Rated Excellent
BY THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE IN
FEBRUARY 2023
With small class sizes and a nurturing environment, pupils achieve excellent academic outcomes.
Plus, our nursery was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in June 2024.
OUR NEXT OPEN MORNING IS ON THURSDAY 10TH OCTOBER
Scan the QR code to book your place and discover what makes Park School and Nursery special.
Welcome
Well, it’s back to school already and soon the nights will start drawing in! So make haste while there are still pleasant days and plenty of daylight left and enjoy some family adventures. To entertain the kids, why not pick a family wild-life spotting walk to make the most of the great outdoors.
Don’t miss our article on apps and platforms to help your child with spelling as well as our selection of great graphic novels for reluctant – and other – readers.
Halloween is a favourite time of year for many children so to get them in the mood, don’t forget to download our spooky craft activity and take a look at our Halloween food, craft and sciencethemed special effects pages too!
Finally, in this issue, we have four great giveaways for our readers. Apply inside.
Education
Early years
Kids’ classes
What’s On
Entertainment
Autumn make n’ do’s
Best family walks for wildlife spotting
Halloween spooky science
Giveaways
Delicious
Competition winners from our May/June issue
Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE
Gabby’s Dollhouse Hama Beads Giveaway
Apps and platforms to help your child with spelling
Spelling isn’t easy – sometimes even for grown ups! Luckily there are a wealth of tools available to help you and your kids with spelling.
First Words Deluxe
Ideal for toddlers who are just beginning to master letter sounds. Ages 3+. ios
Sir Linkalot
Helps memorise and recall the spelling of high frequency words. Ages 5+. ios & android
Spelling Shed
Popular in schools and great for competition between friends. Ages 5-11. ios & android
DoodleSpell
Tailors spelling exercises to suit a child’s strengths and weaknesses. Ages 5-11. ios & android
Squeebles Spelling Test
Create spelling tests with your choice of words. Ages 5-11. ios & android
Word Wizard for Kids
Great app for independent practice of spelling words. Ages 4-10. ios & android
Your Spelling
Focuses on the words needed for KS1 and KS2 SATs. Ages 5-11. ios
Night Zookeeper
Fun, engaging online programme that increases vocabulary and improves spelling. Ages 6-12. web
Spelling Hangman
Great for challenging your child and makes weekly spelling fun. Ages 4+. ios
Graphic novels for reluctant readers
Graphic novels can really encourage those kids who don’t embrace reading – and are great for those who do too! Take a look at our selection below.
Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson
Follows the friendship between an awkward girl and a unicorn. Ages 7+.
InvestiGators by John Patrick Green
Comic strip format. This is a wordplay-packed cartoon! Ages 7+.
Wonder Woman by Lisa Yee
Female friendship and bravery in this riproaring, crime-fighting adventure. Ages 9+.
Bumble and Snug and the Angry Pirates by Mark Bradley
Great for independent reading Ages 5+.
Cowgirls and Dinosaurs by Lucie Ebrey Crime fighting adventure. Ages 9+.
The Pavee and the Buffer Girl by Siobhan Dowd Great sensitivity and storytelling. Ages 10+.
Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth by Judd Winick Well-told, gripping scifi story, colourful action and comedy. Ages 6+.
Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
Explores empathy, kindness and persistence. Ages 7.
Meesh the Bad Demon by Michelle Lam
First story in a fantasy graphic series. Fun and fast-paced. Ages 8-12.
Helping children with theory of mind
By Usha Patel
Back in 2007, a mum called Sarah told me of an incident involving her then 8-year-old son, Albi. Sarah had fainted in the bathroom of their small flat. As she was coming round, she called out for her son. He said: ‘Yes, I saw you.’ Sarah reported that Albi carried on playing without concern.
READ MORE
Overcoming failure and disappointment
By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble
Whilst studies show that children learn better when they experience failure, no parent likes seeing their child upset or disappointed. It feels right to help them avoid anything seemingly harmful they encounter, whether that be through distraction, bargaining or a quick credit-card swipe.
