Search for families to take part in Channel 4’s ‘Jo Frost: Extreme Parental Guidance’
Jo Frost (formally known as Supernanny) is offering the opportunity of her expert help and advice to parents who are experiencing behavioural problems with their children. Jo is offering her advice in people’s own homes and at a roadshow event to be held at the Bullring Shopping Centre in Birmingham on the 9th, 10th and 11th April 2011 and Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex on the 2nd and 3rd April 2011. We hope that by contacting Family Organisations, families will get in touch with us and we may be able to help them out.
This returning series will look at some of the biggest issues that are concerning Britain’s parents today. Whether it’s worries that their child constantly on social networking sites i.e. facebook or game consoles, anti social behaviour, rescheduling family time, image conscious, issues, fussy eater, bedtime tantrums, sibling rivalry, bad habits, if there is a problem Jo may be able to fix it.
We are looking for parents, guardians and anyone who cares for children who are worried about their children’s behaviour but don’t know how to change it. Bringing up kids in the modern world is a tough job. Even the best parents have to cope with difficult behaviour and we are happy to help with any problem – big or small.
This is a great opportunity for all parents, offering free intensive, hands-on support and advice. Please could you pass our information onto families and groups associated with you?
There is no obligation for anyone who contacts us through the poster or letter to be involved with any filming, but we would like to start talking to parents as soon as possible.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or queries and I do hope this is of interest to you and any potential applicants you may have contact with.
Many thanks for your help in advance.
Yours sincerely,
Kandise Abiola
Casting Assistant Producer
Outline Productions
0207 424 7652
Kandise Abiola
Casting AP
outlineproductions
Unit 315 Highgate Studios
53-79 Highgate Road
London NW5 1TL
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7424 7652
Fax:+44 (0) 20 7424 7601
www.outlineproductions.co.uk
We will try to keep you up to date with parenting news.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Blood Group O may struggle to conceive
There are around 44% of the population who are Group O blood group and about 42% who are Blood Group A. Now not only does this affect your diet but also your fertility.
Scientists have discovered for the first time that a woman's blood group could influence her chances of getting pregnant.
Researchers who tested a group of women seeking fertility treatment found those with the blood type O appeared to have a lower egg count and poorer egg quality than others.
The study of 560 women, whose average age was just under 35, found that those with blood type O were more likely to have higher levels of 'follicle stimulating hormone' (FSH) than those with type A.
Fertility experts regard a high FSH level as a key indicator of having a low egg count, which is known as "diminished ovarian reserve".
As a woman's ovaries run out of eggs in her 30s and 40s, production is stepped up to encourage more follicles to be made.
The study found that women who were blood type O were twice as likely to have an FSH level above 10 - commonly regarded as the threshold between normal and raised levels - as those in any other blood group.
It did not quantify how much more difficult women with blood type O could find it to conceive.
People with blood group A carry the A antigen, which is a protein on the surface of the cell, but this is absent in people with O type.
The lead author, Dr Edward Nejat of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, said this was the first time a potential link between blood type and fertility had been identified.
He is presenting his findings, based on women undergoing fertility treatment at the Yale University IVF programme and the Montefiore Institute in New York, at the annual American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) conference in Denver on Tuesday.
He said: "Those with blood type O were twice as likely to have an FSH level over 10 than those with blood types other than O.
"We found that women with the A blood group gene were protected from this effect of diminished ovarian reserve.
"Patients with blood type O seeking infertility evaluation at these centres have a higher likelihood to be diagnosed with elevated FSH and hence manifest diminished ovarian reserve."
The only problem is most people do not find out what their blood group is until they get pregnant. Therefore if you are thinking of leaving pregnancy till later on this may be something to bear in mind.
Scientists have discovered for the first time that a woman's blood group could influence her chances of getting pregnant.
Researchers who tested a group of women seeking fertility treatment found those with the blood type O appeared to have a lower egg count and poorer egg quality than others.
The study of 560 women, whose average age was just under 35, found that those with blood type O were more likely to have higher levels of 'follicle stimulating hormone' (FSH) than those with type A.
Fertility experts regard a high FSH level as a key indicator of having a low egg count, which is known as "diminished ovarian reserve".
As a woman's ovaries run out of eggs in her 30s and 40s, production is stepped up to encourage more follicles to be made.
The study found that women who were blood type O were twice as likely to have an FSH level above 10 - commonly regarded as the threshold between normal and raised levels - as those in any other blood group.
It did not quantify how much more difficult women with blood type O could find it to conceive.
People with blood group A carry the A antigen, which is a protein on the surface of the cell, but this is absent in people with O type.
