"Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get there"
Events this week:
October 1st- October 31st- National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024
October 1st- October 31st- Menopause Awareness Month 2024
October 7th- Child Health Day 2024
October 7th- October 13th- Dyslexia Awareness Week 2024
October 7th- October 13th- National Work Life Week 2024
October 10th- World Mental Health Day 2024
Legislation/Regulation of the week
Serious Crime Act 2015
The act gives effect to a number of proposals set out in the Serious and Organised Crime Strategy. It builds on the current criminal and civil law to ensure that the National Crime Agency, the police and other law enforcement agencies can continue effectively and relentlessly to pursue, disrupt and bring to justice serious and organised criminals.
The act also introduces measures to enhance the protection of vulnerable children and others, including by strengthening the law to tackle female genital mutilation (FGM) and domestic abuse. The act also includes provisions to tighten prison security and to guard against the threat of terrorism.
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 30 mins)
Please remember to review this in your policy/legislation review workbook)
Videos of the week
I AM SAM
Sam, a neurodivergent man, has a daughter with a homeless woman who abandons them when they leave the hospital, leaving Sam to raise Lucy on his own. But as Lucy grows up, Sam's limitations as a parent start to become a problem and the authorities take her away. Sam convinces high-priced lawyer Rita to take his case pro bono and in turn teaches her the value of love and family.
Watching this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 120 mins)
Event of the week/month
World Mental Health Day 2024
On World Mental Health Day, let’s all come together to talk about mental health and show everyone that mental health matters. Talking about our mental health can help us cope better with life’s ups and downs. So, on World Mental Health Day and beyond it, why not check in with your friends, family, peers, or colleagues?
World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October. This year’s theme set by the World Federation of Mental Health is workplace mental health. The theme highlights the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for the benefit of people, organisations, and communities.
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 20 mins)
Safeguarding & ED & I
Preparation for Anti-Bullying Week
Bullying is the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. Bullying can be physical, verbal or psychological. It can happen face-to-face or online.
Anti-Bullying Week 2024 will take place from Monday 11th - Friday 15th November, with the theme: Choose Respect. Odd Socks Day is taking place on Tuesday 12th November, with adults and children being encouraged to wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique.
https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week-2024-choose-respect/anti-bullying-week-2024-choose-respect
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 30 mins)
New RSHE Guidance
Guidance for frontline practitioners to explore a parent or carer’s relationship with their In May 2024, the government published a new guidance consultation for the teaching of RSHE in schools.
What does this mean for you?
Whilst we are now under a new government and this has not yet become compulsory, you may wish to learn about its contents for your future planning.
https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/05/16/new-rshe-guidance-what-it-means-for-sex-education-lessons-in-schools/
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 50 mins)
The dangers of viral online challenges: Video
Viral online trends attract many children and teens. Most are harmless, but some challenges can be dangerous.
Children are naturally curious and like to explore, but they can be exposed to negative content online. Social media algorithms suggest similar content based on a child's online behaviour, but they don't distinguish harmful content from safe content.
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 40 mins)
How can children be protected from online fraud?
Online fraud targeting children occurs through phishing scams, in-app purchases, fake contests, and malicious ads, which trick them into revealing personal information or spending money.
Social engineering tactics also exploit their trust to gain access to sensitive data. With limited awareness of online risks, children are vulnerable, making parental guidance essential in preventing these scams.
Educate children: It’s vital to teach children about the dangers of online fraud, including phishing scams, fake websites, and suspicious links. Encourage them to seek help if something seems off.
Use parental controls: Parental control software can monitor and limit children’s online activities, blocking access to potentially harmful websites and apps.
Monitor online activity: Keep computers and other devices in common areas of the home and regularly check browser history and online interactions.
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 30 mins)
PREVENT duty: tackling of ‘permissive environments’
Extremism was re-defined in March 2024 to include the new additive around ‘intentionally creating a permissive environment’ as an act of enabling extremism. This could occur in many forms such as;
Providing an uncritical platform for individuals or representatives of groups or organisations that have demonstrated behaviour.
