IN THIS ISSUE September/October 2022 Familiesonline.co.uk HalloweenAutumnEducationfun Free Action Heroes mini figure sets for kids APPLY INSIDE Magazine FREE Cheshire
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October2 “Excellent” Highest Inspection Rating Tel: 0161 456 9000 www.stockportgrammar.co.uk FOUNDED IN 1487 STOCKPORT GRAMMAR SCHOOL An independent school for children ages 3-18 years Assistance with fees available at 11+ and 16+ (means tested), academic and music scholarships SGS InspiresSGS Inspires Book online for open events Senior School Open Events Saturday 17th September Saturday 12th November Year 3, Nursery and Reception Open Event Saturday 17th September Sixth Form Open Event Tuesday 11th October INSPIRED BY...OVERCOMING £20PM* FOR FIRST 3 MONTHS! JOIN NOW! GYM • SWIM • CLASSESbrioleisure.org JUNIORS ONLY £10PM* *T’s & C’s apply. Offer in September only SCAN ME NO CONTRACT! HALF PAGE cheshire families ad Summer JOSH 22.indd 1 11/08/2022 11:00
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 3 Welcome Can you believe the kids are back at school already? It seems like just a moment since they were breaking up! 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. 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! 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! AutumnWhat’sEducationOntreasure hunt Autumn activities Familyoutsidefriendly autumn RoadHalloweenwalkssafety for kids Screen-free indoor activities In this issue 262520191817104 CONTENTS Get in touch Competition winners from our May/June issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE Register online now thequeensschool.co.uk/open-events • LOWER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE Friday 7 Oct • SENIOR SCHOOL OPEN MORNING Saturday 8 Oct • SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING Thursday 20 Oct October Open Events AN OUTSTANDING INDEPENDENT SCHOOL for girls aged 4-18 in the heart of Chester. Come along to our October Open Events and see for yourself what makes Queen’s so special. Small enough that we get to know every girl personally, and big enough to provide a wealth of opportunities that go well beyond the classroom, challenging your daughter along the way to ensure a successful and happy future. Ignitingherpotential forAWARDLEVELGOLDINDEPENDENTSUPPORTIVEMOSTSCHOOL2022–NorthWestEnglandoutstandingcareersprovision Oct open events 180-130.indd 1 23/06/2022 11:55
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October4 EDUCATION Chapter books that encourage kindness The MovementSoup By Ben Davis Age 8+ The Worries: Sohal Finds a Friend By JionAgeSheibani6+ The Elephant in the Room By Holly Goldberg Sloan Age 10+ A Kind of Spark By ElleAgesMcNicoll8+ Lost By Ele AgesFountain11+ Five Ways to Make a Friend By Gillian Cross Ages 8+ The Elephant By PeterAgesCarnavas6+ Boy at the Back of the Class By Onjali Q. Rauf Ages 8+ Wonder By R. J. AgePalacio8+ Our friends at Parrot Street Book Club contribute their suggestions.
What
By Liat Joshi-Hughes
New term teething troubles
READ MORE Make fruity, crunchy ice with Mr Frosty! APPLY HERE for your FREET&Cstoyapply Magazine available5 Suitableforages3+
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 5 EDUCATION
The autumn term has begun and your child has returned to school. 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? 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. My child can’t manage this year’s curriculum 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 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?
More
Abbey Gate College is an independent school for pupils ages 4 to 18 years, located in the historic Saighton Grange near Chester and Aldford Village. Nestled In twenty acres of beautiful grounds, the school offers modern facilities in a stunning Means-testedlocation.bursaries are available, enabling deserving children to access and benefit from an Abbey Gate College education. Contact the Admissions Team for further Thedetails.College is a unique, inspiring and memorable place to learn and grow, where the caring and committed teaching and support staff do everything that they can to help all children fulfil their potential, try new things, take risks and be creative. It offers a safe and friendly school community, within which each child’s individual interests, passions and strengths are nurtured and developed. information HERE or email. Bursaries available at Abbey Gate
The Grange Senior School in Hartford is taking bookings for its upcoming Open Day on Saturday 24 September. This independent co-educational school, located in the heart of leafy Cheshire prides itself on giving every child the experiences, knowledge and academic skills they need to become confident and ambitious adults. Through lessons, an enormous number of enrichment activities and impressive pastoral support, The Grange School offers a bespoke, stimulating and unique educational experience.
