IN THIS ISSUE September/October 2022 Familiesonline.co.uk HalloweenAutumnEducationfun FREE Warwickshire
TAILORED HOME INSURANCE RIGHT DOWN TO THE FINEST DETAIL
A home is more than just bricks and mortar. That’s why NFU Mutual Bespoke home insurance covers not only your home but also your beloved garden.
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To discuss your high-value home insurance, call Joel Long at the Central Warwickshire agency on 07977 399301 or search NFU Mutual Bespoke.
issue 24201816151412104 CONTENTS
RoadEducationsafety for kids this
Can you believe the kids are back at school already? It seems like just a moment since they were breaking up!
Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE
FamilyTravel friendly autumn Autumnwalks treasure hunt Autumn activities Screen-freeoutside indoor GiveawaysHalloweenactivities In
The work of the RSC is supported by the Culture Recovery Fund The work of the RSC Literary Department is generously supported by The Drue and H.J. Heinz II Charitable Trust 26 OCTOBER 2022 –1 JANUARY 2023 ROYAL SHAKESPEARE STRATFORD-UPON-AVONTHEATRE
Welcome
Competition winners from our May/June issue
Starting or going back to school can be challenging for children (and parents) so check out our advice on new term teething problems and inspire your kids with our great book recommendations.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 3
Get in touch
Finally, in this issue, we have tonnes of Action Heroes sets, some fun Sneezy Panda games, Mr Frosty toys and cool Marlo & Cole t-shirts to giveaway! By applying, you’ll also ensure you continue to receive our wonderful magazine!
Autumn is a beautiful time of year so take a look at our suggestions for activities to do with the kids outside. Enjoy our Autumn treasure hunt or try one of our family-friendly walk suggestions when half term rolls around. And, if you want to keep your kids off screens as the nights draw in, check out our half term screen-free kids’ activities too!
By John and Kyle Hattie
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October4
Why education begins at home
Most children with special educational needs (SEN) go to a mainstream school, where there are both pupils with and without SEN. So, if your child has special educational needs, what type of support can you expect from their school and how do go about getting that support?
READ MORE
What can parents and carers do to ensure their children, of all ages, develop great learning habits which will help them achieve their maximum potential in school and in life? It all starts with talking - and lots of it – from the very early years onward.
READ MORE
Hand grasp challenges in young children
READ MORE
By Usha Patel
Does your child struggle to open a packet of crisps? Like all motor function problems, this is indicative of something more significant, in this case a general problem with ‘hand grasp.’ Children who struggle with this usually struggle with other tasks like handwriting too.
Getting school support for a child with SEN Contributed by Contact
EDUCATION bablake open morning 9.30 am-12.30pm Saturday 24th September Contact Admissions 02476 271248
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 5 Open Evening Friday 16 September 2022 Book your place at kingshighwarwick.co.uk/openevening For 2023 entry, register by 21 September 2022 for the King’s High Entrance Examination on Saturday 1 October 2022 at kingshighwarwick.co.uk/admissions 2GUIDESCHOOLS019WESTMIDLANDSINDEPENDENTSECONDARYSCHOOLOFTHEYEAR
The Elephant PeterAgesCarnavas6+
Age 8+
Boy at the Back of the Class
Wonder By R. J. AgePalacio8+
Elephant
Our
friends at Parrot Street Book Club contribute their suggestions.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October6 EDUCATION
Chapter books that encourage kindness
By Holly Goldberg Sloan
Five Ways to Make a Friend
Age 10+
The Worries: Sohal Finds a Friend
The in the
The MovementSoup
Room
A Kind of Spark By ElleAgesMcNicoll8+
By Gillian Cross Ages 8+
By Ben Davis
By
By JionAgeSheibani6+
Lost By Ele AgesFountain11+
By Onjali Q. Rauf Ages 8+
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 7 EDUCATION
New term teething troubles
By Liat Joshi-Hughes
My child is having trouble making friends
Perhaps they’re in a different class or their closest friend has left the school and they’re struggling to adjust and find a new bestie or gang. Regardless, there are a couple of things you can do to boost your child’s friendships. Firstly, of course, talk to your child’s teacher and ask if there’s anyone they think your son or daughter might particularly gel with. Next up, invite them over for a playdate or arrange to meet them and their parent in the park. If confidence is an issue, role play approaching potential friends with your little one…take it in turns.
Primary school learning is much more of a double act these days, a partnership between parents and teachers. Again, go and have a chat with the teacher to try and understand your child’s level and find out what you can do to support your little one’s reading, writing or maths at home. This needn’t be
My child can’t manage this year’s curriculum
anything formal, just reading a little more together or encouraging them to do some basic adding up when you’re at the shops or baking. For writing practice, could they write a post card to their grandparents or other relatives?
