Families North Yorkshire Issue 89 Jul/Aug 2019

20 J 1 S uly – ept

NEW

ok d Bo unte o c ts s Di icke e T lin n O

THIS SUMM ER

NEW The Beach plus Daily Foam Parties | Fairy Tale Trail | Magic Hatter | Amazing Circus | Pig Racing | Maize Maze Challenge | Water Wars & Loads more

SUMMER FUN PIGLETS, NR YORK YO32 9ST TEL 01904 499183 PIGLETSADVENTUREFARM.COM

Issue 89 Jul/Aug 2019

familiesonline.co.uk

Summer is on its way!

This year at Mountain Warehouse, they have a bumper collection of beachwear pieces, available both online and in-store. The collection ranges from kids’ rash vests and hats to tankinis and board shorts. Everything you and your family need to get ready for the perfect summer!

Where is Families North Yorkshire?

Families North Yorkshire is distributed bi-monthly throughout North Yorkshire. You can collect a FREE copy from the scores of outlets: schools, nurseries, play groups, clubs & classes, sports centres, libraries, family doctors & baby clinics and children’s shops. If you would like to stock copies please let us know. For families from birth to twelve. Read by over 40,000 local families 6 times a year.

Thirsk

Ripon

Easingwold Boroughbridge Strensall

knaresborough Knarsborough Harrogate

Stamford Bridge

Wetherby Boston Spa

York

Pocklington

Tadcaster

Selby

Snaith

Goole

Circlulation: 20,000 Deadline: Deadline for the Sep/Oct edition is early Aug 19 Designed by: Anna Lawton Printed by: Warners Midlands PLC www.warners.co.uk Families North Yorkshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families North Yorkshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families North Yorkshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Cover image credit: Charlotte Gale Photography The

Mount School York

“The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent.”

THE MOUNT JUNIOR SCHOOL GIRLS AGE 4-11

Curiosity Creativity Confidence

“The quality of the pupils’ development is excellent.”

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), November 2018

www.mountschoolyork.co.uk

admissions@mountschoolyork.co.uk

Competition time

Win 4 x tickets (2 adults & 2 children) to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre & SEA LIFE Manchester Families North Yorkshire magazine have a ticket for 4 to give away for you to enjoy a day visit to two amazing Manchester attractions. LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre is the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground, where you can explore the spectacular MINILAND, build your own LEGO spaceship and go for a spin in LEGO City: Forest Pursuit Driving School! Then dive into an amazing underwater world at SEA LIFE Manchester, where you can get up close to thousands of creatures including magnificent sharks, enchanting jellyfish and meet Ernie and Cammy, our resident giant green sea turtles!

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:

Where in Manchester can LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and SEA LIFE Centre be found?

Email your answer, plus your name, address and contact telephone number to: editor@familiesnorthyorkshire.co.uk Closing date: Friday 19th July at midday.

Win a family ticket (4 people) to Lightwater Valley Families North Yorkshire magazine have a ticket for 4 to give away for you to enjoy a day visit to Lightwater Valley (before 3rd Nov).

Ride The Ultimate rollercoaster, Lightwater Valley’s signature ride that provides a thrilling cocktail of speed, cornering and airtime. Take to the skies in the grip of the Eagle’s Claw, venture into the underground world of Raptor Attack and see the Park from a whole different viewpoint aboard Black Pearl. There is something for little ones too including the Lightwater Express train ride around the park, Eagle’s Creek Farm tractor ride as well as Jester’s Jungle Fun indoor play area.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:

How many miles long is The Ultimate?

Email your answer, plus your name, address and contact telephone number to: editor@familiesnorthyorkshire.co.uk Closing date: Friday 19th July at midday.

Don’t forget to tell advertisers you saw them in Families Magazine!

A Sixties Summer of Fun 24 Jul - 1 Sept, 10am - 4pm Visit us this summer for our Flower Power trail, swinging sixties crafts, and artists workshops. Each week we will have a new theme to celebrate Lotherton’s 50th birthday. Don’t miss our brilliant Yorkshire Day on 1 Aug! 24 Jul - 28 Jul - Sixties Summer Holiday Week 29 Jul - 4 Aug - Flower Power Week 5 Aug - 11 Aug - Lotherton Birthday Week

12 Aug - 18 Aug - Fashion Crafts Week 19 Aug - 25 Aug - Groovy Zoo Week 26 Aug - 1 Sept - Love Lotherton Week

leeds.gov.uk/lotherton50 lotherton

OPENS JULY 2019

New Adventure Playground A day out with the kids at Castle Howard just became even more adventurous and intriguing.

Now they can join a cheeky gang of Skelves on a journey into the treetops of Yorkshire’s newest adventure playground, Skelf Island.

For centuries the Skelves have inhabited a secret world, over the water from Castle Howard, causing mischief and mayhem high up in the trees, interacting with birds and protecting wildlife. Now they have become curious about the humans that visit and want to explore and play with them.

Skelf Island familiesonline.co.uk

Ingenious treetop nest structures connected by rope bridges, slides, nets and climbing equipment will allow the Skelves to take young visitors on an adventure like no other.

Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA www.castlehoward.co.uk castlehowardest

castlehoward

castle_howard

Families North Yorkshire 3

Don’t forget to tell advertisers you saw them in Families Magazine!

FAMILY

News School Soak it Up Project Yorkshire Water and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust began work on a “Soak it Up” project at Riverside School, Tadcaster, helping reduce the impact of surface water.

It was the first of its kind in the county this year and follows on from an earlier educational visit where pupils were shown sustainable drainage solutions such as roof gardens, vegetable gardens and water butts and learnt how they contribute to flood relief and benefit the environment.

It was time to get hands dirty and put those plans into practice, with volunteers from Yorkshire Water and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust getting involved by improving the school’s sensory garden, pond and building a swale.

Yorkshire Water Campaign Project Co-ordinator, Nicole Jones, said: “Due to an increase in hard surfaces there is less rainwater being absorbed into the ground. This can cause flooding while additional litter and pollutants can get into the system and cause blockages”.

