Families Suffolk: Sept/Oct 2023 Print Edition

CONTACT US:

EDITOR: Stacey Phillips

T: 07951 946736

E: editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk

Design: Stacey Phillips

Printed by: Buxton Press

Next Issue: Nov/Dec 2023

Welcome

Welcome to our new Autumn edition. I hope you had a fantastic summer and made lots of great family memories.

If, like me you are feeling a little nervous about the start of the new school year (my son is starting high school this year)!

I hope this new issue will remind you it won't actually be long until the October Half Term is upon us, and we have a great What's On guide to help you plan the week off and in particular lots of spooky Halloween themed fun along with a guide to local pumpkin patches.

Suffolk County Council's Public Health team have also provided some great advice on why children should get the flu vaccination. Please see p9 for our Family Health & Wellbeing Feature.

We also have a great Education Feature in this issue with articles from Framlingham College and St Joseph's College.

Best Wishes

Stacey

SEPTEMBER WHAT'S ON

PIRATE WEEKEND AT LANGUARD FORT

WHERE: View Point Road, Felixstowe, IP11 3TW

WHEN: Sat 16th - Sun 17th Sept | 10am - 5pm www.landguard.com

DINO DISCOVERY DAY AT COLCHESTER ZOO

WHERE: Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0SL

WHEN: Sat 23rd Sept

www.colchester-zoo.com

BEACH STREET FOOD FESTIVAL

WHERE: Beach Street Felixstowe

Micklegate Road, IP11 2GN

WHEN: Fri 22nd - Sat 23rd Sept www.beachstreetfelixstowe.co.uk

AUTUMN WEEKENDER

WHERE: Ipswich Waterfront

WHEN: Sat 23rd - Sun 24th Sept www.ipswichentertains.co.uk

THE INVINCIBLES

WHERE: The New Wolsey Theatre Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS

WHEN: Tue 26th - Sat 30th Sept www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

OCTOBER WHAT'S ON

CLASSIC VEHICLES DAY

WHERE: Ipswich Transport Museum, The Old Trolleybus Depot, Ipswich, IP3 9JD

WHEN: Sat 7th Oct | 11am - 4pm www.ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk

ANDY & THE ODD SOCKS –THE DIAL IT UP TO 11 TOUR

WHERE: 3 St. Helen’s Street, Ipswich, IP4 1HE

WHEN: Tue 24th Oct | 12noon www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk

THE SOOTY SHOW

WHERE: The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD

WHEN: Sun 22nd Oct | 11am & 2.30pm www.theapex.co.uk

AUTUMN CRAFTS AT ICKWORTH

WHERE: The Rotunda, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds, IP29 5QE

WHEN: October Half Term (see p7) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworthestate

WHAT'S ON

OUR TOP PICK OF LOCAL FAMILY DAYS OUT THIS AUTUMN

HALLOWEEN FUN!

HALLOWEEN AT LANDGUARD FORT

WHERE: View Point Road, Felixstowe, IP11 3TW

WHEN: Wed 25th October | 4 - 7pm www.landguard.com

KIDS & CANVAS HALLOWEEN

SPECIAL AT THE APEX

WHERE: The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD

WHEN: Thu 26th Oct | 10am & 12.30pm

www.theapex.co.uk

HALLOWEEN AT EASTON FARM PARK

WHERE: Pound Corner, Easton, IP13 0EQ

WHEN: Sat 21st - Sun 29th Oct. www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

HALLOWEEN HALF TERM FUN AT FRAMLINGHAM CASTLE

WHERE: Church Street, Framlingham, IP13 9BP

WHEN: Sat 21 - Sun 29 Oct | 10am - 5pm www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/ framlingham-castle-halloween-half-term

BAYLHAM SPOOKY SPECTACULAR

WHERE: Baylham House Farm, Mill Lane, Baylham, Ipswich, IP6 8LG

WHEN: Sat 21st - Sun 29th Oct

www.baylham-house-farm.co.uk

SHRIEK WEEK AT COLCHESTER ZOO

WHERE: Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0SL

WHEN: Sat 21 - Sun 29 Oct www.colchester-zoo.com

PUMPKIN PATCHES

SIAM HALL SPOOKY PUMPKINS

WHERE: Siam Hall, Siam Hall Lane, Boxford, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 5LA