& MAKE ROOM IN YOUR HEART FOR
READ MORE
From award-winning picture book creators
The autumn term has begun and your child has returned to school. What kind of ‘teething troubles’ might you face over the next few months while your child copes with the changes that September brought with it? And how should you deal with them?
Illustrations © 2022 Kate Hindley
By Sally illustratedGardner,byLydiaCorrey
Noodle the Doodle
Dragon Storm
The GrannyMarvellousJinksandMe
By Polly Faber, illustrated by VulliamyClara
By Jonathan Meres, illustrated by Katy Halford
By Caroline Green, illustrated by Rikin Parekh
Alien in the FactoryJam
There’s a Dog in My Brain
By Serena Patel, illustrated by Selom Sunu
Panda at the Door
Morgan the Book Cat
By Alastair DeschampsillustratedChisholm,byEricandBenMantle
Brilliant first chapter books for early readers
When your child is ready to move on from picture books, here are some wonderful first chapter books recommended by Parrot Street Book Club.
Written and illustrated by Sarah Horne
By Chrissie Sains. illustrated by Jenny Taylor Velda andAwesomesttheVikingtheVoyageofDeadlyDoom
By David MacPhail, illustrated by MorganRichard
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October8 EDUCATION
The Tindims of Rubbish Island
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 9 EDUCATION ONLINE TODAY! Open throughout the year from 10AM daily The UK’s Largest Tropical Butterfly www.butterflyfarm.co.ukParadise!Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7LS Tel. 01789 enquiries@butterflyfarm.co.uk299288&NatureInspiredGiftShop 22 - 30 Oct 2022 Magic of Get up close to a Ford Anglia from the Harry Potter films and join our mad scientists for some experiments!mind-blowing britishmotormuseum.co.uk/families J12 M40, Gaydon, Warwickshire, CV35 0BJ Taylor, 10. FutureScienceScientist Buy 1 day get months12free OctoberHT-magicofscience-advert-families-87x130-Aug22.indd 1 18/08/2022 12:49
Introduce Stop, Look, Listen and Think.
Road safety for kids of all ages
Never let your child go near a road alone and always hold Showhands.children how pedestrians walk safely on the pavement and vehicles use the road.
Children should not go out alone until they know and can use the Green Cross Code . Let your child make decisions with you, so they learn through practical action. Help your child plan safe walking routes. Encourage your child to talk about what they see on the roads and whether it’s safe.
Find a safe place to cross. STOP just before you get to the kerb. LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic.
New term, new activity? www thegymnasticsclub co uk Join us for a taster session. Book online today SPACES AVAILABLE NOWLittle Stars age G0-3 ym Stars age 3-4Recreational fGymnastics rom Reception upwards! Creative Courage For Life®Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Unlock your child’s potential Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds stagecoach.co.uk/kenilworth07432638990KENILWORTHstagecoach.co.uk/warwick07432638990WARWICK 07483 stagecoach.co.uk/leamingtonspa914041 CHILDCARE VOUCHERS ACCEPTED
Reinforce Stop, Look, Listen and Think.
The Green Cross Code
Toddlers
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October10 PARENTING
The number one rule is hand holding. If your child is likely to pull away use safety reins. Make sure your child walks on the INSIDE of the pavement away from traffic.
Point out hidden entrances or driveways that cross the pavement.
Ages 5-7
LISTEN for traffic approaching from all directions. THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road. Walk straight across the road. Keep LOOKING and LISTENING for traffic while crossing.
Ages 7-11
Point out safer crossing places and show how to use them.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 11 Movement, Music, Makaton! Unique, Animated and Educational classes for 0 5 years Book a free taster session today www.zoogieboogie.co.uk Workshops0797www.letsanimate.co.uk3354567hello@letsanimate.co.ukANIMATIONSTUDIO&BirthdayParties Participation and supervision ratios apply — please see our website. Featuring: Sundown Treetop Challenge Xpress, Treetop Adventure, Axe Throwing and Mini Landrovers. book at goape.co.uk #FindYourAdventure CoVENtRYCooMBE abBEY
We arrived just after lunch and managed to get parked right outside, so offloading the bags was easy plus there was free parking onsite. We checked in and went straight to our room which was HUGE, a four-bed family room on the first floor with a picture-perfect view of the sea from the bay window.
was literally across the road and the weather was beautiful. It’s amazing how quickly you relax just being by the sea!
and dinner were served in the dining room and we were allocated a table which we would use for the duration of our stay. We had the pleasure of having one of the other guests join us on our table as we were a 3. He was a widower who we got to know during our stay and he certainly enriched our holiday with his stories, we were amazed at how well behaved our daughter was at meal times as a result of him dining with us!