Going to Nursery Improves Behaviour

Children who go to nursery are better behaved and have fewer emotional problems than those cared for by family or a childminder, a new study has found.

Those who attended nursery, crèche or day care centre staffed by professionals for a year or more found it easier to make friends and had better social skills than youngsters who stayed at home.

Researchers believe more stimulating play, more time spent reading, following rules from a young age and getting praise mean children thrive in a nursery setting.

The study by the Sorbonne University in France looked at the factors involved in childhood health and development using a survey of 1,428 children.

It tracked their emotional development from birth up to age 8.

Previous research has suggested early childcare can boost a child’s language and thinking skills, and may improve their academic performance.

More info: www.jech.bmj.com

“Soak it Up lets pupils know what they can do in school and at home to help and with those installations they get to see every day the benefits they bring.”

Yorkshire Water is running a competition with the best at home SuD winning a voucher for them and their school.

Alison Woodward, Head of School at Riverside, said: “We thoroughly enjoyed working with Yorkshire Water and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to address our flooding issues around our playground.

Drive for More Men in Childcare

The children in the Eco-Group chose the projects very carefully to make sure we make the best use of water on our site and they were very excited to talk about this on the radio, as well as meeting our MP!”

With men making up just 3% of early years staff in England, the project aims to break down the barriers that prevent men entering careers in children’s early education, including the myth that men are less suited to caring roles.

“Water management and conservation is a subject very close to our hearts living and working in Tadcaster. This project has been fantastic for highlighting the wider aspects of our Eco work in school and with the local community. We are the proud owners of the most Green Flag awards in North Yorkshire; our 5th Flag application has just been submitted and this project has really supported our Eco work in school. “

More men are to be encouraged into careers in nurseries and early years’ settings, in a new project to provide more diverse role models for children before they start school.

The project will be run by the Fatherhood Institute, and will spearhead an innovative recruitment drive that highlights the positive roles men can play in the crucial first years of a child’s education.

It will provide practical resources like myth busters, ‘how-to’ guides and online content to support male recruitment into the profession, as well as online peer support for men already working in the sector.

More info at www.fatherhoodinstitute.org 4 Families North Yorkshire

Nigel Adams MP, who was shown the work being undertaken at the school, said: “I was pleased to introduce the school to Yorkshire Water’s initiative and to meet the Year 6 pupils in the Eco Club. It was great to see the work being done at the school on water and environmental management by Yorkshire Water & Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.”

For information on Soak it Up and tips on how you can create your own sustainable drainage, go to www.yorkshirewater.com/soakitup.

Talk, Sing and Play to Build Brains Almost two thirds of parents are unaware that back and forth interaction with their child from birth can help their babies’ social, emotional and cognitive development.

A survey of more than 2,000 parents and expectant parents by the NSPCC found that 62% were unaware that moments playing, singing or telling stories can be brain-building ones.

NSPCC research has found some parents struggle with ideas about how to interact with their young child beyond eye contact and cuddling, especially in the early months when they do not receive obvious feedback from their babies.

In response, the charity is launching a campaign, ‘Look, Say, Sing, Play,’ to encourage new parents to use everyday scenarios to have more two-way interactions with their babies. Going to the shops, having a bath, going to bed – whatever you and your baby are doing can be turned into a back-andforth.

Parents can sign up to get weekly brain building tips that are fun and age appropriate.

More info: www.nspcc.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Parents – summer holidays are covered!

Voted THE BEST Holiday Club in the entire region 2019!

All our team are qualified teachers or sports coaches.

Total Sports teach in Primary Schools all year round – You are in experienced hands who know how to look after you children and have lots of fun. Childcare Vouchers accepted. Venues in York, Harrogate & Knaresborough.

We get FULL for a reason! From 8.15am – 5.30pm ENERGY CLUB at all venues is described as a children’s favourite. 5 activities per day from Team Games, Arts and Crafts, Treasure Hunts, Water Pistol Wednesday, Ice Cream Thursday and Dodgeball, to name but a few. It’s a firm favourite. Add into this the fact that they bring extra WOW equipment which goes in between venues throughout Summer too. This includes THE BEAST (A 40 foot assault course), a Bouncy Castle, Scooters and a Speed Cage.

FOOTBALL CAMP – with their excellent coaches, fun attitude and a variety of games, challenges and competitions – it continues to be popular.

DANCE CLUB – Dance is loved by so many children and runs at the Manor CE site only this Summer. With their super star dance teachers running inclusive sessions, it is a popular choice.

They also allow children to alternate between camps during the day if they want – so if there is something on or they want to go on the scooters or play football – they can!

Clubs run all Summer in York (Huntington Primary, Manor CE, Archbishop’s Secondary) Knaresborough (King James’s Secondary) & Harrogate (Rossett Sports Centre).

Childcare Vouchers are accepted too, which is a great saving for parents. Clubs are really well priced, starting at £19 per day and for busy parents you can drop off from 8.15am and pick up until 5.30pm. As you can imagine, with all this to offer and being voted the best holiday club around – they get booked up each summer. Do have a look at their website and make your online booking once you have seen what they have to offer. For children aged 5 to 12.

Ps. Did we mention they even have Exotic Animal visits as part of the day in the first week? www.totalsportslimited.co.uk

What’s in it for us?

A summary of Shared Parental Leave

By Georgina Thomas

In 2015, parents and forward-thinking employers embraced the new Shared Parental Leave (“SPL”) employee rights regime in the UK. Why, then, four years down the line is uptake of SPL so low?

What is SPL?

It is a legal right that, if you are eligible, gives you the option to share up to 50 weeks off work with your partner (either consecutively, concurrently or a mix of both) following the birth of your child.

Yet less than 2% of those eligible in 2018 used SPL according to recent surveys.

Why is this?

Barriers exist that make these employee rights inaccessible to many.

Employers often don’t understand SPL and the benefits that it offers: a balanced organisation with happier staff equals greater staff retention, an attractive prospect for potential candidates – a wider pool to select from and better chance to get the right fit! So, they often don’t communicate it or promote it.

Also, there is no obligation on employers to pay enhanced pay during SPL – even where they enhance maternity pay.

