Our News

Funding available to support children and young people across Cheshire West and Wirral

Applications are now open for the 2024 Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme in Cheshire West and Wirral. The HAF programme, which is funded by Department for Education, supports children, young people and their families...

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Young Edsential musicians play alongside Northern Chamber Orchestra

On Sunday 15th October, our young string players had the opportunity to sit alongside professional musicians of the Northern Chamber Orchestra at the Storyhouse in Chester. As part of the orchestra’s education programme, the NCO...

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Chester Contemporary Schools Programme is running from September 22nd to December 1st 2023

Chester’s thriving art scene is about to be infused with a new wave of creativity, as Chester Contemporary prepares to unveil a spectacular exhibition showcasing the talents of international and local contemporary artists. This ground-breaking...

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Conway Centres wins Best Residential Experience at School Travel Awards

School residential trip provider, Conway Centres, has won the Best Residential Experience award at this year’s School Travel Awards. On 6th June 2023, members of the Conway Centres team made their way to The Royal...

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The Holiday Activities with Food programme is back for the 2023 school holidays across Wirral and west Cheshire

For the 5th year running, Edsential will be co-ordinating the Holiday Activities with Food (HAF) programme, on behalf of Wirral Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council. Funded by Department for Education, HAF supports children...

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Musical Routes awards Music mark membership to 46 schools this year.

Every year Edsential Musical Routes Music Education Hub invite schools to the Music Mark Schools programme. An amazing opportunity to join a national network of leaders in music education who support quality music education for...

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Edsential pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Photo source: The Royal Family Edsential are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty touched the lives of millions of children, young people and adults. The Queen’s...

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The new national plan for music: an overview

In response to the release of the government’s new national plan for music: ‘The Power of Music to Change Lives’, Edsential Musical Routes is hard at work planning an array of even more musical opportunities...

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Kickstart your career in the music industry at one of your local music education hubs!

Sound City Satellite joined Edsential Musical Routes at the Future Yard Venue to deliver a focussed conference, live programme of activity and training for young people aged 14-16 as part of the Merseyside Music Education...

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Thousands of children and their families are set to benefit from Edsential’s Holiday Activities and Food programme this summer

Children aged 5 to 16, who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals, are invited to take part in an action-packed summer holiday this year, as part of Edsential’s Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF),...

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Over 800 Edsential students came together to sing and play with the famous Hallé in Manchester last week

Come and Play with the Hallé is a unique concert, specially designed to offer thousands of children who take part in whole class instrumental learning the opportunity to play and sing with an international symphony...

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Over 20,000 children enjoyed delicious school lunches as they celebrated The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Edsential, who are partially owned by Cheshire West and Chester Council and Wirral Council, pulled out all the stops to make The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee extra special for children in school. The community interest company...

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Gold Award Presentation at Buckingham Palace Gardens for Edsential Duke of Edinburgh Students.

129 young people from across Cheshire West and Chester attended Buckingham Palace to collect their Duke of Edinburgh gold awards in the presence of Prince Andrew, The Duke of York, Edward Windsor, The Earl of...

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Edsential’s booming music service opens its brand-new Music Resource Centre as expansion continues.

Edsential Musical Routes have opened their brand-new Music Resource Centre in Ellesmere Port. The increased demand for instruments has meant Musical Routes have needed to upscale their storage facilities to meet the needs of their...

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Young musicians take part in their first-ever live gig

Edsential’s young musicians from ‘New Noise’ and members of Future Yard’s ‘Sound Check’ training programme performed live music to a large audience on Saturday 2 April. They have been working alongside each other over the past 11...

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The RSPB join us to help inspire a greener generation through the Meadow Song Project

This Spring, Year 3 teachers from Edsential’s partner schools joined RSPB at the Ness Botanical gardens for a free teacher training workshop thanks to generous funding provided by the RSPB for the ‘MEADOWSONG’ programme. The...

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Edsential launches its second project with Camerata Orchestra celebrating the rich diverse tapestry of classical music.

The second Hidden Histories project commenced in February, funded by Edsential Musical Routes in partnership with Camerata Orchestra. The first project with award winning composer, James B Wilson was a huge success, and more schools...

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Edsential set to spread festive cheer to 10,400 children across Cheshire West and Chester, Wirral and Halton

The Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme, co-ordinated by Edsential on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester, Wirral, and Halton Borough Council, is set to support over 10,400 children and their families with free festive activities and food this winter.  Across...

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Edsential launches the Climate Change Teacher Toolkit to help teachers prepare for the COP26 conference

Edsential recently launched the FREE Climate Change Teacher Toolkit to support teachers with classroom-based learning related to the COP26 conference – a global summit on how countries across the world will tackle climate change. The...

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Edsential’s Holiday Activity programme boosts morale across Wirral, West Cheshire and Halton for thousands of children

The Holiday Activity Fund (HAF), co-ordinated by Edsential on behalf of Wirral Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Halton Borough Council, provided thousands of children and their families with free nutritious meals and enriching...

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Edsential supported Holiday Activity Fund set to benefit over 8,500 children across Cheshire West & Chester, Wirral, and Halton over the summer holidays.