READ MORE
Park Nursery is Ofsted ‘Outstanding’
Park School Nursery have been graded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in the nursery’s first inspection since extending its age range to include children under 2. The nursery, for babies to children rising 5, is part of independent day school, Park School on Queens Park South Drive, Bournemouth.
In 2023, the popular nursery was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) which graded both it and Park School ‘Excellent’ in all areas. The Ofsted inspectors described the nursery’s leadership team and staff as ‘highly skilled, enthusiastic and nurturing.’ They noticed that staff promoted the children's communication and language skills exceptionally well, commenting that they ‘expertly model communication through verbal and sign language.’
The nursery has been steadily expanding the space available to children. A project due for completion this term will create additional space for babies ages 6 months to 2 years.
More information and book a personal tour HERE
Revamp of outdoor space at Dean Park Day Nursery
Located in central Bournemouth at the historic Cooper Dean Pavilion within the six-acre former Hampshire cricket ground, Dean Park Nursery is soon to enjoy a major refurbishment of its outdoor learning space
The exciting redevelopment is scheduled for completion this term and will complement the nursery’s plentiful indoor facilities, which have also been enhanced this summer with the installation of two new smart whiteboards.
Recently graded ‘Good’ by Ofsted, the spacious year-round nursery offers a broad and varied curriculum and with the new outdoor space, the learning opportunities will be even greater. Rachel Zito, Nursery Manager commented: ‘Play is free flowing at Dean Park and children happily move between different resources and toys inside the nursery. With our new and improved play area, children can let their imaginations run wild.’
Book a tour to see the nursery in action.
More info HERE
How to be great at spelling
By Zuzu Jordan
For children, learning how to spell isn’t just about passing school tests but also about being able to write words correctly in their extended writing. As adults, spelling is essential for effective writing in the professional world. So how can kids learn to spell well?
READ MORE
Motor Town First Car with Garage
Giveaway
Three-levelled garage and car
Perfect for car-crazy kids 2 available
Ages 18 mths+
APPLY HERE
Recognising a good state secondary school
By Melanie Sanderson
Choosing a secondary school is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make for your child. Very likely, your two priorities are whether your child will reach their academic potential and whether they will be happy there. Here are my tips on what to look for.
Hot-house or greenhouse?
Is the school educationally aspirational and how does this manifest? Look for relaxed and respectful teacher-pupil relations. They are key to successful learning. Is the library well-stocked and busy? Teacher recruitment and retention is challenging all schools. Ask pupils how often they have cover teachers.
Are pupils regularly assessed?
Performance measures such as Progress 8 are good indicators of how a school adds value as they measure academic attainment rates over time. Are there programmes to stretch the more academic children? What about those with special educational needs and disabilities?
Breadth of curriculum
The best state schools offer and value a broad liberal arts education beyond the standard curriculum. For instance, Bohunt School in Hampshire ‘blew the socks off’ the Good Schools Guide with immersion classes in Mandarin. Some of the best state schools invest in top notch sports facilities and coaching, others have outstanding creative or performing arts spaces. READ MORE
from an egg and raise to an adult
Book now for our next events:
Outdoor Crafts & Campfire Fun, Monday 16th September - FREE
Autumn Crafts & Pumpkin Carving, Monday 25th October - just £5
Secure your place by scanning the QR code below!
Adventure awaits!
Discover the magic of outdoor learning at Little Crickets Forest School.
Open 51 weeks of the year, our Forest School nursery is open to children from the age of 2.
Register for our next open event or book a personal tour to explore our spacious grounds and learn how an outdoor education can benefit your little one.
Dealing with toddler tantrums in public
Understanding toddler tantrums better
Recognise tantrums are a normal part of child development. Identify triggers like hunger, tiredness or frustration.
Know that toddlers lack the emotional regulation skills to handle intense feelings.