You therefore risk being worse off, financially, if you give up enhanced maternity pay for your partner to take over on less money! This is currently being challenged in the courts but, presently, still stands and will deter many. familiesonline.co.uk

SPL also requires you to give up some of your maternity leave to enable your partner to take it as SPL. This can be daunting in the months following childbirth, particularly when postnatal complications come into play.

are handled correctly – failing to do so can lead to successful claims. We have seen this firsthand!

Studies show many benefits to improving work-life balance and empowering co-parents to be a bigger part of their childrens’ lives.

If this affects you or you would like further information, please call a member of the team.

Why should employers promote SPL?

A positive home life is proven to have a positive impact on satisfaction and performance in the workplace - a good thing for employers too!

As SPL becomes more widely accepted, and staff are supported to access it, the benefits will be tangible for employers and employees alike.

Call us for a free telephone consultation on: 01904 360 295. Email Georgina at: georgina@bridgeehr.co.uk

SPL also encourages retention of female staff. You can be held back professionally on the presumption that you will take time out to have a family and taking time off can impact your career progression. With SPL, the risk of this is equal for men, leading to balance and greater retention of the female workforce (very topical at a time when there is so much focus on the gender pay gap). Again, good for employers too!

Several well-known companies are currently publicly promoting their family friendly policies, including enhanced rights for staff who take SPL. This should encourage employers to promote SPL in their workplaces, to understand it, communicate it, normalise it and support staff to access and use it.

In a nutshell….

If you are eligible, you have a right to SPL and so systems and policies must be in place in the workplace so requests Families North Yorkshire 5

Don’t forget to tell advertisers you saw them in Families Magazine!

Family Travel Making it Easier

FAMILY

By Gabrielle Nash

travel

W

toiletry bags are ideal for keeping things clean and organised. If you can, take a sling or baby carrier – they’re great for a quick stop-off on a car journey, or settling your little one on a plane.

Before you Go…

Potentially the trickiest age group, whether they’re on your lap on a plane or have their own seat in the car, you’ll need a few tricks up your sleeve. Generally this age-group respond well to a small bag they’ve not seen the contents of before i.e. a few small new toys, some stickers and maybe even a small pot of play dough. If you’re flying and feel that take-off and landing may be daunting for your little one, you can distract them with a toddler app (games or painting) on your device.

hether you are about to travel with your children for the first time or are well versed in the drama of a family holiday, you may have caught yourself wondering whether it’s really worth it: the organisation; the cost; the stress; and the arguments? However, a family getaway is a key time to forge bonds, experience something new and, most of all, create memories that will last a lifetime. And the good news is that there are things you can do to make your car or plane journey as stress-free as possible.

Forethought and preparation will pay dividends. It’s useful to mentally walk yourself through the journey. If you’re flying, can you arrive at the airport a little earlier? If you’re driving, can you stop somewhere more pleasant than a motorway services? When you arrive at your destination will a meal or sleep be needed straightaway?

Packing with very young children is not easy but older children (3+) might be more interested and even excited to get involved. Give them their favourite backpack and ask them to pack some things that they might want to get out during the journey.

Think about what you want to get from this holiday or trip – is it adventure, relaxation, fun? Travelling with children is fundamentally different to travelling solely with adults. You can’t go at your own pace, or sing along to your favourite power ballads in the car and you sadly won’t be catching up on the latest movie releases on the plane (at least until your children are old enough to be doing the same!). Can you adjust your expectations of the holiday, making some loose plans but being prepared to go with the flow if things go awry?

Tips for your Child’s Age-Group Babies The biggest fear when getting on a plane with a baby is that they’ll scream. And the biggest fear about embarking on a long-ish car journey is also that they’ll scream. This is a valid concern. What can you do to make it easier? Whether you’re flying or driving, can you time the journey so your baby is *likely* to be due for a nap? Can you make sure that feeds, nappy changes and snoozes happen when they need to? Zip-lock or clear

Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers

Primary School Age Children When children get a bit older, they might appreciate a full-on activity book or pack. Sealed in a heavy-duty zip-lock bag, these books or packs can be used in the car, on a plane or anywhere else on holiday e.g. in a restaurant. Usborne do a great range for the younger primary years.

Pre-Teens A more grown-up version of the activity book or pack can be appreciated as well as packs of cards, notebooks, word searches and doodle books which all help pass the time. With this age group you may feel comfortable with allowing unlimited screen time for the entire journey – whether on a plane or in the car – but if you’re driving, an audiobook that everyone is interested in is a lovely distraction which can be enjoyed together.

For all age groups…

Keep an easy-to-access bag with wet wipes, antibacterial gel, water and snacks always on you for the inevitable spillages and snack crises!

Lastly, remember to breathe and relax. What’s most important is that your journey gets you all to your holiday destination safely and soundly.

Follow Gabrielle Nash @thelondonishmum

Let the play begin www.williamsden.co.uk | North Cave HU15 2LS

25% off child admissions 1. This voucher entitles the holder to 25% off the on the day child's admission price. Additional tickets purchased at the full on the day price. 2. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer, birthday party, group visit, membership and cannot be used online. 3. Not valid for special events. 4.Voucher to be surrendered on use.

5. No photocopied/damaged vouchers accepted. 6.Voucher has no monetary value and is not for resale.

Voucher Valid until: 30.09.19 6 Families North Yorkshire

Voucher Code: FNYSUM19 familiesonline.co.uk

Free & Fun Activities in Nature this Summer T he summer holidays are starting and Families magazine asked the Woodland Trust for its top pick of holiday adventures to get children active outdoors and away from their screens!

Create a Fairy Garden Use your imagination to design a fantastic fairy garden!

You can do this indoors if it’s raining.

You will need:

FAMILY

fun

Try a Barefoot Walk

Let the grass tickle your toes, splash through a stream, and stomp in some squidgy mud. Did you know you have over 7,000 nerve endings in each foot, so walking barefoot is a great way to get in touch with nature? Just make sure you avoid anything sharp on the ground. Some parks and attractions have special barefoot trails, so search online for one near you. You could even try setting up a barefoot walk in your back garden.

