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Welcome
Welcome to our new spring issue.
After the long winter months, the thought of longer days and hopefully some brighter weather is very welcome. To help you make the most of the spring months ahead we have some great ideas for family days out in our What's On feature along with a helpful list of top 10 activities for the Easter Holidays. You will also find some great advice from Abbeycroft about the benefits of exercise in our Active Families feature.
The Kumon Study Centre in Ipswich are offering a Free Trial this March and Framlingham College share 'How Schools Must Evolve to Meet the Needs of 21st-Century Families' in our Education feature. I hope you enjoy.
Best Wishes
Stacey Phillips
Family Support Volunteers Needed
Take the time to connect and change a life Full training provided
Home-Start in Suffolk is looking for volunteers to help provide practical and emotional support to Suffolk families
Your support can help build a society where families and children are given the help they need to thrive, ensuring every child has the best possible start in life through nurturing and positive relationships
Contact us today to find out more
Easter Holidays: Saturday 5th April - Monday 21st April
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From 5th to 27th April embark on an adventure quest at Framlingham Castle. Solve clues hidden around the grounds and enjoy a chocolate reward. www.english-heritage.org.uk
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7 Adventure Quest Easter Egg Hunt
On Monday 7th April follow the Yellow Brick Road to Ipswich Regent Theatre for a fantastic all-new Easter pantomime version of The Wizard of Oz. www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk
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Keep an eye out for the Easter Bunny at Nowton Park's Amazing Easter Egg Hunt On Wed 16th & Thu 17th April www.visit-burystedmunds.co.uk
Celebrate Spring
Between March 29th and April 17th Kentwell Hall celebrates spring with its Lambing Days. Families can see newborn lambs, and explore the gardens www.kentwell.co.uk
This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Ickworth Estate on an Easter trail. The trail takes place between 4th - 22 April from 9.30am www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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9 Easter Panto
Easter at Ickworth Jump for joy
Jump In Adventure Park Ipswich is packed full of fun for all the family. Opening hours during the schools holidays are: Mon-Thu: 9am - 7pm Fri & Sat: 9am - 8pm | Sun: 9am - 5pm www.goJumpIn.com
5 Get Crafty this Easter
Enjoy some family-friendly crafts this Easter half-term at The Hold, Ipswich. (See page 6 for more information) www.suffolkarchives.co.uk
8 Day out with Thomas
Time to Party with Thomas the Tank Engine at East Anglian Railway Museum. Between 18th - 21st April www.earm.co.uk
Fun on the farm
Easton Farm Park is a great place to visit during the Easter holidays. Children can learn play and have fun. Open daily from 10am - 4pm www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk
10 Heroes Assemble!
Embark on a L.A.R.P Adventure (Live Action Role Play) with Rattlebox Theatre as you are guided through the AngloSaxon Village at West Stow with a series of challenges on Sat 12th & Sun 13th April. www.weststow.org
Baby & Toddler Nearly New Sale
Family Support Charity, Home-Start Suffolk host their first ever Baby & Toddler Nearly New Sale this Spring
Every parent knows that baby and toddler items don't stay new for long. Whether it’s clothing, toys, or nursery furniture, little ones grow fast, but that doesn’t mean the items they’ve outgrown should go to waste. That’s why Home-Start Suffolk are hosting their first ever Baby & Toddler Nearly New Sale, a fantastic event where parents can shop, save, and support local families all in one go.
The Baby & Toddler Nearly New Sale will be taking place on Saturday 22nd March at Moreton Hall Community Centre, Bury St Edmunds (IP32 7EE), between 10am and 1.30pm.
You'll find amazing bargains on nearly new baby and toddler clothing, toys, books, equipment, and more, all at unbeatable prices. All proceeds from this event will also go directly to supporting Suffolk families, helping to make a real difference in our community.
By attending the sale, you are directly supporting HomeStart Suffolk and the vital work they do in our community. The funds raised will go towards providing non-judgmental, professional friendship and support to families who may be struggling, ensuring they get the help they need to thrive. For more information about Home-Start Suffolk and the Baby &Toddler Sale visit: www.homestartinsuffolk.org
Departures explores emigration from Suffolk to all across the globe throughout history. Including early colonists arriving in America, the excitement of the Gold Rushes, and ‘Ten Pound Poms’ leaving for Australia.
