March 2011

The know zone

  • Setting parameters
    Goggles to play conkers, candy floss caution and banning flip-flops are some of the myths attributed to health and safety. In the end, says Richard Bird, there’s no danger in acting responsibly and thoughtfully. More
  • Hotline
    The ASCL hotline is a completely confidential service available to answer members’ questions on issues that arise in school/college. More
  • Pressing numbers
    Sam Ellis unveils a new spreadsheet to help leaders calculate their affordable pupil-teacher ratio. More
  • Lead vocals
    Quotes from Albert Einstein, Marry Browne, Anton Chekhov, Winston Churchill and Alan Autry More
  • A richer mix
    Whole Education brings together almost 30 charities and other bodies whose joint goal is to offer students a broader, deeper learning experience. More
  • Adding value
    Most of us look forward to spring and putting our clocks forward. Unfortunately our biological clocks take a little longer to reset. More
  • Smart choice
    Allison Crompton is headteacher of Middleton Technology School, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, which was singled out by Ofsted as one of 12 outstanding schools which excel against the odds. She was awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours List 2011. More
  • Sticking with CPD?
    With renewed emphasis on sharing good practice around the system – and with budget cuts to make – leaders share their thoughts on how they are ensuring value for money in CPD. More
  • Leaders' surgery
    The antidote to common leadership conundrums... More
  • The challenges ahead
    With the appearance of a Curriculum Review and Education Bill already in 2011, ASCL Council had a packed agenda in February. Not surprisingly, pensions, funding and the English Bac were high on the agenda. More
  • The gap years...
    Steps by the government to dismantle Connexions, abolish the EMA and allow universities to raise tuition fees threaten to lock the middle classes out of university, says Brian Lightman. And it undermines the coalition’s aim to improve social mobility. More
  • Busman's holiday...
    It requires team-working, careful monitoring, effective skills development and strong leadership. So how would Ofsted assess a joint family holiday asks Catherine Szabo. More
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Adding value

Common sense measures for a good night’s sleep

Most of us look forward to spring and putting our clocks forward. Unfortunately our biological clocks take a little longer to reset. The brighter sunlight and lengthening day help us with that adjustment and return us to our usual sleep pattern.

Sleep is fundamental to our health and daily wellbeing. Trouble sleeping can be due to any number of things, including indulging in alcohol in the evening. Food intake during the day also affects sleep, as does too much noise or light at night. Being overweight can also affect sleep patterns.

While sleep disorders range from snoring to restless leg syndrome, the most common is insomnia. While some people may need medical help for this, most of us can prevent insomnia by following a healthy lifestyle.

Simple things can help, like not eating too close to bedtime and avoiding alcohol and caffeine late in the day. While easier said than done, avoiding going to bed feeling stressed can result in a more restful night.

These sensible tips come from CS Healthcare, an ASCL preferred provider offering affordable comprehensive health insurance to ASCL members and their families.

ASCL members can receive the first three months cover free*, simply by quoting promotional code when 232 enquiring. For more information call 0800 917 4325 or visit www.cshealthcare.co.uk

* Terms and conditions apply and are available on request.

One of the benefits of ASCL membership is discounts and special rates on a range of personal and educational products and services. There are healthcare products, online staff well-being systems financial advice and self-evaluation surveys. Check out the full list at www.ascl.org.uk

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