Following on from the successful summer 2020 and spring HAF 2021 programmes Edsential are excited to be co-ordinating the Holiday Activity Fund for the summer holiday period on behalf of Cheshire West & Chester Council,...

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Does your school want to make the world of difference?

Our sustainable palm oil journey started in 2018, where we were asked how we were going to support the use of sustainable Palm Oil through school catering. But rather than just promote the use of sustainable Palm Oil,...

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Edsential reflect on the legacy of the DofE Award in west Cheshire following the death of Prince Philip

Everyone at Edsential were deeply saddened to hear of Prince Philip’s passing. The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award was set up by Prince Philip in 1956, to support and challenge young people to be the...

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Virtual Spring Concert – Now LIVE!

Ladies and Gentlemen We are delighted to share with you our Virtual Spring Concert!  We would like to say a massive thank you to all of our amazing young musicians and tutors who have created...

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Edsential distribute over 25,000 books!

This Summer we are working with Wirral, Halton, and Cheshire libraries to distribute 26,000 books and activity packs as part of The Reading Agency’s – Summer Reading Challenge. The Reading Agency is a national charity...

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Edsential are excited to announce the launch of the Holiday Activity Fund for 2020

Edsential are excited to announce the launch of the Holiday Activity Fund for 2020. For the second year, Edsential have been successful in accessing funding to co-ordinate Holiday Activity and Food Provision over the summer...

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How are we supporting our community during this difficult time?

Edsential – Here for you With the current challenges schools, families and communities are facing due to COVID-19 we wanted to reassure that Edsential are here for you, no matter what: https://edsential.com/here-for-you/ For us, our...

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Engage, motivate and focus your students; the importance of revision residentials

With exam season fast approaching, the pressure is on for both you and your pupils to get results, whether it be for SATs, GCSEs or A-Level exams. A revision residential is a great opportunity to...

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Music together showcase concert 20th November 2019

A brilliant night of young music stars Over 300 children, families and teachers attended a brilliant night of music from local young musicians at the Edsential Music Together Showcase Concert held at Northwich Memorial Hall...

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The Big School Swim

What is The Big School Swim? The Big School Swim is an annual event that celebrates swimming in schools. It is a great opportunity for you and your pupils to celebrate the fun – and...

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Maritime Milestone: 200th Accessible Wheelyboat Launched in Charity’s 35th Year

National charity The Wheelyboat Trust, which turns 35 this year, will launch its 200th wheelchair accessible Wheelyboat, a Coulam Wheelyboat V17, at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show. The new Wheelyboat, named Phil Braden, will...

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Supporting Our Community

We are sponsoring Teresa Connally, Unison Branch Secretary to support her in doing the Santiago de Compostelia 120 miles walk for the British Heart Foundation   She will be completing the walk on the first...

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Holiday Activities Across West Cheshire

Holiday Activity Fund Press Release | 1.8.19 Families across Cheshire West and Chester will be able to enjoy free nutritious food and activities at a wide range of exciting holiday clubs over the summer holidays....

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Are Outdoor Lessons Just a Distraction?

The research evidence on outdoor learning shows that it has academic and wellbeing benefits As the summer sets in, you may be thinking about taking lessons outside. But such moves can be tricky to justify;...

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Schools Are Drowning in a Toxic Ethos

If schools reward the worst kind of behaviour among staff, what example are we setting the pupils What is our role as educators? Is our job simply to impart subject knowledge and assess progress, or...

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What Do You Value About the Conway Centres?

We would like to invite customers to complete a short survey as part of a research project we have commissioned. The survey consists of multiple-choice questions directed at your experiences when visiting the Conway Centre...

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Poverty-Hit Pupils So Ashamed of Worn-Out Clothes and Lack of Equipment They Skip School

‘It is truly shaming for the UK – one of the richest countries in the world,’ union leader says. tudents are avoiding school for fear of being bullied over their worn-out clothes and lack of school...

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Powerability makes waves in North Wales

BBC Countryfile films the impact of new accessible Wheelyboat with North Wales Sailability at the Conway Centre, Anglesey. Dedicated to providing mobility impaired individuals with opportunities to participate in waterborne activities, The Wheelyboat Trust assist...

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Chester is Now the World’s First Sustainable Palm Oil City

Chester Zoo have today officially announced Chester is now the World’s First Sustainable Palm Oil City. Seven years of hard work, educating and supporting restaurants, schools, hotels and cafes, in the use of sustainable palm...

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Local School Cooks to Spend a Day with Michelin Star Chef

Two local school chefs have been invited to spend the day working with Michelin Star Executive Chef Simon Radley and his brigade in the kitchens of the 5-star Chester Grosvenor Hotel on Thursday 21st February....

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Mental Health: the Students Who Helped Themselves When Help Was Too Slow Coming

Last year, Molly Robinson, 15, was struggling to cope with the symptoms caused by an undiagnosed health condition. The unexplained pain, plus the worry about what was wrong, caused her to feel increasingly anxious and...

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Take Early Education Outdoors – Even in Winter

The physical and learning benefits of teaching outside mean you should wrap up warm and get on with it.   Midwinter, post-Christmas, cold, dark and damp mornings and evenings. Probably the last thing a lot...