The lead author, Dr Edward Nejat of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, said this was the first time a potential link between blood type and fertility had been identified.
He is presenting his findings, based on women undergoing fertility treatment at the Yale University IVF programme and the Montefiore Institute in New York, at the annual American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) conference in Denver on Tuesday.
He said: "Those with blood type O were twice as likely to have an FSH level over 10 than those with blood types other than O.
"We found that women with the A blood group gene were protected from this effect of diminished ovarian reserve.
"Patients with blood type O seeking infertility evaluation at these centres have a higher likelihood to be diagnosed with elevated FSH and hence manifest diminished ovarian reserve."
The only problem is most people do not find out what their blood group is until they get pregnant. Therefore if you are thinking of leaving pregnancy till later on this may be something to bear in mind.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Working moms do not harm their children.
Another survey on whether to stay at home or not. This one is more positive about working outside of the home. This one suggests up to 30 hours so get those flexible working requests in now!
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/woman/3080531/Should-new-mums-go-back-to-work.html
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/woman/3080531/Should-new-mums-go-back-to-work.html
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Getting Fluttering for Children's Hospices - 13 June 2010
Donna Pinnell a local Independent Phoenix Trader, will be holding a
Butterfly Tea Party on 13th June 2010
between 1-3.00pm at
Over Whitacre Village Hall,
Nuneaton Road, B46 2NQ.
The event is being organised in partnership with top 10 UK greeting card publisher, Phoenix Trading, and Children’s Hospices UK, the national charity that gives voice and support to all children’s hospice services.
It is hoped that the event will raise in excess of £500 for Children’s Hospices UK. There will be a display of cards and stationery from Phoenix Trading and Donna will be donating 15% from all sales. In addition, there will be a range of activities for young and old including
Ø BEAUTY TREATMENTS & HAIR STYLING
Ø FACE PAINTING
Ø GIFTS, BOOKS, WOODEN TOYS AND JEWELLERY STALLS
and a selection of delicious tea party food available to buy in support of the fundraising effort
Phoenix Trading, through The Phoenix International Charity, has chosen Children’s Hospices UK as one of their national charities for 2010. The company hopes to raise £150,000 this year for children’s hospices by donating a percentage of profits from card sales, as well as through money raised by Phoenix Traders holding fundraising initiatives such as this one. The money raised will help support children and young people who are not expected to reach adulthood, and provide a framework of support for their families.
Julian Hall, director of fundraising for Children’s Hospices UK, comments “It’s great to have such a large amount of support. We would like to say a massive thank you to all those taking part and running their own Butterfly Tea Party on behalf of Children’s Hospices UK. You are helping to make a real difference.”
Contact: Donna Pinnell
Independent Phoenix Trader 25036
Email: donnapinnell@hotmail.com
Butterfly Tea Party on 13th June 2010
between 1-3.00pm at
Over Whitacre Village Hall,
Nuneaton Road, B46 2NQ.
The event is being organised in partnership with top 10 UK greeting card publisher, Phoenix Trading, and Children’s Hospices UK, the national charity that gives voice and support to all children’s hospice services.
It is hoped that the event will raise in excess of £500 for Children’s Hospices UK. There will be a display of cards and stationery from Phoenix Trading and Donna will be donating 15% from all sales. In addition, there will be a range of activities for young and old including
Ø BEAUTY TREATMENTS & HAIR STYLING
Ø FACE PAINTING
Ø GIFTS, BOOKS, WOODEN TOYS AND JEWELLERY STALLS
and a selection of delicious tea party food available to buy in support of the fundraising effort
Phoenix Trading, through The Phoenix International Charity, has chosen Children’s Hospices UK as one of their national charities for 2010. The company hopes to raise £150,000 this year for children’s hospices by donating a percentage of profits from card sales, as well as through money raised by Phoenix Traders holding fundraising initiatives such as this one. The money raised will help support children and young people who are not expected to reach adulthood, and provide a framework of support for their families.
Julian Hall, director of fundraising for Children’s Hospices UK, comments “It’s great to have such a large amount of support. We would like to say a massive thank you to all those taking part and running their own Butterfly Tea Party on behalf of Children’s Hospices UK. You are helping to make a real difference.”
Contact: Donna Pinnell
Independent Phoenix Trader 25036
Email: donnapinnell@hotmail.com
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Confused as to which party to go for on 6 May?
Are you confused about which party has the best policies for you? If so please find attached a very useful shortcut to the politicial party policies supplied by the BBC.
comparison of party manifestos for families
comparison of party manifestos for families
Friday, April 02, 2010
Fancy becoming a radio star!
