“Because one day it might just be you who is Prime Minister.” Trygve Skaug
Responsibility means making choices that help ourselves, other people and the world around us. Like integrity, it means doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching.
In If I Were Prime Minister, a young child imagines all the changes they would make if they were in charge. The story encourages us to think about fairness, kindness and how our actions can make a difference. While most of us won’t become Prime Minister, we can all be leaders in our own way by taking responsibility for our choices every day.
When we act responsibly, we show that we can be trusted and that we care about the people and places around us.
Our Tips for Taking Responsibility
1. Be Responsible for Your Actions
Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. This week, try:
Admitting when you’ve made a mistake.
Saying sorry when needed.
Thinking about how your choices affect others.
Taking responsibility helps us learn and grow.
2. Look After Your Environment
Being responsible also means caring for the world around us. Can you:
Put litter in the bin?
Tidy up after yourself?
Look after school equipment and resources?
Small actions can make a big difference.
3. Keep Your Promises
When you say you will do something, try your best to follow through. You could:
Complete a task you’ve been given.
Return borrowed items.
Remember a job you’ve volunteered to do.
People learn to trust us when we keep our promises.
4. Help Without Being Asked
Responsible people notice what needs doing. Perhaps you could:
Hold a door open for someone.
Help a younger child.
Offer to help at home or in school.
Showing initiative is a great way to demonstrate responsibility.
5. Use Your Voice for Good
The child in If I Were Prime Minister thinks carefully about what would make the world better. You can do this too by:
Sharing ideas respectfully.
Standing up for what is right.
Helping others feel included.
Every voice can make a positive difference.
If you were Prime Minister for a day, what is one change you would make to improve life for others? Now think about this: what small action could you take this week to make that change begin?
Remember, responsibility isn’t about being in charge of a country. It’s about making thoughtful choices, helping others and doing your part to make our school and community a better place. When we take responsibility, we show others they can trust us and we help create a happier, kinder world for everyone.
“The best thing to share is a laugh with your friend.” – Rachel Bright, The Squirrels Who Squabbled
Sharing is an important skill that helps us build friendships, solve problems and feel connected to others.
In The Squirrel Who Squabbled, Cyril the squirrel spends all his time collecting pine cones and keeping them for himself. He worries about having enough and doesn’t want to share. However, when an unexpected adventure teaches him the value of friendship, Cyril discovers that sharing experiences, helping others and working together can bring far more happiness than having lots of things.
Learning to share can strengthen friendships, promote kindness, reduce worries and help us feel part of a caring community.
Our Tips for Sharing
1. Share Your Time
Sharing is not just about toys or possessions. This week, try:
Helping a friend with a task.
Playing a game with someone who looks lonely.
Spending time talking to someone new.
Giving your time shows others that they matter.
2. Take Turns
Sometimes sharing means being patient. Can you:
Wait your turn during a game?
Let someone else have the first choice?
Share equipment fairly?
Taking turns helps everyone feel respected and included.
3. Share Kind Words
Words can be shared too. You could:
Give someone a compliment.
Thank someone for helping you.
Tell a friend what you appreciate about them.
Kind words can brighten someone’s day.
4. Work Together
When people share ideas and work as a team, amazing things can happen. Perhaps you could:
Help a classmate solve a problem.
Share your ideas during group work.
Listen carefully to other people’s suggestions.
Working together helps everyone learn and succeed.
5. Share Happiness
Think about how it feels when someone shares with you. Sharing often creates smiles, laughter and stronger friendships.
Just like Cyril discovered, collecting lots of things did not make him as happy as having a good friend. Sharing helps us build positive relationships and creates a school community where everyone feels welcome, valued and supported.
Can you think of one thing you could share this week? It might be your time, your kindness, your ideas or something you enjoy. Notice how sharing makes both you and others feel.
When we share, we show kindness, strengthen friendships and help our whole community grow together.
“Being different is the best thing ever” – Tom McLaughlin, Along Came A Different
Celebrating differences means recognising that everyone is unique and valuing what makes each person special.
In Along Came A Different, the characters learn that being different is not something to fear. Instead, different ideas, talents, appearances and experiences help communities grow stronger. When we welcome and include others, we create places where everyone feels they belong.
Learning to celebrate differences can improve our friendships, build empathy, strengthen our sense of belonging and support positive mental health.
Our Tips for Celebrating Differences
1. Be Curious About Others
Everyone has their own story, interests and experiences. This week, try:
Asking someone about a hobby they enjoy.
Finding out something new about a friend.
Learning about a tradition from another family or culture.
