Horwich Advertiser Issue 615

Page 22 November 2024 AD SALES 01204 478812 PETS TO ADVERTISE CALL 01204 478812 AS the nights draw in and the firework parties start, here are some tips to help keep your pet safe and calm. When it comes to man- aging your pet’s anxiety around fireworks, prepa- ration is key! It’s a great idea to speak to your vet as early as pos- sible, as they will be able to recommend supportive products and techniques. You can use the run-up period - ideally two weeks before - to familiarise your pet with safe, quiet hiding areas you have in your home, such as dens made by covering crates with a blanket or space under beds for cats. On the day of the fire- works, be sure to bring cats or dogs inside before dark, and encourage dogs to go to the toilet before- hand so that they don’t have to go outside during the fireworks display. Stressed pets shouldn’t be left alone, so make sure there is someone at home with your pet if they do find fire- works distressing. Prepare your home by closing windows and curtains at dusk, keep- ing lights on and creat- ing background noise by playing music or putting your television on. Moderately loud rhyth- mic music with a good beat can help to mask fireworks, and if it’s not too distressing, try play- ing with or training your pet using puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys. Some pets may be too stressed, so don’t force it if they seem reluctant. Pets can behave in unexpected or unpre- dictable ways when they’re stressed, so make sure that doors and win- dows are closed to pre- vent escapes. Having your pet micro- chipped can help make sure that they can be traced back to you if they do run away. Easing your pet’s stress during fireworks season 158 Chorley New Road, Horwich BL6 5QW. Tel: 01204 694004 53 Chorley Road, Westhoughton BL5 3PD. Tel: 01942 818845 www.pikemoorvets.co.uk • Locally owned • Highly professional practice • Dedicated to caring for all your pets EDUCATION TO ADVERTISE CALL 01204 478812 A BOLTON school has been selected as a leader in the quest to address and overcome language barriers in UK classrooms. Essa Primary School is one of only six schools in the UK that will partner with Pocket- alk, the global leader in trans- lation technology. The link-up comes after the company launched a nation- wide programme designed to identify schools that “exem- plify leadership, adaptability, care and innovation in today’s diverse educational landscape”. The partnership specifically aims to support EAL (Eng- lish as Another Language) students, teachers, parents and caregivers in a step towards helping support the 1.7 million pupils in England’s maintained schools who face language barriers. Pocketalk invited schools across the UK to apply for the opportunity to trial up to 10 of their AI-based direct translators, which can facili- tate real-time, secure, instant conversations in over 84 lan- guages to help EAL students learn and integrate more quickly and easily. In just nine weeks, the pro- gramme attracted more than 400 entries from early learn- ing settings, primary, and secondary schools nationwide. A Pocketalk spokesperson said: “Essa Primary School stood out from the competition and was selected by a panel of judges for its desire to enhance the educational provision and also significantly improve the experience of its students and their families in the school setting. Essa believes that it offers a model of inclusivity in Bolton and actively seeks inno- vation in education.” The primary school, which has 254 students with EAL and 34 languages spoken, will now integrate Pocketalk devices into its classrooms and across the school. A spokesperson said: “Ena- bling real-time translation for our children, we believe Pock- etalk could help our pupils and staff communicate their needs, ask questions, and support children with English as an additional language to participate in classroom activ- ities from their very first day and onwards. “The technology would Breaking down language barriers Translation: Esse Primary children will use the new tech on offer provide a sense of autonomy, confidence and independ- ence, allowing our children to express themselves in their home language, while receiving immediate English translations to develop their English speaking and reading skills at our school.”