📱 Healthy Screen Time for Early Years

A friendly guide for parents, carers, and early years practitioners based on guidance from Best Start in Life and the Department for Education.

🕒 Recommended Daily Limits

Under 2 Years Old:
Avoid screen time altogether ...(other than shared family video calls with loved ones or interactive bonding activities).

Ages 2 to 5 Years:
Limit to up to 1 hour per day (less is even better!). Remember, quality matters more than quantity.

💡 Key Guidance & Best Practices

🤝 Co-View & Engage (Watch Together)
* Never leave young children to scroll or watch screens alone.
* Talk, ask questions, and describe what is happening on screen to help build their vocabulary and social-emotional development.

🐢 Choose Slow-Paced Content
* Opt for calm, slow-paced, repetitive, and story-led shows or interactive educational apps.
* Avoid fast-paced videos with frequent scene cuts, flashing lights, loud overlapping sounds, or auto-playing video streams.

🚫 Establish Screen-Free Routines & Zones
Mealtimes:
* Turn screens off to focus on social interaction and healthy eating habits.
* 1 Hour Before Bedtime: Keep screens out of the bedroom and avoid devices before sleep. Bright blue light and fast content disrupt melatonin and sleep quality.
* Background TV: Avoid having a TV or tablet playing in the background as it distracts from active play, conversation, and concentration.

🌳 Protect Active Real-World Play
* Ensure screen use never replaces essential activities like outdoor play, physical movement, storybook reading, face-to-face conversations, and hands-on creative play.

🔍 Quick Check Before Turning On a Screen:
1. Is screen use necessary, or can we do a real-world activity instead?
2. Is this content slow-paced and age-appropriate?
3. Am I sitting with my child to chat about what we are watching?

📚✨ Starbooks is back! ✨📚

We are delighted to invite families to join us for Starbooks

📅 Starting Wednesday 9th September
⏰ 8:30-9:00am
📍 School Hall (entrance via the breakfast club door)

⭐ Open to children from all year groups
⭐ A ...relaxed, welcoming start to the school day
⭐ Enjoy a range of exciting books
⭐️Enjoy breakfast together

We look forward to welcoming you to Starbooks and sharing the joy of reading together!

Hey everyone! 👋

Merlin Top Primary Academy is excited to invite you to our Parent Wellbeing Cafe! ☕

Come along on Friday 4th September from 8:30-9:30am for some hot drinks, tasty pastries, and a good chat. 🥐💬

We've got muffins and croissants waiting for ...you! 😋

Entrance is through the Year 6 door. Can't wait to see you all there!

🌟 Looking for the perfect school for your child starting September 2027? 🌟

Discover a place where every child thrives at Merlin Top Primary Academy! As an outstanding primary school, we are proud to offer:

✨ An Exciting Curriculum – Engaging learning experiences designed... to inspire curiosity and a lifelong love for learning.

🌲 Forest School for Every Year Group – Dedicated outdoor learning embedded into every year group's routine.

🍃 Vast Outdoor Space – Expansive grounds designed to encourage active, hands-on outdoor exploration.

💙 Kind, Caring & Nurturing Staff – A supportive team dedicated to making sure every child feels safe, valued, and happy.

Come and see us in action! 🎒

To get a true sense of our vibrant community and meet our wonderful staff, we strongly encourage parents to visit during the school day.

We welcome you to book a tour at a time that works best for you or come along to one of our open events.

📞 Book your tour today: Call us on 01535 210028

📍 Location: Merlin Top Primary Academy

We can't wait to welcome you and your family! ✨

Medication in School 💊

To keep all our children safe and well cared for, please ensure the school office has up-to-date information regarding any allergies, medical conditions, dietary requirements, or health needs your child may have.

Key Reminders:
Inhalers & ...Medication: Must be brought directly to the school office by a parent or carer, clearly labeled with a pharmacy label (showing your child’s name and dosage).

Changes & Updates: If your child develops a new condition or there are changes to existing details, please notify the school office immediately so forms can be completed and signed.

Thank you for working with us to keep all our students safe, healthy, and supported! 💙

UPDATE!!!!

🍂 Autumn Clubs at Merlin Top Primary Academy!

Our Autumn Term after-school clubs are officially open for booking! Check out the schedule below to see what's on offer for your child.

📌 Key Details:

• ⏰ Finish Time: All clubs finish at ...4:00 PM

• 📲 How to Book: Please book via MCAS to secure your child's place!

Spaces are limited, so be sure to log in and sign up soon! 🎒✨