WHEN: Sat 21st - Sun 29th Oct | 10am - 4pm www.siamhallpumpkins.co.uk

SOUTHWOLD MAIZE MAZE PUMPKIN PATCH

WHERE: Old Hall Farm, Halesworth Road, Reydon, Southwold, IP18 6SG

WHEN: 14th-29th October (closed Monday 16th October) | 9.30am - 4pm

www.southwoldmaizemaze.co.uk

GOSLINGS FARM - PYO PUMPKINS

WHERE: Goslings Farm, High Road, Trimley St Martin, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 0SG

WHEN: Throughout October www.goslingsfarm.com

WRENTHAM PUMPKINS

WHERE: Goslings Farm, High Road, Trimley St Martin, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 0SG

WHEN: 14th-15th Oct then Sat 21st - Sun 29th Oct | 9am - 4pm

www.facebook.com/wrenthampumpkins/

WINDOLPHS FARM PUMPKIN FEST

SCARETACULAR AT SOUTHWOLD MAIZE MAZE PUMPKIN PATCH

WHERE Reydon, Southwold, WHEN www.southwoldmaizemaze.co.uk

WHERE: Windolphs Farm, Stansfield, Nr Sudbury, CO10 8LU

WHEN: 14th-15th Oct, then Sat 21st - Sun

29th Oct | 10am - 4pm

www.facebook.com/suffolkpumpkins/

FOXES FARM PUMPKIN PATCH

WHERE: Green Lane, Aldham, Colchester, CO6 3PR

WHEN: From September

www.foxesfarmproduce.co.uk

HALLOWEEN (HOCUS POCUS) PANTO AT THE SPA PAVILION

WHERE: Undercliff Road West, Felixstowe IP11 2DX

WHEN: Mon 23rd Oct | 5pm www.thelittleboxoffice.com/spapavilion

COX'S AT SPENCERS FARM SHOPPUMPKIN PICKING

WHERE: Park Road, Halstead, CO9 2PX

WHEN: Late September - 31st October www.spencersfarmshop.com

Jump In Adventure Park Ipswich is packed full of fun for all the family.

The park has a trampoline park with wall-to-wall trampolines, airbag, battle beam, Wipeout, and more!

As well as a huge Soft Play Park with designated areas and activities for the little ones and Super Speed slides for the older ones (up to age 12).

If jumping isn’t your thing there is space to sit back and relax from the Jump In café as you watch the world defy gravity around you!

Open Jump sessions offer access to all areas for those aged 4+ years. On Friday & Saturday evenings, the disco lights are turned on and the music up during two hour Sunset Sessions. Younger bounce enthusiasts (ages 6 months to 6 years) can explore the park in a safe and fun environment during Toddler Takeover sessions

Jump In Ipswich is the perfect place for an unforgettable birthday celebration! All of our party packages include a party host, party room or area including decorations and clean up. 100% Fun. Zero Stress.

www.gojumpin.com/adventure-park-ipswich/

Home from Home with Chilly Powder

Do you prefer winter or summer in the Alps… or both?

Francesca, Paul and their three children live in Morzine in France all year round and have a good knowledge of Alpine traditions and the Morzine people. Having adapted their chalet holiday style over the years to suit the tastes of their regular guests, they offer the perfect ski and summer holidays for either families, couples or mixed groups in relaxing luxury, with fantastic food and outstanding facilities, with unrivalled in-house childcare facilities. For many returning guests Chilly Powder is considered a real home from home. www.chillypowder.com

For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com

play ride eat

BOOK ONLINE

PHOENIXCYCLEWORKS.CO.UK

Visit Suffolk’s newest Bike Park. All ages welcome – novice to pro. Experience a truly epic session on a bike.