Being curious helps us understand and appreciate one another.
2. Look for What Makes People Special
Sometimes we notice what makes us different, but forget to celebrate it. Can you identify:
A talent someone has?
A strength you admire in a friend?
Something unique about yourself?
Every person has something valuable to contribute.
3. Include Someone
Helping others feel included shows kindness and respect. You could:
Invite someone to join a game.
Work with a different partner.
Sit with someone new at lunchtime.
Small acts of inclusion can make a big difference.
4. Celebrate Your Own Uniqueness
Think about what makes you, you. Perhaps you are:
Creative
Determined
Helpful
Funny
Thoughtful
Curious
Your differences are part of what makes you special.
5. Build a Colourful Community
Imagine our school if everyone was exactly the same. What would be missing?
Different ideas, talents, interests and personalities help our community grow, learn and thrive. Together, our differences make our school a brighter place. How does your uniqueness help our school community? Think about one thing that makes you different and how it helps others around you. When we celebrate differences, everyone feels valued, included and able to be themselves.
“How about we use our words to look after each other’s hearts?”– Kate Jane Neal, Words and Your Heart
Respect means showing care and consideration for yourself, other people, and the world around you. Respect can be shown through the words we use, the way we listen, and how we treat others.
In assembly on Monday, we read Words and Your Heart, where Kate Jane Neal reminds us that words have power. Kind words can help hearts grow stronger, whilst hurtful words can leave marks that are difficult to forget. When we choose our words carefully and treat others with kindness, we help create positive relationships and a happier community.
Learning to show respect can help us feel connected to others, build trust, and improve our mental wellbeing. It also helps everyone feel safe, valued, and included.
Our Tips for Respect
1. Think Before You Speak
Before you say something, ask yourself:
Is it kind?
Is it helpful?
Is it respectful?
Words can stay with people long after they are spoken.
2. Listen with Your Whole Body
Show respect by giving someone your attention when they are speaking. Try to:
Look at the speaker.
Wait for your turn to talk.
Listen to understand, not just to reply.
Everyone deserves to feel heard.
3. Fill Someone’s Heart with Kind Words
Think of someone important to you and share some kind words. You could say:
I appreciate how you…
Thank you for…
I admire the way you…
You helped me when…
Kind words can brighten someone’s day and strengthen friendships.
4. Respect Differences
People may look different, think differently, enjoy different things, or have different beliefs. Try:
Learning something new about another person.
Including someone in a game or activity.
Celebrating what makes each person unique.
Respect means valuing differences, not judging them.
5. Show Respect to Yourself
Respect isn’t just about other people. Think about:
Something you did well this week.
A challenge you worked hard to overcome.
A positive quality you have.
Remember, speaking kindly to yourself is just as important as speaking kindly to others.
What words would you like people to remember you for? Take a moment to think about the words you use every day. Are they helping hearts to grow? Respectful words, actions and choices help us build strong relationships and positive mental health.
Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
“Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine shall be thy food.” – Hippocrates
Nutrition
Nutrition refers to the nutrients in food and how our body uses them to stay strong and healthy. There are lots of positive benefits for our physical health, nutrition is also really important for our mental health!
Our brain works hard taking care of our thoughts, movements, breathing, heartbeat and senses (even when we are sleeping!), so we must fuel our brain with nutritious foods to help us function. This can help us to think clearly, increase our energy levels and support concentration. What we eat also affects our mood too!
Our tips:
Get involved in the cooking – Can you help your parent/carer to prepare dinner? This can be a fun way to spend time with others and learn a new skill.
Make it fun – There are lots of different ways different foods can be prepared. You could try experimenting putting different food together to see what you like and don’t like.
Try something new – When was the last time you tried a new food? It can be exciting to find out what food we like and don’t like. Also, our tastes can change as we grow and develop. See if you can set yourself a challenge to try a new food this week.
Keep Hydrated – Dehydration could lead to headaches, difficulty focusing and may impact sleep. Try to ensure you are regularly drinking water, it can be useful to bring a bottle of water to school every day to remind you to stay hydrated!
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
I can’t believe this is the last Friday Library Recommendations for this school year, so it must be time to talk about this year’s Summer Reading Challenge – “Read To The Beat”. The collection includes books about musicians, characters discovering music, sound science, cultural traditions, rhythm, storytelling through sound, breaking down barriers to music, creative expression and following your dreams. I’ve picked out a few favourites to share. You can join in at your local library or online: Summer Reading Challenge
My first choice is Music Of The Mountains by Sabrina Shah, illustrated by Manal Mirza; a beautifully told story about family, tradition and finding the courage to believe in yourself. Set in a small village in Pakistan, the story follows young Roohi as she learns to play the rabab, a traditional stringed instrument, under the patient guidance of her beloved grandfather.
