Tag: Children and Families

Ten tips to help your kids get the most out of exam revision

With exams well under way, millions of young people across the UK are hitting the books to brush up on their knowledge before they head into the exam hall.

But for many, who after months of home learning will be facing their first formal exams since lockdown, exam season already seems like a daunting prospect. 

But, revision doesn’t have to be scary, and to prove it virtual learning experts Minerva’s Virtual Academy have shared some of their top tips for staying focused and getting the most out of your revision.

Tidy space, tidy mind

We’re big believers in the clear desk, clear mind philosophy here at Minerva. Revision can feel like a big task and trying to work amongst lots of clutter can make things feel overwhelming. After all, you don’t want to be rummaging through stacks of science notes when you’re trying to revise Shakespeare!

A quick tidy of your workspace and gathering all of the relevant notes can be a nice way to get yourself into the revision mindset and make sure you’re focused on the task at hand.

Priorities

We’ve all got subjects that we feel more comfortable tackling and often, those are the ones we enjoy the most.  To use your revision time effectively, you should think about the subjects you’re less up to speed on and make those your priority.

Giving yourself the time to get to grips with the things you find tricky will pay dividends in the exam hall and make you feel much more confident from the offset.

Divide and conquer

It’s easy to panic and try and revise everything all at once but that’s not the best way to get your mind working at its best. Breaking your revision down into smaller chunks, whether that’s by subject or individual topic will make things much easier to navigate and also will make it easier to identify the topics that you could do with a little more help on.

You’ll likely find that you’re able to take in more information this way too as you won’t be bombarding your brain with lots of information in one go.

Timing is everything

Much like breaking your revision into chunks, the same goes for your time. Long stints of revision might seem to be the best way to cram in all that information, but it’s really not the most effective way to learn, plus it can also be boring!

Dividing your revision time into smaller 10 or 15 minute bursts will keep you engaged, stop your mind wandering and will make things feel much more manageable.

Switch off the social

We’re all guilty of getting distracted with a quick scroll through our social feeds but before you know it you can waste a huge amount of time that could have been spent getting some revision in.

Try using your ‘Do Not Disturb’ or ‘Focus’ function while you’re revising to make sure you aren’t being distracted by constant notifications or even, just switch your phone off during your revision to make sure you can really focus. 

Take a break

Revision can be mentally tiring, so it’s important to give yourself regular breaks to recharge. Step away from your workspace and try taking a walk to get some fresh air, doing some exercise or watching an episode of your favourite TV show.

Revision can feel monotonous so breaking it up to do things you enjoy will make it much easier to manage. Remember, exams are important but you still need to have a life so don’t be afraid to have a day off if you need it! 

Use your teachers

Your teachers want you to do well and they’re there to help so if there’s anything you’re not sure of, don’t be afraid to ask. Sometimes if you’re struggling with a topic, it can be as simple as someone explaining it in a slightly different way – a new perspective can really help you to get your head around things and after all, that’s what teachers are there for. 

Don’t leave it to the last minute

Sticking your head in the sand and avoiding your revision until the very last minute is a surefire way to amp up your anxiety on the way into the exam hall. Make a plan and spread your revision out in the days or weeks leading up to your exam.

You’ll learn far more this way than trying to pull an all-nighter the night before and you’ll go into it feeling a lot more prepared. 

Write it down

We’re used to doing everything through a screen (after all, we’re virtual learning experts!) but going back to basics and writing your notes with a pen and paper can be a great way to help things stick in your mind.

Also try to keep your notes as short and snappy as possible – think flash cards, minimal information, maximum impact. 

Get creative

Sometimes it’s the weird things that are most likely to stay front of mind so thinking of quirky ways to remember things can be a great way to jog your memory.

Think funny acronyms, songs, even raps – it sounds silly but you’re more likely to remember a rap about Henry VIII’s wives than a whole page from a textbook!

For more tips and tricks or to find out more about Minerva’s Virtual Academy, visit:

www.minervavirtual.com

Conifox enlists Living History Scotland to deliver a right Royal experience 

FIT FOR A QUEEN: Platinum Jubilee weekend will see the Adventure Park transform into the Kingdom of Conifox 

Conifox Adventure Park are calling all Knights and Princesses to join them for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations, where they will be able to enjoy a fun and interactive trail for all the family.  

Guests will be able to meet the Queen and rescue her husband the King as well as enjoy meeting other characters, including the Evil Knight and the King’s wacky jester! Children can also learn about life as a knight, handle authentic swords and even try on some armour. 