@phoenixcycleworks Kentford | Suffolk

WOLSEY’S IPSWICH

14 July - 29 October 2023 10am - 12.30pm or 1pm - 4pm Free entry

As part of the Wolsey 550 project our summer exhibition explores the life and legacy of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey during the 550th anniversary of his birth.

Ipswich born and raised,Wolsey rose from humble beginnings to become England’s most powerful man, working alongside King Henry VIII. We unearth a story of ambition, aspiration, and the ability for anyone to succeed. Featuring treasures from our own collection as well as spectacular loaned exhibits including Wolsey’s original Cardinal hat on loan from Christ Church College, Oxford.

Suitable for all ages, come and explore the complex and inspiring story of Ipswich’s most famous son.

www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/whatson @suffolkarchives

TUDOR TREASURES TALK

Saturday 30 September, 2pm - 4pm.

TUDOR WRITING WORKSHOP

Friday 8 September and Friday 6 October, 10am - 1pm.

Actors taking a break from the Wolsey pageant in Christchurch Park, 1930. K419/2

Autumn at Ickworth Estate

Autumn is a great time to visit Ickworth Estate with family and friends and is arguably when it’s at its most beautiful. The change from summer to autumn brings a spectacular kaleidoscope of colour as the leaves on the trees change from green to reds, oranges, yellows, and browns which seem to glow in the autumn light.

Make the most of the last warm days with a woodland walk or take a bike ride around the parkland and explore the furthest reaches of the estate on our multi-use trail. You can bring your own bike or you can hire one from us. We have balance bikes for little legs, all the way up to adult bikes and including new electric ‘e-bikes’ as well as trailers for young children. Cycle hire is open Thursdays to Sundays and daily during school holidays, prices start from £4. For more information see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth-estate.

Grab a hot drink and a tasty snack from Porter’s Lodge and make your way over to the adventure play area where the little ones can run off steam as you sit and watch. Our buggy friendly and accessible Albana, Geraldine’s and Erskines Walks are all perfect for little legs and great to explore without having to walk too far.

Head indoors and be inspired by our collection of art and silver and get creative with paper and pencils before heading downstairs to play games in the basement as you learn what life was like at Ickworth.

October Half Term

Join us this October Half Term for even more creativity with autumnal crafts in the West Wing Gallery, great for days where the weather isn’t so great for outdoor adventures.

Looking Ahead

Ickworth’s Light Nights returns this November with a new trail for 2023. Take a winter evening wander through lit gardens and trees set against the stunning back drop of the Rotunda. Taking place 10 – 26 November, tickets are on sale now at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth-estate

For more information and to plan your visit see: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/Ickworth-estate

Apple Week at The Food Museum

Saturday 21st - Sunday 29th October 2023

This October Half-Term, The Food Museum will be celebrating apples with a week of apple pressing, juice making, baking workshops and apple themed activities for all the family. Visitors will have the chance to increase their apple knowledge and taste a wide variety of apples and juices from local orchards. On National Apple Day, Saturday 21st October, there will be a special day of activities with the Suffolk Traditional Orchard Group, Tree Wardens Network and food historian Monica Askay and during the week there will be special apple themed editions of the museum’s regular Toddler Time and Forest School sessions!

Don’t miss - Apple Juice Pressing Workshops

10.30am - 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 3.30pm | Booking essential

Make your own juice from locally grown apples using a hand cranked apple press. During this fun, interactive workshop you will be guided through the process of cleaning, crushing, pressing, bottling, pasteurising and labelling and will be able to take a bottle of the tasty juice home.

Prices

Two-hour juicing sessions for the public include a bottle of juice to take home and admission to the whole museum for the day:

£20 per adult (£5 for members), £18 per concession (£5 for members), £15 per child (£5 for members).

£60 for a family ticket of 2 adults and up to three children (£15 for members) includes 3 bottles of juice.

£40 for a family ticket of 1 adult and up to three children (£10 for members) includes 2 bottles of juice.