A container, such as a plastic box or old washing up bowl Earth A collection of natural materials: small stones or pebbles, sticks, moss, leaves, and perhaps some small flowering plants.

Fill your container with earth (if you’re using living plants, put some stones in the bottom for drainage). Use some leafy twigs to make trees. Build a fence or little seat with sticks. You could even make a pond by sinking a plastic cup or another small container into the earth and filling it with water. You’re bound to think of lots more ideas once you get started…

Embark upon a Woodland Challenge

NEW quiet time lessons of 1:1 and 2:1 ratio at Cawood Park - inclusive BSL & autism friendly

Go on a Butterfly Hunt Summer brings with it throngs of colourful butterflies. You will find a downloadable butterfly caterpillars ID sheet at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedetectives/ which you can use to hunt fluttery butterflies in woodland clearings. If it’s too wet to go outside, why not cheer yourself up with a gorgeous butterfly mobile instead?

Set up challenges to complete on a day out in the woods and have a competition with your family and friends.

Remember to decide how many points each challenge is worth. Here are some challenge ideas:

You will need:

Climb a tree (make sure there’s an adult around though!)

Balance on a fallen tree trunk and walk along

paper – coloured, patterned, or white if you want to colour the butterflies yourself

Find three types of flower

colouring pens, glitter (optional)

Cross a stream without getting your feet wet

a needle and some strong thread

Identify three different tree species

Cross the sticks over in the middle and fasten them with string or wire to make the frame.

Find some wild animal evidence – tracks, a fox or rabbit hole, some fur caught on a bush, or even some poo!

Tip: you can use the downloadable summer flowers ID sheet at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedetectives/ for this challenge

several sticks of similar length string or wire

Fold a piece of paper in two and draw half a butterfly along the folded edge. Cut around it and open it out. Repeat for lots more butterflies. Decorate them if you wish.

Attach a thread to each butterfly using the needle and tie the other end to a stick. Hang up your mobile and admire your cloud of colourful butterflies!

The Woodland Trust charity runs its Nature Detectives family offering with lots of ideas to get busy and out in nature. You can post pictures on Twitter or Instagram using #NatureDetectives too or visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ naturedetectives/ for more activity ideas. You can also find your local Woodland Trust wood at www.woodlandtrust. org.uk/visiting-woods

Host a Teddy Bears’ Picnic This is sure to be a hit with younger children, especially if they can invite some friends from nursery. Use a teddy cookie cutter to make some little bear-shaped sandwiches.

Cut out some pictures of bears and hide them in the surrounding area for kids to find (just remember to take them home with you when you leave). There are lots of fun picnic ideas at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

Learn to Skim Stones You can do this on a pond, river, or calm sea. Just be careful not to get too near the water’s edge or make sure you don’t hit any ducks – or swimmers!

Find some round, flat, smooth stones Hold a stone flat between your thumb and forefinger Get down low and throw it across the water with a spinning action. Do persevere as it might take a bit of practice.

Swimmers Academy & Baby Swimmers

Swimmers Academy Beginners through to Advanced, whatever their age and ability Survival skills, stamina and stroke techniques.

Baby Swimmers

Through fun and games,see your little one progress to a confident little swimmer!

Free Phone 0808 1 33 44 55 Mobile Friendly 0333 8008 345

www.babyswimmers.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Families North Yorkshire 7

Simple Summer

FAMILY

Picnic Ideas

food

By Gabrielle Nash

W

hen the weather is good there is nothing better than a summery picnic outside, but even if it’s not perfect weather, a picnic is a way to get you in that summer mood! So why not get the whole family involved and make some tasty treats for the hamper.

Preheat your oven to 200c, line and lightly oil a large baking tray

Pizza Roll-ups

Roll the pastry into one long roll (ideally beginning at the shorter end) and you will be able to see the layers.

A great alternative to the sandwich, this recipe is easy enough for even toddlers to help with and tasty enough for adults to enjoy too. I’ve made these countless times with my eldest daughter and she always loves getting involved.

Ingredients: 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry 1 cup tomato pizza sauce (or make your own with tomato passata and oregano) 150g grated cheddar cheese 1 egg, beaten Additional filling options: chopped ham or chicken, chopped cooked peppers and courgettes

Roll out the puff pastry onto the baking tray and spread the pizza sauce on top. Be careful not to make the pastry too wet. Sprinkle on the cheese all over and then add additional toppings.

Slice carefully into 8 pieces. Lie flat on the baking tray, brush with a little beaten egg and bake in the oven for 15 minutes.

Fab Fruit Kebabs

Delicious eaten hot or cold!

DIY Tortilla Chips

Pick your favourite fruits – we love grapes, strawberries, kiwi and melon.

The packet you buy from the supermarket is full of salt whereas a homemade version is super easy, loads healthier and a great way to use up leftover wraps.

Method: Wash and chop into bite size pieces (taking care with size depending on age of child).

Arrange in colourful rainbows onto skewers (there are some safer plastic skewers for younger children) and then serve with Greek yoghurt and honey, a raspberry coulis or if even melted dark chocolate for more of a treat!

Around 12 will comfortably serve 4 people.

You’ll need some corn tortillas and some vegetable oil.

with holiday home ownership at Withernsea Sands Holiday Park

£9,995*

When they’re out, place on a plate and sprinkle with a little paprika. Serve with guacamole or hummus.

These make a colourful and enticing addition to any picnic! They are also a great way to get younger children exploring new fruits.

the ultimate beach retreat... caravan holiday homes from

Heat the oven to 200c and line a baking tray with baking paper. Cut the tortillas into triangles (just like the packet sized ones) and then gently brush with oil. Place on the tray, taking care not to overlap them and bake for 8 minutes.

Follow Gabrielle Nash @thelondonishmum

A few of our favourite things about Withernsea Sands Holiday Park...

• Get active and entertain the kids in our heated indoor pool • The eccentric sights and classic amusements of Withernsea are just a short stroll away • Deposits from just 10%^ and payment options available • Up to 12 month owner season meaning you can holiday all year round†

• Both the local town and beach are in easy walking distance from park

Withernsea Sands Holiday Park Waxholme Road Withernsea, Humberside

HU19 2BS

Pop our postcode into your Sat Nav

take the first step on your ownership journey...