The school’s Head since September 2021, Dr Lorraine Earps spent her first year getting to know and understand the whole school community. She says: ‘I am committed to making the school a centre of learning excellence that provides a bespoke irrespectivemembertoeducationalindividualisedexperiencedesignedmeettheneedsofeveryofthecommunity,ofbackground.’
EDUCATION
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October6
Find out more and book an Open Day place HERE Excellence in learning at The Grange
Familiesonline.co.uk
When your child is ready to move on from picture books, here are some wonderful first chapter books recommended by Parrot Street Book Club. Morgan the Book Cat
By Serena Patel, illustrated by Selom Sunu Alien in the FactoryJam By Chrissie Sains. illustrated by Jenny Taylor Velda andAwesomesttheVikingtheVoyageofDeadlyDoom
By David MacPhail, illustrated by MorganRichard Noodle the Doodle By Jonathan Meres, illustrated by Katy Halford The Tindims of Rubbish Island By Sally illustratedGardner,byLydiaCorrey Panda at the Door Written and illustrated by Sarah Horne Dragon Storm By Alastair DeschampsillustratedChisholm,byEricandBenMantle
By Polly Faber, illustrated by VulliamyClara There’s a Dog in My Brain
By Caroline Green, illustrated by Rikin Parekh The GrannyMarvellousJinksandMe
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October8 EDUCATION Brilliant first chapter books for early readers
Lower
READ MORE Why education
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 9 Musicians from Stockport Grammar School recently headed to London to take part in a series of concerts.
really memorable. A highlight
More information HERE SGS musicians amaze What
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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 Getting school support for a child with SEN Contributed by Contact EDUCATION
Concert Band, Jazz Band, Wind Orchestra and Junior Chamber Choir kicked off the concerts at St James’ Church, Piccadilly. musicians wowed audiences on the bandstand at Alexandra Gardens with performances by Concert Band, Jazz Band, Wind Orchestra and Big Band and enjoyed a tour of the National Theatre before their final performance at St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden. Sixth student Lily Amet commented: ‘Being able to show a different talent, alongside having fun and enjoying ourselves, was was the tour around the National Theatre into how hard people work behind the stage.’ 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 early years onward. begins at home By John and Kyle Hattie
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The BogglesBouncingBonanza at Bewilderwood Daily Boggles storytelling sessions, craft, face painting, park trail and more. Sat 10 AstoundingSep Inventions at Grosvenor Museum Discover old and new gadgets and inventions and join in butter making. FREE (drop-in.) Sat 10 to Sun 11 Sep Harvest Festival at Tatton Park See the steam engine running, have a go at scarecrow making and spinning or make your own corn dolly. Sat 10 & Sat 17 Sep Astounding Inventions at Lion Saltworks Discover old and new gadgets and inventions. FREE (drop-in.) Heritage Open Day Workshop at Lyme Park Create your very own unique piece of art with sun printing, an old photographic printing process. Sun 11 Sep Pizza Run at Heaton Park, Manchester Grab your family for a fun run with three distances: Family Dash 2k, 5k and 10k. Finish with a pizza. Tue 13 Sep Roald Dahl Day at Grosvenor Museum Roald ingames,Dahl-themedcraftsandactivitiesthemuseumallday.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October10 Daily until 25 Sep
Sat 1 to Sun 2 atGrandparents’OctWeekendGulliver’sResort
Wed 5 to Sun 9 Oct Circus Zyair at Heaton Park, Manchester Action packed ninety minute show with high energy acts from all over the world. Fri 7 to Mon 31 Oct The Magical Woodland at Blakemere Village Experience a woodland lit by dazzling cathedral canopies of fairy lights, interactive light features and lasers. Sun 9 Oct Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave at Cargo Manchester Perfect tunes for family raving with confetti cannons, bubbles and giant balloons. of publication.
Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.
Two grandparents get FREE entry when accompanied by one full paying person. Sun 2 Oct Apple Day at Tatton Park Join in games and children’s activities to celebrate the wonder of apples. Wed 5 to Sun 9 Oct Cirque Du Soleil at AO Arena, Manchester Merges the passion of an actor with the grace of the acrobat, a world of comedy, fun and spectacle.
WHAT’S ON What’s on All listings are correct at the time
Sat 17 to Sun 18 Sep Murgatroyd’s Brine Pumps Open Days at Middlewich Salt making demos, activities and displays suitable for all ages. Wed 21 to Sun 25 Sep Gandeys Circus at Knutsford An international cast of over thirty artistes, come together to wow audiences. Sat 24 to Sun 25 Sep Victorian Harvest Festival at Stretton Watermill Victorian crafts, food displays, music, applepressing (BYO apples) and vintage bikes. Great British Food Festival at Arley Hall Ultimate foodie event with food traders, live music, entertainment and kids cookery.
Sat 17 ClocksSepand Cogs at Grosvenor Museum Discover Chester’s clockmaking past and make your own clocks and cogs.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 11 HALF HALLOWEENTERM SNEAKY EXPERIENCE PRESENTS EXPERIENCE Join our hilarious supernatural expedition with storytelling, magic, dancing, games and fun for the whole family WALTON HALL AND GARDENS - SATURDAY 29TH OCTOBER ARLEY HALL & GARDENS - SUNDAY OCTOBER 30TH QUARRY BANK - SUNDAY OCTOBER 30TH For info & tickets vist sneakyexperience.co.uk Or use the QR code to book tickets now
The Bolds Go Green at The Storyhouse, Chester Join author Julian Clary and illustrator David Roberts for this hilarious event. Booking required. Ages 7+. Tue 25 to Thu 27 Oct Space Crafts at The Storyhouse, Chester Come and have a go at making aliens, rockets and flying saucers. All ages. FREE (drop in.)
Gandeys SpooktacularCircusat Trafford Centre Halloween Spooktacular Big Top show for all the family. Sat 15 Oct to Sun 4 Dec Harry Potter: A Forbidden ExperienceForestatArley Hall & Gardens A nighttime woodland trail experience filled with magical creatures and wizarding wonders from Harry Potter. Sat 22 Milkshake!Oct Live at Storyhouse Chester New show with plenty of laughter, audience interaction and great fun for everyone. Sat 22 to Sun 30 Oct The Pumpkin Patch at Tatton Park Come down to the farm to meet all your farmyard favourites. Then it’s off to search for your perfect pumpkin. The Wizards’ Gathering at Tatton Park Lessons in spellcasting, broomstick riding, an immersive journey through curious forests and enchanting theatre. Halloween Half Term Joust at Beeston Castle Follow the trail to solve creepy clues and gather round to listen to spooky stories. Mon 24 Oct LEGO Comic Book Design Workshop at Storyhouse TeachesChester the skills required to create your own digital comic books. Booking required. Ages 8+. AR Colouring Workshop at Storyhouse Chester Hands-on activity to show you how you can use the power of AR (Augmented Reality) to bring your colouring to life. Ages 5+. FREE (drop-in). Mon 24 to Sat 29 Oct
What’s
Tue 25 to Fri 28 Oct Baby Story Explorers at The Storyhouse, Chester Storytelling with singing, baby sign and bubbles and music. Booking required. WedFREE.26 Oct Baby Story Explorers at Neston Library Introduce little ones to storytelling with singing, baby sign and bubbles and music. Booking required. FREE. ON on All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.
WHAT’S
Romeo & Juliet (for kids!) Workshop at The Storyhouse Chester A fun and required.workshop.interactiveBookingAges7+.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October12 HALF TERM Fri 14 to Sun 30 Oct
Storyhouse’s Favourite Stories at Storyhouse,TheChester
Tue 25 Oct Space Detectives at The Storyhouse, Chester Join author Mark Powers for some required.intergalacticinteractive,fun.Booking
The Storyhouse team share their favourite childhood books and stories each day. FREE (drop-in.)