The hotel itself is fairly traditional and what you would expect from a seaside hotel but our room had been modernised and had a new bathroom with a luxury drench Theshower.seafront
This summer, we chose a 5-day trip to Weymouth for our family holiday. We stayed at the Hotel Prince Regent, part of familyowned business Daish’s Holidays. This seafront property with views across Weymouth Bay and Dorset’s Jurassic coastline was the perfect base to explore the area.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October12 TRAVEL
Everything was just a short walk away: the beach; the town; the shops; the arcades/funfair and the Breakfastharbour.
The meals were varied and homemade and the best bit for me was that there wasn’t a children’s menu in sight, so no freezer tapas and chips! Eva ate the same as we did and got to pick off the menu and try lots of lovely meals. My personal favourite choice she made (age 9) was a cheeseboard instead of jelly and ice cream! Lol!
Wonderful Weymouth!
Wonderful Weymouth continued...
Find out more HERE.
The hotel is open to guests all year round. Tariff 2022 (as at 1 May 2022), based on two people sharing a
The hotel ran a programme of live entertainment every evening which included cabaret, dancing, quizzes and bingo, which Eva was delighted to be able to play (she just couldn’t claim any winnings!). There was also the option to book excursions and day trips via the hotel.
standard room: From £159pp selfdrive/£179pp coach to £349pp selfdrive/£369pp coach Early Booking and Kid’s Go Free discounts also apply.
September/October 13
As most of the guests were on coach trips, we were the youngest by far, but the hotel is great for families and Eva was spoilt with compliments. The bond between the old and the young is beautiful and made me miss my grandparents very much.
TRAVEL w w w m y b a b y s p a c o u k w w w m y t o d d l e r s p a c o u k @ M y B a b y S p a U K @ M y T o d d l e r S p a U K An award winning sensory spa for 0-4 year olds jacuzziBaby massageBaby photoSpa Bondingtime footToddlerspa productsNatural photoSpa groupSmall 10% off baby or toddler spas with code families10
Morden Hall Park
An outdoor oasis in London – escape the concrete jungle!
The great British countryside is full of stunning walks. Here are nine that are suitable for the whole family. So why not make a day of it?
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens
Old Sarum
BreconNationalBeaconsPark
Family-friendly walks for autumn
Explore the National Botanic Garden of Wales or CantrefFarm.Adventure
Try Ripon and Fountains Abbey walk or the Lost Spa trail.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October14 AUTUMN
Ham House and Garden
Tegg’s CountryNosePark
Sutherland’sGrove
Follow The Gritstone Trail from Disley to Kidsgrove, through Tegg’s Nose in Cheshire.
Miles of coastline in the South Downs National Park in East Sussex.
Stowe countryside,Breathtakinglake and forest at Stowe in Bucks. Dogs on leads.
Fun walking & activities in the gardens of a seventeenth century manor in Surrey.
Seven CountrySistersPark
Explore the walks around this Iron Age Hillfort in Wiltshire.
From waterfalls to forest trails, a Scottish wonderland in West Argyll.
And hey presto, you’re done! And hopefully you’ve found an autumn treasure you can keep or learned something you didn’t know. Have fun!
take a look at the pictures in a row at the bottom. Each picture has some kind of connection to your treasures. It might be where the treasure comes from or maybe where you find it.
DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR KIDS HERE What am I? I am a: I am a: I am a: I am a: I am an: I am an: I am a: I am a:
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 15
AutumnHuntTreasure
When you’ve worked out the connection, draw a line from each of your autumn treasures to the picture at the bottom that is connected to it.
Autumn treasure hunt
Get outdoors and go on a treasure hunt with your kids, finding and matching autumn treasures.
Ideal for appreciating the autumn season and getting outdoors. No checking online until you get home!
On the next page you’ll find pictures of eight different autumn treasures to find in the park or woodlands. Remember, the Woodland Trust has a great guide to woodlands near you. Once you’ve found them, write in the name of what you’ve found. Get your grown up to help
Thenyou.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October16 AUTUMN Enjoying autumn outside Get your kids outside and engaging with nature this autumn with these great activity options. Play Pooh sticksPick your NoughtsPlaypumpkinownnaturalandCrosses Forage for edibleswild Make friends with a bug Go orienteeringfamily Play conkers Have fun stickswithMake a potionmagic
Playdough
Boosted books
Baking shortbread and scones is simple enough for inexperienced bakers to try. Hopefully the end results will taste great and they will enjoy eating them too. Baking bread is also surprisingly simple and you and your children can have lots of fun creating different animals out of the dough to then bake in the oven.
There’s no doubt that playdough is a versatile toy. But if the smell and texture of big-branded playdough is something you’re not keen on, there are some wonderful options for soft and scented playdough that doesn’t leave a greasy residue. Check that its been UKCA tested before buying.
Screen-free rainy day activities
Reading to your kids is great but don’t limit the experience to sitting on the sofa. If the book is set in a cave, evict the vacuum cleaner from under the stairs and issue everyone with head torches! If you’re reading a desert adventure, create a Bedouin tent using some sheets and your clothes horse.
