The principal of LVS Ascot, Christine Cunniffe, played a starring role on ITV’s This Morning show recently, to offer expert advice and tips to parents and children preparing for their return to school.
As head of a large all-ability school combining day and boarding pupils from a range of backgrounds, Christine joined the discussion with Philip Schofield, Holly Willoughby and life coach Jeff Brazier to discuss the results of a recent NetMums survey which revealed what makes parents and children anxious as the new school year looms.
The survey revealed that 59% of respondents worry how their children will cope moving up a year, and 58% are concerned about whether they will stay friends with the children they know. Christine provided advice to the watching This Morning audience of around one million people. She suggested that school provides a great opportunity for children to mix with as many different social groups as possible, telling Holly Willoughby: “It is good to spread your friendship groups around and mix with lots of groups so friendships are not so intense – for example having friends within your netball team, music groups, tutor group and more”.
Christine with pupils
Christine was also able to give a parent’s view on the topic with her own three children attending LVS Ascot. She said of the experience: “It was fantastic to meet Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby and be able to offer advice to parents at an anxious time. Having been through it many times myself as both a parent and LVS Ascot Principal, I can empathise completely and hopefully managed to provide some tips to help manage the situation. We find one of the best ways to develop students and alleviate any anxiety is to build their confidence – inspire them to be enthusiastic about their education and help them excel at their own personal talents – so whilst it can be a difficult time, in many cases pupils can’t wait to come back”.