The exhibition will uncover personal stories of emigrants from Suffolk. Why did they leave? What did they experience? What is the legacy today of over 400 years of emigration from Suffolk? To book tickets, please scan the QR code or visit: www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/whatson
Come and enjoy some family-friendly crafts this Easter
Children need to be accompanied by an adult. Held at The Hold and selected Suffolk libraries. Find out more at: www.suffolkarchives.co.uk
FOUR ROUTES TO CHOOSE FROM
3 MILES 26 MILES* 13 MILES* 6 MILES
Child Ticket from £10
Adult Ticket from £15
Family Ticket from £45
Corporate Ticket from £100
*Age restrictions apply
Family ticket includes 2 adults and up to 3 children
It’s called
the Great Outdoors for a reason
As the mornings and evenings get lighter (thank goodness I hear you yell), there’s no better time to start exercising.
We all know that exercise is good for us right? But did you know that a lack of exercise, particularly in children, can lead to several health issues including:-
• Obesity
• Poor bone and muscle health
• Poor cardiovascular health - higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Increased risk of chronic diseases
• Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety
• Disturbed sleep
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that all children get some physical activity and that any amount of physical activity is better than none.
And doing some physical exercise outdoors as a family offers numerous benefits and a great way for you and your kids to spend time together, uninterrupted.
Regular physical activity strengthens the heart, muscles, and bones, improves coordination, and helps maintain a healthy weight.
The Benefits of Exercise
- Outdoor exercise can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting mood and overall mental health. Exposure to nature is known to have calming effects.
- Exercising together strengthens family bonds and creates lasting memories.
- Joining community sports, classes, or outdoor groups such as Parkrun helps families meet new people and interact with others.
- Families that exercise together are more likely to encourage and reinforce healthy lifestyle habits in one another, which can last a lifetime.
- Spending time outdoors provides children with an appreciation for nature and the environment.
- Trying various outdoor activities helps family members develop new skills, whether it's hiking, biking, or playing sports.
- Regular outdoor activity can enhance immune function, helping to ward off illnesses.
- Outdoor exercise provides natural sunlight exposure, leading to increased Vitamin D production, which is essential for bone health and immune function.
- Physical activity improves overall energy levels, making family members feel more productive and focused in their daily activities.
Incorporating outdoor physical activities into your family's routine can lead to a healthier, happier lifestyle!
Unlocking Potential: The Transformative Power of Our Sensory Gym
By Making Fitness Accessible
With inclusivity and accessibility paramount in our community, our sensory gym offers an opportunity for young people with special educational needs (SEND) and those with cognitive or physical disabilities.
Designed to provide a safe, engaging, and stimulating environment, our movement space supports growth, development, and well-being in ways that traditional spaces often cannot. Located within our existing therapy gym, the sensory gym has proven to be an invaluable resource for families and individuals seeking tailored support. And with future expansion plans, the possibilities for impact are boundless.
A Purpose-Driven Space
The gym features interactive lighting, textured surfaces, calming zones, and games, each designed to provide therapeutic benefits while ensuring fun and engagement. For those with physical disabilities, accessible equipment enables movement and exercise in a way that is comfortable and enjoyable, supporting their unique needs.
The Benefits of Sensory Play and Therapy
Our Sensory Gym supports many children and young people with SEND in a structured yet flexible environment, allowing them to explore, learn, and interact in a way that feels natural to them. Whether it’s through climbing structures that build core strength or tactile panels that stimulate curiosity, every element contributes to holistic development.
A Truly Inclusive Opportunity
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Every feature of our sensory gym has been thoughtfully created to serve a distinct purpose. From specialized equipment that enhances motor skills to sensory-rich environments that promote cognitive engagement, our space is a haven for individuals who benefit from tailored stimulation.
Sensory Gyms
Explore. Play. Thrive.
“My daughter looks forward to her time here... I have met other parents too which is great”
It’s a special place...
A stimulating, safe, exercise space for people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Call today to find out about our ‘funded sessions’ and arrange a taster session.
Therapy Gym, Unit 4, Holton Park, Holton St Mary, Colchester CO7 6NN Call: 01206 692524 email: matt@makingfitnessaccessible com or visit our website: www.makingfitnessaccessible.com
We believe that everyone deserves access to spaces that support their well-being, which is why we are committed to offering funded sessions. These sessions remove financial barriers and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their economic background, can experience the benefits of our sensory gym. Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do, and by providing these opportunities, we help to create a more equitable environment where every child and young person can thrive.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Our Sensory Gym
While our sensory gym is currently housed within our therapy gym, our vision extends far beyond its current footprint. Future expansion plans will allow us to develop a dedicated facility, equipped with even more specialized resources and space to accommodate a greater number of individuals. This growth will enable us to further tailor our offerings, ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of the community.
Our sensory gym is more than just a facility, it is a lifeline for many families and individuals who seek a supportive and engaging environment. Through our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and innovation, we are not just providing a gym, we are nurturing confidence, independence, and joy in those who need it most.
