IN THIS ISSUE September/October 2022 Familiesonline.co.uk HalloweenAutumnEducationfun FREE Dorset Independent School for Girls aged 3-18 Talbot Heath Are you choosing the best school for your daughter? Register online for our Kindergarten, Pre-Prep, Junior and Senior School Open Day 30th Sept THE BEST START Talbot Woods | Bournemouth | Tel: 01202 763360 | talbotheath.org | Connect with us @TalbotHeathSch | Day and boarding
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October2 WHAT’S ON 13 TheSeptemberArk,Poole Park – 0930-1630 14 LittledownSeptemberCentre, Bournemouth – 1000-1400 15 TwoSeptemberRiversmeet Leisure Centre, Christchurch The140930-1330NovemberArk,Poole Park – 1000-1600 15 LittledownNovemberCentre, Bournemouth 1000-1400 D I D YOUKNOW?65% of all car seats are not fitted correctly FREE ChildCarSeatChecksIs your child’s car safe?seatPopalongforaFREEindependentcheckinpartnershipwithChildSeatSafetyLtd bit.ly/bcpcouncilchildcarseat Choosing reusable nappies helps fight climate change, reduces your rubbish, and saves up to £600 off your nappy bill! Trying to reduce your single-use plastic? Nappies: it’s time for a change! Save £30 from the cost of purchasing reusable nappies Visit: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/reusablenappies Ditch single-use nappies and make reusables the new norm! New starter packavailableoption
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 3 Welcome Can you believe the kids are back at school already? 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, check out our half term screenfree kids’ activities too! Finally, 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 continue to receive our wonderful magazine! Places to AutumnParentinggotreasure hunt Screen-freeEducation indoor activities Autumn activities outside Family friendly autumn walks Halloween food Halloween craft DIY Halloween costumes In this issue 2120181716149854 CONTENTS Get in touch Competition winners from our May/June issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Musical Theatre, Acro, Commercial Shows, Exams, Festivals, Workshops and Specialised Pre-Juvenile classes from 2½ years Classes in Bournemouth, Boscombe & Southbourne T: Clare 07886 406888 E: blackwelldanceacademy@gmail.com W: www.blackwelldanceacademy.com FREE TRIAL Call Clare today to book a free trial Blackwell Dance Academy prides itself on being a very friendly school with a high standard of Offeringteaching.classes from age 2.5 years, in a fully equipped dance studio, all pupils have the opportunity to perform in the annual Blackwell Dance Academy Show in BoastingBournemouth.a100%exam pass rate, classes are very competitively priced and include ballet, tap, modern jazz, musical theatre, acro and performance classes for older pupils. Call Clare on 07886 406888 to book a FREE TRIAL or visit website. Free trial with Blackwell Dance Academy
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October4 PLACES TO GO
Half term at Highcliffe Castle
more! Discover more
Highcliffe Castle has some exciting activities for children and families during October half Fromterm. 23 to 30 October (excluding Friday and Saturday), included as part of the normal Castle admission price, children can enjoy an indoor lantern and lights-themed question trail running throughout the Castle and can also make their own lanterns on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday (11am to 3pm, with an additional evening session up to 6pm for families on Sunday). The Castle will also be holding a special Castle by Candelight event on Sunday, 30 October between 5pm and 7pm. In the darkness, see the Castle as you’ve never seen it before, illuminated by a variety of candles, lanterns and sparkling lights. Join the outdoor lantern procession (weather permitting) at 6.30pm and bring your own homemade lanterns or torches to help guide you along the route. available. details and tickets HERE
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Refreshments
Keeping your young people active with Purbeck Sports Centre and sign them up to one or more of Purbeck Sports Centre’s fun courses this Thereautumn.are youth tennis and badminton courses available and swimming lessons with its STA swim school running fifty weeks of the year, with lessons available from age 3 to teens. In addition, Purbeck is really excited to be welcoming Baby Ballers, football and child development sporting activities for children 16 months to 5 years, to the centre. Sign your young person up to lessons by filling out the online form on the website. Look out for autumn half term activities for children on Purbeck’s social media pages and website too. They will have activities daily including Nerf Battles, Laser Tag, Intensive swimming lessons and loads about the Purbeck Sports Centre HERE Awesome autumn at Purbeck Sports Centre
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 5 PARENTING Looking for ways to save money? Reusable nappies can save parents over £600 and help fight climate change. Made from hi-tech machine-washable fabrics, they are easily fastened and come in many sizes and colourful designs (or plain if you prefer!), making them a fun part of your baby’s wardrobe! Dorset Council’s reusable nappy incentive offers parents a reusable nappy starter pack or the chance to save £30 when spending a minimum of £45 on new reusable nappies from retailers. More info HERE. You can save even more money and reduce your carbon footprint further by buying pre-loved nappies through the Dorset Cloth Nappy Library (the council voucher scheme doesn’t apply to this group). When you’re done, sell them on yourself to get some money back! Have a search online for reusable nappies today and see what designs you would choose and how much you could save! Save money with re-usable nappies Avoid second hand car seatsyou can’t be sure of their history. Research and prioritise safety. All seats must pass minimum standards of safety. Some manufacturers test way beyond these standards. Get independent advice from Child Seat Safety or from BCP Council Road Safety Team (by emailing HERE) who have IOSH accreditation or can direct you to someone experienced. Ask for the car seat expert in store to serve you and ask about their qualifications. If they are IOSH approved in Child Seat Safety Awareness they should be able to provide an accreditation number. If they aren’t available, request an appointment. Where possible, make sure your IOSH expert shows you how to fit the car seat. This avoids confusion and should give you confidence to fit the seat Ifcorrectly.you’vealready bought a car seat, visit a car seat fitting clinic in Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch, to get your car seat *Referencechecked.links Kid RAPT Top tips for buying a car seat*
September/October6 Calling parents living in Dorset! Magazine Would you like to try your hand at FamiliesComeayouDomarketing?mediainterestedArepublishing?magazineyouinandyouthinkcangrowbusiness?andrunDorset magazine! Work part time from home around your family and do something you love. FIND OUT MORE EMAIL US NOW
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.