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The Importance of Swimming from a Young Age

Given that we are a nation surrounded by water and have so many bodies of water inland within the UK, it is vital that all children can swim to a standard that will keep them...

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RYA Annual Awards

We’ve been Nominated for the #MoreThanSailing award at the Royal Yachting Association Sailability Annual Awards For further details, click here 

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Sustainable Palm Oil Challenge

We at Edsential Community Interest Company are committed to participating in the Sustainable Palm Oil City Project in Chester.  By April 2019 we will have worked with our suppliers to ensure that any palm oil present in...

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How Primary Schools Are The Key To Fixing Oxbridge Inequality

The focus needs to shift from high-achieving students in their final years of education, to primary school pupils in underrepresented areas Last week the Sutton Trust released figures showing that eight elite schools sent more students...

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Cheshire Youth MFL Jazz Orchestra

The Cheshire Youth MFL Jazz Orchestra, fresh from their electric performance with Alex Bone (winner BBC Young Musician of the Year) at this year’s Manchester Jazz festival, are looking for trumpet and trombone players to...

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Carols by Candlelight in Aid of NSPCC

Come along to an evening of festive magic at the NSPCC Carols By Candlelight Event on Tuesday 5th December. Entertaining you on the night will be Liberty X singer & winner of 2016’s The Voice; Kevin...

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Call for Schools to do More for Teacher Mental Health

Research finds three-quarters of schools do not currently monitor their teachers’ mental wellbeing Three-quarters of teachers say their mental health is not being monitored at work, according to new research that highlights the growing need...

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Say ‘Hello’ at the Door to Say ‘Goodbye’ to Poor Behaviour

Research suggests that greeting students at the door leads to calmer classrooms The class jostle at the door, and then melt into a line as the teacher approaches. A pile of books under her arm,...

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Turtle Songs Workshop

This workshop has been speci?cally designed for health professionals, social care professionals and carers plus those working with charities concerned with ageing and mental health, artists of all kinds as well as health and performing...

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Lengthy School Reports Are ‘Burdensome’ for Teachers and Should Move to Shorter Versions, Panel Concludes

Lengthy school reports are “incredibly burdensome” for teachers and should be replaced with shorter versions, a Government advisory panel has concluded. A review commissioned by Damian Hinds, the Education Secretary, found “limited evidence” for the...

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Multi-million Investment to Support Children’s Early Communication Skills

Projects launched to improve children’s early language and literacy, and boost parents’ confidence with home learning Disadvantaged families will benefit from extra support to nurture their child’s early development at home, thanks to multi-million pound...

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Three Golden Rules for Supporting Autistic Pupils

We need to move beyond generalisations and bust some of the myths around autism “Being autistic is not necessarily disabling,” explains Dr Luke Beardon. “Instead, it is a disadvantage. And is that disadvantage a result of...

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Finland’s Schools Ditch Traditional Classrooms for Open-Plan Learning

Welcome to the school which has ditched traditional classrooms in favour of open-plan learning. It’s part of a wider schools refurbishment programme in Finland that’s set to take place over the next 10 years, in...

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We’re Turning Our Year 1 Pupils Off School

The transition from early years foundation stage needs much closer attention Remember those wild-eyed, untamed children you saw skipping out of their Reception classroom for the last time in July? Shrieking, laughing children, they were...

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Need to Know: What Can Schools Expect from the Budget?

Unions have set chancellor Philip Hammond six tests but few expect a cash bonanza for schools The chancellor Philip Hammond will today unveil his Autumn Budget. This key moment in the political calendar has been...

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New Music Tutor

Edsential Musical Routes welcomes a new singing tutor to our music centres. Imogen Garner is a mezzo soprano who has worked with English National Opera, Scottish Opera and the Buxton International Festival. “We selected Imogen...

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Outdoor Play Officially ‘Fundamental’ to Learning

Some 50 influential organisations and people in Scotland sign up to national commitment on outdoor learning Playing and learning outdoors is to become “a fundamental part of growing up in Scotland”, after 50 influential organisations...

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Y3C Choir Rehearsals

Y3C is a non-auditioned, mixed voice youth choir for students aged 11 to 18   An opportunity to meet like-minded students, work with top choral directors/voice coaches + perform at prestigious venues   Join us...

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Private Schools Told to Open Their Swimming Pools to State Pupils

Move reflects fears for half of British children unable to swim 25 metres by the age of 11 A new drive to encourage private schools to share their swimming pools is being launched by the...

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Teaching Mental Health – Advice and Support

SecEd’s resident wellbeing expert Dr Pooky Knightsmith offers 10 tips for teaching about mental health safely and sensitively Teaching pupils about mental health and illness is a great way to promote understanding, help seeking and...

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School Travel Awards Nomination!

Nomination for Best Residential Experience at the School Travel Awards We are delighted to announce Edsential Conway Centres have been nominated for Best Residential Experience at the School Travel Awards. The School Travel Awards shines...

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How Multisport Providers Can Make Sailability Work

Conway Centres: Anglesey have enjoyed a successful summer having been determined to find a way If you’re a multisport provider, why would you run sailing? Well, having got up to 66 sailors along to their...

