Latest News

Phone and tablet screen time

Tue 08 Jan 2019

There has been a lot in the news about screen time and how it can affect children. I received an email about this that I thought was very interesting and thought I would share it with you.

I know it is a constant argument in my own household with my daughters.

5 things parents should know about screen time

_{Screen time is in the news again, but parents are still getting mixed messages about how much is ‘too much’. Here’s how to take a reasonable, flexible approach - and get your kids on board too.}

This week, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health released their report into screen time. The good news is that they haven’t found any compelling evidence that screen time is harmful - but unfortunately for the many confused parents out there, there’s no definitive line on what a ‘safe’ amount of screen time looks like, either.

But there are sensible, evidence-based ways to think about screen time limits - and, by getting your kids involved, you can find a solution that really works for your family.

Here’s where to start.

_{1. How long should kids spend online per day?}

The ‘Goldilocks theory’ put forward by academics from Oxford and Cardiff universities suggests that a certain level of screen time can be beneficial, helping children develop their creativity and communication skills. Around 1 to 2 hours daily during the week and a bit longer at the weekends is considered ‘just right’ for teens - after that the benefits gradually taper off and the negative effects increase. Younger children, aged 4-7 years old, should probably spend no more than an hour a day online - this can go up to around an hour and a half as they get older.

_{2. Remember that not all screen time is the same}

Not all online activities are equal: doing something creative or learning new skills are both very different to mindless scrolling on social media. Perhaps being online is allowing them to socialise in a positive way - or they’re just doing something that they really enjoy. If there are real benefits, then the amount of time they spend doing it is less important.

You know your child better than anyone. As long as screen time isn't interfering with schoolwork or other activities, and isn’t having a noticeable effect on their mood, then try not to obsess over the numbers - there’s probably no need to panic.

_{3. Boundaries really do work if you stick to them}

Whatever their kids are doing online, most parents will want to set some kind of limit. The important thing is to get your child involved in the process so that they understand why you're doing so. Be very clear about your reasons and ask them what they think - getting buy-in at this stage can really help to avoid arguments later on. Remember that teens, in particular, might need to spend longer online to complete their homework.

Once you’ve agreed them, stick to them! It can be tempting to give up in the face of pester power or teenage sulks, but it will get easier every time you stick to your guns.

_{4. Look out for signs that screen time is having a negative effect}

Keep an eye on how your child’s screen time may be affecting other areas of their life. If they’re spending time with friends and getting enough sleep and exercise, then they may already have a healthy balance. Talk to your child about what they’re doing online and get them to think about how it makes them feel when they spend time doing these things. You never know, they may actually agree that staying up late gaming is making them too tired for school the next day, or admit that constant scrolling through social media is starting to affect their self-esteem.

_{5. Use it as an opportunity to have quality family time}

Although it is good to set aside time when the family is not using screens - outdoor activities, chats at meal times, day trips at the weekend - this doesn’t mean that you can’t also get involved in using screens together. If you know that your child enjoys playing games online, organise a family gaming night or give them ownership to plan something for the whole family to get stuck in. If you take a real interest in what they like to do online, they're more likely to come to you if something goes wrong, or they make a mistake along the way.

Christmas Fair!

Mon 17 Dec 2018

The school Christmas Fair was a really terrific afternoon! Everybody had a great time!

Children in Need day!

Thu 22 Nov 2018

Pudsey came to visit us for Children in Need day. The children were very happy to see him and we all got to wear spots to mark the occasion!

Harvest Thank you

Mon 08 Oct 2018

A quick and huge thank you from all here at St.Thomas'.

The response to the Harvest appeal for pens, pencils, colours and money was amazing. We were able to send over 3 huge bags of donated gifts and over £200 to Uganda.

The organisers were completely overwhelmed when they saw how generous you all were.

Thank you from us and from them.

Amazing E-safety assembly for the Juniors

Mon 08 Oct 2018

On Friday Google and Parentzone took an assembly looking at E-safety and they asked the children to take part.

The assembly was brilliant and they introduced some new resources that will help the children be safe when using the Internet.

A visit from Tim Farron!

Wed 25 Nov 2015

We were lucky to get a visit from the Liberal Democrat Leader Mr Tim Farron. He helped to serve lunch to our Year's 1 and 2 before eating his own lunch with the children!

Before lunch Mr Farron had a question and answer session with our Year 5 and 6 children.

Sainsburys Gold Award!

Thu 25 Jun 2015

In recognition of the huge amount of sports we take part in within school St Thomas have been awarded a Gold Sainsburys School Games Mark!

We are very proud of this achievement as it reflects on the massive team effort that every member of staff, and of course the pupils, contribute to. Well done everybody!

Wealth of Werneth Questionnaire

Thu 12 Mar 2015 Claire Mather

Click here to access the survey

The Romans!

Wed 25 Feb 2015

Year 5 had a visit from the Romans! We got to learn all about being a Roman stationed in Britain, how they lived, dressed and how they fought and defended themselves.