We invite you to experience the impact of our sensory gym firsthand. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, educator, or community member, we encourage you to support and celebrate the incredible potential of every individual. Together, we can continue to build a space where everyone belongs.
BABY WEARING
A baby sling, wrap or carrier are commonly used by parents to carry and transport their baby and can have many benefits to both the parent and child but, as with all things, it is very important that they are used safely.
The UK Sling Consortium recommends that all parents follow the T.I.C.K.S rules to reduce any associated risks. Baby wearing is practical, can be good for getting around with a little one (especially if you have more than one child), helps parents to bond and can even improve your mental health, but please do follow these rules to ensure your baby is safe at all times. Please use QR Code for detailed instructions on the TICKS guidance.
NEWS
‘National crisis' as children's reading enjoyment plummets
Children’s reading enjoyment has fallen to its lowest level in almost two decades, with just one in three young people saying that they enjoy reading in their free time, according to a new survey.
Only 34.6% of eight to 18 year olds surveyed by the National Literacy Trust (NLT) said that they enjoy reading in their spare time. This is the lowest level recorded by the charity since it began surveying children about their reading habits 19 years ago, representing an 8.8 percentage point drop since last year.
It is also part of a broader downward trend since 2016, when almost two in three children said that they enjoyed reading. The charity called on the government to form a reading taskforce and action plan to address because it has got the scale of national crisis and needs to be all our responsibilities to address.
Little Moments Together launches
The government has launched a campaign to promote a new home learning environment for early years learning and development.
The Department for Education and Department for Health and Social Care's Start for Life ‘Little Moments Together’ campaign aims to educate parents and carers about the importance of brain development in the first five years of a child’s life. and the crucial role they play.
Its goal is to help caregivers better understand how their baby communicates and how to build a secure, loving connection. Experts emphasise that mental health plays a significant role during the critical first 1,001 days of life, shaping a child’s overall well-being.
Parents can now access resources, including the Start for Life website and family hubs, to receive trusted advice.
By focusing on connection and understanding, this campaign seeks to replace outdated advice with support that truly nurtures every child's potential.
Open a world of possibilities with Kumon
The Kumon Ipswich Central Study Centre work to build your child’s confidence and develop their learning mindset to help them achieve academic success.
Open a world of possibilities and help your child reach their full potential with the Kumon Ipswich Central Study Centre’s one-week Free Trial of the Kumon study programmes, available to all new students from 1 February – 15 March 2025.
Going beyond paper worksheets, they also offer the option for digital study with KUMON CONNECT, making their study methods even more accessible and convenient through a tablet and stylus.
For more information and to book your child’s Kumon Free Trial, contact your local Instructor, Sangeeta Kumar, via the website: www.kumon.co.uk/ipswich-central/ or call: 01473 614665.
The Kumon Ipswich Central Study Centre is located at The Key, 15 St Margaret's Plain, with classes running on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
"I highly recommend Sangeeta and her team. We have been absolutely thrilled with the progress our children have made through Kumon. The daily routines in maths and English have significantly built their confidence and provided them with the skills and knowledge to tackle any task." – Kumon Parent
Ipswich Central Study Centre 07484 077454
Exciting changes happening at Brookes UK, as the school proudly announces its evolution into the region’s newest International Baccalaureate (IB) school. As part of the International Brookes Education Group, Brookes UK will become East Anglia’s first IB Continuum School, offering a world-class, forward-thinking international education designed to prepare students for success in an ever-changing world.
What Does This Mean for Students?
By adopting the IB, Brookes UK will now provide a globally recognised framework encouraging independent thinking, problem-solving, and realworld application. Key benefits of the IB programme include:
A globally recognised curriculum
A focus on critical thinking, creativity, and leadership
Personalised learning experiences
A nurturing & inclusive community
A School Like No Other
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Suffolk
countryside, Brookes UK offers a unique, closeknit learning environment where children feel supported, valued, and inspired Set across seven acres of beautiful green space, the school allows students to explore, learn, and connect with nature, fostering both academic success and personal well-being.
More Than Just a School – A Home Away From Home
Brookes UK also offers a family-style boarding experience, perfect for students looking for a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment to call home.
Join the Future of Education
Brookes UK is now welcoming new students and families to be part of this exciting journey. To learn more about how IB education at Brookes UK can give your child the edge, visit the school and experience the difference firsthand.
Unlock your child’s potential with Brookes UK – East Anglia’s First IB Continuum School!
Let’s see who you are...
