Sighs of relief all round, no doubt, as most schools in the area start their autumn break.

Many are off until November 5, which is at least a day to remember, remember.

I hope staff, children and parents enjoy a rest from the termtime routine – though I'll refrain from wishing them all a happy Halloween, as a lot of our shops seem inappropriately to be doing.

I'm sure many are more than ready for a holiday, especially those who have been involved in creative and special themed weeks. It's fun to put the timetable aside for a few days – but exhausting too.

I was invited to join the start of one of these weeks at Blaise Primary, where they aimed to stimulate young writers by the arrival of a UFO on the school field. A great time was had by all, I'm told.

In fact, I've been into several primary schools this month and it's good to have a glimpse of the reality of life working with young children.

It brings to life some of the theories and policies I come across daily in Ofsted reports, Government announcements and council papers.

This week alone a five-year-old boy has told me how carrots are good for you (Healthy Schools), a Year 2 lad supported by a learning assistant has described enthusiastically what he has learned about snakes (inclusion), and several parents with English as an additional language have praised the support they receive from their school (community cohesion).

It's also been lovely to see the retirement tributes to some long serving teachers and dinner ladies who have made a difference to so many children.

There have been many other celebrations this term too. Two West women made it to the televised national final of the Teaching Awards - Jenny Moss, of Westhaven Special School in Weston and Helen Aberdeen, from Clifton High.

And I just have to mention Pepe Rahman, head of Trinity School in Radstock, who has worked in a number of Bristol schools and taught one of my daughters. She was named Teacher of the Year in the Pride of Britain awards, shown on ITV, and wrote and performed a rap for the occasion.

Well done to her and to all the unsung heroes in our classrooms. No one forgets a good teacher, as the advert says.

That's it for Term 1. I wonder what fireworks the second term will bring?