I'm Claire Bowes, a journalist at BBC World Service based in London. I'm making a radio documentary which seeks to paint a picture of the changing face of Britain. We hope to visit several families in different circumstances in different places in the UK and talk to them about how they define themselves, whether it is through the class system or some other way. I'm hoping you might be able to help me to find a nice chatty, open, middle class family in Solihull. The programme will be broadcast a week before the election but it is not about politics, it's about culture and society - a chance to take a snapshot of modern Britain. We hope to be in Solihull during the week beginning Monday 12th of April. We'd visit the family at their house at teatime and join them and their family in a discussion over tea. As time is against us I'd love to hear from people as soon as possible.
Kind regards and thanks in advance Claire PS If anyone is keen and wants to have a chat with me over the easter weekend then I'd love to hear from them! They can call me on my mobile 07801 954 446 and I'll call them back.
Claire Bowes BBC World Service News and Current Affairs (: +44 207 557 3716 8 claire.bowes@bbc.co.uk
Kind regards and thanks in advance Claire PS If anyone is keen and wants to have a chat with me over the easter weekend then I'd love to hear from them! They can call me on my mobile 07801 954 446 and I'll call them back.
Claire Bowes BBC World Service News and Current Affairs (: +44 207 557 3716 8 claire.bowes@bbc.co.uk
Friday, June 12, 2009
Flexible working - the new law
Flexible working – the new law
On 6 April 2009 the flexible working laws were extended and now anyone with kids aged 16 and under has the right to ask their employer for flexible working arrangements. Parents of disabled children up to the age of 18 and carers of adults, can also ask to work flexibly. The recently introduced rules mean that even if children are older, parents now have the right to ask for a bit more support to be able to give them the time they need.
Under the law, employers must seriously consider an application for flexible working, and can only turn it down it if there is a good business reason for doing so. However it is important to remember that the law doesn’t give you the right to work flexibly – just the right to ask.
What is flexible working?
Flexible working is any working pattern that benefits you and your employer. Examples include working part-time, flexi-time, compressed hours or staggered hours, job sharing or working from home.
How to make a flexible working request
Write a letter or fill in an application form. Your employer may provide you with one or you can get one from www.direct.gov.uk
Your employer should arrange a meeting with you within 28 days to discuss your application
Within 14 days you should receive your employer’s decision in writing
If your request is accepted you will need to meet with your employer to agree your new working pattern
If your request is rejected you may appeal in writing
For more information
Directgov is a one stop shop for information on flexible working and the law, plus advice on how to make your case and standard application forms. Go to www.direct.gov.uk - click on ‘employment’ then ‘parental leave and flexible working’.
Some facts and figures
Numbers of employees eligible[1] to request flexible working
2003 legislation = 3.6m parents of children aged up to 6
2007 legislation = 2.65m carers
2009 legislation = 4.5m parents of children aged 16 and under
Approximately 10m employees are eligible in total.
Consumer research – what parents are saying about flexible working
A survey of 1,004 parents of children aged 0-16 was commissioned by the Government Equalities Office and conducted by BMRB during March 2009. The research found:
51% of parents said their relationship with their child would improve if they could work flexibly
Two thirds of working parents stated it would be helpful to work flexibly as their children get older
Half of parents of 11-16 year olds said that they would help with homework if they could find the time
53% of parents feel their job prevents them spending the amount of time they would like with their children
46% of working mums say that working flexibly would reduce stress for them, compared with 33 per cent of dads
Flexible working – Key dates
The right to request flexible working was part of the 2002 Employment Rights Act. It came into force in April 2003
Since April 2003, employees with disabled children aged up to 18, or with children up to the age of six, have had the right to ask for flexible working arrangements
As of April 2007 people caring for an adult who is a relative or lives at the same address, have had the right to ask for flexible working arrangements
The right to request flexible working was extended to parents of children aged 16 and under, in April 2009
Other rights to time off
Maternity Leave: Available to all pregnant women regardless of how long they have been working for their employer (i.e. a ‘day one’ right). Women should tell their employer by the 15th week before the child is due that they intend to take maternity leave. They are entitled to take 52 weeks.
Paternity leave: (sometimes known as ‘maternity support leave’) available to all fathers and partners of pregnant women (e.g. lesbian partners) provided they have been working for the same employer for 26 weeks by the15th week before the baby is due. They have to tell their employer that they intend to take paternity leave by this time. Paternity leave is two weeks around the birth of the baby – it has to be taken within 56 days of the child’s birth.
Adoption Leave: 52 weeks leave available for a parent that is adopting a child. If two parents are adopting a child, the parent can decide who will take the full entitlement and who will take the paternity leave. A parent must have been working for the same employer for 26 weeks by the week in which they are notified that a child has been found to be placed in their care.