Mon 24 to Fri 28 Oct Lily and the Heron at local libraries The story of Lily and the Heron will be performed in libraries across Chester and Cheshire West. Ages 4+. FREE (drop-in.)
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Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 13 The summer holidays may be over but Brio Leisure has a fantastic offer to keep you and your little ones happy and active! Whatever inspires you to get moving, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This September, children can join Brio Leisure for just £10 per month for September, October and November! From casual swim sessions to off-peak racquet sports, there are loads of activities to keep the kids entertained at your local centre – and you’ll be keeping to keep them fit too! For just £20 a month, adults can also take advantage of this offer too, so whether you want to take a dip in the pool, find your favourite fitness class or sweat it out in the gym, there are options and opportunities galore at Brio ToLeisure.joinand benefit from this offer, visit your local centre today or visit their website. Terms and conditions apply. Get inspired with Brio Leisure
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WHAT’S ON
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Fun Fest Holiday Club Cheshire delivers childcare during the school holidays, offering a of their own ‘We found nothing like this in when took on the Fun Fest Cheshire in comments Helen Westly, co-owner of the Cheshire franchise of this Atbrand.Fun Fest Cheshire, kids ages 3 to 11 can choose benefit from a of varying from Mission Impossible and Sports Action to Cupcake Heaven and Crafty Creations, all available close to Clubshome. run in Hartford (at The Grange Junior School), Cheadle, Altrincham and Sandiway. Later this year, another club will open in Cheadle, as well as new in Bolshaw, Middlewich and CheckCrewe.out availability for October half term. Half day, full day and HERE.
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WHAT’S
THE ChesterSTORYHOUSE, Lily and the Heron, Wed 26 Oct Told through table-top puppetry and music. Ages 4+. FREE (drop in.) Romeo & Juliet (for kids!) Mon 24 to Sat 29 Oct Created specifically for families, an abridged retelling of Shakespeare’s classic tale. Wind in the Willows, Thu 27 Oct A beautiful new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s much loved classic, featuring puppetry. ON are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Thu 27 to Sun 30 Oct Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show. Nick SunHalloweenSharratt’sDrawalong,30Oct Join children’s author and illustrator Nick Sharratt for a special Halloween themed drawalong. STOCKPORT PLAZA, Stockport Fireman Sam Live! Sun 16 Oct An all-singing, dancing, action-packed show.
Fri 4 BonfireNov& Fireworks Display at Sandbach Rugby Club Craft your pumpkin to take part in a Halloween walk.
CHILDREN’S THEATRE THE LOWRY, Salford Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever, Sat 10 Sep to Sun 11 Sep Brand new Peppa Pig live show packed full of songs, games and laughter. Sunflowers and Sheds, Sun 16 Oct Charming tale about breaking down of barriers and friendship in unlikely conditions. Shark in the Park, Sun 23 to Wed 26 Oct Family musical follows Timothy Pope (and his telescope!) on three exciting adventures.
Mon 31 KnutsfordOctPumpkin Path Enjoy live singing and dancing scenesgiveawaysentertainment,andspookyinWallwood.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October14 Thu 27 Oct I’m not a stick, why can’t you see? at The Storyhouse, Chester A children’s oracy workshop exploring Julia Donaldson’s Stick Man. Booking required. Ages 3-7. FREE. ….But it’s special to ME! at The Storyhouse, Chester Fun, interactive session, children will learn about the value of their voice. Booking required. Ages 7+. FREE. Romeo & Juliet at Tarvin Library Created specifically for families, an abridged retelling of Shakespeare’s classic tale. Booking required. Ages 7-12. Benjamin Zephaniah at The Storyhouse, Chester Poet in Benjaminresidence,Zephaniah, is live on stage to talk about his collections of children’s poetry and stories. Booking required. Ages 6+. Fri 28 Oct All Hallow Eve Walk & Pumpkin Competition at Sandbach Rugby Club Craft your pumpkin to take part in a Halloween walk.