The family run business has enlisted the support of Ayrshire based company, Living History Scotland Ltd. that specialise in authentic costumed interpretation and re-enactments to deliver this once in a lifetime experience, which will take place on the Jubilee weekend (3rd – 5th June 2022) running across 2 sessions (morning; 09.30 – 13.00 and afternoon; 13.30 – 17.00). 

As well as meeting the Queen and her Lady-in-Waiting who will tell visitors about life in the Kingdom of Conifox, guests to the park over the Jubilee weekend will also be able to join in with Knight School as the Queen’s Guard teaches them about being a knight and introduces them to their weapons and armour.

Children and adults alike will also be able to venture into the maze and follow the trail of shields to find the King. The King’s Jester will be waiting in the maze and will have plenty of clues and wacky entertainment to help you on your way but remember, beware of the Evil Knight! 

James Gammell, Managing Director of Conifox Adventure Park, says: “Kirkliston was the location of the first recorded parliament in Scottish history; the Estates of Scotland met there in 1235, during the reign of Alexander the Second so we have some pretty important royal connections here.  

“The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is a really important occasion, and through teaming up with Living History Scotland we are able to deliver an immersive experience that will educate and entertain all of our visitors over the weekend.” 

This is a completely outdoor, all-weather event. Normal outdoor Adventure Park entry terms and conditions apply, and refunds or exchanges cannot be issued. Tickets for the Indoor Activity Centre must be purchased separately. 

Tickets to Kingdom of Conifox include access to the Adventure Park and cost £14 for children 2 and over, £6 for children 12-24 months and £6.50 for accompanying adults. Children younger than 12 months go free. 

To find out more visit www.conifox.co.uk/whats-on and/or Conifox Adventure Park’s dedicated Facebook page 

Speech and Language support at local Bookbug sessions

Muirhouse Library staff are delighted to welcome some of the team from Speech & Language Therapy to our Bookbug session at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre this coming Tuesday.

They’ll be around afterwards for an informal chat, should you want to discuss anything with them – and on the last Tuesday of the month thereafter.

Community lunch and local conversation in Muirhouse

FRIDAY 3 JUNE from 11.30 – 4pm

The Old Kirk & Muirhouse Parish Church, Pennywell Gardens

You are invited to this daytime event on Friday 3rd June, where we will host fun workshops to find out what you want for your local area.

Lunch is provided free of charge and there will be activities on offer to keep the kids occupied!

Pre-booking is required – click the link below or call Cara 07701 380928

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/muirhouse-community…

Open All Hours at Drumbrae Leisure Centre

Open all hours at Drumbrae Leisure Centre is also open to P7s this term.

You can sign using our new bookings form in advance or you can sign up your child on the night.

Session are free , and now its a one time sign up each term. There are 5 weeks left – (they will be off on the 3rd June.)

Kids return to lessons with a splash: swim programme sees 87% recovery


Scottish Swimming has carried out research with the 36 organisations which help deliver the Learn to Swim Framework, including a majority of local Leisure Trusts/Local Authorities and a number of independent aquatic providers.

So far 27 have returned their most up-to-date participation figures, with those numbers showing that 70,186 youngsters are currently enrolled. Of those 27 Leisure Trusts and other delivery partners, 12 have actually exceeded their pre-pandemic participation levels.

Euan Lowe, Scottish Swimming Chief Executive Officer, said: “It’s extremely positive to see such a high number of children return to swimming lessons. It tells us what an appealing and enduring programme we have created in Learn to Swim.

“Leisure Trusts have done an impressive job in getting youngsters back in the water so quickly and the fact that some of them are already ahead of pre-pandemic levels is nothing short of astonishing.

“Unfortunately, many swimming teachers moved on during the pandemic, whether to pursue alternative careers or for a variety of other reasons. The result is that some lesson providers will be more cautious about the rate of recovery, because they simply may not have enough swimming teachers to service the pent-up demand.

“We will be working very closely with all of the Trusts over the coming months to focus on recruitment, training and retention of swimming instructors, because what is clear to see is that the Learn to Swim programme is as popular as it has ever been.”

The Framework is being delivered across Scotland by 36 Leisure Trusts and aquatic providers in more than 160 pools.

It is aimed at youngsters from birth upwards and provides consistently high-quality teaching at least once a week and which progresses through a series of lessons and levels over a number of years.

Over the first four years of the partnership, Learn to Swim has provided lessons to around 106,000 kids.  It aims to reach another 100,000 kids by 2025.

Research into the cognitive benefits for young people who take swimming lessons has shown they achieve a range of developmental milestones earlier than those who don’t, regardless of their gender or background.

