four Cs Multi Academy Trust is delighted to be opening two new schools in September 2022. Manor Drive Primary Academy will open to Reception children. It will also have a nursery for 3 and 4 year olds. The Academy will be a dynamic and innovative school which is built on traditional core values: high standards, innovative teaching and a strong emphasis on student wellbeing. The ethos focuses on enabling every student to make outstanding progress through the highest quality of teaching and learning. The unique and diverse curriculum will equip students with the skills, knowledge and values needed for a successful future. Manor Drive Secondary Academy will open for Year 7 only. It will create a learning environment that is not only stimulating and celebratory but also, most importantly, one that meets the needs of every young person in our care. There will be the opportunity to pursue a range of extra-curricular activities aimed at encouraging students to develop their interests and explore new ones, and all of this in a brand new, state of the art campus. It will actively seek to involve families and the local community to be part of the Academy’s everyday life. “Choosing a school for your Reception age child can be both exciting and daunting. At Manor Drive Primary Academy we understand the delicate balance between nurturing your child and challenging them as they start their journey through school.” Mrs R McCloskey, Headteacher, Manor Drive Primary Academy.

You can apply if your child was born between 1 September 2017 and 31 August 2018. The time to apply is between 10 September 2021 and 15 January 2022. To apply you must complete the application form on our website: www.manordriveprimary.org.uk

Parents with children in Year 6 can apply, they should be born between 1 September 2010 and 31 August 2011. You should apply between 10 September 2021 and 31 October 2021 To apply you must complete the application form on our website: www.manordrivesecondary.org.uk

“Manor Drive Secondary Academy will endeavour to fulfi l and exceed the expectations you have for your child. Whilst exam performance is important, I believe education is about so much more; we will develop character, emotional resilience and self-confi dence, as well as engendering a respect for cultural diversity.” Ms J Sludds, Headteacher, Manor Drive Secondary Academy.