Understand that public settings can be overwhelming for toddlers.
Managing tantrums in public
Stay calm and composed; don’t react emotionally.
Acknowledge your child’s feelings and offer comfort.
Use distraction techniques, like showing them something interesting.
Keep interactions brief and avoid lengthy explanations.
Move to a quiet place if possible.
What’s the best way to deal with tantrums?
A guide from the NHS on the best way to handle a troublesome toddler.
Preparing for public outings
Plan outings around your toddler’s schedule.
Bring snacks and toys to keep your toddler occupied.
Set simple rules and expectations before going. Be prepared to leave if necessary.
Practise patience and stay calm.
Post-tantrum strategies
Praise good behaviour once they calm down.
Discuss the tantrum calmly at home later.
Reinforce positive behaviour with rewards.
Teach emotional regulation skills through practice.
Maintain consistency in your responses.
End a toddler tantrum in 30 seconds
Quick effective method principles of gentle parenting, respectful parenting and positive discipline.
SLIDA Classic Sphere Giveaway
Solve the 3D Puzzle Challenge
Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds
RINGWOOD AND WIMBORNE
01202 238810
stagecoach.co.uk/ringwood
BOURNEMOUTH 01202 238810
stagecoach.co.uk/bournemouth
Autumn term with Stagecoach
With over thirty six years’ experience, Stagecoach Ringwood, Wimborne and Bournemouth offers weekly classes in singing, dancing and drama to students ages 4 to 18 years.
With an expert team of teachers, Stagecoach believes in instilling creative courage for life, no matter what your child’s age or ability. Student inclusion is the upmost priority. The school believes in making special memories that children will treasure forever, whilst building a sense of self-esteem that they will carry with them through life.
The autumn term is busy with every child receiving their script to take part in the school’s annual show. There will also be Christmas community performances at The Ringwood Furlong, Castlepoint and The Allendale Centre. EVERY student is invited!
Spaces are available in BH24 2LE, BH21 1AS and BH9 2QD.
For more information or to join a
Giving children and young people the Creative Courage to stand up on stage for over 35 years.
Halloween at Monkey World Autumn at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest
There’s lots to do at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest this autumn.
Get ready for popular familyfriendly Halloween activities during October half term, as well as a brand-new spook-tacular Halloween Experience. Explore the forest after-dark with a spooky illuminated trail for the whole family and wander from dusk into darkness. But remember, the darker it gets, the spookier it gets. Book online.
Go Ape Sundown Adventures are also back for autumn 2024. For a limited time only, you can climb, swing and zip your way into the night. Feel your senses heighten as you tackle mega-high platforms in the darkness and feel the speed of a zip wire as the sun goes down. Book online.
Join Moors Valley for an exciting FREE mountain bike showcase at Pedals at the Park, returning on 14 September (10am-4pm). Enjoy live demonstrations, interactive maintenance sessions and much more. Inspire your kids and enjoy a fun day out for all ages. More information HERE
Halloween is definitely going to be ‘spook-tacular’ at Monkey World!
Head to Monkey World Ape & Rescue Centre in Wareham on 31 October BUT remember to dress up! Children in full Halloween fancy dress will receive FREE entry on that day.
There will also be a prize for the best costume in the FREE fancy dress competition, a fangtastic trail to explore and creepy crafts to keep little fingers busy throughout half term, as well as the opportunity to learn all about Monkey World’s creatures of the night, the slow loris!
With more than two hundred and thirty rescued monkeys and apes to see, including four groups of chimpanzees and Europe’s oficial urang-utan creche, and three play areas to explore, there are memories for the family to make at every turn at Monkey World. 10% off for online bookings.
More information HERE
Half term at Lulworth Castle & Park
This autumn half term holiday families can enjoy a whole host of family fun and a charming day out at Lulworth Castle & Park –Dorset’s finest castle.