At Fr amlingham we bel i eve in the indi vidual . There is no typical Framlinghamian, no singular path t hat w e take. Ofte n, we are many thing s within one . Ev ery pupil is valued fo r who they ar e. We ar e a co- educational day and boa rding school for a g es 2 to 18 with flexi, weekly and full boarding options from a ge 7. Our extensiv e bus routes across Ea st Anglia provide c onvenient transport for our pupils.
START YOUR CHILD’S JOURNEY TODAY
Join us for an Open Day or arrang e a perso nal vi sit to experience us fo r yourself.
PREP SCHOOL OPEN MORNING
Friday 07 March 2025
Bank Holiday Monday 05 May 2025
SENIOR SCHOOL OPEN MORNING
Saturday 08 March 2025 Saturday 26 April 2025
To register for an Open Morning, or arrange a private visit, scan the QR Code or visit framlinghamcollege.co.uk/openmornings , email admissions@framlinghamcollege.co.uk or call 01728 727217. Open Mornings run from 10:00 - 13:00.
Adapting Schools for the Modern Family
How Schools Must Evolve to Meet the Needs of 21st-Century Families
Education has always been about more than just academics, it is about creating an environment where young people can thrive both in and beyond the classroom. But as family dynamics shift and work-life balance becomes increasingly complex, schools must adapt, offering flexibility, accessibility, and exceptional pastoral care to meet the evolving needs of modern families.
The statistics tell a clear story. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average person in the UK now works six hours more per week than they did five years ago, rising from 30.4 hours in June 2020 to 36.6 hours in November 2024. Meanwhile, 75.6% of mothers with dependent children now hold professional careers. Combine this with the rising average age of first-time parents, 30.5 years for mothers and 33.5 for fathers (World Population Review, 2024) and it is evident that today's families are balancing demanding careers with the desire to provide the best possible education for their children.
Why Schools Must Offer Flexible Provision for Day and Boarding Pupils
For many parents, the traditional school mode where children either attend as day pupils or commit to full-time boarding no longer fits their schedules or their children’s needs. More than ever, families require flexibility in both day and boarding arrangements and transport, ensuring that education works around family life.
Recognising this shift, Framlingham College offers a broad range of options, including day provision, flexi-boarding, weekly boarding, and full boarding. Our staff will work with you to determine what is right for your child and your family, with the option to adjust that plan if necessary and tailor a flexible schedule to meet the needs of you and your child, whether they are day pupils, or board one night a week for late cocurricular activities or five nights to ease a long commute.
Supporting Day Pupils: Transport as an Essential Part of School Life
Flexibility is also about how children get to and from school. With many parents managing full-time careers, schools must remove the stress of the school run. At Framlingham College, a comprehensive transport network ensures that day pupils travel safely and conveniently. Daily routes serve Aldeburgh, Bury St Edmunds, Diss, Harleston, Ipswich, Lowestoft, and express bus services operate to Cambridge, Norwich, and Colchester. Airport and train transfers support international and long-distance families. For day pupils, this enables greater participation in our extensive co-curricular programme without logistical worries. For flexi-boarders, it offers an easy solution for drop-offs and collections.
Beyond Academics: The Importance of Wellbeing and Pastoral Support
While flexibility in boarding and transport is key, pupil wellbeing is at the heart of a great education. Schools must offer more than just academic excellence, they must ensure pupils feel known and understood, supported and prepared for life beyond school.
Framlingham College’s award-winning pastoral care system recognised as Mental Health Champions in the 2024 School House Awards places wellbeing at the centre of its approach. Whether through house staff, medical teams, or tutors, pupils receive tailored support to help them navigate adolescence with confidence.
A School That Adapts to Its Pupils, Not the Other Way Around
There is no longer a one-size-fits-all approach to how pupils engage with school life whether as day pupils, flexi-boarders, or full boarders. The most successful schools evolve to meet the needs of modern families offering flexible boarding, academic excellence, strong pastoral care, and transport solutions that enable pupils to thrive and give parents peace of mind.
Education is about more than grades; it is about creating an environment where every child feels valued for who they are, where they can develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. Schools that recognise this and adapt are shaping the future of education.
For families exploring day, flexi, weekly, or full boarding options, Framlingham College’s next Open Days are on 7 and 8 March 2025, with private visits available at framlinghamcollege.co.uk/visit-us.
D o e s y o u r a m b i t i o n m a t c h
o u r s ?
We’d love to welcome you through our doors and share what makes St Jo’s truly unique!
Our innovative approach is designed to equip your child for the challenges of an ever-changing world, all set within the beautiful heart of Suffolk. We’re excited to meet you and give you a tour!
See you soon?
(And yes, the QR code’s right here- just scan and go!)