Give us a call on 01964 770 462 Or visit us online at parkdeanresorts.co.uk/own-wit *Prices vary between models and Parkdean Resorts parks. Subject to availability. All prices include VAT. ^The amount of deposit required may vary depending on the holiday home. †Owners can holiday as often as they like within their specified holiday season and pitch agreement. Parkdean Resorts holiday parks are not residential parks and holiday homes cannot be occupied as a permanent residence. Facilities and entertainment will be available from time to time at the discretion of Parkdean Resorts and is usually indicated in the current Parkdean Resorts holiday brochure.

GA11466 Withernsea Sands Generic off park_210x148mm.indd 1

8 Families North Yorkshire

18/02/2019 16:26

familiesonline.co.uk

Don’t forget to tell advertisers you saw them in Families Magazine!

Visit us york.razzamataz.co.uk

Read to succeed this summer!

Regular deliveries of books at your child’s reading level.

readingchest.co.uk Book Rental for Children Learning to Read familiesonline.co.uk

Families North Yorkshire 9

Why is homeeducation growing in popularity?

By Dr Alison Baverstock

S

chooldays are ‘the happiest days of your life’ or so the old adage goes. Whether or not this is true – and I certainly had my doubts when I was growing up – our schooldays tend to be much remembered, with those we are at school with, and small incidents that happened whilst we are there, firmly lodging in our memory.

So why then are parents in increasing numbers opting for their children not to experience school; one of the major shared experiences society offers?

In April 2018, the BBC reported that the number of children being home-educated had risen by around 40% over three years, estimating that ‘across the UK 48,000 children were being home-educated in 2016-17, up from about 34,000 in 2014-15.’ The issue is starting to attract wider attention, with politicians (both in government and opposition) considering the need for formal guidance on the rights and responsibilities of home-education and councils seeking more monitoring powers, and perhaps the establishment of a register of those who are homeeducated.

Many people refer to the process as ‘home-schooling’ but, in general, those involved tend to prefer the term ‘home-education.’ This reflects an important principle; that home-education is about the whole experience of growing up and learning, not just the schooling bit. Homeeducators talk enthusiastically about how every experience can be used to inform a child’s education, from weighing ingredients for cooking (maths, chemistry, nutrition) to expeditions that reinforce what has been learned (history, geography, politics). Home-educators tend to see learning as a holistic process that does not stop at the school gate.

Other reasons for choosing to home-educate emerge. There are parents who feel that large class-sizes, or the need for general class-understanding before moving on, block a more stimulating learning experience for their child. There are others whose children are dealing with complex mental health or individual learning difficulties that encourage them to think they may be more effectively educated at home. Then there are parents whose children are facing possible or actual exclusion from school who may decide to home-educate instead, as well as those who want to travel, or cater for a child’s exceptional gifts (e.g. musical, sport, acting) and so find a more mobile education helpful.

These various reasons for choosing home-education have prompted a variety of solutions, from flexi-schooling (some days at home, some days in school, which is increasingly permitted and can sometimes make a difference to a rural school remaining open) to local educational networks where parents share curriculum planning and teaching. According to our research, it seems that those who have transferred their children back into the school system for the final years of their education (e.g. A levels) have found that successful university applications can be made by home-educated children with fewer GCSEs, it being accepted that the home-educated are unlikely to achieve the breadth of subjects available via more traditional education routes.

However, one should not assume that home-education is the best option. That will depend on individual circumstances.

Classes, Parties and Camps for children 4 months to 12 years

TRY US OUT! For every stage of your child's development, The Little Gym offers a diverse line up of classes, camps and parties filled with movement, music, learning and laughter for boys and girls.

Call us to book your free introductory class THE LITTLE GYM LEEDS 0113 3359915 leeds@thelittlegym.eu www.leeds.thelittlegym.eu

10 Families North Yorkshire

THE LITTLE GYM HARROGATE 01423 701560 harrogate@thelittlegym.eu www.harrogate.thelittlegym.eu

Once the decision to home-educate has been reached, a child must simply be ‘deregistered’ from school, or not enrolled if they have not yet started. However, before you start homeeducating, it is sensible to get some advice on areas your home education curriculum should seek to cover, how to turn everyday activities into optimised learning events and the how to develop of social competences in children. There are many resources available such as Quizlet (www.quizlet.com/en-gb), a website that allows you to create online teaching materials and lessons and Times Education Supplement (TES) Resources (www.tes.com/ teaching-resources) with 700,000 resources from diagrams to lesson and topic plans.

Don’t underestimate the amount of work home-education involves. Managing learning, whether through educational resources available to you, finding and employing tutors, arranging shared-learning sessions with other parents of home-educated children and co-ordinating overlaps, takes a lot of effort. The rewards tend to be that the educational experience can be truly tailored to the individual and the whole family is often involved in the learning in ways that can bring them together as a stronger and more involved unit. The parents we talked to had found the experience stimulating, highly involving – and above all memorable.

Dr Alison Baverstock is an academic, author and mother of four. She has recently published The Home Education Handbook (published by Piatkus at RRP £14.99) with educator Gill Hines. familiesonline.co.uk

20 July – 1 September

With over 5,000 animals to explore, there has never been a better time to visit!

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Summer in the Alps T

he Alps may be an obvious destination for the ski season, but how about a summer visit? Summer offers enough green (the mountains) and blue (the sky) to set you up for the whole year - and plenty of fresh air to fill your families’ lungs.

Holiday camps & workshops Angela Crossley Tennis Camps Tadcaster, Wetherby, Boston Spa, Collingham & Knaresborough

Camps provide children of all ages and abilities the opportunity to learn tennis in a fun and progressive way during the school holidays. Ages 4-6 or 6-16. For more information, dates, times and prices go online: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ AngelaCrossleyCoaching/Coaching/Camps

With reasonably priced flights from London airports to Geneva then a short drive to Morzine, there is a warm welcome waiting from Paul and Francesca Eyre at Chilly Powder. With the main chalet - Au Coin du Feu - plus two chalets next door, you can organise your own meals, or join the party at ‘Au Coin du Feu’ for dinners that you usually only dream of. Family friendly early evening meals for the children and a daytime crèche for little ones not quite as active as you, with drinks in the bar for the grown ups – or in the Jacuzzi on the terrace – Paul and Francesca will make you wish that this was home!

