Blissability

7th December 2021Natalie Jewitt

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Blissability are working with South Tyneside Council to deliver the Holidays and Activities Fund Programme and to bring you the Winter Holiday Club. Free places are available for children and young people aged between 5-16 (parents must stay with the children under the age of 8) who are eligible for benefit-related free school meals or in financial hardship. A place must be booked prior to attending.  The activities are being delivered at Chuter Ede Community Association, Galsworthy Road, South Shields and are from 18th – 23rd December. All sessions are 10.00 – 3.00 pm, a free packed lunch will be provided. Activities offered are various sports, arts & crafts and board games.  Please don’t show up without booking!

Please contact Angela Dunn on 0191 4271666 to book a place or email [email protected]

 

 

Packed Lunches

23rd July 2021Natalie Jewitt
Packed-Lunch-LeafletDownload

    Introduction

    As part of our goal towards the Healthy Schools Award and to grow and stay healthy children need to eat a nutritionally well balanced diet. Schools are an influential setting and can contribute significantly to improving the health and well-being of pupils. Good nutrition in childhood can help to prevent a variety of health problems, both in the short term and later in life. There is increasing concern that many children are consuming too much fat, sugar and salt and too little fibre, fruit and vegetables. Packed lunches can contribute to almost a third of a child’s weekly food intake and therefore need to be balanced and nutritious. 

    Evidence strongly suggests that an unhealthy diet contributes to poor concentration, energy levels and can have an impact on their behaviour, subsequently, impacting upon their academic performance.

    Aim

     To ensure that packed lunches (brought in from home) reflect the new standards for school meals.

     Rationale:

    “In England, most people are overweight or obese. This includes 61.9% of adults and 28% of children aged between 2 and 15. People who are overweight have a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Excess weight can also make it more difficult for people to find and keep work, and it can affect self-esteem and mental health”(www.Gov.uk)

     ∙ Schools are required to positively promote the health and well-being of its pupils. Work around healthy eating is a high priority. 

    ∙ The content of lunchboxes needs to reflect the requirement of schools to meet minimum food and nutrition standards for school meals.

     ∙ The contents of lunchboxes in some schools can be extremely unhealthy, recent audits of lunchboxes have shown that in the main they contain foods with high levels of fat, sugar and salt, and very few fruit and vegetables. 

    ∙ To encourage healthy eating habits from an early age and improve the overall nutrition of pupils.

    ∙ The short term effects of unhealthy packed lunches and food intake can include poor growth, tooth decay, obesity, anaemia, constipation, poor concentration and behavioural problems which may have an impact on a child’s learning.

     ∙ The longer term effects of a poor diet in childhood can be an increased risk of stroke, cancer, heart disease and diabetes in adulthood. 

    Objectives 

    • To improve the nutritional quality of packed lunches in schools and the eating habits of children at lunchtimes.
    • To develop an awareness in pupils, parents, staff and the wider community that the school takes a pro-active approach to promoting healthy eating.
    • To encourage healthy eating habits in childhood that can influence health and well-being in later life. 
    • To ensure that food brought into school (packed lunches) reflects and meets NHS guidelines.

    Implementation 

    This packed lunch policy fits within a wider context of promoting a whole school approach to food and healthy eating. 

    National guidance

    The policy was drawn up using a range of national documents including information from the Government website, Public Health England and the Caroline Walker Trust.

    “Tackling obesity is one of the greatest long-term health challenges currently faced in England. Around two-thirds (63%) of adults are above a healthy weight, and of these half are living with obesity. In England 1 in 3 children leaving primary school are overweight or living with obesity with 1 in 5 living with obesity” (Public Health England)

    Food and drink in packed lunches

    • The school will provide facilities for pupils bringing in packed lunches and ensure that free, fresh drinking water is readily available at all times.
    • The school will work with the pupils to provide appropriate dining room arrangements.
    • The school will work with parents and carers to ensure that packed lunches abide by the standards listed below.
    • As fridge space is not available in school, pupils are advised to bring packed lunches in insulated bags with freezer blocks where possible to stop the food going off during warmer weather.
    • The school will provide storage area / facilities for packed lunch bags, in the most convenient and appropriate place possible. However the school cannot provide cooled storage areas and therefore cannot take legal responsibility for foods prepared at home and then brought into school.