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We Must Allow Children to Take Risks When They Play

If we don’t give pupils the chance to learn about risks – and their own limitations – we put them at a disadvantage Last year, 38 organisations from 16 countries and six continents signed the International...

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‘We Must Listen to Pupils About Arts Education’

Pupils have stressed the importance of the arts – ministers must take action before it’s too late. Whatever our background or heritage, art forms move and inspire us, enrich our lives and teach us what...

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Teachers Have an Opportunity to Rethink A levels – if They Take It

Currently, A levels provide nothing more than a piece of paper – they can (and should) be built into a coherent and worthwhile programme. If you doubt just how deep is the shadow cast by...

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The Snowman Tour

The Snowman Tour are bringing something magical to Hanley this December! “The most amazing concert ever. Everyone was enjoying it, even the orchestra. You could tell because every single person had a big smile on...

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70% of School Buildings ‘Not Fit for Purpose’

Heads warn that they are teaching in buildings with leaks, crumbling wall, asbestos issues and damp More than two-thirds of England’s schools have buildings that are “not fit for purpose”, the results of a new...

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Headteachers Forced to Double up as Canteen Staff Amid Funding Cuts in Rural Schools

School leaders in remote areas across England are taking on the work of cleaners, bus drivers, caretakers and canteen staff in a bid to reduce costs in the face of shrinking budgets. More than two-fifths...

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Mental Health: When a Young Person Opens up to You…

When a young person opens up about a mental health issue, responding in the right way is crucial. Caroline Hounsell from MHFA England offers five tips for school staff Let’s start with the statistics. One...

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Ofsted inspectors to move away from exams results focus

Exam results and grades will no longer be the key focus of Ofsted inspections in England, under new plans. Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman says the focus on performance data has narrowed what is taught...

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NGA: Replace Governor Exclusion Boards with Independent ‘Tribunals’

Governor boards for reviewing exclusions should be scrapped and replaced with independent “tribunals” of experts, the leading organisation for governance has told ministers. Governors can feel the pressure not to overturn the headteacher’s decision, particularly...

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Spending Watchdog Warns of Lack of Data on Pupil Mental Health Support

A lack of school spending data on mental health means it is not possible to plan support for pupils in need across the country, the government’s spending watchdog has warned. The National Audit Office found...

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Music is ‘At Risk of Disappearing’ from Schools, Research inds

The number of schools offering GCSE and A-level music courses to pupils is in decline, prompting concerns that the subject is “disappearing”. Research by the University of Sussex found that 18 per cent of schools...

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Schools Left to Pick Up the Pieces as 1 in 4 Pupils Turned Away from Mental Health Services

Pupils referred to mental health services by their schools are being turned away if they don’t exhibit the same problems at home, a think tank has warned. In a new report by the Education Policy...

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Ofsted: ‘Embarrassed’ Nursery Teachers Don’t Sing

The inspectorate’s deputy director of early education blames iPhones for inhibiting shy staff Phones have made nursery school staff too “embarrassed” to sing to young children, Ofsted’s deputy director of early education has warned. Gill Jones also...

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Mental Health Day – 10th October, useful resources

Useful Resources to support Mental Health in Schools. at http://www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/mildmoderate/entry.asp      

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Government to Publish ‘School Sport Action Plan’

Ministers will take action to get more pupils to play competitive sports in school, Damian Hinds has announced.   The education secretary has set out proposals for a new “school sport action plan”, which will...

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Outdoor Education Opens Pupils’ Eyes to the World

From growing their own fruit and veg to mucking out on a farm, it’s crucial to encourage pupils to learn about the great outdoors  The purpose of education should be rooted in the notion that...

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Our Whizzpopping Phonics Revolution is Transforming Literacy in Schools

Does the peculiar magic of Roald Dahl hold the key to getting children to read? “Words,” said The BFG, “Is oh such a twitch-tickling problem to me all my life.” Roald Dahl’s much-loved creation has an exotic...

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Children Who Do Not Read & Write in Free Time Likely to Have Worse Mental Health

Children who are less engaged with reading and writing are more likely to struggle with their mental health, a new report has found. School pupils who enjoy reading and writing are three times as likely to have higher levels of...

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#CultureConnects

You are cordially invited to explore and celebrate the numerous creative and cultural programmes running in our region, offering the public, particularly for those who are concerned with education, or work with children and young...

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Dentists Call for Pudding and Sweet Soft Drinks Ban in Schools

Puddings should be banned from school meals if the Scottish government wants children to be healthier, say dentists. The Faculty of Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow wants excess...

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Lenny Henry: Arts Vital for a Child’s Sense of Inclusion

The creative arts should be immovable parts of a child’s school day, something cherished and valued, says actor Sir Lenny Henry. Sir Lenny George Henry, CBE, is a British stand-up comedian, actor, singer, writer, and...

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Teachers in England Have Lowest Job Satisfaction of All English-Speaking Countries, Study Finds

‘It is not surprising that so many teachers are leaving the profession when morale is this low’ Teachers in England have lowest job satisfaction of all English-speaking countries, new study finds. Of 22 comparable countries, none have...

