AN ASCOT head teacher made her television debut on a national breakfast show, as she stepped in to offer advice and tips to parents and children as the new school term begins.


Principal of LVS Ascot Christine Cunniffe featured on ITV’s This Morning show on Thursday, September 3, as she joined in the discussion with Philip Schofield, Holly Willoughby and life coach Jeff Brazier to discuss results from a recent NetMums survey which revealinged what makes parents and children anxious as the new school year looms.


The survey unearthed concerns that such as 59 per cent of respondents worrying how their children will cope moving up a year, and 58 per cent are concerned about whether they will stay friends with the children they know.


Christine suggested that school provides a great opportunity for children to mix with as many 
different social groups as possible.


She told 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.”


She added: “Children will pick up on your anxieties – they have their own worries and don’t need to see yours as well so try not to pass on your worries to them.”


Speaking about her experience on the show, she said: “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 a parent and 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.”