    Packed lunches can include:

    • At least one portion of fruit and vegetables every day. For example sticks of raw vegetables, a piece of fruit or salad
    • Meat, fish and other sources of non-dairy protein (i.e lentils, chickpeas, falafel, hummus) everyday
    • A starchy food such as any type of bread, pasta, rice, couscous, or potatoes. For example a sandwich made with only 2 slices of bread, or 1 sandwich thin, or 1 wrap everyday.
    • Dairy food such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, eggs, fromage frais or custard everyday.
    • May include one small healthy dessert which can be 1 yoghurt pot, 1 sugar free jelly pot, 1 mini 1 small plain muffin or fruit salad everyday
    • May include; one standard size packet of crisps or baked cheese snacks no bigger than 32g every other day. A healthy alternative could be plain popcorn or rice cakes
    • Drink of water (preferable) or a small carton of 100% fruit juice or milk or sugar free diluted juice
    • Children have access to plain water within their drinking bottle throughout the school day

    (For portion sizes please see Appendix 1)

    Packed lunches CAN NOT include:

    • Nuts – including peanut butter or Nutella – Due to life threatening risk to any child or member of staff with allergies
    • Confectionary- such as chocolate bars or sweets (i.e haribo) high sugary snacks such as doughnuts, or chocolate biscuits of any kind
    • No chocolate products allowed including chocolate yoghurts, mousse or breakfast bars 
    • Takeaways or fast food i.e. McDonalds, KFC, Dickson’s, Saveloy dips, Pastries, takeaway pizza, chips or kebabs
    • Fizzy pop or carbonated drinks
    • Water bottles used throughout the school day cannot contain anything other than plain water.

    Waste and restricted items

    The school will, within reason, send any uneaten packed lunch food items back home. The rationale for this is that parents can also monitor what their child has consumed during the day and then raise any concerns over their child’s food intake with the school. This includes items placed in packed lunches which are prohibited. Parents/carers will be notified if an item as listed above is included in their child’s packed lunch which is prohibited.

    Special diets and allergies

    The school recognises that some pupils may require special diets which do not follow the standards exactly. In this case parents/carers are urged to be responsible to ensure that packed lunches are as healthy as possible. For these reasons pupils are not permitted to swap food items.

    Any special requirements regarding your child’s packed lunch due to health or medical reasons can be discussed with school staff and where appropriate advice and guidance is sought from the School Nurse.

    School are able to advise parents of those children who are fussy eaters and we will liaise with parents and professionals to provide support where possible.

    Promotion of Healthy Packed Lunches

     There will be ongoing promotion of the need to provide healthy packed lunches through: 

    • School newsletters (and school website) 
    • School prospectus  
    • Packed Lunch Policy/  Healthy School  Week / healthy eating activities  with curriculum content
    • PHSE lessons 
    • Parents evenings & consultations
    • Discussion through NHS School Nurse and South Tyneside Council “Healthy Schools Programme”
    • Reward schemes 
    • Workshops for parents 

    Lastly we would like to remind parents that we discourage bringing sweet treats and unhealthy foods onto the school premises at any time. We would like parents to encourage healthy snacks outlined in the packed lunch policy or if it is to reward positive behaviour we suggest alternatives such as a trip to the park or beach.

    Resources

    https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/recipes/healthier-lunchboxes

    https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/healthy-weight-children-advice-for-parents

    https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/food-facts/sugar/sugar-swaps-for-kids#school-day-swaps

    https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/food-facts

    https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals

    www.cwt-chew.org.uk ‘‘Eating well for 5-11 year olds – a practical guide’, Caroline Walker Trust 2010

    https://www.gov.uk/school-meals-healthy-eating-standards

    World Mental Health Day 10th October 2020

    9th October 2020Natalie Jewitt

    Saturday 10th October 2020 is World Mental Health Day

    This Year has been especially tough for us all, with months of lockdown having a huge impact on our mental health and wellbeing.

    We know it’s been difficult for our Ashley Primary School community during this period, however we have experienced great support, resilient pupils and a community spirit. 

    We have attached some links to websites to support yourself and your child.  If you need further advice or support, please contact our Child and Family Welfare Officer, Julie Graham, who will signpost you to the support you may need.

