Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Back to School in Norfolk
September will be here before you know it, so early planning for the return to school will be a big help…
When’s the best time to shop for school uniform?
It’s not uncommon for clothing retailers and supermarkets to fill their aisles with back to school uniform before the schools have broken up for the summer holiday. This may be a good time to buy to profit from the best offers, unfrenzied shopping environment and greatest selection, as many shops run out of bespoke school stock just before the start of term. However, it can be a gamble, especially if your child has a growth spurt over the six-week holiday – it can happen!
Once bought, remember to clearly label all clothing items with iron-on, sew-on or self-adhesive labels. Not only is a lost jumper at school an inconvenience; the cost of replacing items mounts up, too.
Make an Eye Appointment for Your Child
The summer holiday is a good time to arrange an eye appointment for your child. All children under 16 years are entitled to regular free eye examinations by a qualified practitioner paid for by the NHS. Following an eye examination, a voucher will be given to help towards the cost of any glasses or contact lenses prescribed.
Make Sure the Shoe Fits!
It makes sense to shop for shoes in the late afternoon as feet swell in size throughout the course of a day.
Choose a store that employs experienced shoe fitters who have been trained to measure children’s feet properly.
Children’s feet should be measured for length and width before buying new footwear. There should be at least a half-inch of space for growth between the tip of the big toe and the top of the shoe.
For more on foot health for children visit the website of the College of Podiatry - https://cop.org.uk/foot-health - guide-to-childrens-foot-heath
Summer Study
If your child struggled with some of their schoolwork last term, it may be difficult for them to start the autumn term with a positive approach.
Top-up tuition from a private tutor during the summer can help, as your child can simply catch up with the work at a pace that is suitable for them.
Preparing your Year 6 Child for the Next Step in September
If your 11-year-old child is moving up to secondary school in September, they may be feeling a bit anxious about the next big change in their life. In comparison to the familiar comforts of primary school, the switch to ‘big’ school may, at first, seem a little overwhelming. You can help ease the nerves and prepare them, by purchasing all the school essentials well in advance, encouraging them to meet up with school friends over the summer break and reminding them of the positive environment of the new school.
Work out the logistics of how your child will get to and from school each day. This is where secondary school is very different to primary school, as most 11-year olds will want to travel to school independently. Run through the school bus timetable with them or figure out a walking route that will take them along main roads as much as possible. You may wish to activate a location tracker on their mobile phone so you can check their whereabouts as they travel to and from school to ensure that they are safe.
Get ready… for the next step 
If your child is in Years 5 or 6, you may find the summer holiday an opportune time to consider all the secondary school options available to them.
The break away from the usual school routine will give you both time to do a bit of research and look at what the different schools have to offer.
Many schools have particular strengths so consider each school’s suitability for your child – it may be that your child may flourish at a school other than the one in your catchment area. Consider all your options and order a number of prospectuses to read more.
Write down the dates of the school open days in your diary
The deadline for school admission applications is 31 October so there is plenty of time to consider all the options available to your child.
In Primary Times’ Back to School issue you will find an extensive School Open Days Directory which lists all the schools in the area, their open days and contact details. Details of applying and how to do it will also be supplied – so look out for your copy which will be distributed via your child’s school from 3 September...
Wymondham High Academy
Tel: 01953 602078
https://wymondhamhigh.co.uk
As a high performing state school in Norfolk for GCSE results, Wymondham High Academy has a huge amount to be proud of. With 1560 young people in its community, it has a huge amount to offer from the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme (Bronze to Gold], YOPEY befriending in local care homes, a huge range of sports clubs and activities (many of its children represent Gt Britain in their chosen sports) to Harry Potter quiz nights and Quiz and Chips evenings.
Its academic curriculum is varied, and pupils have the opportunity to study a broad range of subjects throughout their time at the school, all of which are available in its Post-16 community. The Sixth Form has been graded as Outstanding by Ofsted and the majority of the young pupils continue their education journey with the school from Year 7 to Year 13. The school has very high expectations of its children and they respond brilliantly to this (smiling and holding open a door costs nothing!). The wellbeing of pupils is paramount, and all its young people can benefit from a dedicated, highly skilled, wellbeing and inclusion team.
City Academy Norwich
Tel: 01603 452628
https://www.cityacademynorwich.org
City Academy Norwich is committed to ensuring all students succeed and make the best of the opportunities and experiences available to them; to become the very best versions of themselves. It believes that students engage fully and reach their potential when the environment is caring and orderly, the teaching meaningful and challenging.
It aims to fire its students’ imaginations and bring learning to life, preparing them for the world of work, apprenticeships or higher education. Its curriculum has been designed to teach the skills fundamental to successful employment, with great emphasis placed upon leadership, teamwork, literacy, creative problem solving and high expectations.
Its core purpose is to transform the education and life chances of not only individuals but also the local community, creating ‘game changers’ who make a difference. It invites you to visit the Academy on the 3rd of October 2019 during its Open Day from 4 – 8pm.