What makes this book so special is the warm relationship between Roohi and her grandfather. Through his lessons, he teaches her far more than music; he shares the importance of culture, heritage and understanding where you come from. His words about feeling “the rhythm” and “the beat of your people” stay with Roohi long after the lessons end, reminding readers that traditions connect us to our families and communities.
When her grandfather becomes ill before her school’s Eid concert, Roohi is faced with a daunting challenge. Can she find the confidence to perform on her own? Children will be rooting for her every step of the way as she discovers inner strength and learns that the people we love often leave us with everything we need to succeed.
Richly illustrated and full of heart, this story offers a wonderful window into Pakistani culture and Eid celebrations. The informative endnotes add extra depth, making it a fantastic choice for families who enjoy stories that both inspire and teach. A touching and uplifting read about courage, music and belonging.
My next pick is YOU Vs The Poison Plot by Josh Hicks, and it’s one of those books that grabs readers by the hand and pulls them straight into the action. From the very first page, you aren’t just reading the story – you become part of it.
Set on the eve of a school talent show, the mystery begins when the drama teacher suddenly collapses. With four witnesses, plenty of unanswered questions and suspicion hanging in the air, it’s up to you, the editor of the school newspaper, to investigate. Every choice you make affects the outcome, meaning no two reading experiences are quite the same.
What makes this book so much fun is the sense of ownership it gives its readers. Instead of following a set storyline, children must gather clues, weigh up evidence and decide what to do next. It’s an engaging blend of reading, problem-solving and detective work that will appeal to fans of Cluedle, Murdle Junior and mystery-filled escape room adventures.
Packed with maps, diagrams, illustrations and plenty of twists, YOU VS: The Poison Plot feels more like stepping into a game than reading a traditional novel. There are surprises around every corner, lots of potential endings and plenty of laughs along the way.
Perfect for confident readers and reluctant readers alike, this is an inventive, fast-paced mystery that encourages children to think critically, trust their instincts and, most importantly, keep turning the pages to solve the case. A brilliantly interactive read that leaves you eager for the next adventure.
And finally for our most confident readers, I’ve chosen Hunt For The Golden Scarab by M.G. Leonard; an exciting new adventure that combines history, mystery and time travel into one page-turning story. From the very first chapter, readers are swept into a thrilling race across time as secrets, danger and ancient treasures await around every corner.
Sim has always wondered why he and his mum never stay anywhere for long. When mysterious strangers suddenly appear and turn their lives upside down, he discovers an incredible truth: his mum can open doors through time. Before long, Sim and his friends find themselves on a desperate quest to uncover the lost tomb of Nefertiti and solve the mystery of a precious golden scarab.
What I particularly enjoyed about this book is the way M. G. Leonard effortlessly blends real historical facts with an action-packed adventure. Ancient Egypt feels vivid and alive, and readers will find themselves completely immersed in the puzzles, clues and twists that drive the story forwards. The stakes are high throughout, with the sinister Council of Keys always one step behind.
The characters are easy to root for, and their courage, loyalty and determination shine through even in the most dangerous moments. Meanwhile, the fascinating historical details add an extra layer of interest, making this a wonderful choice for children who enjoy learning while they read.
Packed with suspense, friendship and adventure, Hunt for the Golden Scarab is a fantastic start to a promising new series. Perfect for fans of Adventures on Trains, Twitch or anyone dreaming of stepping through a door into another time.
Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
“Your future depends on your dreams, so go to sleep.” — Mesut Barazany
Rest
It is important to work hard, stay motivated and set goals to achieve in life. It is also important to not overwork yourself and get enough rest to help manage your stress and unwind so you can stay motivated and prevent burnout in the long run.
Rest is vital for your mental health as it can improve your concentration, memory, critical thinking, and thinking, planning for the future, problem-solving, mood, immune system, reduce stress, and helps your body’s metabolism and physical recovery.
Rest can be difficult to define because it can look different for everyone. It can be anything physical or mentally stimulating that improves wellbeing such as going for a walk, singing, drawing, cycling, playing games, watching TV/streaming, exercising, playing sports, reading, dancing, listening or creating music, writing, crafting, relaxing or anything else you enjoy!
Our Top Tips For Rest
After you have done something important like studying, chores or homework, reward yourself by doing something enjoyable that helps you recharge.