Children who are members of a swimming club and who compete regularly, develop core competencies – such as target-setting, teamwork, resilience, time management and leadership attributes – which can help them greatly in their future careers and lives.

Learn to Swim is championed by Scotland’s swimming superstars, World Champions and Olympic and Paralympic medallists Duncan Scott and Toni Shaw as its Ambassadors.

More information on the Learn to Swim Framework can be found on the dedicated website:  https://learntoswim.scot/

Corra Foundation announces £1m Henry Duncan Grants

Funding to support children and young people experiencing inequality

Corra’s Henry Duncan Grants are open to organisations supporting children and young people (aged 6-26 years) experiencing inequality. Grassroots organisations with an annual income of £500,000 or less can apply for up to £8,000 a year for up to five years.

This year Corra is working alongside children and young people to support the design and decision-making processes for Henry Duncan Grants.

The theme for this year was developed with children and young people, and two key priority areas were identified:

  • Organisations that are supporting children and young people to shape their own lives.  
  • Organisations that are supporting children and young people to develop skills for the future. 

Carolyn Sawers, Corra Acting CEO said: “Our strategy is all about listening to people’s voices, shifting power and getting alongside people to create change. This means grant making needs to be shaped by the people it exists to serve.

“We’re enormously grateful to the children and young people who helped us design this year’s Henry Duncan Grants, and to those who will participate in making the funding decisions.

“One of the things we’ll be looking for is organisations that engage children and young people in their own design and decision-making processes.”

Corra welcomes applications from organisations working to:

  • Provide advice and advocacy services that are person-centred and led by the child/children or young person/people. 
  • Support safe spaces for children and young people to connect with each other and access support. 

At least £300,000 (approximately 30%) of the fund budget will support organisations that are led by Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities. This reflects the historic inequity of funding and Corra’s proactive focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 

The closing date for applications is 12pm on Tuesday 5 July.

Corra will be holding information sessions for organisations interested in applying to Henry Duncan Grants as well as opportunities to discuss ideas with a Grants Advisor.

To find out more, including how to sign up please visit the Corra Foundation website.

Ten years of success for Scotland’s Family Nurse Partnerships

More than 10,000 young mothers and their children have been helped by a decade-long programme since it began as a pilot in NHS Lothian.

An analysis report on the Family Nurse Partnership shows positive results for mothers and babies in areas such as breastfeeding rates and stopping smoking, with most children meeting all their milestones, and 95% receiving all their immunisations.

The Family Nurse Partnership supports young, first-time mothers to prepare for motherhood and throughout the first two years of their child’s life.

Women’s Health Minister Maree Todd met mothers and staff who have taken part. She said: “Over 10,000 young women have now received support through this programme since it started, which is a fantastic milestone.

“Family nurses help mothers to think about the future, what kind of parent they want to be and their goals and aspirations for other areas of their lives like education and employment.

“Earlier this year we committed to expanding the programme to all young first time mothers aged 21 and under by the end of 2024. Where possible, we will also target first time mothers under the age of 25 who are care experienced or from the most deprived communities. This expansion will mean we can support up to an additional 500 families per year by 2025.”

Val Alexander, service manager of the Family Nurse Partnership, who has been with the programme since it began, said: “We are so proud of the Family Nurse Partnership and everything our clients have achieved. 

“The Family Nurse Partnership programme works to support young, first-time mothers to prepare for motherhood and continues that support for them and their child through the first two years.

“FNP was first delivered in NHS Lothian and to see it extended across Scotland to reach thousands more families is something very special for all of us.

“This 10-year analysis of the delivery of the service across Scotland will help us to see how far we have come and map out our goals and ambitions for the future of the programme and young families.”

Still smiling: Legal & General pays a record £797m in UK claims

Legal & General paid out a record 46 personal protection claims every day in the UK during 2021, totalling £797.9 million – an increase of £33.9 million from 2020 – and benefitting 16,890 customers and their families.

As the UK’s number one individual Life Insurance provider Legal & General has paid out more than £3.5 billion in claims over the past five years across its Life, Critical Illness Cover (CIC), Terminal Illness Cover (TIC) and Income Protection (IP).

Overall, the provider paid 97% of individual protection claims with an average pay out of £47,243.

Of the small percentage not paid, almost nine in 10 were because of ‘deliberate or reckless misrepresentation’. Over 30% of misrepresentations were due to lifestyle factors that should clearly have been in the customers knowledge, with the majority of these being linked to alcohol. 

Legal & General continues to work closely with its partners and distributors to help minimise misrepresentation and do more to explain how insurance claims work so it can support even more customers in 2022.

