Pendle Community High School & College

04/08/2026

Free School Meals are changing from September 2026.

As a parent or carer, you may need to re-apply for the 2026/27 school year — even if your child already
receives Free School Meals.

It only takes a few minutes to check, and applying could save your family up to £500 per child each year while helping make sure your child has a healthy lunch ready for the new school year.

Please apply early so everything is in place before September 2026.

Check your eligibility and apply here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals

16/07/2026

16/07/2026

Gaming is a huge part of many young people's lives, but some online features can blur the line between gaming and gambling in ways that aren't always obvious.

Our latest guide explains what skin betting is, why it's becoming more common, and how parents, carers and educators can help children stay safe online.

The guide covers:

• What skin betting is and how it works
• Why virtual in-game items can have real-world value
• The risks of unregulated third-party platforms
• Social pressure and influencer promotion
• Warning signs to look out for
• Practical steps to reduce the risks through conversations and parental controls

By understanding how skin betting works, trusted adults can spot potential risks early and help young people make safer choices online.

Read the guide here: https://vist.ly/5b9j8

01/07/2026

Screens are now part of everyday family life, but for very young children, clear and predictable boundaries can help screen time feel calm rather than constant.

Our latest guide shares practical advice for families, nurseries and early years settings on supporting healthier digital habits for under-fives.

The guide covers:
• Choosing age-appropriate content
• Protecting bedtime routines
• Keeping devices in shared spaces
• Co-viewing and talking about what children see
• Using simple scripts and transition warnings
• Modelling balanced device use as adults

With supportive tips and realistic routines, this guide helps adults manage screen time with greater confidence.

Read the guide here: https://vist.ly/59nif

25/06/2026

Invoice fraud can create significant financial and operational disruption for schools, particularly when criminals exploit trusted supplier relationships or busy internal processes.

Our latest guide supports schools in recognising the warning signs and strengthening fraud awareness across teams.

The guide explores:
• How convincing invoices and small email changes can be used to mislead staff
• The risks linked to urgent payment requests and supplier impersonation
• Warning signs such as unusual wording, mismatched details and unexpected bank changes
• Practical steps including verification, invoice cross-checking, dual approval and prompt reporting

With clear, actionable advice, this resource helps schools build confidence and reduce the risk of costly payment fraud.

Access the guide: https://vist.ly/58unt

10/06/2026

Sports betting has become increasingly visible online, appearing across apps, websites, social media, sports coverage and gaming spaces.

Even when young people are not legally old enough to gamble, they may still encounter betting messages through adverts, influencers, tipsters, friends or adult accounts.

Our latest guide highlights key risks, including:
• Easy online access
• Gambling becoming normalised around sport
• Peer and influencer pressure
• Free bet offers
• Impulsive spending and chasing losses

It also offers practical advice for parents, carers and educators on starting calm conversations, setting safer digital boundaries, spotting warning signs and finding support.

Download the guide here: https://vist.ly/577v8

04/06/2026

Oral language plays a vital role in children’s learning, literacy and social and emotional development.

Our latest guide supports parents and educators with practical, evidence-informed strategies to help children build school-ready language skills.

The guide explores:
• Building oral language through meaningful interaction
• Supporting listening and attention
• Growing children’s vocabulary
• Sharing stories and naming feelings
• Working with settings to spot and support language needs
• Using evidence-based approaches to meet individual needs

With language developing rapidly between the ages of two and six, early support can make a lasting difference to children’s confidence, communication and readiness for school.

Access the guide: https://vist.ly/56fjm

03/06/2026

While many allergies cause mild symptoms, some can lead to anaphylaxis, a serious and potentially life-threatening reaction.

This week’s guide helps parents, carers and educators understand the warning signs and feel more prepared to support children with allergies.

The guide covers:
• Key signs of anaphylaxis
• Symptoms linked to airway, breathing and circulation
• Common food allergens, including milk, eggs, fish, peanuts and sesame
• Non-food triggers such as pollen, insect venom and medication
• The role of adrenaline auto-injectors

Clear, practical awareness can help adults respond quickly and confidently when it matters most.

Read the guide here: https://vist.ly/55kcf

03/06/2026

A severe allergic reaction can develop quickly, so knowing what to do in an emergency is essential.

This week’s guide gives parents, carers and educators a clear overview of adrenaline devices, including EpiPen, Jext and nasal adrenaline.

The guide covers:
• Symptoms affecting the airway, breathing and circulation
• How different adrenaline devices are used
• Why the patient should lie down and remain still
• The importance of calling 999
• Why two devices should always be carried

It also reinforces a vital message: using adrenaline promptly is always better than waiting.

Read the guide here: https://vist.ly/56emp