We asked Isabell Fisher, co-founder of Little Hands Learning for some easy-to-set-up activities that will appeal to little hands, eyes and brains.
Children love to paint and getting messy is part of the fun! BUT the idea of the mess can fill many parents with dread. Instead of using poster paint, try using watercolour paints which are easier to clean up. To change things up, get the kids painting on coffee filters, a canvas or ice cubes.
Baking
Painting
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October18 ACTIVITIES
Screen-free rainy day activities
We asked Isabell Fisher, co-founder of Little Hands Learning for some easy-to-set-up activities that will appeal to little hands, eyes and brains.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 19 ACTIVITIES
There are lots of easy science experiments that can be tried at home with household items and they encourage kids to ask questions, make predictions and understand the world around them. Try making a lava lamp with water, food colouring and oil in a jar. Add an effervescent tablet and watch what happens!
Art and craft
Treasure hunt
Design a board game
This doesn’t need to be overly complicated. Often keeping it simple is far better than creating something elaborate. Try making a paper boat and see how far it travels or creating tealight holders out of old jam jars by gluing on pieces of tissue paper. These also make lovely homemade presents for grandparents.
Hide some treasure and then create a map for your kids to follow. Make it more interesting (and last longer) by having the map lead your little pirates to different locations where each location’s ‘treasure’ is a clue to the next location. For more authenticity, scrunch up the paper and stain it with a damp teabag.
Easy science experiments
This is a fun way for kids to learn about design and teamwork. All you need is a piece of paper, some pens, some counters (maybe toy figures), some dice and some rules. Involve your children in working out what the game is about, how it works and decorate your board before playing!
Bake these delicious Halloween recipes from Neha Gandesha @squashedpickle. Watch her videos or click for recipe and ingredients.
Making rice crispy treats is one of my favourite things to do with my son because he can do most of the job himself! It’s a fab no-bake recipe, you can use any cereal and the results are deliciously crispy and perfect for decoration.
My son is obsessed with anything creepy and scary and these fun and super-easy snacks are some of his favourites. Your kids will love these delicious Creepy Crumpet Pizzas, Ghostly Peppers and Witches Brooms made from Cheese Strings!
RECIPE
RECIPE
Hot chocolate sticks
RECIPE
RECIPE
Spooky crispy treats Spooky snacks
These delicious hot chocolate sticks are perfect when you want a warming treat this Halloween. Kids can get creative topping them with their favourite chocolates, sprinkles or even cookies and then enjoy them by dunking in a hot cup of milk.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October20 HALLOWEEN
Halloween treats
If you’re looking for something that’s Halloween-themed and easy to prepare with just one pot, this healthy pie is a perfect option. It’s a great way to get fish and hidden veg into your child’s diet too!
Tuna fish pie (with pumpkin tops)
options, complete
BatgirlJackfaceSkellingtonmakeup
instructions. The BFG
more individual than anything shop bought. Here
DIY Halloween costumes
Spider’s web Bull in
a shopchina Pumpkinpaintface PirateThe Worst pillowcaseSkeletonWitch
If much are some great with
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 21 HALLOWEEN
you have time, a home-made Halloween costume can be
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October22 HALLOWEEN Halloween crafts the kids will love Time to get really spooooky…..get crafting in good time for Halloween! Paperspidersplate Pumpkin pinata Halloween bat Halloween box scene Easy paper ghostscraftGiant webs Halloween wreath Trick or bagsTreatRock Skulls
Tell aboutus childcareyour Take our 5 minute survey Rising costs of living. New ways of working. Not ...theChangingChangingworking.jobs.location...listgoeson! £100£100£100£100 £100 x5 VouchersAmazon£100tobewon!
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 23 Magazine
In the autumn we’ll share parent stories about how things have changed, the different challenges and how we’re all making things work.
Whatever age your children, we’d love you to tell us what’s happening in your world and about your childcare.
Lot of things are changing in our lives and that includes our childcare needs and choices.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October24 Sneezy Panda games to giveaway!Theflowersandleavesmakepandasneeze...whatcanyoudo? T&Cs applyAPPLY HERE Magazine available10 Suitable for ages 4+ Make fruity, crunchy ice with Mr Frosty! APPLY HERE for your FREET&Cstoyapply Magazine available5 Suitableforages3+ Unique T-shirts from Marlo & Cole! Magazine T&Cs apply FREE for your child APPLY HERE available10 2-3,Sizes3-4&4-5 GIVEAWAYS
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 25 *while stocks last T&Cs applyMagazine APPLY HERE *while stocks last Styles may vary T&Cs apply Enter the Action mini-figureGetuniverse!HeroesyourFREEsetNOW*CollectandbuildthemedworldsMix&matchbodyparts&changefacialexpressions