The wider impact of Covid-19

As in 2020, the pandemic impacted the 2021 claims data; with almost one in seven life claims Covid-19 related. Legal & General paid out 1,579 Covid-19 life claims at an average of £46,769 per claim, making up a combined total of almost £74 million – over £34.6 million more than last year.

The difference in claims for men versus women when it came to Covid-19 related deaths is stark. Only 35% of Life Insurance claims came from women, compared with 65% from men. Legal & General’s figures continue to reflect those from the Office for National Statistics that show men are more likely to pass away from Covid-19 than women2. In contrast, 60% of Legal & General’s overall Life Insurance claims are for men, again indicating an increase when looking at Covid-19 claims specifically.

Income protection continues to play an important role

Legal & General paid 417 IP claims in 2021, at a monthly average of £1,067 per claim, totalling over £3 million. The main cause of IP claims was musculoskeletal disorders (37%), followed by cancer (12.5%) and coronavirus (9.8%).

All IP products include Legal & General’s Rehabilitation Support Service. It gives customers access to an in-house team of healthcare professionals who offer wide-ranging physical and mental health support at no extra cost.

Project Smile

This year saw the launch of Project Smile, an initiative to support children going through a difficult diagnosis.

For every claim relating to a child’s illness paid, the provider sends a gift to the child to help bring a smile to their face. Gifts are chosen according to the preferences of the child and can include anything from a voucher to a Peppa Pig toy.

David Banks, Director of Claims and Underwriting said: “Paying claims is core to what we do. As we continue to come back from Covid-19, we remain focused on giving our customers and their loved ones financial support when they need it most. But more has to be done to tackle misrepresentation.

“At Legal & General we’re working closely with partners and distributors to help make the underwriting process as transparent and streamlined as possible. We hope that increasing knowledge around the lifestyle and general health information required will minimise misrepresentation and help us support even more customers in their moment of need.

“We’re proud to have paid out more than £797million in claims last year, but it’s the personal impact behind the figures that’s most important. We know an injury or illness affects the whole family, none more so than when it happens to a child. That’s why we have launched Project Smile.

“Our assessors get to know the families throughout the course of a claim – we wanted to go beyond just dealing with the paperwork and show that we are thinking of them through what is likely to be the most challenging time of their lives.”

Best Start, Bright Future: Poverty Alliance webinar on the Scottish Child Poverty Delivery Plan

Best Start, Bright Future – a Poverty Alliance Webinar

Monday 6 June 2022: 10am – 1pm 

Scotland is a country where compassion is strong, but where child poverty is an ongoing injustice that we have to end together.

Best Start, Bright Future, the Scottish Government’s Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, was published at the end of March. It’s designed to help create the change we need to drive down child poverty and reach Scotland’s interim child poverty targets in 2024. 

There are a lot of commitments in the plan, and we are hosting a special morning webinar to explore how we can make sure they are implemented, and how they can best deliver practical change in our communities. 

The plan includes pledges to: increase the level of the Scottish Child Payment; create a new employability offer to help parents get into work, and; mitigation of the benefit cap. 

There is lot more besides, and Best Start, Bright Futures will touch on all areas of anti-poverty activity in Scotland. It is crucial for groups and organisations across the country to understand what it all means for their work.

Please join us for a morning of discussion on how we can all work together to ensure that the ambition contained in the plan is delivered.   

Click here to register!

Agenda 

10:00 Welcome  Peter Kelly, Director, the Poverty Alliance 

10:05 Best Start, Bright Futures: What you need to know! 

Julie Humphreys, Deputy Director, Tackling Child Poverty & Financial Wellbeing, Scottish Government  

10:20 From Plan to Practice: Perspectives on Best Start, Bright Futures 

Professor Morag Treanor, Deputy Chair, Poverty and Inequality Commission 

John Dickie, Director, Child Poverty Action Group Scotland 

Bruce Adamson, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland 

10:50 Panel Discussion 

11:15 Comfort Break 

11.30 Workshops 

1. Making Employability Work for Priority Group Families 

  • Jack Evans, Policy Manager, Joseph Rowntree Foundation 
  • Laura Millar, Strategic Manager, Fife Gingerbread 

2. Social security: Priorities for tackling poverty  

  • Tressa Burke, CEO, Glasgow Disability Alliance (tbc) 
  • Polly Jones, Head of Scotland, Trussell Trust (tbc) 

3. Childcare and Child Poverty – Meeting the Challenges 

  • Anna Ritchie Allan, Executive Director, Close the Gap (tbc) 
  • Satwat Rehman, Chief Executive, One Parent Families Scotland (tbc)  

12.30: Feedback from groups and concluding remarks 

13:00 Close