    The Anna Freud website has an excellent Early Years A-Z guide of common difficulties, from separation anxiety, sleep problems and tantrums.

    Anna Freud – Resources

    Anna Freud – Common Difficulties in the Early Years 

    Mental Health First Aiders – England

    If you need urgent help talk to someone you trust or contact;

    Initial Response Team
    South Tyneside District Hospital
    Harton Lane
    South Shields

    Phone: 0303 123 1145

    Or

    Samaritans Phone 116 123

    Samaritans Link

    Online Training Videos for Parents

    30th June 2020Natalie Jewitt

    If, like me, you are finding the whole idea of managing online gaming with your child a real challenge these videos may well help:

    This page has been created to support parents during Covid-19 and the closure of schools. Each fortnight, we will be releasing a new presentation for parents and carers to help with online safety at home.

    Physical Activity Videos from the Health Development Team

    12th June 2020Natalie Jewitt

    Virtual Offer – Videos

     

    Please note – It’s always a good idea to clear any exercises with your doctor before you begin a new regime, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition.

     

    50+ and Health Conditions

     

    1. https://www.generationgames.org.uk 

     

    Home exercise by Generation Games is a series of easy to follow workouts. A variety of gentler chair based exercise to more difficult workouts. These include standing, chair and Tai Chi workouts. 

     

    1. https://10today.co.uk/tune-in/

     

    These exercise videos are really good, however please be aware that are a few exercises which require you to life your arms above your head. The real positive about 10 today is they not only have a YouTube channel but also a radio station. 

     

    1. https://www.youtube.com/user/MoveitorloseitUK

     

    A series of videos designed for older people, most are chair based exercises using small weights and bands. 

     

    1. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=go4life

     

    The Go4Life exercise videos are good videos for our fitter elders, with routines ranging from 15 minutes to 1 hour. 

     

    1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0zw0JfWDyk&list=PL1nPWkBqDOas6PtC9jQfdNuzpXoaeL-yZ 

     

    Smart Moves has videos on warm up’s as well as cardiovascular, strength and core training. A lot of the exercises on here you might well see in a Health Development team session.

     

    1. https://youtu.be/W5ajl1kRHhM

     

    Designed to be ‘just enough’ for those at home who are looking for a low intensity exercise program which is practical for most all levels fitness. A great option for beginning a weight loss program as well as for senior fitness, Getting Started removes the barrier to entry. Trouble with balance? Look for the chair based episodes.

     

    1. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/activity/7-exercises-you-can-do-when-stuck-at-home?utm_campaign=1368596_HeartMatters_enewsletter_HCP1_April2020_1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=British%20Heart%20Foundation%20%28BHF%29%20&mi_u=8-15480703

     

    A round-up of strength, chair-based, cardio and yoga exercises that can be done anywhere from your living room to your garden. Whether you are self-isolating, shielding or following the current advice to stay at home, it’s important to keep moving. Staying active can help boost your immune system and manage symptoms of heart and circulatory disease so you can still carry on with daily life. It’s also a good way to boost your mood and make yourself feel better. 

     

    1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWRl2D_vb8g

     

    Simple exercises to help with strength and flexibility. 10 exercises you can do in the comfort of your home with no special equipment needed.

     

    Working from Home

     

    StretchWell is a quick and easy routine of desk exercises following an instructed video. The videos are a combination of stretches and mobility movements that encourages you to mobilise the body after long periods of time sitting at your desk. There are different videos for different sections of the body which can be done any time of the day. Developed by South Tees Public Health

     

    1. STRETCHWELL – POSTURE 4 – Desk stretches and mobility

     

    Stretchwell is an amazing new initiative to encourage office staff to move around, mobilise their bodies and stretch their aches away. Utilizing good techniques and a routine of easy achievable mid-body stretches and movements, participants feel the benefits of Stretchwell straight away!

     

    1. STRETCHWELL – UPPER BODY 4 – Desk stretches and mobility

     

    Stretchwell is an amazing new initiative to encourage office staff to move around, mobilise their bodies and stretch their aches away. Utilizing good techniques and a routine of easy achievable upper body stretches and movements, participants feel the benefits of Stretchwell straight away!

