A message from the Acting Head of Primary School
Dear Parents and Carers
Developing Executive Functioning Skills
Last Wednesday evening, Samantha Goldberg (Senior Psychologist) and I conducted a presentation for the parents of the 2026 Year 2 students on the topic of assisting children with the development of executive functioning skills. The start of Year 2 is a key time for our students as they transition to a more formal approach to schooling, with executive functioning skills playing a vital role in managing challenges such as controlling attention, remembering information, and regulating emotional responses. While this topic was of particular relevance to our 2026 Year 2 parent community, the practical strategies shared are beneficial for all students.
A number of recent publications have highlighted the declining ability of children (and adults) to maintain attention for sustained periods of time - an important building block for executive functioning and learning. There are several practical strategies parents can use to help their children improve attention capacity, particularly in the areas of sleep, diet, exercise, play, and technology use. This week, I will focus on sleep.
Sleep
Sleep is an incredibly active process - while we rest, the brain and body are hard at work. It is essential that children get the recommended 10 hours of sleep each night to support their learning and well-being. During sleep, several important processes take place:
- Positive brainwashing – Sleep allows the removal of metabolic waste from the brain, helping it stay healthy and clear.
- Enhanced learning and memory – During sleep, the brain identifies connections and patterns from the day’s experiences, helping to transfer new learning into long-term memory.
- Better emotional regulation – The prefrontal cortex, the judgement centre of the brain, is particularly sensitive to sleep loss. Children who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to make impulsive, emotion-driven decisions, which can affect social interactions and relationships.
Tips for Improved Sleep
It is the role of parents to ensure their children are getting the rest they need. To establish and maintain healthy sleep habits, it is recommended that families:
- avoid screen time for at least one hour before bed
- keep screens out of bedrooms, and
- maintain a consistent bedtime and wake-up routine.
In summary: Supporting healthy sleep habits is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways parents can strengthen their child’s executive functioning, learning, and emotional well-being. Consistent sleep routines set children up for calmer days and more successful learning experiences.
Kind regards
Mark Pressley
Acting Head of Primary School