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Ofsted Admits Adding to ‘Teach-to-the-Test’ Mentality

School inspectors in England have put too much weight on tests and exam results when rating schools, Ofsted boss Amanda Spielman has admitted.   This has added pressure for schools to “deliver test scores above...

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The Decline of Music Education Threatens to Deprive Britain of Future Talent

A new National Plan is needed to stop cultural subjects being squeezed out of the curriculum.  Last month the talented young cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason became the first artist to receive a BRIT Certified Breakthrough Award for his...

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Heads Urge Ofsted to ‘Pause’ Inspection Changes

School leaders call on Ofsted to put on hold the implementation of a radical overhaul of school inspection Headteachers are calling for Ofsted to put plans for a new inspection framework on hold as they...

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GDPR: 5 Things Schools Should Have Done By Now

New GDPR rules around data protection came into effect earlier this year, but how much has your school done to comply? The GDPR deadline (25 May 2018), scaremongering and prophecies of doom have come and gone with...

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Early Years Should Get More Music, Says Arts Chief

There is ‘huge value’ in giving children under 5 more chances to experience music and culture, says Darren Henley Early years should no longer be overlooked when it comes to music education, arts chief Darren...

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7 Signs Your School is Failing More Able Learners

Every school wants to do its best by all learners – including those deemed more able – but often a wake-up call is needed to put such learners in the spotlight of school improvement planning… ...

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Attachment Aware Schools

Attachment-aware and trauma-informed practice can help to support some of the most vulnerable pupils in our schools, including those who are looked after. Virtual school head Darren Martindale advises As a virtual school head for...

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Arts Education Makes Pupils More Employable, Not Less

Creative arts can’t be an ‘optional extra’ – they equip pupils to be successful post-school. Today, HRH the Prince of Wales convenes a star-studded gathering of the great and the good from drama, music, art, dance,...

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Ofsted Closes in on Gaming Schools

Watchdog responds to ‘alarming’ Progress 8 data suggesting schools are entering pupils for inappropriate qualifications Ofsted inspectors will examine whether schools are attempting to game their Progress 8 scores amid concerns about why some pupils...

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Autism: ‘If Only I Knew Then What I Know Now’

Special school teacher Siobhan Barnett shares what working with autistic students has taught her about autism Every student starting teacher training should expect to learn about autism in their course, following the publication of the...

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So You Want to Get More Men into Primary Teaching?

Just 14 per cent of the early years and primary workforce are male – we must take urgent action to increase this figure Just 14 per cent of the nursery and primary teaching workforce in state-maintained...

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The Observer View on Ending Long Summer Holidays

The six-week summer break sees low-income families struggling to pay for outings and even extra food   For well over a century, schoolchildren have greeted the dawning of the summer break with joy. Many aspects...

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Google and Facebook Asked to Counter Exam Cheats

Exam malpractice commission will call on tech giants to protect exam system from technology-enabled cheating Google and Facebook will be asked to contribute to a new commission aiming to crack down on cheating in public...

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Girls With Top Science GCSEs ‘Deterred from Study at Higher Level’

Low take-up of Stem subjects down to low confidence and boys’ dominance, study finds Girls achieving top grades in science and maths at GCSE are deterred from continuing to a higher level with such subjects,...

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Reality Check: Are Exam Changes Affecting What Students Study?

In recent years, there has been a clear shift away from the arts, modern languages and a handful of social sciences at both GCSEs and A-levels. Since 2013, the number of A-level entries in arts...

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Exam Boards Market GCSE-Style Tests for Year 7s

Ofsted chief inspector ‘deeply worried’ by schools teaching children narrowly to the test from age 11 Eleven-year-olds are being drilled for their GCSEs five years in advance by being made to sit specially-designed tests modelled on the...

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Majority of Teachers Don’t Trust Ofsted

Survey shows the longer a teacher has been in the profession, the less likely they are to think Ofsted is reliable More than half of teachers do not accept that Ofsted is a “reliable and trusted”...

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Teachers ‘Need More Training On Childhood Trauma’

Traumatic experiences early in life can have a ‘huge impact’ on learning and mental health, children’s charity says A children’s charity has called for teachers to receive more training in how to support children who have experienced...

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Holiday Hunger Should Be the Shame of This Government and It Isn’t

Kids’ clubs are stepping in to fill the gap and stop children going hungry during the school holidays, as families struggle with austerity   As the summer holidays begin, many families look forward to breaks...

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Teachers Unsure of Benefits of Working for a Multi-Academy Trust

The majority of teachers in England are unsure of the benefits of working for a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) and two thirds (68 per cent) would choose a role in a standalone school over a job...

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‘Harry Potter Captures the Magic of Teaching’

JK Rowling’s Hogwarts ‘symbolises the community we are all a part of in education’. I never expected to love Harry Potter. I’d wrinkled my nose at Father Christmas turning up in CS Lewis’ Narnia, because I wanted...

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Saying Goodbye to Your Child’s Primary School? You’re Going to Miss It

My first day in the school playground was terrifying. Everyone else seemed to know each other. Chatting, laughing clusters of comfortable, relaxed people made connections and bonded. I decided – out of sheer defensiveness – that...

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A Musical Work Experience

Young Musician Emily undetook some work expereince with our Music Team last week. Here is her account of it and all she was involved in: During my week with Edsential I was given multiple opportunities...