Facilitating activity of individuals or representatives of groups or organisations that have demonstrated behaviour , including through provision of endorsement, funding, or other forms of support. Or the dissemination of extremist propaganda and narratives that call for extremist behaviour.
Attempts to radicalise, indoctrinate and recruit others to an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, including young people.
Consistent association with individuals or representatives of groups or organisations that have demonstrated behaviour without providing critical challenge to their ideology or behaviour.
If any behaviour listed has occurred previously, a refusal by the individual, group or organisation that conducted the behaviour to rescind, repudiate or distance themselves from the behaviour.
All providers should reflect on how you proactively prevent the creation of these unsafe permissive spaces and where this is documented and evidenced within your policies and procedures
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 20 mins)
Understanding ‘Money Muling’
'Money muling' also known as Child /Financial Exploitation (CFE), is the term used to describe the action of using a young person’s bank account to move money obtained from illegal sources.
Through the process of money laundering, criminals will be able to distance themselves from their crimes by placing the proceeds of their crimes into the banking system, disguising its origin, making it appear as though it has come from a legitimate source.
The Exploiter demands access to the persons bank account, they will transfer sums into that account in order to ‘clean’ or hide its source. The person is then forced to transfer it onto another account or withdraw it as cash.
Laundering the proceeds of crime is a criminal offence under The Proceeds of Crime Act (2002) and carries a maximum prison sentence of up to 14 years.
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 20 mins)
Health & Safety
Are you allergy aware?
October 1st-6th is Anaphylaxis Awareness Week. In the United Kingdom, approximately 2 million people live with at least one type of food allergy. While many experience only mild symptoms, a significant number are at risk of severe, life-threatening reactions, including anaphylaxis. How much do you know about children who need and use epipens?
In order to ensure that you are fully aware of each type of allergy, Kitt Medical have provided a breakdown on each allergy and the importance of the use of epipens and training for those that work with children with allergies. This is particularly important for those who work in school kitchens, in science & cookery departments, and those who handle food.
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 30 mins)
How to combat winter depression and increase your serotonin
Winter depression - also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - affects around 2 million people in the UK. The lack of sunlight in winter causes a decrease in serotonin levels, the hormone that makes us feel happy. People with SAD can combat their depressive symptoms by following techniques that increase your serotonin.
The winter months can be a real struggle for people with 'winter depression' - otherwise known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). While the lack of sunlight can get all of us down from time to time, those with SAD have symptoms of depression in a recurrent seasonal pattern.
For most, this aligns with the shortest days in mid-winter over December, January and February. However, early symptoms often start between September and November and don't lift entirely until March or April.
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 20 mins)
How to handle difficult first aid situations
When responding to an emergency, it is important to recognise the emotional and physical needs of everyone involved, including your own. Make sure you look after your own health and be aware if you start to feel stressed. A calm, considerate response is necessary, so you can reassure the casualty and find out the information you need from them.
https://www.sja.org.uk/get-advice/first-aid-advice/how-to/how-to-handle-difficult-first-aid-situations/?category=12349
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 10 mins)
The Health and Safety at Work Act Explained
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 is the primary piece of legislation governing workplace health and safety in Great Britain. There are also main pieces of regulation which are integral to managing health and safety at work. The implementation of these regulations does not have to be a daunting, time consuming or costly affair. Follow our guide to workplace health and safety legislation in the UK for a summary of the key policies and procedures and understand what you need to do to keep your work environment healthy, safe and compliant.
https://www.britsafe.org/training-and-learning/informational-resources/the-health-and-safety-at-work-act-explained
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 40 mins)
Wider Curriculum
Screen time Dilemmas!- Podcast
Whilst it is common for children as young as 7 to have access to a mobile phone, many parents are conscious of the amount of screen time that children of this generation are exposed to. Whilst not wanting to cut off what is their main source of communication with their peers, its is beneficial to their wellbeing to set boundaries on screen time.