Set aside enough time each day for hygiene. This can be showering, brushing teeth, washing hair. These regular activities can help you to relax.
Create a healthy sleep routine by avoiding caffeine or sugary drinks near bedtime, ensure you are warm and comfortable in bed and limit screentime.
Engage in some mindfulness or restful activity, such as meditation, reading, listening to calming music, podcasts or bedtime stories. The Calm App has lots of meditations, soundscapes and stories.
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
International Plastic Bag Free Day is a global awareness day held every year on 3rd July. It encourages people to reduce their use of single-use plastics and switch to reusable alternatives. The day was created to raise awareness of the environmental damage caused by plastic bags, which can:
Contribute to the growing problem of plastic waste
Pollute oceans, rivers and countryside
Harm wildlife and marine animals
Take many years to break down
This is a really important environmental issue facing all of us, and makes for a great Friday Library Recommendations theme.
My first choice is The Mess That We Made by Michelle Lord, illustrated by Julia Blattman; a powerful and thought-provoking picture book that shines a light on one of the biggest environmental challenges facing our planet today: plastic pollution in our oceans.
Written in a simple, rhythmic style that young readers will quickly join in with, the story begins by introducing a small boat drifting through the ocean. As each page turns, readers witness the growing impact of the rubbish humans leave behind. The repeating text creates a powerful sense of momentum, helping children to understand how one small action can lead to far-reaching consequences for wildlife, marine habitats and ultimately ourselves.
The vibrant illustrations are packed with detail and vividly portray the scale of the problem, while remaining accessible for younger readers. Although the subject matter is serious, the book carries a message of hope. The second half focuses on positive action, encouraging children and adults to work together to protect our oceans and make more environmentally friendly choices.
What I particularly love about this book is that it doesn’t simply highlight a problem; it empowers readers to become part of the solution. The fascinating facts and practical ideas at the back of the book make it an excellent starting point for conversations at home and school. An inspiring and important read for environmentally conscious young readers.
My next pick is Greta and the Giants by Zoe Tucker & Zoe Persico; a beautifully written and wonderfully accessible picture book that introduces young readers to the important issue of climate change through a powerful allegorical story.
Set within a once-thriving forest, the story follows Greta, a determined young girl who watches helplessly as enormous Giants destroy the natural world around her. Tree by tree, the forest disappears as towns and cities grow, leaving the animals with fewer places to call home. Greta knows something must change, but can one small voice really make a difference?
Inspired by the real-life activism of Greta Thunberg, this story delivers an empowering message about courage, perseverance and standing up for what is right. The environmental themes are presented in a gentle and child-friendly way, making complex issues easy for younger readers to understand without feeling overwhelmed.
The illustrations are stunning, filled with rich colours and intricate details that bring the forest and its inhabitants to life. Children will enjoy spotting the changes that take place throughout the story while reflecting on the impact humans have on the natural world.
What I particularly love about this book is its message of hope. It reminds readers that age does not determine influence and that small actions, when taken together, can create meaningful change.
A thought-provoking read that encourages children to believe in the power of their voice and to care for the world around them.
My final choice for our older readers is Witchstorm by Tim Tilley; a spellbinding adventure that swept me away from the very first page. Packed with mystery, magic and heart, this is a story that will delight readers who love quests, folklore and fast-paced fantasy.
Will has grown up listening to tales of witches, storm-lions and hidden treasure buried deep within the Fens. But for Will, these stories mean more than exciting legends – they may hold the key to discovering what happened to his missing Ma. When a mysterious witch appears during a fierce storm, Will finds himself drawn into a thrilling race to uncover a powerful magical stone before it falls into the wrong hands.
The world Tim Tilley creates is rich and atmospheric, bringing the wild beauty of the Fens vividly to life. The story is filled with riddles, ancient secrets, crumbling towers and daring broomstick chases, making it difficult to put down. Alongside the action and adventure, there is also a touching story about family, hope and finding the courage to keep searching when everything feels lost.
What I particularly enjoyed was the way folklore and nature are woven together to create a truly magical setting. Will is a determined and relatable hero whose journey keeps readers rooting for him every step of the way.
An enchanting, action-packed adventure perfect for confident KS2 readers who love magic, mystery and unforgettable quests.
Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer” – Albert Einstein
Persistence
Persistence is all about keeping going, even when times are challenging. It is normal to want to give up when you are going through something difficult, but if you can stick with it and overcome the obstacles, you will be closer to achieving your goals.
Having a growth mindset will help us persist, which means you believe you can learn, grow and develop your skills by putting in the hard work and practise. This can be tricky, so make sure you reach out to friends and trusted adults to support you.