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Catering Competition Overall Winner

This academic year, we ran four catering competitions for all our schools. These were: 1. National Roast Dinner Day 2. Around the World Day 3. Crown Biscuits (for the Royal Wedding) 4. Easter Buscuits After...

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Competitions & Events 17/18 Review

Edsential Competitions & Events have ended for the academic year of 2017/2018 and once again they have proved to be very successful. Throughout the year, the emphasis of participation has been at the forefront of...

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How Farms Can Help Improve the Lives of Disadvantaged Young People

A couple of years ago, I met Adam (not his real name) at a farm in Dorset. Adam was 14 and had been excluded from mainstream education due to behavioural difficulties and a disruptive home...

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Teachers Should Ignore Disruptive Students to Improve Behaviour in Classroom, Study Says

If the teacher lets go of the tug of war rope and ignores the bad behaviour then it will just stop Teachers should ignore low-level disruptive behaviour in the classroom to reduce it, a new study suggests. It...

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Schools Not ‘Silver Bullet’ to Tackling Childhood Obesity

Ofsted has released a report on obesity, healthy eating and physical activity in primary school Lobby groups should not see schools as a ‘silver bullet’ to tackle childhood obesity, a new report from Ofsted says....

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World Emoji Day

Are you aware of all the services we provide? For #WorldEmojiDaywe’ve mixed things up a bit!     Catering Cleaning Swimming PE Creative & Performing Arts DofE Governors SEND Music Early Years Residential Visits LOtC Mental...

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It’s Not Enough to Ban Mobile Phones in Schools – Tech Giants Must Also Change Their Ways

We must teach children to understand the risks of the Internet and keep themselves safe I can clearly remember getting my first mobile phone. It was back in the Nineties, I was in my twenties, and...

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How to Convince Your Head to Let You Teach Outside

If you’re desperate to escape the classroom heat for the breezy school field, here’s the evidence you need to make your case. Forest bathing. That is what our screen-addled, short-attention-spanned teenagers need. No, I don’t...

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Stop Students’ Summer Holiday Learning Loss

Year after year, students come back to school in September having lost learning ground during the long vacation – but it doesn’t have to be that way… Mention the ‘summer slide’ and non-teachers’ thoughts will...

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Boat Museum Concert

Edsential Musical Routes has continued the tradition established 4 years ago of presenting ensembles/music groups from across Wirral and Cheshire West and Chester in concert throughout the day at the National Waterways Museum commonly known...

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A Musical Education

Having harboured a passion for both music and marine science, a Bangor University student has graduated with pride, scooping up prizes and accolades along the way. Samuel Hartharn-Evans, 21, from Bebington, Wirral has not only...

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Out of the Ark Discount Offers

Take advantage of this offer, available only until 20th July. Get ahead and buy your singing resources for the new school year now! Have you thought about your Harvest singing? Or new assembly songbooks? Maybe...

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Who Should Decide How Teachers Teach?

Can teachers be fully autonomous? If not, how can they be truly creative in their lessons? With around one-third of teachers leaving the classroom within five years of qualifying, it is time to ask: what...

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Children Who Can’t Catch Lag Behind in Reading, Writing & Maths, Study Claims

Taken from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/07/11/children-cant-catch-lag-behind-reading-writing-maths-study-claims/ Clumsy children who struggle to catch a ball are less likely to perform well in reading,  writing and maths exams, a study has found. The research raises the possibility that schools could provide extra...

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What Gareth Southgate Can Teach Us About Leading

Shared from: https://www.tes.com/news/what-gareth-southgate-can-teach-us-about-leading England’s manager leads with class, honesty, consistency and a strong plan – school leaders can learn a lot from him. If the World Cup is not your thing, then look away now. But if you...

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A Window on the World

A wonderful opportunity to attend the opening night of our ‘A Window on the World’ exhibition at the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum last night. The project itself enables pupils and teachers to work collaboratively with artists...

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Staying Safe Online

In our diverse, growing digital world, it is difficult to know if you’re still as safe as you can be online: either for internet banking, social media, making purchases or if you’re browsing. There are...

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Swimming in Schools

Did You Know… In 2017, 255 people died as a result of accidental drowning across the UK, nearly 1 in 4 were children and young adults. National statistics show that nearly 50% of all children...

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Pupil’s Voice Bug Fix

We have been investigating a sysstem bug on our app this week where our Pupil’s Voice app has been unable to connect to our server and submit data when not connected to wifi. We have...

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Arts & Creative Subjects Enrich Children and Society

Guardian Readers responding to proposed changes in the New English baccalaureate. I wholeheartedly agree with your letter writers (British artists: Ebacc will damage creativity and self-expression, 9 May) and feel very disillusioned that, as a...

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Get Creative In The Curriculum

INSPIRATION, INNOVATION AND PARTICIPATION! To register go to: https://getcreative6july.eventbrite.co.uk

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DATA PROTECTION –  YOUR RIGHTS; OUR COMMITMENT

Data Protection laws are changing on the 25th of May 2018 and we have updated our policy to comply with these new EU Laws and Regulations. When you use our services, you are trusting us...