Suitable for ages 5+ and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information visit: www.foodmuseum.org.uk

What's On at Suffolk Museums

Sept/Oct 2023

AXE & KNIFE THROWING

West Stow Anglo Saxon Village & Country Park

10th September

bit.ly/443idAV

SUFFOLK PUNCH HORSES ON DISPLAY

National Horseracing Museum

1st October | 11am-12.30pm & 2.30pm - 4pm

www.nhrm.co.uk/whats-on-events-and-exhibitions/

CLASSIC VEHICLES DAY

Ipswich Transport Museum

7th October | 11am - 4pm

www.ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk

GHOSTLY TALES BY CANDLELIGHT

Christchurch Mansion

14th October

www.ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/

WHERE’S WOLSEY’S CATS TRAIL

Christchurch Mansion

21st - 29th October

www.ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/catstrail

HALF TERM EVENTS

APPLE WEEK – COMMUNITY ORCHARD PRESSINGS

Food Museum

21st - 29th October | 10am - 5pm

www.foodmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/

TRICK OR TREAT EVENING

Landguard Fort

25th October | 4pm - 7pm bit.ly/47wR0Jz

WORKSHOP AND TRAIL: SPOOKY SOUNDS

The Red House

25th - 26th October

www.brittenpearsarts.org/events/

LITTLE FORT OF HORRORSCARNIVAL OF SCREAMS

Landguard Fort

27th & 28th October | 7pm - 10.30pm bit.ly/47wR0Jz

SPOOKY SLEEPOVER

Christchuch Mansion

28th - 29th October | 7am-10pm

www.ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/

FINAL FLING

The Long Shop Museum

29th October | 10am -5pm

www.longshopmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/

POSITIVE POST-DIVORCE PARENTING – WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM THE TRUDEAUS AND OF COURSE THE BIRDS.

is something every parent should seriously consider if they believe in “putting the children first” post-divorce.

Ihave been reading about the Canadian prime minister

Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie who are divorcing after 18 years of marriage. Relationship break-ups are always sad but especially so when children are involved, and the family is living in the public eye. However, as a family lawyer, I admire the couple and, in particular, for how they have highlighted a lesser-known co-parenting concept in the UK, that of “birdnesting”. The essence of this approach is that children stay in the family home, whilst the parents take turns to move in and out.

The Canadian media has reported that the three Trudeau children will continue to live with their father while their mother

I would like to believe that this approach is set to become more common in the UK as there is plenty of evidence that it reduces trauma for the children involved and, because it is a collaborative arrangement, it can be less stressful and more cost-effective for the parents.

The main benefits are that the children get to stay in the family home, remain in the same schools and continue to enjoy their already established friendship groups. Instead of the children packing a bag every second weekend, or whatever shared residence arrangements have been agreed to spend time with the non-resident parent, “birdnesting” means it is the adults who do the packing and the house swapping. The children feel more secure, enjoying the stability and continuity of having one’s own space but also, the focus of each individual parent and their separate lives.

There are of course some cons to any post-divorce living arrangement. Whilst many divorced couples thrive from the emotional value of a clean financial break, “nesting” requires the commitment from both parents to continue with a joint financial relationship to maintain the children’s home and its costs. Other negatives include the challenges of when the parents enter in to other relationships; their new partners have to equally embrace the approach. There are also privacy issues in that the family home will be used by both parents. It only works if there is a high degree of collaboration and compromise and, to endure long term, a clear and detailed agreement setting out ground rules and key responsibilities, both practical and financial. There must be a high degree of mutual respect and the final ingredient, so often missing in more acrimonious splits, a commitment to communicate.

The potential value of such successful co-parenting is so obvious when we attend weddings, graduation ceremonies and other family celebrations, where divorced parents are equally at ease and the centre of their mutual pride and joy is their children’s happiness and success.

If you and your partner are considering separation but want to prioritise the well-being of your children, then “birdnesting” might be a viable approach. If I can help you work through the issues involved and develop a workable plan, please get in touch. Like the Trudeaus, you too can ensure that you are the best parent you can be and make sure that your little ones leave the nest when they ready and not before.