            

    1. STRETCHWELL – LOWER BODY 4 – Desk Stretches and Mobility

     

    Stretchwell is an amazing new initiative to encourage office staff to move around, mobilise their bodies and stretch their aches away. Utilizing good techniques and a routine of easy achievable lower body stretches and movements, participants feel the benefits of Stretchwell straight away!

     

    1. Desk stretches and mobility 2 – Posture 2

     

    Stretchwell is an amazing new initiative to encourage office staff to move around, mobilise their bodies and stretch their aches away. Utilizing good techniques and a routine of easy achievable mid-body stretches and movements, participants feel the benefits of Stretchwell straight away!

     

    1. Desk stretches and mobility 2 – Posture 3

     

    Stretchwell is an amazing new initiative to encourage office staff to move around, mobilise their bodies and stretch their aches away. Utilizing good techniques and a routine of easy achievable mid-body stretches and movements, participants feel the benefits of Stretchwell straight away!

     

    1. Desk stretches and mobility 4 – Lower body 2

     

    Stretchwell is an amazing new initiative to encourage office staff to move around, mobilise their bodies and stretch their aches away. Utilizing good techniques and a routine of easy achievable lower body stretches and movements, participants feel the benefits of Stretchwell straight away!

     

    1. Desk stretches and mobility 4 – Lower body 3

     

    Stretchwell is an amazing new initiative to encourage office staff to move around, mobilise their bodies and stretch their aches away. Utilizing good techniques and a routine of easy achievable lower body stretches and movements, participants feel the benefits of Stretchwell straight away!

     

    1. Desk stretches and mobility 3 – Upper Body 3

     

    Stretchwell is an amazing new initiative to encourage office staff to move around, mobilise their bodies and stretch their aches away. Utilizing good techniques and a routine of easy achievable upper body stretches and movements, participants feel the benefits of Stretchwell straight away!

     

    1. Desk stretches and mobility 3 – Upper Body 2

     

    Stretchwell is an amazing new initiative to encourage office staff to move around, mobilise their bodies and stretch their aches away. Utilizing good techniques and a routine of easy achievable upper body stretches and movements, participants feel the benefits of Stretchwell straight away!

     

    General Public

     

    1. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBINFWq52ShSgUFEoynfSwg

     

    Free access to over 500 workouts from celebrity trainers and fitness experts across strength, cardio, dance and yoga. They have made Active by POPSUGAR, a paid monthly subscription app with hundreds of workouts, free for a limited time!

     

    1. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAxW1XT0iEJo0TYlRfn6rYQ

     

    The Body Coach TV is where Joe Wicks posts free weekly home workouts to help you get, stronger, healthier and happier. Sessions for children and older adults on here as well.

     

    1. https://www.doyogawithme.com/yoga-classes?page=8

     

    Do Yoga With Me is a website that offers all different types of Yoga video for all levels. Currently this is free for 2 months.

     

    1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sSNLz1oNMY    

     

    Work outs designed with older adults in mind, but good for everyone! All the sessions are at your own pace and are good for beginners and those more experienced alike.

     

    Family and Children

     

    1. Cosmic Kids Yoga

     

    Yoga, mindfulness and relaxation designed specifically for kids aged 3+. Interactive adventures which build strength, balance and confidence – and get kids into yoga and mindfulness early!

     

    1. Kids Beginners Workout | The Body Coach

     

    Super fun kids workout that’s quick and easy. Loads of fun moves that can be done in your own home. Try it with your whole family!

     

    1. https://www.thisgirlcan.co.uk/activities/disney-workouts/

     

    This Girl Can is all about celebrating women getting active, no matter how they like to do it.  Partnering with Disney and real families across England, they have captured some of the ways mums and kids get moving to the songs they love.  You can learn their moves or put your own spin on their routines.  At the end of the day, it’s about breaking a sweat while having a bit of fun.

     

    Slower Pace Workouts for Older Adults / Beginners

     

    1. https://go4life.nia.nih.gov/workout-videos/ 

    Learn how exercise helps with healthy ageing, and how to stay active over time with a great variety of fun and exciting workouts which will get your heart pumping and increase your breathing.    Choose from motivating aerobic, to strength workouts, and don’t forget to add some balance and flexibility exercises into your routine.   Exercise and physical activity are not only great for you mental and physical health, but they can help keep you independent.   