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Choices Make Champions! – Decision Making in PE

During my time in education, the biggest change to have happened was the 2014 switch to the new curriculum. As educators, we all have our opinions on the new curriculum and often like to share...

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Sailability success in North Wales

In association with http://www.rya.org.uk/ Tuesday 24th saw 34 people attend our Sailability session at the Conway Centre, North Wales. Amongst the attendees was a group from Mencap Cymru. Mencap Cymru is the voice of learning disability in...

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Virtual Competitions Spring 2018

Results for the Spring Term 2018 competition are as follows, congratulations to all who took part!      Title Winner School Overall Girl Holly P (Year 6) Upton Westlea Overall Boy Joshua (Year 4) Heygarth...

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Active Classrooms: Physical Activity Can Improve Your Pupils Cognition and Memory

In August 2017,  The Guardian published an article stating, “Children who exercise become healthier adults.” While this to most of us seems common sense; if you develop a love of sport as a child you...

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Family Engagement: A Rounded Approach to Developing Physical, Social and Emotional Health

As you are aware obesity levels are at an all-time high and mental health is at an all-time low. Studies show that: Children that are physically active perform better academically The mind can’tf unction properly...

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Royal Cheshire Show 2018

Edsential’s Music Service are looking for musicians and vocalists for bands, ensembles and choirs from Cheshire West and Chester and Wirral Schools to perform on the Bandstand 19th June at the Royal Cheshire Show 2018....

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Teach Physical Education Everyday Because it Boosts the Brain, Say Scientists

Article written by Sarah Knapton from ‘The Telegraph’ https://goo.gl/r86X1d (24th November, 2017)       Physical education should be taught every day at school because exercise boosts brain size and improves academic performance, a study has...

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Physical Education at the Heart of Health and Wellbeing

The importance of high quality P.E; Early Years to Key Stage 2 By Martin McGovern – Edsential Lead for Whole School Improvement through PE and Sport In the last few years, with the introduction of...

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Joseph Venning – Murals for your School

Joseph Venning is a contemporary painter who specialises in large scale, wall mural commissions for businesses, schools and public spaces. Joseph’s murals often include familiar local landmarks, reconfigured into eye catching, surreal compositions. Stylistically his...

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The Greatest Showman – ‘This is Me’

The Greatest Showman is one of the latest big blockbuster movies from Hollywood. However, the song ‘This is Me’, sung by Keala Settle has be touted as “an anthem for outcasts”. This song ultimately portray’s...

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Spring Term Competition Review

The start of the year has started as the autumn term finished with 4 competitions delivered within a short spring half term! The events have had 4 different venues; St Paul’s, St Anne’s and Rock...

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SoundCloud

Duncan Ross is an Edsential music tutor who uses the online music sharing tool: SoundCloud, to enhance his lessons. Here’s what Duncan has to say about his use of SoundCloud in lessons: I’ve always recorded...

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Using the Power of Being Physically Active to Develop Positive Mental Health

  Personal Best Programme  The programme aims to have lasting benefits for the mental wellbeing of young people through physical activity. Promoting positive mental health in children through supporting them in both identifying and achieving...

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Physical Activity – Virtual Competition Winners Winter 2017

Competition Results This term we had 14 schools take part with over 2200 pupils. Results for the Winter Term 2017 competition are as follows, congratulations to all who took part!    Title Winner School Overall...

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Young Artists in Tuscany Art Exhibition is OPEN!

For the second time, Edsential are holding the annual ‘Young Artists in Tuscany’ exhibition at the prestigious Williamson Art Gallery & Museum in Birkenhead. The exhibition open to the public up to the 21st December,...

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National Concert Band Festival

In late November, Vale Royal Schools Concert Band were awarded  a Silver medal in the National Concert Band Festival – a fantastic achievement after months of hard work. You can view the examiners report here. Next...

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Literacy and Numeracy Catch-Up Strategies

“There are a variety of different approaches available to support low-attaining year 7 pupils to catch up in literacy, with robust evidence to show if they work or not. Writing interventions appear to show consistently...

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The Attainment Gap: Are Disadvantaged Children Simply Born Less Intelligent Than Their Peers? If Not, Why Do We Still Have a Gap After All the Effort?

“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” Albert Einstein It is claimed by some that disadvantaged children lag behind their peers because they have lower intelligence or cognitive abilities. It is even been...

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Sailability at Conway

Achievements so far: Conway Centre is now a RYA Sailability Centre with the highest level of accreditation. 17 members of staff have attended and been accredited for RYA Disability Awareness Training. A Sailablity day that...

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Catapluf’s Magical Journey

Thursday 2nd November, 11am & 2pm Ellesmere Port Civic Hall Meet Catapluf, a cheeky character whose imagination travels to places where everything is music: saucepans, water, drums and even your body.  It’s a magical musical...

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Physical Education at the Heart of Health and Well-being

In the last few years, with the introduction of the PE Premium, and the Government statements regarding health and well-being (“Well-being, why it matters to Health Policy”, Govt. report 2014), Physical Education as a subject...

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And the Reviews are in…with a Twist!

