HEADLINES
By James Saunders
CAREERS INFORMATION ADVICE AND GUIDANCE (CEIAG)
As we dive deeper into the academic year, our focus shifts towards preparing our learners for the summer term. While summer often symbolises exams for C11s, it also presents an invaluable opportunity for our C10 learners to engage in work experience. At Honywood, we firmly believe in the importance of work experience in shaping the future of our learners, equipping them with essential skills, insights, and experiences that will serve them well in their academic and professional journeys. I often take any opportunity I get to share the many jobs I had prior to being a teacher. They are all a little eclectic, but all of them have contributed to the career I have today. I learnt about hierarchies and the importance of treating people with respect whilst working at a chicken factory alongside Kosovan refugees; I learnt about empathy and kindness when working at a mortuary; I learnt about physical endurance when working on a farm; I learnt about prejudice when working as the only male at a day nursery; and I met my wonderful wife whilst working at McDonalds. Prior to settling on education my career was quite varied.
Work experience offers learners a glimpse into the real world, providing them with a platform to apply theoretical knowledge gained within the classroom to practical scenarios. It bridges the gap between academia and industry, offering learners a first hand understanding of various professions, industries, and workplace dynamics. By immersing themselves in diverse work environments, learners can explore their interests, uncover hidden talents, and make informed decisions about their future career paths.
Furthermore, work experience cultivates a range of transferable skills that are crucial for success in both academic and professional settings. From communication and teamwork to problem-solving and time management, learners develop a multifaceted skill set that transcends the confines of the classroom.
These skills not only enhance their employability but also empower them to navigate the complexities of the modern world with resilience and adaptability.
Work experience fosters personal and professional growth, instilling in learners a sense of responsibility, independence, and self-confidence. As they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented in the workplace, learners learn to embrace uncertainty, overcome obstacles, and seize every opportunity for growth and development. These experiences not only shape their character but also lay the foundation for lifelong learning and success.
At Honywood, we are committed to providing our learners with meaningful work experience opportunities that align with their interests, aspirations, and ambitions. Through partnerships with local businesses, organisations, and community groups, learners undertake a diverse range of placements across various sectors, allowing learners to explore a multitude of career pathways.
As our learners plan their work experience journey this summer, we encourage them to approach this opportunity with an open mind, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn and grow. Whether it’s shadowing a professional, undertaking a project, or volunteering in the community, every experience offers valuable insights and lessons that will shape their future endeavours.
I would like to thank Mr Ramsay who has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure careers information advice and guidance is embedded across the school. Mr Ramsay has been working hard over the last couple of years to achieve the Quality in Careers Standard for the school. Part one of this process has completed and is well on the way to achieve the next stage.
The Quality in Careers Standard is the single national quality award for careers education, information,
advice and guidance (CEIAG) in secondary and special schools, colleges and work-based learning. As the country’s dedicated national quality award, the Quality in Careers Standard – through external assessment –uniquely accredits the four components of the CEIAG: Careers Education; Careers Information; Careers Advice; Careers Guidance.
Should anyone in the community be able to support our careers programme please do contact Mr Ramsay.
I wish you a lovely weekend
James Saunders
GENERAL MENTAL HEALTH ADVICE & SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES
This May Help https://thismayhelp.me/
This May Help is a website that has been created to support parents and carers with concerns about their child’s mental health. The subjects covered on this website have been chosen by families and young people who have gone through their own mental health challenges. What helped them may also help you.
Young Minds
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parentshelpline-and-webchat/
Call our Parents Helpline for detailed advice, emotional support and signposting about a child or young person up to the age of 25.
NHS Website
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-andyoung-adults/advice-for-parents/
The NHS website has information on many different
challenges faced by young people. Find advice and support for parents who have children or teenagers with mental health problems.
Anna Freud https://www.annafreud.org/parents-and-carers/ child-in-mind/
Anna Freud Centre produced a series of expert podcasts to help parents understand and manage child and family mental health problems. The series, Child in Mind, is presented by BBC Radio 4 presenter Claudia Hammond. In each 20-minute episode, she discusses an important issue in child and family mental health with an expert and a young person or parent.
SELF-HARM/ SUICIDE ADVISE & SUPPORT FOR PARENTS
Papyrus https://www.papyrus-uk.org/wp-content/ uploads/2020/08/Supporting-Your-Child-A-Guidefor-Parents.pdf
This guide has been created following discussions with parents who have experience of supporting a young person struggling with their mental health. The aim of this guide is to provide information and guidance and to help parents cope with a young person who is struggling with thoughts of suicide. To reassure them that they are not alone.
Oxford health https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2016/09/copy_of_coping-with-self-harmbrochure_final_copyright.pdf
This guide was developed from talking to parents and carers of young people and is aimed at helping parents, carers, other family members and friends cope when a young person is self-harming. It includes information on the nature and causes of self-harm, how to support a young person when facing this problem and what help is available.