Family Law Partner and Family Mediator Denise Head considers the future for the “birdnesting” approach to co-parenting and why it

THE HEART OF EARLY EDUCATION

At the very heart of a child's early years lie not just the ABCs and 123s, but a foundational understanding of the world and one's place within it. We spoke to Jo Drury, newly appointed Head of Pre-Prep at Framlingham College Prep School, and got her view on what truly matters when teaching young children, and the transformation that occurs when they are given a learning environment that prioritises holistic growth.

What is the educational ethos you aim to embed in the Pre-Prep at Framlingham College?

Our core objective is to ensure that every child is happy and thriving. We aim to provide an environment that will nurture children and allow them the space to develop and find the best version of themselves. It’s so important to recognise that education is not simply about Maths and English, but about nurturing curiosity, exploration, learning to take risks and being brave.

We have worked hard at the Prep School to create a calm and neutral learning environment, ensuring that children aren’t overstimulated, that the tools they need to support their learning are accessible and that their work takes pride of place on the walls. We hope this will help our children to develop their independence and ensure that they have the confidence to give everything their best shot.

Over the past few years there has been a big movement towards continuous provision extending from the Early Years through into Key Stage 1. Continuous provision allows children time to play and explore. When a child is engrossed in play the brain is most elastic and will allow deep learning to happen.

It is often a myth that in these environments children are allowed to do whatever they want. In fact, an environment with successful continuous provision is very carefully planned to ensure that children have opportunities to explore, extend and deepen their learning.

What do you see as the biggest fears of parents with children starting school and what is your advice?

Starting school can seem very daunting for parents as they send their children off to begin their education journey. My advice is to remember that the early years is about nurturing and inspiring children to love to learn.

I think it’s important for parents to acknowledge that starting school is not about being able to write your name or read before you arrive, there’s plenty of time to learn that. It is more about providing opportunities for mark making which then moves into writing to start their phonics journey, and understanding rhyming alliteration and the sounds in the words before they start to read for example.

I would recommend parents focus on supporting their children to play games and encourage them to give everything a go. Initiate games like ‘I Spy’ where children are thinking about the sounds they can hear in words. Allow children the opportunity to colour and mark make. Play with Lego and Play-Doh. Get outside and use natural resources to explore building and creating. All these things help children gain confidence and build the muscles in the hands and arms that they need to hold a pencil.

Most of all, try not to worry. Remember this is your child’s journey and we will do everything that we can to support that when they start school.

Do you have a child in year 5 or 6?

Our FREE online maths test will help you identify the gaps in your child’s knowledge and the areas requiring further improvement. Go to aepublications.co.uk to take our test.

• Do you know your child’s current mathematical ability?

• Is your child’s maths strong enough for their transition to secondary school?

Take our free test to find out.

After your child has taken the test, you will be sent a link to view a video of a fully UK-qualified teacher working through the answers and the correct methodology.

* There is no requirement to provide an email address to access the free test.

** An email address is required should you wish to receive further information, including the explanation video.

Top Accreditation for Moreton Hall Prepcare Day Nursery

Moreton Hall Prepcare Day Nursery in Bury St Edmunds is celebrating, as it reveals it has won a Level 3, Platinum award – the highest possible level - from the highly regarded Quality Counts national award scheme, run by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA).

Feedback included comments such as: ‘well managed, amazing team & supportive staff,’ ‘so many quality resources for the children’ and ‘all children given so many choices and opportunities’ which collectively helped result in such an outstanding award being given.

Zoe Savage, manager at Moreton Hall Prepcare Day Nursery is thrilled with the award and comments, “We consistently work to deliver the very best care and environment for the young children that we look after in this very special nursery – to be recognised by such a well-respected national accreditation scheme in this way is wonderful and a testament to all the hard work of the team here. A perfect way to showcase the quality of service we offer.”

Moreton Hall Prepcare Day Nursery is based in Bury St Edmunds and looks after children from 6 weeks to 5 years - 52 weeks of the year. All staff are highly trained, friendly and simply love looking after young children. For further information, or to arrange a visit please call the manager, Zoe Savage, on 01284 725259 or read more by visiting www.prepcaredaynurseries.co.uk

Do you have a child in year 5 or 6?

AE Publications is passionate about children’s numeracy and helping them achieve their full potential.