From Sunday 27 October to Thursday 31 October, help your kids seek out the pumpkins and find the funny bones on the autumn trails as you explore the park. Practise your sporting skills with the themed pitch ‘n’ putt and traditional lawn games. Get crafty at the activity table and complete your quizbooks for a prize.
PLUS, back by popular demand the ZOMBIE BARN! Will you be brave enough to enter? It’s not suitable for younger visitors.
There’s so much to do at Lulworth Castle & Park that you can easily spend a whole day exploring.
Climb the tower, visit the Peacock Park woodland playground and enjoy ice creams, cakes and cream teas in the Castle Tearoom or why not book a lunch at the nearby Weld Arms Pub?
Dogs on leads welcome in the castle and grounds.
More information HERE
Model Town
Take the FREE quiz which guides you around this fascinating miniature town, set in beautiful gardens, with over one hundred shops and businesses at 1/10 scale.
Meet the Wareham Bears, make music in the Sensory Garden, drive a train in the Model Railway, discover ‘Life Before Lego’ and wonder at the Beryl Dade Dolls’ House Collection. Play Crazy Golf too (small extra charge).
Tea room for lunch and snacks. Unlimited return visits for a year.
More information HERE
Funny videos to get the kids laughing
In the often-stressed lives of parents it can be challenging to be playful and share laughter with our kids. So, for the moments when you can’t do this, keep these funny videos up your sleeve!
Kids’ jokes
The Bounce Patrol gang tell family-friendly jokes for kids of all ages.
Topsy and Tim funny moments
Topsy and Tim pick favourite funny moments from the popular CBBC show.
The Great Cookie Caper
Children’s soft toys play characters in this humorous tale of missing cookies.
The Terrible Plop
Funny rhyming story by Ursula Dubosarsky, read aloud.
Farm
animals
A video with farm toys playing, jumping and making silly, funny sounds.
Tiny Dog, Big Stick Watch Bosco the Dachshund navigate a park in London.
The Duck Song
Funny story about an annoying duck and a lemonade stand.
Talking
twin babies
Your kids (and you) will be in hysterics watching these chatterboxes.
If You Laugh I’m Starting this Book Over
Riotous read-aloud book that insists listeners must not laugh.
Autumn make n’ dos
How about some great autumn activities that truly celebrate the wonderful colours and beauty of this season? From playing with shiny conkers to leaf rubbing, there’s something for everyone!
Best family walks for wildlife spotting
We asked our friends at The Outdoor Guide to recommend some of the best UK ‘walks on the WILD side!’
Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Dorset
Brownsea Island is a haven for wildlife including red squirrels. Dorset Wildlife Trust also has some hides on the island where you can get glimpses of the resident and visiting birdlife that migrates here during winter.
Blakeney Point, Norfolk
Show your kids wild seals - the Norfolk coastline is a great place for it!
There are colonies of grey and common seals that can be seen on the tidal sands, as well as migratory birds including redshanks, oystercatchers and avocets. This is a long walk though so best for older children.
National Trust Charlecote Park
The grounds of Charlecote Park, on the outskirts of Stratford upon Avon, has been home to a herd of fallow deer for centuries. Legend has it that William Shakespeare was prosecuted for poaching deer from here!
Richmond Park, London
During the autumn, male deer show prowess by clashing antlers with their rivals. Watch the deer rut in Richmond Park in London, home to fallow and red deer. Remember, keep a respectful distance and ensure dogs are on leads. This is a 7-mile circular walk so will only be suitable for older children.
© Holly Barber © Holly Brega
© Terry Whittaker
© Holly Brega
Best family walks for wildlife spotting
We asked our friends at The Outdoor Guide to recommend some of the best UK ‘walks on the WILD side!’
Somerset Levels
Later this year, one of the wonders of the natural world will return to the Somerset Levels - the starling murmurations. Thousands of starlings come to roost here amongst the reedbeds. The peak season is November to February.