SENDING TIME WITH YOUR TEEN ADVICE FOR PARENTS
Ministry of Parenting https://www.theministryofparenting.com/ wp-content/uploads/2019/12/10-Ways-toSpend-Quality-Time-With-Your-Teen-.pdf?_ ga=2.80853471.917799071.16763773861296894209.1676377386
It can be difficult to find ways to give teens positive attention. Now that they’ve outgrown a lot of
childhood activities, it may be more difficult to find family activities they’re interested in. Here are 10 ways to create quality time to spend with your teen, even if it’s just a few minutes each day.
EXAM STRESS ADVICE FOR PARENTS
Family Lives
http://www.familylives.org.uk/advice/teenagers/ school-learning/exam-stress
Exam time can be very stressful for everyone in the family as your teen may be feeling anxious and under pressure, this 8-minute read talks you through some ways parents can support.
LGBTQ+ ADVICE FOR PARENTS
All Sorts Youth
https://www.allsortsyouth.org.uk/what-we-do/faqfor-parents-carers
Allsorts Family Support Service emerged in 2013 in response to the need for parents/carers of children and young people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or exploring their sexual orientation and/ or gender identity (LGBT+), to connect and provide each other with support, community and friendship. They also have a FAQs for Parents/Carers to help advice and gain understanding and insight.
ASD & ADHD ADVICE FOR PARENTS
You Tube series by Oxford Health: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKw7kjGJdc XCiene7r3m8qYSN2T8Vxb1K
This animated series is for parents of neurodiverse children and young people. The experiences portrayed in the animations reflect the real-life experiences of children, young people and families who use the service. Real-life practical strategies are mentioned in an animated story format to help parents of children with ADHD or autism manage common experiences they face at home.
Autism Anglia: https://www.autism-anglia.org.uk
An independent charity that provides support to autistic children, adults and families in east Anglia.
SNAP www.snapcharity.org
A voluntary organisation based in Brentwood offering
support to parents and carers of children with any special need or disability
The Maze Group www.themazegroup.co.uk
Based in Ipswich this support group offers courses to help parents understand their child’s diagnosis and their additional needs
BEREAVEMENT ADVICE FOR PARENTS
Childhood bereavement network https://childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk/if-youneed-help-around-death/bereaved-children-andfamilies/resources-families
Resources that may help you or your family with a bereavement
Winstons Wish https://www.winstonswish.org/supporting-you/ supporting-a-bereaved-child/
Winston’s Wish offer a bereavement service by way of advice, guidance and bereavement support to children, young people, and families before and after the death of a parent, sibling or other important person. On their website you will find guidance on topics including, support for grief and loss.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
• Helping Your Anxious Child – Ronald Rapee
• Breaking Free from OCD: A CBT Guide for Young People and Their Families – Jo Derisley
• Parenting a Child with Emotional Behavioural Difficulties – Daniel Hughes
• Depression: A Teen’s Guide to Survive and Thrive – Jacqueline Toner & Claire Freeland
This competition is organised by the YoYo project at Farleigh Hospice, to decorate a giant bee as part of ‘Buzz in the City’ 2025. This summer giant bees, decorated by local artists, will be displayed as part of the ‘Buzz in the City’ art trail in Chelmsford town centre to help raise money for Farleigh Hospice. For more information please visit https://www.buzzinthecity.co.uk/
See your artwork come to life on a giant bee!
Exciting news! The Yo-Yo Project has a giant bee to decorate as part of Buzz in the City 2025 and we need your help!
This is an exciting opportunity to get your ideas buzzing for Farleigh! Join our swarm and create a design for the Yo-Yo Project bee, as part of Buzz in the City Art Trail 2025, to raise money for Farleigh hospice. Winners will be invited to paint their design onto our bee sculpture. You can bring your family and friends to see the Yo-Yo Project bee on the Buzz in the City art trail in Chelmsford city centre this coming summer.
We have attached a bee design template for you. Bee as colourful and creative as you like in your design.
When selecting the winning entries, we will be looking to pick the best elements of those designs that can collectively form part of the bee.
Winners will be invited to paint the bee in our summerhouse in the beautiful woodland garden at Farleigh Hospice, North Court Road, Chelmsford
The competition is open to children and young people who are past or present users of the Yo-Yo Project bereavement service and their siblings.
Please send your completed design to yoyoproject@farleighhospice.org or post to: Yo-Yo Buzz in the City, Farleigh Hospice, North Court Road, Chelmsford, CM1 7FH.
All entries must bee with us no later than Monday 31st March 2025. Looking forward to seeing your designs! The Yo-Yo Project Team.