    Follow the advice on the website before taking part in the online classes.

     

    1. https://generationgames.org.uk/

    A set of simple set of exercise videos designed with older people and beginners in mind.   These exercises will improve your fitness, strengthen your muscles and improve your balance.   The exercises have been carefully selected as they are easy, fun and suitable for everyone, whatever ability and fitness level. 

     There are very few medical problems which make exercise unadvisable, if you are concerned about this, please talk to your GP or explore the Generation Games website.

     

    1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkDlpZ3Musw

    This 60 minute sample home video from the National Institute on Ageing has been designed with seniors in mind.   The video includes excellent instructions on how to adapt the exercises to meet your needs.  The workout will help to improve your fitness, balance and muscle strength.   Listen to your body, do what you are able to, and enjoy the workout.

    You will need some equipment for this workout, a sturdy chair with arms; two equally weighed objects like dumbbells, soup cans, or water bottles; two tennis balls; a mat; and a towel.

    1. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=we+love+to+dance   

    There are a wide selection of ‘We love to dance’ workouts choreographed to the best hits of the 80s available on YouTube.   Each workout is fun and exhilarating, and helps improve the sense of wellbeing, however some of the workouts are faster paced, so choose a track that is suitable for you.

    Dancing isn’t just fun, it’s also really good for your health, so if you’re feeling inspired and want to learn a new skill, dancing could be a great form of exercise for you. 

    1. https://www.doyogawithme.com/yoga-classes?page=8

    A great range of yoga workouts for beginners right though to advanced yogis.   Yoga is an ancient form of exercise designed to build strength and flexibility while moving in time with the breath.  With the focus on relaxation, breathing and slow gentle movements, yoga can help reduce stress, tension and anxiety, and encourage relaxation, and a sense of wellbeing.   

     Some of the poses are performed on the floor, some in a standing position, so choose a workout that is best for you, listen to your body, and the excellent advice given by the instructor.

    You will need a blanket and some blocks for the sessions, but you could use a rolled up towel or blanket if you don’t have blocks.

    1. https://10today.co.uk/tune-in/

    A series of 10 minutes of simple, easy to follow, physical activity routines to get you moving and stretching, with good advice and encouragement offered throughout.   These workouts are great for your health, balance, and building your strength, and can be done either sitting down or standing up.  You are encouraged to work at your own pace, and there are different exercise options offered, depending on your fitness level.   

     

    1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAwbJ9MO91I   – Tai Chi Qigong, Shibashi, set 1

    This simple to follow, gentle exercise routine is deeply relaxing and will help to improve health and wellbeing. The gentle rocking motions and stretching movements improve circulation and digestion, the chest exercises and controlled breathing are good for the lungs, and the overall effect helps reduce mental stress and physical tension carried in the muscles.  Concentrate on breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. 

    Shibashi is easy to learn, effective, and suitable for people of all ages as it doesn’t put too much stress on the muscles and joints, and it can be practiced either sitting or standing.    Find somewhere quiet and peaceful to practice, outdoors is great if the weather is nice.

     

    1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOENwWg3e2M&t=643s   – Tai Chi Qigong, set 2

    As with the first set, this simple to follow, gentle exercise routine is deeply relaxing, and will help to improve health and wellbeing, reduce mental stress and any physical tension felt in the muscles.    Set 2 is a little more physically challenging than set 1, and is a great way to expand on the first set of Shibashi.  It’s a good idea to practice and master a few of the movements before moving on and practicing more of the moves.   Try to move in a slow and controlled manner, as recommended, it will help improve your balance more effectively, and also concentrate on breathing, in through the nose, and out through the mouth.    Find somewhere quiet and peaceful to practice, outdoors is great if the weather is nice.

    1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GS1CWDIkYU

    This is an easy paced, fun, chair-based yoga workout suitable for all ages and abilities, and is simple to follow.   The instructor is friendly, and motivating, she demonstrates the moves really well, though she doesn’t offer alternative options, and the range of movement for some of the lower body exercises may be a little challenging, so it’s important just to do what you’re able to, and reduce the range if need be.   A variety of workouts on YouTube, delivered by the same instructor, and accompanied by great music tracks, so give them a try.