Parental leave: 13 weeks unpaid leave available for all parents until their child’s fifth birthday. Parents have to have been working for the same employer for a year before they are eligible to use their parental leave entitlement. Employers can offer pay for this leave if they want to.
Emergency Time Off for dependents: unpaid leave for anyone with a dependent to deal with an emergency e.g. childcare breakdown; sickness of child; mother falls down the stairs and needs hospital treatment. Employers can offer pay for this leave if they want to.
[1] Note that in order to be eligible; an employee has to have worked for the same employer for 26 weeks before making a formal request. They have to be an ‘employee’ rather than a ‘worker’.
On 6 April 2009 the flexible working laws were extended and now anyone with kids aged 16 and under has the right to ask their employer for flexible working arrangements. Parents of disabled children up to the age of 18 and carers of adults, can also ask to work flexibly. The recently introduced rules mean that even if children are older, parents now have the right to ask for a bit more support to be able to give them the time they need.
Under the law, employers must seriously consider an application for flexible working, and can only turn it down it if there is a good business reason for doing so. However it is important to remember that the law doesn’t give you the right to work flexibly – just the right to ask.
What is flexible working?
Flexible working is any working pattern that benefits you and your employer. Examples include working part-time, flexi-time, compressed hours or staggered hours, job sharing or working from home.
How to make a flexible working request
Write a letter or fill in an application form. Your employer may provide you with one or you can get one from www.direct.gov.uk
Your employer should arrange a meeting with you within 28 days to discuss your application
Within 14 days you should receive your employer’s decision in writing
If your request is accepted you will need to meet with your employer to agree your new working pattern
If your request is rejected you may appeal in writing
For more information
Directgov is a one stop shop for information on flexible working and the law, plus advice on how to make your case and standard application forms. Go to www.direct.gov.uk - click on ‘employment’ then ‘parental leave and flexible working’.
Some facts and figures
Numbers of employees eligible[1] to request flexible working
2003 legislation = 3.6m parents of children aged up to 6
2007 legislation = 2.65m carers
2009 legislation = 4.5m parents of children aged 16 and under
Approximately 10m employees are eligible in total.
Consumer research – what parents are saying about flexible working
A survey of 1,004 parents of children aged 0-16 was commissioned by the Government Equalities Office and conducted by BMRB during March 2009. The research found:
51% of parents said their relationship with their child would improve if they could work flexibly
Two thirds of working parents stated it would be helpful to work flexibly as their children get older
Half of parents of 11-16 year olds said that they would help with homework if they could find the time
53% of parents feel their job prevents them spending the amount of time they would like with their children
46% of working mums say that working flexibly would reduce stress for them, compared with 33 per cent of dads
Flexible working – Key dates
The right to request flexible working was part of the 2002 Employment Rights Act. It came into force in April 2003
Since April 2003, employees with disabled children aged up to 18, or with children up to the age of six, have had the right to ask for flexible working arrangements
As of April 2007 people caring for an adult who is a relative or lives at the same address, have had the right to ask for flexible working arrangements
The right to request flexible working was extended to parents of children aged 16 and under, in April 2009
Other rights to time off
Maternity Leave: Available to all pregnant women regardless of how long they have been working for their employer (i.e. a ‘day one’ right). Women should tell their employer by the 15th week before the child is due that they intend to take maternity leave. They are entitled to take 52 weeks.
Paternity leave: (sometimes known as ‘maternity support leave’) available to all fathers and partners of pregnant women (e.g. lesbian partners) provided they have been working for the same employer for 26 weeks by the15th week before the baby is due. They have to tell their employer that they intend to take paternity leave by this time. Paternity leave is two weeks around the birth of the baby – it has to be taken within 56 days of the child’s birth.
Adoption Leave: 52 weeks leave available for a parent that is adopting a child. If two parents are adopting a child, the parent can decide who will take the full entitlement and who will take the paternity leave. A parent must have been working for the same employer for 26 weeks by the week in which they are notified that a child has been found to be placed in their care.
Parental leave: 13 weeks unpaid leave available for all parents until their child’s fifth birthday. Parents have to have been working for the same employer for a year before they are eligible to use their parental leave entitlement. Employers can offer pay for this leave if they want to.
Emergency Time Off for dependents: unpaid leave for anyone with a dependent to deal with an emergency e.g. childcare breakdown; sickness of child; mother falls down the stairs and needs hospital treatment. Employers can offer pay for this leave if they want to.
[1] Note that in order to be eligible; an employee has to have worked for the same employer for 26 weeks before making a formal request. They have to be an ‘employee’ rather than a ‘worker’.