A sleep challenge encouraging children to get into a regular bedtime routine to make sure they are raring to go the next day has marked the last major event for Newington primary teacher Hanna Beech.
The initiative is paying dividends as pupils and their families follow the bath, book and bed evening pathway.
For Mrs Beech, who is due to take up a new post as deputy head at another primary school, the six week challenge is vitally important. She said: “It encourages children and their families to get into a good routine.
“In particular this includes no electrical and blue light stimulus before bedtime from television, computers and tablets as these are not calming for the mind.
“The ethos of the challenge is that sleep is very important and has a huge impact on physical and mental well-being; and we have noticed that it has been effective.”
Each pupil had a tick sheet to show that they followed the routine over six weeks and at the end of the process three names were randomly drawn from all those who took part – they received bedtime sets including duvet, book and pyjamas.
The three winners were winners Keely from Year 3, Daisy from Reception (both pictured) and Benjie from Year 5.
Mrs Beech’s move marks the end of a ten year career at Newington.
She joined the staff as a newly qualified teacher after graduating from Christ Church Canterbury University.
She said: “It has been my absolute privilege to develop my career with such a professional and supportive team of teachers and other staff.
“It really is one big family at Newington and it has been terrific to be part of the school’s continual progress and development. I really have learnt so very much.
“I have been driven and challenged by the ever-expanding ambitions of the school.
“It has been a joy working with the children and their families. Pupils have asked me why I am going if I am so happy here and that is a tough question – but I remind them of the school motto Ambition Achievement Aspiration and it helps them understand.”