Showhands.children
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 7 PARENTING
Code . Let your child make decisions with you, so they
your
alone until they know and can
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 child walks on the INSIDE of the pavement away from traffic. Stop, Look, Listen and Think. Point out hidden entrances or driveways that cross the pavement. 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 show how to use them. Stop, Look, Listen and Think. 7-11 go out use Cross learn through action. plan routes. Encourage child to about what they see on the roads and whether it’s safe.
your
Ages 5-7
Reinforce
Ages
Introduce
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Help your child
the Green
safe walking
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.
and
practical
Toddlers
In
talk
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Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October8 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 home!
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:
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.
Thenyou.
Most
special
EDUCATION
Young people flourish when they feel safe, valued, respected, supported and inspired. Talbot Heath School fosters a ‘can do’ attitude, encouraging pupils to think big while helping them to develop the self-belief and principles that keep them grounded while they fly high. Talbot Heath is both the anchor and the kite.
The anchor and the kite at Talbot Heath 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 educational needs, what type of support can you expect from their school and how do go about getting that support? school support for a child with SEN by Contact
READ MORE Getting
Contributed
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 9 What can parents and carers do to ensure their children, of all ages, develop great learning habits which will help them achieve their maximum potential in school and in life? It all starts with talking - and lots of it – from the very early years onward. READ MORE Why education begins at home
By John and Kyle Hattie
Rockets reach their dizzy heights because they are equipped and supported by a team of experts. The rigorous teaching, high standards and outstanding pastoral care at Talbot Heath ensure that all the foundations are in place to allow young people to discover their loves and passions and become resourceful and determined Pupilsindividuals.atTH know that their dreams and aspirations will only be achieved through hard work, determination and tenacity. Teamwork, kindness, compassion and selflessness help them overcome adversity and build strong relationships. information HERE
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Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October10 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.
By Liat Joshi-Hughes
New term teething troubles
The autumn term has begun and your child has returned to school. What kind of ‘teething troubles’ might you face over the next few months while your child copes with the changes that September brought with it? And how should you deal with them? 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?
READ MORE Make fruity, crunchy ice with Mr Frosty! APPLY HERE for your FREET&Cstoyapply Magazine available5 Suitableforages3+ EDUCATION
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 11
By Serena Patel, illustrated by Selom Sunu Alien in the FactoryJam By Chrissie Sains. illustrated by Jenny Taylor Velda andAwesomesttheVikingtheVoyageofDeadlyDoom
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 Caroline Green, illustrated by Rikin Parekh The GrannyMarvellousJinksandMe
By Polly Faber, illustrated by VulliamyClara There’s a Dog in My Brain
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
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October12 EDUCATION Brilliant first chapter books for early readers
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 13 *while stocks last T&Cs applyMagazine APPLY HERE *while stocks last Styles may vary T&Cs apply Enter the Action mini-figureGetuniverse!HeroesyourFREEsetNOW*CollectandbuildthemedworldsMix&matchbodyparts&changefacialexpressions
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October14 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
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.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 15 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.
Screen-free rainy day activities
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October16 AUTUMN Enjoying autumn outside Get your kids outside and engaging with nature this autumn with these great activity options. Play Pooh sticksPick your NoughtsPlaypumpkinownnaturalandCrosses Forage for edibleswild Make friends with a bug Go orienteeringfamily Play conkers Have fun stickswithMake a potionmagic
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 17 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/October18 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.uk September/October 19 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!
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October20 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 21 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/October22 GIVEAWAYS Unique T-shirts from Marlo & Cole! Magazine T&Cs apply FREE for your child APPLY HERE available10 2-3,Sizes3-4&4-5 Make fruity, crunchy ice with Mr Frosty! APPLY HERE for your FREET&Cstoyapply Magazine available5 Suitableforages3+ Sneezy Panda games to giveaway!Theflowersandleavesmakepandasneeze...whatcanyoudo? T&Cs applyAPPLY HERE Magazine available10 Suitable for ages 4+