Bookingfundancing,storytelling,expeditionsupernaturalwithimmersivemagic,gamesandforthewholefamily.required.
Sun 30 Oct Half Term Halloween at Arley Hall & Gardens Hilarious
What’s on All listings
After a 3 month house move delay from Lancashire to Cheshire in 2018, I came across a Holiday Club advert based in Hartford looking for staff. I was appointed Club Manager for the Summer and felt instantly inspired by the Fun Fest brand and core messages. I had never considered a franchise as a working opportunity for me; I never really even understood what one was! My husband and I became co-directors of our own franchisee business FF Pink Pineapple Ltd in January 2019, with our first Fun Fest territory based in Cheshire West. With full support from the Fun Fest Franchising UK Ltd Head Office team, we started on our Holiday Club journey! 3 years and counting, we are well established at Fun Fest Hartford as the number 1 Holiday Club in the area. Taking the leap of faith in myself and the brand, I quit my full time job working in A levels in July 2021 and we look to expand our Holiday Club empire. I have a varied background working with children across Europe and the UK; roles include SEN TA, Nursery Play Worker, Entertainments Manager with Thomas Cook and the Specialist Services Executive managing over 44 Holiday Club sites for Eurocamp. Fast forward to March 2022 and we own 3 Fun Fest territories covering the area from South Manchester to Crewe. We operate 4 clubs based in Northwich, Cheadle and Altrincham; providing an exciting menu of activities for children aged 3 – 12 years. We rent a small office in Crewe and employ 2 members of staff full time. I work full time wearing all hats as a small business owner, and Wez supports the financial growth of the business. We have outsourced our HR and recruitment service with the excellent Sue Love at Ladybridge HR Consultancy Ltd to support our growing team.Club Hub Awards 2022 – I have been nominated as a finalist for both Female Entrepreneur of the Year award and Franchisee of the Year Award categories.
CHESHI
Familiesonline.co.uk
HOLIDAY
DreamFranchiseeHusbandandWifeTeam!
The Club Hub awards are the only national awards for activity providers with entry by application form only, no voting. The awards are independently judged by a panel of expert judges, who are children’s activity professionals or specialists in their field. The winners will be announced at the Club Hub Event on May 14th in Birmingham. We will continue to find new venues for Fun Fest Holiday Clubs and support the local community with their childcare needs. Fun Fest Parties will launch from September 2022, and a trial run of weekend cubs. Who knows what the future will hold for us – for now we are exactly where we should be.
HELEN WILSON, DIRECTOR OF FUN, Fun Fest Cheshire (FF Pink Pineapple Ltd)
Happy Holidays!
WESTLY WILSON, MANAGING DIRECTOR, Fun Fest Cheshire (FF Pink Pineapple Ltd) CLUB R E
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October16 WHAT’S ON ST HELENS THEATRE ROYAL, St Helens Top Secret – The Magic of Science, Sat 10 Sep Action-packed, interactive, magical experimentssciencethat will capture the imagination. Dick & Dom In Da Bungalow Live, Sun 9 Oct Fun for all ages and packed with chaos and familiar favourites. Sleeping Beauty Panto, Fri 21 to Sun 30 Oct The enchanting story of Princess Aurora cursed by the evil fairy Carabose. WATERSIDE, Manchester The Bubble Show, Sun 25 Sep Unique blend of magic, storytelling and bubble art. Morgan & SunUnbelievableWest:Science,16Oct Captivating allbonkersphenomenalchemistry,physicsandbiology-funforthefamily. ComedySportz 4 Tots, Sat 22 Oct A show aimed at kids aged six and under from the team behind. ComedySportz, Sat 22 Oct A family friendly comedy show with participation.audience Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers, Fri 28 Oct An immersive and interactive performance, involving games and imaginative play. Ages 5+. I Spy with My Little Eye, Sun 30 Oct Interactive musical which celebrates everything great about being a kid. What’s on All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed. Sneezy Panda games to giveaway!Theflowersandleavesmakepandasneeze...whatcanyoudo? T&Cs applyAPPLY HERE Magazine available10 Suitable for ages 4+
Have fun! 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:
Thenyou.
