Things in the library 7th Sept...

Things about play...

The Children’s Commissioner for England has published a report looking at the importance to children of play and physical activity. Recommendations for government include: putting out-of-school activity at the heart of the plan to reduce obesity; and focussing on play and activity in policy responses to challenges faced by children, including mental health issues and excessive use of technology.

Things about Looked-after children...

This report by Social Market Foundation analysed inspection data from Ofsted, which assesses local councils’ services for children in need of help and protection, looked-after children and care leavers. The analysis showed that 63% of Local Authorities in England are providing services for these children which either “require improvement” or are simply “inadequate.” The calculations based on these figures show that this means that 47,085 children – 65% of all looked-after children – are looked after in Local Authorities that are deemed to be falling short of a good standard. Of those children, 13,790 are receiving care services judged as “inadequate”, the worst possible grade.

Things about infant-feeding...

Academics at Coventry University have created a new website to help midwives and health visitors support both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding parent. iFeed aims to fill a gap in the help offered to parents due to children’s centre closures, over-stretched maternity and health visiting services, as well as to ensure parents who bottle feed receive more support. The creators were inspired to build the website following their own research into infant-feeding and the information parents told them they wanted on the subject. It is hoped that it will provide a trusted resource for health professionals.

Things to give your opinion on...
The government is seeking views on whether the sale of energy drinks to children should be stopped. This consultation closes at on 21 November 2018.
It also asks for views on:

• what products should be included in any restrictions
• what age limit a ban should apply to
• whether sales of energy drinks from vending machines should be restricted
• whether there are any changes that would be more appropriate than a ban on sales to children or that could be applied as well as a ban

Things to read...
The next book we are reading for the meeting on Wed 3rd October is Ian McEwan's book 'The Children Act' (recently released as a film starring Emma Thompson) do come and join us for a chat about it along with drinks and nibbles. We meet in the Illingworth library (F Floor Stephenson Wing) at 17:15 for about 1hour.

Things to enjoy in Sheffield...
The full program for the Sheffield's 'Off the Shelf' literary festival (6-27 October) is now available. Some events book up very quickly so do check the website - something for everyone. Writing events, children's events and authors and poets to meet.

Things to eat...

(c) Jules Clancy 

I came across this free ebook this week with some nice recipes in it for 5 ingredient dinners. A nice feature is that she also gives variations for dairy-free, vegan where possible. I rather fancy the self-saucing ginger puddings! The author of this e-cookbook is Jules Clancy who lives in Australia and writes, blogs and photographs food.