Our tips for persistence:
Break the goal down into smaller steps. You can set yourself smaller goals that are more achievable, to help you reach your ultimate goal. Make sure the smaller goals are linked to your ultimate goal; this may help to encourage you to keep going, as you will be able to measure your progress.
Try something new – this could be a new hobby, sport, craft activity, or puzzle. Having a go at something new can help to develop your persistence, whilst also having fun. You might find it challenging at first, but you will receive a greater sense of reward and achievement by sticking with it!
Positive self-talk – instead of saying “I can’t”, add “yet” onto the end of the sentence. This tells your brain that it might be difficult, but you will get there in the end.
Talk to yourself like a friend – we are often kinder to our friends than we are to ourselves, when we go through challenging times. Practise talking to yourself like you would talk to a friend! What advice would you give if a friend told you they were rubbish at something? What would you say if they felt they wanted to give up?
Practise mindfulness. A good way to improve our mental wellbeing is by paying more attention to the present moment and the world around us. Think about sounds and smells around you, what can you see, and how does this make you feel. By being more aware, this can improve our mental wellbeing and enable us to improve skills such as being persistent.
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
The Football World Cup has certainly given us lots of fabulous and surprising moments so far. As we move into the knock out stages, I’ve picked the beautiful game as my theme for this week
To kick us off, I have picked the second book in a fabulous series that practically bounces off the page; Let’s Play Football by Gordon D’Arcy and Paul Howard, illustrated by Ashwin Chacko. From the very first whistle, you’re not just reading this story; you’re in it. Gordon D’Arcy and Paul Howard have created a brilliantly energetic, fully immersive football adventure that invites children to step straight onto the pitch. Paired with Ashwin Chacko’s bold, lively illustrations, every page feels packed with movement, excitement and just the right amount of match-day nerves.
What makes this book such a winner is its interactivity. Readers are encouraged to stretch, run, weave and tackle alongside the story, making it perfect for those children who love to move as much as they love to read. It cleverly introduces key football skills while keeping the focus firmly on fun, teamwork and determination.
And don’t be fooled—this isn’t just about scoring the winning goal. There’s a lovely underlying message about perseverance and giving your all, even when the opposition is strong. This is a joyful, high-energy read that’s guaranteed to get children (and grown-ups!) ready to cheer from the sidelines, or dash straight outside for a kickabout of their own.
My next choice is Unbelievable Football: The Most Amazing World Cup Stories You Never Knew by Matt Oldfield, illustrated by Ollie Mann. packed with jaw‑dropping moments, unbelievable stories and facts that will have you saying, “No way… really?!”
From the drama of World Cup finals to the legends who’ve dazzled on the biggest stage, Unbelievable Football is bursting with bite‑sized snippets that are perfect for dipping in and out of. It’s the kind of book children will return to again and again—eager to share a new fact or retell an incredible moment they’ve just discovered.
What makes this book such a hit is its variety. One page might transport you to a stormy, history-filled first tournament, while the next introduces record-breaking players or shocking upsets that changed the game forever. With plenty of eye-catching illustrations and fascinating statistics, it brings football history to life in a way that feels fresh, fun and accessible.
Ideal for reluctant readers and football enthusiasts alike, this is a brilliant way to build reading stamina without even realising it. Each section is short, engaging and full of personality. Whether your child dreams of scoring at Wembley or simply loves a good story, this is a top‑of‑the‑league read that scores every time.
Finally, for our oldest children I’ve chosen Booked by Kwame Alexander, who Year 5 and 6 may remember from our virtual visit on World Book Day. Like a pulse‑pounding match played out in poetry, this is a story that grips you from the very first line.
Kwame Alexander’s Booked brings us Nick, a football‑mad boy who would rather be on the pitch than anywhere near a book. But as life begins to throw him some unexpected challenges, from friendship struggles to family changes, Nick finds himself navigating far more than just a game.
Told entirely in verse, the writing is electric. It races, slows, and soars; mirroring the rhythm of football itself. Even the most reluctant readers will find themselves swept along by the pace and punch of the language. It’s accessible, engaging and, at times, incredibly moving.
At its heart, this is a story about growing up. Nick’s journey through his parents’ break-up, his battles with bullies and his first experiences of love feel honest and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with him. Football may be his passion, but it’s the relationships in his life that truly shape him.
This is a brilliant choice for Upper KS2 readers, especially those who think books aren’t for them. Funny, heartfelt and full of energy, it might just change their minds.
