PARENTS and carers are encouraged to use the remainder of the Summer holidays to ensure you and your child are ‘back-to-school ready’
With the start of the new academic year just around the corner, the council has provided a quick guide with three top tips to help parents and guardians prepare and ensure children have a smooth transition back to the classroom.
1. Check term dates
Familiarise yourself with the term dates for the upcoming school year. Make note of any half-term breaks, holidays, or inset days ahead of planning any family holidays or activities.
The majority of Warrington schools have similar term dates, but some voluntary-aided and academy schools may differ.
2. Get all the relevant school uniforms
There is a range of support with school uniforms for families struggling with the cost of uniforms, especially following the cost of living crisis.
Support includes school uniform grants, local Facebook groups where parents operate a uniform ‘swap shop’, and the School Uniform Network at Warrington Foodbank.
3. Set up school lunches if necessary
The school lunch service provides nutritionally-balanced meals which are key to supporting children to develop healthy eating habits, and ensure that they have the energy and nourishment they need to get the most from school. The menus have been developed to include a wide variety of food groups which are high in fibre, and low in fat, salt, and sugar.
School meals for the 2023/24 academic year are £2.60 per day. However, all children in reception, year 1 and year 2, as well as children of parents who are in receipt of certain benefits, are entitled to a free school lunch.
The three weekly rolling menus, which cater for all allergens and dietary requirements, detail each day’s main course and dessert, with the additional daily offer of a vegetarian option and jacket potato.
The School Meals Team is also continuing to work closely with schools to increase the offer of theme days, treat lunches and inviting loved ones to join children for special lunches.
If your child is bringing their own packed lunch to school, try to pack healthy meals and snacks wherever possible. To find out more and get healthy lunch ideas and inspiration, visit the NHS Healthier Families website.
Cllr Sarah Hall, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “The new academic year is coming around quickly, and now is a good time to get ready for September. It’s important to remember there is also lots of help available if you need it – whether that be with the cost of school uniforms, school lunches or anything else.
“An added benefit of reminding yourself to organise your child’s back to school options now will also mean you get to enjoy the last few weeks of the Summer holidays stress-free too!”
For more information about schools in Warrington, visit warrington.gov.uk/schools.
