Products/resources


Anne Frank assembly An assembly resource that highlights the life of Anne Frank’s father has been launched by a charity in conjunction with National Anne Frank Day. Anne Frank Trust UK has created


the guidance aimed at years 6 and 7 to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of Anne Frank’s house. The assembly encourages pupils


to think about how one person can make a difference and tells the story of Otto Frank. Having lost his wife and children in the Holocaust, Otto ensured that his daughter Anne’s diary was published in an effort to show the dangers of prejudice and persecution as well as the importance of respecting fellow human beings. He went on to prevent the building where he and his family were in


hiding from being demolished by the council. Consequently, the house has been open to the public since 1960. National Anne Frank Day is on June 12 and falls on a Saturday this


year. However the charity advises that the assembly is used around that date. Lucy Glennon, head of education and the Anne Frank Trust said: “We


hope that this assembly will inspire young people to think about the positive differences they can make.”


• Visitwww.annefrank.org It’s in the bag


The SCHOOL BAGS campaign, run by textile recycling company Ecotex, aims to teach children about recycling by collecting their second- hand clothes to give to third world countries. SCHOOL BAGS works by delivering


leaflets and bags to UK schools that register to help promote the campaign. Each child then fills their bag with good-quality, used clothes and returns them to school a week later on the collection day. About a week after this, the school will receive a cheque for the amount collected and a certificate stating the amount of clothes gathered and the money that was raised. For every tonne of clothes the school gives, they will receive £400. The clothes are then sold to third world and developing countries so that they can sell them in markets and second- hand shops. Ecotex and SCHOOL BAGS has paid over £5 million to charities and organisations so far. SCHOOL BAGS collections can be planned as often as the school likes, but the charity advises that three collections per year works well.


• To register for SCHOOL BAGS, complete the online form at www.ecotexschoolbags.com, call 01924 439309 or email info@ecotexrecyclers.com


Get on your bike


90 per cent of children have bikes and more than 30 per cent would like to cycle to school, but only one per cent do. This could be down to poor cycle storage, as studies have found that pupils will not cycle to school if they or their parents feel bikes can not be stored safely. A Minipod can provide fun, secure and compact parking for the


children’s bikes and scooters. A UK manufactured and sustainable product, the Minipod is available in 100 per cent recycled materials and is also 100 per cent recyclable.


• Visit www.cyclepods.co.uk 8


Syncope DVD launched


The Syncope Trust And Reflex anoxic Seizures (STARS) charity has launched a DVD that aims to help schools cope with children who have been diagnosed with syncope (fainting). The charity helps children and families who are affected by blackouts, syncope and reflex anoxic seizures, and is responding to long-received requests from anxious parents on how to deal with these conditions. STARS aims to ensure that those presented with loss of consciousness receive the correct diagnosis, appropriate treatment and informed support. The DVD includes three chapters: an introduction to syncope and the STARS patient organisation, advice on managing syncope in school, and advice from parents and syncope specialists. Explanations on what syncope is, what happens in the event of a syncopal episode and how to enable a child to participate in all school activities are included. The DVD has been produced with the guidance of the STARS


expert medical advisory committee to provide information to those responsible for individuals with syncope. It is a complementary resource provided to schools with information


booklets, alert cards and sample care plans to educate schools on the management of syncopal conditions.


• For more information about STARS or to request a DVD, visit www.stars.org.uk, email info@stars.org.uk or call 01789 450564.


The key to literacy


The global software company Widgit Software has launched its First Keys 3 programme to train pupils about keyboard awareness and improve their literacy skills through digital spelling. The software develops keyboard skills through text matching, spelling and word blends from picture cues and includes speech, phonics and Widgit symbols in colourful missing-letter exercises. Widgit Software’s original programs, First Keys 1 and 2, have been


developed to create this new program due to the progression of computer technology and the introduction of Microsoft Vista. First Keys 3 includes a complete range of Widgit symbols and comes


with over 80 built-in activities and a function that allows students to be assessed by a star grading system. Each user can choose from a spectrum of exercises or create their


own using a straightforward editor. Furthermore, teachers can choose how users interact with the program by configuring font and speech support, for example. They also have the opportunity to see their students’ progress by looking at reports generated by the software, which show where children are struggling and what they are excelling at.


• Visitwww.widgit.com Playtime for all


One of Hand Made Places aims is to ensure that the experience of play is available for all. When designing new play areas, they try to create stimulating and challenging environments that encourage inclusion. They work in partnership with a wide range of SEN schools and seek


advice from experts throughout the design process. Considering issues relating to mobility and wheelchair skills, behavioural, emotional and learning difficulties, and the full autistic spectrum, means that their inclusive play range is designed for all levels. Activities are designed to stimulate the mind and senses, but equally


ensure physical challenge. Many of their designs for inclusive play areas include mirrors, planters,


finger mazes, play sculptures, activity panels, and music. Hand Made Places has a team of consultants and designers who provide you with an overall concept plan to suit your needs, space and budget. They specialise in creating play spaces from previously under-used or even derelict areas.


• Call 01420 474111 or visit www.handmadeplaces.co.uk


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