The Reviews Are In…    “…edgy…” “…totally ‘inappropriate’…” “…merciless bullying…” Extracted from a recent feedback from the commissioner of a full days Storytelling in a Primary School. Reception to Year 6. (For the full response...

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Do We Control Our Children’s Exploration to Manage Our Own Anxieties?

At the beginning of the summer break I followed a Twitter conversation on the things we used to get up to on holiday when we were children. There was a fair amount of comment about...

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How to Improve the School Results: Not Extra Maths but Music…Loads of it!

We have come across an interesting case study on The Guardian Newspaper’s Education segment, which suggests that Music could make an enormous difference in children’s performance at school. Take a read of the article yourself...

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An Alternative Approach to School based Competition

By Mike Smethurst – Edsential Lead for Competitions and Events There has been much written about competitive sport in primary schools. Some people argue that a negative experience in competitive sport at a young age...

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Edsential supporting Dyslexia Awareness Week 2nd-9th October

Reflection after listening to Neil Mackay delivering: ‘Engaging Dyslexic boys in reading and writing’. Having listened to Neil Mackay give common sense and simple strategies to support Dyslexic pupils I thought it may be useful...

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Want to Learn the Ukelele/Guitar?

  We have designed a new Ukelele/Guitar Ensemble which is will be run by Emma Johnson at Wirral Centre for Young Musicians. The ensemble will run from 0930-1030 It is aimed at pupils who have...

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Twelve Benefits of Music Education

  1. Early music education exposure helps develop brain areas involved in language and reasoning – our first example of the twelve benefits of music education. It is thought that brain development continues for many years after...

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Ofstead Preparation Resource Pack

A series of templates allowing schools to prepare and log the necessary data and files for an Ofstead Inspection can be found here courtesy of  TheSchoolBus.net

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New Arts Projects

We are excited to be launching two new art projects for the academic year 2017-2018, both ending in exhibitions at Chester Cathedral and the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum. These are fantastic opportunities for children...

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Getting it Right from the Start – by Early Years Consultant Jo Williams

How a child feels when they start nursery, pre-school or school is a bit like how adults feel on their first day in a new job. The thoughts children will have in their head will...

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Social Media Binge – an Edsential Blog by Mark Aspden

Last week Anne Longfield, the Children’s Commissioner, hit the headlines in respect to the length of time that children spend on social media. As she launched a campaign to help parents manage their children’s internet...

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Competitions Review 2016 – 17

Rationale This year has been the first year that Edsential has delivered competitions within primary schools. All the events have been delivered and organised on Monday’s throughout the year. The word competition is used lightly...

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Continuous Professional Development (CPD) 2017-18

Training courses & CPD  are now available to book online for the academic year 2017-18. Our offer is strongly focussed around our holistic approach to improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people. All...

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Greenpower Kart Project

In January 2016, a group of KS4 students from Ysgol Jessie Hughes as part of Canolfan Menai Key stage 4 PRU on Anglesey engaged in building an electric go-kart to race in the Greenpower IET...

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Edsential Impact Report

We are pleased to present our first Impact Report. The Impact Report showcases the work we have undertaken in our mission to improve outcomes for children and young people.  We are immensely proud of the work...

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Andrew Allmark – Cleaning & Facilities Manager

Andrew Allmark was appointed as the Head of Edsential’s Cleaning & Facilities Management Service in February 2017. In work…. Andrew worked for Sodexo who provide total facilities management services for 4 years.  Andrew had oversight of all...

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Engaging Boys with Dyslexia in Reading and Writing

Edsential are pleased to welcome Neil MacKay, the freelance consultant and trainer who created  the concept of Dyslexia Friendly Schools. Neil will be leading a conference on the 27th September at the Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port,...

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Family Cooking School

Making a meal together as a family Our Family Cooking Schools are a joint venture between our Health and Wellbeing team and Catering team. Utilising the skills of both teams the cooking schools have been...

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Clarinet Day

First Ever Clarinet Day! Members of the Edsential Clarinet team led a series of workshops on Saturday 9th July to a group of 25 students ranging from beginner level to Grade 6, at the Ellesmere Port Music...

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Cheshire Youth Orchestra Auditions

Auditions for Cheshire Youth Orchestra –  Saturday 23rd September 2017 Mid Cheshire College. The Cheshire Youth Orchestras* comprise some of the most talented young musicians from all over Cheshire. The three orchestras provide a fun and...

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Come and play with the Hallé

Over 1700 Young Musicians from 40 schools took part in Come and play with the Hallé at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on the 14th and 15th June and they were extraordinary! Presented by Tom Redmond and...

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National SENCO Award PGCert – Applications being taken now for 17/18

Edsential in Partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University   The National Award for SEN Coordination remains a mandatory requirement for newly appointed SENCos since 2008. Experienced SENCos and aspirant SENCos with appropriate experience and access to working...

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Walliams at the Williamson

Walliams at the Williamson is now on display at the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum An amazing 426 children, parents, teachers and Headteacher’s arrived to celebrate the opening of the exhibition on the 5th July...

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Without the Walls Arts Festival

On the 12th and 13th of July Edsential and Queen’s Park High School welcomed 800 pupils and 350 family members to ‘Without the Walls’. Without the Walls was a showcase of extraordinary art, performances of...

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