Creative Studio

For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com and more about summer in Morzine visit www.morzine-avoriaz.com/ activites-de-plein-air-ete.html

York College, Selby High School, Tadcaster Albion Football Club

York City Football Club Foundation

York

Full day children’s workshops from 9am – 3.30pm. We do a mixture of activities, including working in clay, mixed media, paint work and drawing. 5-7 year olds are offered a different day to 8-12 year olds. We encourage children to be imaginative with their thinking and bring out their individuality. For more information: www. thecreativestudioyork.co.uk

Ages 5 – 13 years 10am – 3pm (with optional early drop off and late pick up). Camps for girls; goalkeeping skills; attacking skills and general football skills. For more information or to book a place: www.i2i-football-academy.class4kids. co.uk/camps

Kings Camps

Our amazing holiday courses are for ages 4-12 and the days are jam packed full of fun & exciting games to help aid development of your child, Learn through the power of football, allowing you to learn new skills, meet new friends and enjoy your summer holidays with friendly and professional coaching. Email enquiries@ yorkcityfcfoundation.co.uk

The UK’s leading activity camp. Programmes include over 30 amazing sports and activities to get children aged 5-17 active, having fun and learning together. For more information: www. kingscamps.org/venue/harrogate-ashville-college

Kilburn Woods, Thirsk

Open to 5-11-year olds. 9.30am – 3pm each day. £30 for 1 child, £20 for siblings. We will be creating some natural craft using resources from the woodland, playing some games and some old favourites. We’ll be creating natural art, den building, cooking, learning some bush craft skills such as natural fire lighting and simple woodwork techniques as well as plenty of opportunities for free play, getting muddy and enjoying ourselves!

Tel: 07815 775934 Call Sophie. www. yorkshireforestfolk.co.uk

The Zoo Skatepark York

Our Scooter Schools provide a fun and exciting experience for children and young people aged 5-12 during the school holiday periods. All of our sessions are run by expert coaches in a way that keeps children active and ensures that they have an enjoyable and exciting day. Call 01904 551440 to book.

12 Families North Yorkshire

Pocklington School PARENTS – SUMMER HOLIDAYS ARE COVERED! Voted THE BEST Holiday Club in the entire region 2019!

All our team are qualified teachers or sports coaches. Total Sports teach in Primary Schools all year round – You are in experienced hands who know how to look after you children and have lots of fun. Childcare Vouchers accepted.

Venues in York, Harrogate & Knaresborough.

ENERGY CLUB – 5 activities a day with WOW equipment too.

FOOTBALL – a great day for the football mad!

DANCE (Manor Only) – with our fantastic coaches.

We get FULL for a reason! Activities and booking online at www.totalsportslimited. co.uk From 8.15am – 5.30pm

I2i Football Academy

York

Yorkshire Forest Folk

Byas Sports Academy: Hockey, Total Rugby & Cricket York, Harrogate & Knaresborough

Ashville College, Harrogate

Pete Keighley Cricket Coaching Ripon Grammar School

Fun drills, games, nets and matches. Each day will run from 10am – 3pm and will be for ages 5-13. For more information: www. peterkeighleycricketcoaching.co.uk

Technology in Play Harrogate & York

TiP camps are a perfect cure for holiday boredom. Running from 9am – 4pm the day is full of a variety of STEM based activities all based on a chosen theme. For more information: www. technologyinplay.club/tip-camps

The Web Adventure Park York

Exciting childcare for 0 – 12 years! We’re passionate about play and want your child to have a great time, learn new skills and make new friends. Our friendly Holiday Club Team will ensure that each child is welcomed and has a fantastic time, whatever their interests. For more information: www.webadventurepark.co.uk

Byas Academy: Hockey, Rugby & Cricket Pocklington School BYAS ACADEMY offers a variety of top-quality sports camps during school holidays in Hockey, Cricket and Rugby.

The camps are based at Pocklington School, near York, and are available to children aged between 8-16yrs old.

The Academy offers a mix of residential and non-residential courses across all three sporting disciplines during the summer and half term holidays with ability streaming, so it doesn’t matter if your child is an absolute beginner or sporting whizz kid.

What makes the Byas Academy stand out from the crowd is the quality of its coaching staff with many of them currently or former players are county, national and international level. The cricket course is led by David Byas, himself a former Yorkshire County Cricket Captain and Junior hockey international player and we work with Kyle Dench at ACamps for our Rugby camp. Our coaching team often includes international past and present players as well as qualified coaches in each sporting field.

Said David: “We believe our success comes down to the facilities we have on offer, coupled with a top-quality coaching team. We make sure that the Camp emphasis is on ensuring every player leaves with a better technical understanding and skills than when they arrived. We also guarantee a low coachto-attendee ratio, so we see boys and girls coming back year after year - happier and more confident each time.”

Find out more by visiting www. byasacademy.co.uk or visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/ byasacademy

familiesonline.co.uk

Competition time Sport�Activity�Camp School�Holiday

For 5 to 14 year olds Call selby leisure centre 01757 213758 Book a day or a week

S P M A C Y A D I L SCHOOL HO H A R R O G AT E

• RIPLEY CASTLE • 8-15 YEARS • 10% DISCOUNT FOR SIBLINGS • CONVENIENT DROP OFF

MORE! O E IN G / A N D N A C / S E P / H IG H R O / A R C H E RY G IN B R O Z IN G / B O DY Find out more at: R A F T B U IL D

www.harrogateholidaycamps.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Families North Yorkshire 13

Holiday camps & workshops Camp Xplode

York, Ripon and Leeds

MAKING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ADVENTURE DAYS: The importance of getting back to nature.