Listen to a podcast by Pete Etchells, Professor of Psychology and Science Communication at Bath Spa University, joined the podcast Interface to discuss his work Unlocked: The Real Science of Screen Time. The conversation, hosted by Jess McBeath (online safety consultant at SWGfL), delved into the complexities of screen time, challenging the common narrative that all screen time is inherently harmful.
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 30 mins)
Be safe, be seen, on Halloween!
Although Halloween is a fun time for children, with the opportunity to dress up, play games and gather as many sweets as they can carry, it also comes with an element of danger.
Ensure that children have an exciting, yet safe Halloween with these guidlines. There is a free poster that you can download
(Watching this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 20 mins)
Major Instagram update for teenage users
Teenage Instagram users will get new privacy settings, its parent company Meta has announced in a major new update. Instagram now requires accounts for users 13 and older to be automatically designated as teen accounts, which will be private by default following recent privacy changes.
Instagram will filter offensive words from comments and DMs, and notify teens to leave the app after 60 minutes daily. Sleep mode, muting notifications from 10pm-7am, will be enabled automatically.
Users under 16 can only change settings with parental permission, while 16-17-year-olds can adjust them freely. Parents will have tools to monitor their children's activity and limit app usage.
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 30 mins)
Should social media be restricted to users over 16?
The debate over whether social media should be restricted to users over 16 is ongoing. Proponents argue that social media can negatively impact younger users’ mental health, exposing them to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and privacy risks. They believe that older teens are better equipped to handle these challenges responsibly.
On the other hand, opponents of the restriction highlight the benefits of social media for younger users, such as staying connected with friends, educational opportunities, and creative expression. They argue that with proper guidance and parental controls, younger teens can safely navigate social media.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on balancing the potential risks and benefits, ensuring that young users are protected while still allowing them to enjoy the positive aspects of social media.
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 20 mins)
Sustainability
Following education from Afghanistan to Germany
I am Samira Masoumi. I spent the first 17 years of my life in Afghanistan, where I was a passionate advocate for girls’ rights through school and civil society programs. I successfully completed high school and was planning to enter university when the Taliban took over the country, abruptly halting my and millions of girls’ dreams.
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 20 mins)
Closure of Britain’s last coal plant “an example the world must follow”
Commenting on the planned closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar coal power station on Monday, the UK’s last coal plant still in operation, Greenpeace UK’s policy director Dr Doug Parr said:
“This plant’s closure marks the final chapter of a century-and-a-half history of coal burning in the UK. Just over a decade ago, coal made up nearly two-fifths of UK electricity generation but the rapid advance of renewables has made it obsolete. Britain has set an example the rest of the world must follow if we are to stop the devastation caused by the climate crisis and toxic air pollution.
“That the UK has now exited from coal is a tribute to so many in the climate movement who have campaigned for this moment for nearly 20 years. There are further battles to be had to phase out oil and gas, fulfilling the promise by all countries at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels.
https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/news/closure-of-britains-last-coal-plant-an-example-the-world-must-follow/
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 10 mins)
What’s next for democracy?
This year elections are taking place in countries that are home to almost half the world’s population. So, on International Day of Democracy – as we head towards the end of this mega-year for elections – what have we learned and what should we be aiming for?
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 30 mins)
An Idiot’s guide to change the world- Let’s come together so we don’t fall apart
In the final episode of this season, Gail and Loyiso look at Goal 17, partnerships for the goals. They ask what the ingredients are of a good partnership and find out which sectors are working together to make a positive impact. They are joined by two SDG ambassadors who have been campaigning for the Goals since their inception. Dr Alaa Murabit and filmmaker Richard Curtis bring their wealth of experience to the table and share some encouraging examples of successful collaborations. Alaa highlights the importance of seeing who holds power in the room, and Richard shares why he's optimistic that the match could be won in the second half.
(Watching this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning if it links to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your apprenticeship standard – Approx. 50 mins)
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