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 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. 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. And hey presto, you’re done! And hopefully you’ve found an autumn treasure you can keep or learned something you didn’t know.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 17 AutumnHuntTreasure Get outdoors and go on a treasure hunt with your kids, finding and matching autumn treasures. Autumn treasure hunt Ideal for appreciating the autumn season and getting outdoors. No checking online until you get home!
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October18 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
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 19 AUTUMN Family-friendly walks for autumn Ham House and Garden Fun walking & activities in the gardens of a seventeenth century manor in Surrey. Morden Hall Park An outdoor oasis in London – escape the concrete jungle! Seven CountrySistersPark Miles of coastline in the South Downs National Park in East Sussex. Old Sarum Explore the walks around this Iron Age Hillfort in Wiltshire. Stowe countryside,Breathtakinglake and forest at Stowe in Bucks. Dogs on leads. BreconNationalBeaconsPark Explore the National Botanic Garden of Wales or CantrefFarm.Adventure Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens Try Ripon and Fountains Abbey walk or the Lost Spa trail. Tegg’s CountryNosePark Follow The Gritstone Trail from Disley to Kidsgrove, through Tegg’s Nose in Cheshire. Sutherland’sGrove From waterfalls to forest trails, a Scottish wonderland in West Argyll. 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?
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October20 HALLOWEEN Halloween treats 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. RECIPE Hot chocolate sticks Spooky crispy treats Spooky snacks 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! RECIPE Tuna fish pie (with pumpkin tops) 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. RECIPE 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
Familiesonline.co.ukCalling parents living in Cheshire! Magazine Come and run Families Cheshire magazine! Work part time from home around your family and do something you love. Spring 2021 familiesonline.co.uk IN THIS ISSUE ActivitiesTips/AdviceDaysOut FREE TAKEMEHOME P t o b n t Fa lies M agaz 30 years Cheshire Would you like to try your hand at magazine publishing? Are interestedyou in media Domarketing?andyouthink you could grow a business?FINDOUT MORE EMAIL US NOW
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
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 23 HALLOWEEN DIY Halloween costumes If you have time, a home-made Halloween costume can be much more individual than anything shop bought. Here are some great options, complete with instructions. The BFG Spider’s web Bull in a shopchina Pumpkinpaintface PirateThe Worst pillowcaseSkeletonWitch BatgirlJackfaceSkellingtonmakeup
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October24 Magazine Whatever age your children, we’d love you to tell us what’s happening in your world and about your childcare. In the autumn we’ll share parent stories about how things have changed, the different challenges and how we’re all making things work. Lot of things are changing in our lives and that includes our childcare needs and choices. 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!
Ages
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 25 PARENTING
Road safety for kids of all ages 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. Introduce Stop, Look, Listen and Think. Point out hidden entrances or driveways that cross the pavement. 5-7 Never let your child go near a road alone and always hold how pedestrians walk safely on the pavement and vehicles use the road. Point out safer crossing places and show how to use them. Stop, Look, Listen and Think. 7-11 go out use the Cross Code Let with so they learn through action. child plan safe routes. Encourage child to talk about what they see on the roads and whether it’s safe.
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The Green Cross Code Find a safe place to cross. STOP just before you get to the kerb. LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic. 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. Stop, Look, Listen, Think this film for children ages 3 to 6, pupils dress up and learn how to cross the road safely using the Stop, Look, Listen, Think sequence.
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First Journeys In this film for ages 7 to 12, children discuss first solo journeys they’re looking forward to and older children share what their first journeys were like.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October26 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. 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. 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. Baking 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. Painting 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. Playdough
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 27 ACTIVITIES
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. Art and craft 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! Easy science experiments Treasure hunt 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! Design a board game 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.
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