Remember when we were children and we’d spend hours outdoors playing?

When we were kids – fun was outdoors. Mums would complain about mucky clothes and we’d complain about having to come in for tea.

We learned about our environment without consciously learning. And as a result, we know how to make the perfect mud pie, how to climb a tree and how to build an amazing den (secret password, optional).

However, these days it’s harder than ever to distract our children from a screen. With phones, tablets and TVs; gaming, YouTube, Netflix and Social Media – there’s a world (wide web) of tech that seems to have stunted our children’s sense of adventure.

Most studies agree that kids who play outside are smarter, happier, more attentive, and less anxious than kids who spend more time indoors.

Let’s get kids outdoors. But what about the worry of strangers, traffic or heaven forbid the risk of them getting dirty? The solution seems simple – a natural, safe environment for them to learn, explore and totally be themselves. Camp Xplode is just that.

It’s the sort of place that makes the great outdoors even greater. Held at 3 exceptional venues across Yorkshire (York, Ripon and Leeds), Camp Xplode’s unique holiday day camps give children and young adults the chance to discover their wild side – it’s a better type of childcare, albeit somewhat mucky (sorry Mums).

Every day at Camp Xplode is bursting with adventure. Committed to providing children and young adults from 3–17 with the very best multiactivity day camp experience possible. Children have over 40 activities to choose from as well as theme days, visiting attractions and excursions - all guaranteed to maximise fun. Each camp is tailored to your child’s interests and with a wide variety of energetic pursuits lined up each day.

If you’d like to know more about Camp Xplode or to book a place for your child, take a look at www.campxplode.co.uk and get ready for an adventure.

Razzamataz

York 12-16 Aug Summer camp

Come along to our Mary Poppins themed Summer School at York high School for a fun filled week packed with Street Dance, Commercial Pop, Musical Theatre, Drama, Arts, Crafts & much more. For ages 4-18. Plus, the opportunity to perform onstage in front of family and friends. For more information or to book a place call 07969 859895 or email york@ razzamataz.co.uk

14 Families North Yorkshire

Sounds Right Phonics: Starting School Workshop York

Is your little one starting school in September?

Then help give them the best possible start by bringing them along to a BRAND NEW 4-week summer workshop which will gently introduce phonics, through high-energy games and activities, singing and dancing, as well as other essential school ready activities.

Taught by an experienced qualified teacher. Find out about “phonics” and how you can support your child at home. The perfect way to boost confidence and help your little one be school ready.

4 x 45-minute workshops 4 consecutive weeks starting Thurs 25July-15 Aug Tesco Community Room, Askham Bar, Dringhouses. Two times available 9.30am or 10.30am. Limited spaces available so book on now! www.soundsrightphonicsclasses.co.uk/pages/ york sam@soundsrightphonicsclasses.co.uk

Live for Today Harrogate

School holidays should be about having fun, trying new things and adventuring! That’s why Live For Today have created the best School Holiday Camps EVER! Situated in the lovely grounds of Ripley Castle, the Live For Today team have taken their most popular activities and created a program full of excitement and fun! Try out everything from High Ropes, Raft Building, Survival Skills, Body Zorbing, Navigation, Archery and more. This year will be even more jam packed with the addition of very exciting Dart Football and mysterious Escape Rooms!

A hand-picked dream team of instructors will be on hand all day to make sure your kids are having the best time, whilst keeping them safe and comfortable. It’s a great way for kids to challenge themselves and push their limits in a safe and friendly environment. Whether they’re 35ft up a wobbly pole, navigating the vast grounds of the Ripley Castle Estate, or rafting together a couple of canoes, they are guaranteed to make memories to last!

At £40pp for a day, or £150pp for the full week, it’s a great way to keep the kids occupied through the holidays. Siblings even receive a 10% discount! This covers all the activities and safety equipment, as well as morning fruit bowls and an afternoon snack. Convenient drop off times allow for kids to be dropped off from 08:15 and collected by 17:30.

The Little Gym

To find out more and see the 2019 dates and schedules, visit our website: www. harrogateholidaycamps.co.uk

Harrogate and Leeds For six weeks of Summer 22 Jul – 1 Sep we will be running a mixture of classes and our popular summer camps. Come rain or shine the Little Gym summer camps provide children with a fabulous variety of fun, activity, learning and creativity. Themed sessions that change every week stimulate physical and motor skill development with games and gymnastics all in the care of our qualified and dedicated team of instructors. Our 3hr, 4hr or full day camps are OFSTED registered and designed for children from 3-8yrs or 5-12yrs. We have NEW Dance Camps every Wednesday afternoon now combining your gymnastics and dance skills!!

Flexible registration available.

For 3-8yrs we offer ‘Super Quest Camps’: Put on your super cape…. it’s time for an adventure, full of exciting and creative missions. Children will exercise their muscles, imaginations and cooperation skills – working together to complete a different Quest each camp!

For 5-12yrs we offer ‘Skill Thrill Camps’: Back Handspring? Back Tuck? The Little Gym’s Skill Thrill Camps will take your child’s gymnastics skills to the next level. It’s the perfect combination of fun, skill-building and success for your thrill-seeker!

Schedule a camp, a few camps, or several sessions a week. You can customise your child’s camp days to fit your holiday plans and work schedule. It’s the perfect break for children (and parents) during the long summer holidays. Don’t forget our classes are still running too!

Summit Indoor Adventure Selby

Those long school summers are great for the children but what about the parents?

Rearranging meetings, taking extra days off work, asking grandparents for more support.

Let us take some of the stress out of the school holidays.

Summer Camps at Summit Indoor Adventure are packed with activities every day of the week so your little ones can have fun and burn off some of that unlimited energy at the same time.

We’ll mix it up each day to keep them interested and they’ll meet all sorts of new friends along the way.

From team sports to swimming, football to table tennis, Adventure Play to bowl and climb -there’s not going to be a dull day. Let our dedicated and professional staff look after your loved ones during the school holidays and take some of that parental pressure away for a while.