The Needles, Isle of Wight
With views out across the English Channel, you may glimpse a pod of dolphins that have become regular visitors here. Surrounded by the sea, this walk also gives you the chance to see marine birds including gannets and shearwaters. This is a longer walk so do consider your child’s age and capabilities.
Regency Walk, London
Even in the heart of London you can go for a walk to see some amazing wildlife. The Regency walk takes you past St James’s Park - well worth a detour to observe the abundant birdlife living on the lake - you might see the pelicans that live there too!
Petworth Park, West Sussex
The deer park in Petworth, West Sussex, is home to between seven and eight hundred fallow deer. The lake also offers the chance to see various ducks and geese.
If you’re a National Trust member, pop into the cafe afterwards for a well earned cuppa and slice of cake.
© Holly Barber
© Holly Barber
© The Outdoor Guide
© Holly Barber
MAKE HANGING PUMPKINS FOR A TWIG TREE
We asked our friends at Hobbycraft for a spectacularly spooky Halloween craft activity for parents to do with their kids and they’ve come up with these cute pumpkins to hang on a twig tree.
DOWNLOAD HERE
Spooky Halloween science
Create some ghostly, glowing and ghoulish Halloween effects at home with these simple science ideas.
Ghost rocket
Made with simple ingredients which react to propel your ghost to fly.
Halloween lava lamps
Use simple ingredients which react eerily to create magical lamps.
Dancing ghosts
Learn about static electricity by creating ghosts that move by themselves.
Make a galaxy in a jar
Recreate the wonders of the night sky in a jar of magic.
Luminous drinks
Discover the weird effect on some drinks when exposed to UV light.
Ghostly glowing eggs
Examine the spooky reaction that occurs between vinegar and egg shells.
Ghost slime
Make slime that is icycold to touch with just a few ingredients.
Blow up a pumpkin balloon
Using simple science, blow up a pumpkin balloon without touching it.
Fake blood
Add authenticity to a Halloween costume with this concoction.
Delicious Halloween delights
It’s not Halloween without some themed food and there’s as much fun in the making of it, as in the eating! Get the kids in the kitchen helping with some of these ideas.
Watermelon Jacko’-Lantern
Scary Halloween jelly
Sticky toffee apples
Spider pizzas
Skeleton biscuits
Mummy hot dogs
Frozen banana ghosts
Pumpkin Rice Krispie treats
Monster burgers
Fun Halloween craft projects
So much of the excitement of Halloween is in the anticipation, in choosing a costume and decorating the house. Here are some great Halloween craft ideas which will add to the fun.
Halloween sensory surprise box
Ghost leaves
paper plate spider’s web
CBeebies Trick or Treat bags Rock Skulls
Halloween fuse beads decorations
Easy paper craft ghosts
Threading
Halloween bat
Pumpkin pinata
2025 Top family holiday destinations
We asked Ashley Lutz from Travel Counsellors to pick some family holiday ideas for 2025 and here’s what she came up with.
Switzerland
Exciting museums, snow parks & slopes, actionpacked rope parks, toboggan runs, pristine lakes/rivers.
Mexico
The Rivera Maya (btwn Cancun & Tulum) is perfect for a family beach holiday.
Abu Dhabi
Great for kids’ activities and winter sun, good value, relaxing, lovely beaches.
South Africa
Spot the Big Five on safari! Plus, great beaches and adventure activities.
USA
From theme parks to surfing, tailor-make your holiday and create something unique.
Sri Lanka
Stunning landscapes and beaches, bustling cities, culture, wildlife, summer or winter.
Iceland
In Reykjavík: restaurants, loads of children’s activities. Northern Lights, whales, live volcanoes.
Croatia
Enjoy an off-the-beatenpath holiday with quaint villages and secluded beaches.
Slovenia
Active holiday with a twist! Lakes, mountains, beach and national parks.
Feed, clean, play with and look after your pet – and see what character you develop
5 bundles available –2 pets per bundle
