The Maple School

The Maple School A purpose built school in Blackpool for students with social, emotional and mental health needs.

30/09/2026

Looksmaxxing is an online trend focused on improving physical appearance, particularly among boys and young men.

While some content centres on grooming, skincare, diet and exercise, other parts of the trend can promote questionable advice, extreme practices and unrealistic expectations.

Our latest guide explores key concerns, including:
• Pressure around male appearance and body image
• Misleading or potentially dangerous advice
• Obsessive behaviours and declining self-worth
• Mental health concerns
• Exposure to increasingly extreme online communities

It also shares practical advice for parents and educators on recognising looksmaxxing terminology, noticing changes in behaviour and starting supportive conversations about appearance, influencers and online expectations.

Read the guide here: https://vist.ly/5ke3u

Our latest guide supports parents, carers and educators in understanding the trend and recognising when appearance-focused content may be becoming harmful.

The guide explores:
• The targeting of male insecurities and body image concerns
• Misleading advice and extreme appearance-focused practices
• Links to obsessive behaviours and mental health difficulties
• How increasingly extreme online communities can influence young people
• Warning signs, terminology and changes in behaviour to look out for

With clear, practical advice, the resource helps adults open supportive conversations about appearance, influencers and unrealistic expectations.

Access the guide: https://vist.ly/5ke3u

25/09/2026

Career Guidance Success:

Maple students (in year 10 and 11) took part in a 1:1 informative career meeting with our external Level 6 Careers Advisor, Tomika.
During each 30-minute session, students explored exam flight paths, further and higher education opportunities, SEND support and what they should expect when transitioning from school to college. They also discussed their interests and hobbies to help identify potential future career options and extra-curricular activities they could join. Students who were not sure about their future career completed a skills assessment designed to help them recognise their strengths and explore careers that may suit their abilities and aspirations.

A huge well done to our KS4 students for their excellent conduct, engagement and outstanding manners.

25/09/2026

Discord gives young people a space to chat, play games and join communities based around shared interests.

While it can be a positive way to connect with friends, there are also important risks for parents and educators to understand.

Our latest guide highlights:
• Contact with strangers
• Harassment and harmful behaviour
• Exposure to inappropriate content
• Gaming and socialising becoming a distraction
• Spending and subscription risks

It also shares practical advice on using Discord’s Family Centre, reviewing privacy and spending settings, talking openly about suspicious behaviour and agreeing clear expectations around screen time.

Read the guide here: https://vist.ly/5jh5f

Life and Learning - Social and Community:Well done, Ash for outstanding conduct and exemplary manners during our trip th...
18/09/2026

Life and Learning - Social and Community:

Well done, Ash for outstanding conduct and exemplary manners during our trip this afternoon.
Our trip began with an engaging and informative tour of the St Anne’s Lifeboat Station and information centre followed by an opportunity to browse the gift shop and speak with the staff about their roles and responsibilities. Afterward, we walked to a local cafe to enjoy warm refreshments following the heavy rainfall and wind
The students demonstrated excellent patience while queuing and independently managed their purchases using their individual allowances. The cafe accommodated us at their largest table to conclude a successful and fun outing! Well done, Ash!

This week’s focus: Inclusion and Belonging. Our theme: Leadership and Power.Superb effort in Ash’s English lessons this ...
18/09/2026

This week’s focus: Inclusion and Belonging. Our theme: Leadership and Power.
Superb effort in Ash’s English lessons this week. We have been studying Zephaniah's poem, 'The British' and all students have been inquisitive and engaged.
They completed dictionary challenges to understand and use specific vocabulary in the right context and annotated the poem identifying different cultures, opportunities of inclusion and how we can help to make people in Britain feel like they belong.
Some students exploded individual vocabulary and the extended metaphor and wrote GCSE style paragraphs.
Well done, Ash!

Key stage 3 and 4 students enjoyed a highly successful English careers visit to the local library where they demonstrate...
16/09/2026

Key stage 3 and 4 students enjoyed a highly successful English careers visit to the local library where they demonstrated exemplary conduct throughout. They participated enthusiastically in a question-and-answer session with the Library Manager asking thoughtful and insightful questions about careers within the library service. Students also spent time reading independently in a calm and respectful manner while exploring the library's facilities and resources. The visit provided a valuable insight into careers linked to English and literacy and students represented the school exceptionally well while thoroughly enjoying the experience.

09/09/2026

Character.AI enables users to create and interact with AI-powered characters that can behave like friends, mentors, fictional characters or romantic partners.

While these tools can feel engaging and emotionally supportive, they also introduce important safeguarding, wellbeing and privacy considerations for children and young people.

Our latest guide supports parents, carers and educators in understanding the risks and opening constructive conversations around AI companionship.

The guide explores:
• Inappropriate content and unreliable advice
• Emotional dependency and blurred boundaries
• Privacy concerns linked to personal information
• Warning signs such as secretive or excessive use
• Withdrawal from real-world activities and relationships
• Practical steps around age settings, limits and reporting concerns

With clear, accessible guidance, this resource helps adults support safer, more balanced and informed use of AI character platforms.

Access the guide here: https://vist.ly/5hs5g

02/09/2026

KCSIE 2026 has been published, with the new statutory guidance coming into force on 1 September 2026.

From all staff reading Part One in full to updates on mobile phones, online harm, safeguarding records and volunteer checks, there is plenty for schools and education professionals to be aware of.

Our latest guide highlights 10 key changes, including:
• Part One reading expectations for all staff
• Mobile phone-free guidance
• Online harm, deepfakes and sextortion
• Misogyny and escalation risks
• Mental health warning signs
• Gender-questioning children
• Volunteer checks
• Family Help and joined-up support
• Stronger safeguarding records

It also flags wider updates around Operation Encompass, filtering and monitoring, cyber security and child protection files.

Read the guide here: https://vist.ly/5gxzz

Parent reminder Metal bottles aren’t allowed in school.Students must use plastic water bottles only for safety.This also...
01/09/2026

Parent reminder

Metal bottles aren’t allowed in school.

Students must use plastic water bottles only for safety.

This also include aerosol deodorants.

These will be confiscated in the morning and returned to students at home time.

14/08/2026

Results day can feel like a defining moment for young people, particularly when expectations are high or outcomes do not match what they had hoped for.

Our latest guide supports parents, carers and educators in helping young people approach results day with perspective, reassurance and confidence.

The guide explores:
• Setting the tone early and reducing pressure before the day
• Normalising different outcomes and preparing for next steps
• Staying calm, present and supportive when results arrive
• Exploring options and alternative pathways together
• Encouraging reflection without rumination
• Celebrating strengths, qualities and achievements beyond grades

With clear, practical advice, this resource helps adults support young people before, during and after results day, whatever their outcomes.

Access the guide: https://vist.ly/5egba

Address

Langdale Road
Blackpool
FY44RR

Telephone

+441253531415

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