If your child is in year 5 or year 6, do you really know how well they are doing in maths? Well, AE Publications’ FREE online maths test will show you. Their test covers all the main subject areas of the maths curriculum for this age group. It is crucial that your child’s numeracy is strong enough for their transition to secondary school. Otherwise, they will struggle not only in maths but also in other subjects such as physics, chemistry, IT, and design technology as they all require a good understanding of numerical elements.

AE Publications’ free online maths test comprises 30 questions, designed to give you accurate information about the current level of your child’s maths ability. Depending on their performance, the result will also trigger recommendations and suggestions as to how AE Publications’ maths materials can help your child work to improve in year 5 or year 6.

To take their free online maths test, go to aepublications.co.uk

After your child has taken the test, you will be sent a link to view a video of a fully UK-qualified teacher working through the answers and the correct methodology.

Moreton Hall Prepcare Day Nursery

Recently won highest available level quality award

Awarded Platinum, Level 3 by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) Quality Counts awards

O Day nursery set within a large attractive site

O Exceptional day care for children from a few weeks to five years old and all year round.

O Highly qualified and friendly staff including an Early Years teacher.

O Forest school teacher using picturesque forest school grounds

O OPEN TO ALL

Moreton Hall Prep School, Mount Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7BJ

* There is no requirement to provide an email address to access the free test and receive your child’s percentage score. ** An email address is required should you wish to view a full breakdown of the questions your child has answered, and to also receive further information, including a link to the explanation video and a coupon code to redeem against a free Maths Bonus Pack (includes a Times Tables Workbook 2 RRP £9.99) when purchasing an AE Publications KS2 Maths Year 5/6 Book Bundle.

01284 725259

For further information and space availability, please call: or email: moretonhallprepcare@prepcaredaynurseries.co.uk www.prepcaredaynurseries.co.uk

Coping with Changes at School

By Mrs

College

No matter the time of year, moving to a new school or classroom, or changing to a new teacher can be a tough adjustment for children. Making changes easily requires an executive-function skill called mental flexibility, which most children under the age of five are still working on developing - and even adults can find change tricky.

Each child is different, which means reactions to change can vary. Some children can adapt seamlessly, being ready and raring to go in their new class, eager to explore and meet new friends, while others can be a little clingy, tearful, or even refuse to look at the teacher or put a small foot in the door! If you think your child might have trouble switching to a new classroom or teacher, the following may help you:

Make sure you have visited together so that you can talk about your shared experiences. Be upfront about the move so that your child has time to adjust. Meeting their new teacher is essential in helping them to know what to expect and so they (and you) can feel prepared for the first day.

Make sure your child has the right kit on the right days. We are all better if we know what the expectations are, that we are appropriately dressed and have the right things with us. A child arriving in uniform which is slightly wrong or without the things they need can add to the awkwardness.

Be positive! If you are positive, even if you are feeling apprehensive, can help

your child feel positive. At the same time, acknowledge their feelings and help them to understand that there are lots of people to help them.

Once they have started, make sure you know how to communicate effectively with your child’s teacher and ensure they know what will help you with regards to communication to start with. If your child is younger, you may need to have more chats but this will lessen in time as you and your child become more confident. Do remember that your child’s teacher is trained to support your child and whilst your child is unique, they will likely have encountered similar situations before, so trust them.

Keep talking with your child If your child is comfortable in explaining to you how they feel, this will help in a whole host of situations. Depending on their age, you may have to intervene on their behalf if things are not quite right but you won’t be able to do this if you don’t know what is going on. If possible though, empower your child to try to sort things out first rather than launching in to ‘rescue’ any situation.

If you have a child who is not settling, talk to the teacher early so that you can make a support plan together. Whilst acknowledging your child’s feelings, keep gently encouraging them to keep trying and see how they feel in a few weeks.

Be patient! Especially with younger children, it can take a little while for your child to fit into their new environment. Celebrate the success, have sympathy with their disappointments and enjoy the ride – it all goes so very quickly.

Amanda Childs, Head of Prep at St Joseph's