Family Forum

This is a safe environment for the school and parents to work together.

We must:

  • Be respectful.
  • Allow people to speak.
  • Accept not everything can be solved in a short session but acknowledge a bigger issue may need to be tackled outside the group or at a later date.
  • Be supportive.
  • This is about moving forward together with shared understanding.

On Tuesday, we held our first Family Forum, with a focus on worries—a common and natural human emotion. We explored how worries, while normal, can sometimes become overwhelming and affect daily life.

Together, we discussed a range of concerns children may have, from fears like being scared of the dark to more complex thoughts such as "What if my parents split up?" Mrs. Grieve introduced the book What to Do When You Worry Too Much, a child-friendly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) resource that helps children understand and manage their worries. In school, we regularly use this book in small social groups to support emotional well-being. We also run similar groups using What to Do When You Grumble Too Much (focused on overcoming obstacles) and What to Do When Your Temper Flares (focused on managing anger).

Family Forum Worries

Family Forum Recap – The Importance of Sleep

In our last Family Forum, we explored why sleep is so important and discussed useful strategies to support a good night’s rest.

Why Do We Sleep?

  • To help our bodies grow.
  • To allow our bodies to heal injuries or fight off illnesses.
  • To give us the rest and recovery we need each day.
  • To help our brains store information we've learned, supporting memory.
  • To help us stay alert and concentrate.
  • To give us the energy we need for daily activities.

Tips for a Better Night’s Sleep

  • Keep the bedroom dark: Darkness helps our brains release melatonin, the “sleepy hormone.” Light (especially from the sun or screens) reduces melatonin and makes us feel more awake.
  • Quiet space: A peaceful environment supports restful sleep.
  • Wind-down time: Calming activities like reading, soft music, a warm bath, or talking with family can help the brain settle. Avoid stimulating activities or scary/exciting TV before bed.
  • Avoid screens an hour before bed: The bright light from TVs, phones, tablets, and computers blocks melatonin production and can keep us awake.
  • Create a bedtime routine: Consistent patterns help signal to the brain that it’s time to sleep.
  • Keep sleep and wake times consistent – even on weekends.
  • Cool down before bed: A warm bath or washing hands and feet with warm water helps lower the body’s core temperature, triggering melatonin.
  • Avoid caffeine in the evenings: This includes fizzy drinks, energy drinks, chocolate, and coffee.
  • Talk about worries: Sharing concerns with a trusted adult can reduce stress and help the mind relax.
  • Practice mindfulness or relaxation: These tools can calm busy minds and support sleep.