For more information or to book a place call 01757 213 758. familiesonline.co.uk

in you MAKING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ADVENTURE DAYS IF YOUR CHILDREN ARE READY FOR A SCHOOL HOLIDAY CAMP LIKE NO OTHER, BOOK NOW AND LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN! Camp Xplode is a different type of childcare. We offer an alternative – a better alternative. Everyone from the Owners to the Group Leaders to the participating children (and their parents) are alternative, because we strive for something unique. Our adventurous day camps will not only keep your children entertained, but also teach them lifelong skills!

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: 8th July - 23rd August : 22nd July - 23rd August

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Planning your child's bedroom W

e hear from Carole Whitby, contemporary interior designer of Upside Down Design, with her top tips and advice when planning your child’s bedroom.

When you first start to plan your child’s bedroom, all sorts of things will pop into your head including the bedroom that you had as a child, or maybe the one that you wished that you had! However, this time the room must please at least two people, you and your child, so it’s not an easy path to tread.

Always begin with a planned conversation with your child, having pens, crayons and paper at hand. Encourage your child to articulate their thoughts either by writing them down, drawing them or cutting and sticking images from magazines. You can do this too of course; in fact, why not do it at the same time for fun? Ask them how they’d like their room to feel when it is done. Some will say cosy or cool; others safe or bright or happy...there are many feelings that a child’s special space can evoke.

Next, discuss with them the practicalities of their room. We come across ‘floordrobes’ (floors used as wardrobes) in our job as interior designers all the time. If the child doesn’t have the correct storage for their needs, they’ll end up dumping their possessions in places where they (and you), have no chance finding them again when needed in a hurry - like school uniform and gym shoes! Many children don’t like hangers; they prefer drawers and shelves. The challenge is to find the right combination of storage that helps them stay organised and saves you from having to search for things buried in their rooms.

Once you’ve determined the practical requirements and how they want their room to ‘feel’, you can then start planning in detail - this is most definitely the fun part!! Do they want a study area and a play area? Can the space (if not very big) be multifunctional to accommodate both? Do they have a theme in mind, or should they keep it simple and personalise using cushions, bedding and wall art to reflect their personality? Beware, however, that room finishes vary enormously in budget - it’s easy to get carried away, so first start with a realistic idea of how much you want to spend.

Future proof the room if you can with enough electrical sockets - in the right places, not under the bed which is where they always seem to be!

Consider if the bed you choose is age appropriate (especially for little ones). Then if possible, choose one that they can also grow with. If you can get five years out of a bed, you might want to invest a little more in it. Ten-year olds become fourteen-year olds in the blink of an eye and stretch accordingly - so choose wisely. If you can fit a small double bed into a pre-teen room, it’s a great idea.

Have your child work with you and shop with you when it comes to final finishes like paint, blinds, bedding and lighting. These are the details which will define the mood and feel of the room, so it’s important to get them right.

Most of all, have fun with your child planning their special space and try to keep in mind that this is their room not yours. Perhaps copper green and pink really can work together. Unless you try, you’ll never know!

UpsideDownDesign is a unique independent interiors shop and design space on Bootham, just a few steps away from the historic city walls. If you’re looking for inspiration for your home, Upside Down Design offers a versatile range of services and products including interior design. As well as offering help to those wishing to enhance their home, it’s also a veritable treasure trove for those seeking stylish gifts (or treats to self of course). From cushions, throws, lights, books and games - they pride themselves on having something to please and tempt everybody.

You can visit Upside Down Design, 27 Bootham, York, Y030 7BW from Monday- Saturday: 9.30am- 6pm and Sunday: 11am- 5pm. w. www.upsidedowndesign.co.uk e. shop@upsidedowndesign.co.uk

16 Families North Yorkshire

familiesonline.co.uk

Space Chase 2019 Summer Reading Challenge

T

he Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday.

Children’s reading can decline during the summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books or encouragement to read for pleasure.

This year the challenge will focus on the theme ‘Space Chase’ - an out-of-this-world adventure inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.

Children are challenged to read at least six library books over the school holidays and collect rewards, such as stickers, on their way to receiving their challenge certificate and medal.

The Challenge will launch in libraries on Saturday 13 July 2019 in England and Wales.

The Challenge launched in Scotland on 22 June 2019.

For competitions, book recommendations and special online badges and rewards, visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Sounds Right Phonics classes for kids

H

ave you ever wondered how a phoneme is different to a grapheme? Do you know of a digraph or a trigraph? Or do you simply want to find out about how phonics is taught nowadays in order to confidently support your child before they start school? Now there is a way you can do all of this whilst having fun with your little one at the same time!

Sam, a qualified teacher of 20 years, starting running Sounds Right Phonics Classes For Kids in January and has classes based around York. The franchise is well established down south so Sam was keen to introduce them “up north”. She commented “I think parents are really keen nowadays to support their children and give them the best possible start with reading and writing, but one factor preventing this is knowing what phonics actually is and how it is taught.

“My goal is to help as many families as possible encourage an interest in letters and sounds with their child, whilst developing their own confidence to help support them from home prior to starting school.

Some children begin school and instantly grasp phonics and thrive in the learning environment. Other children, my youngest son being one of these, struggled to keep pace with the phonics in the first year of school and as a result it affected his self-esteem and confidence. Luckily, I was able to support him at home. He is the type of child who benefits from seeing, hearing and exploring concepts several times before he grasps them fully.

Get boys reading this summer!

By Liz Walker

C

hildren and teachers work so hard throughout the school year, meeting achievement targets each term – only to find that when they start the new school year in September, much of the progress previously made has been lost. This is known as the summer slide. The consequences are cumulative and long lasting, often having a powerful influence on reading ability throughout school life and beyond. This is likely to impact more on boys than girls. Research, as part of the ‘Read On. Get On’ campaign, shows that only 44% of 11 year old boys read outside the classroom compared to 57% of 11 year old girls. This reading behaviour is a key factor why girls are outperforming boys with reading.

A little encouragement to get boys reading this summer will go a long way…

Promote reading at home as an enjoyable pastime, by modelling it more yourself. Get dads, grandads and big brothers reading at home. Parents’ reading habits have a huge impact on children. If boys never see their dad reading, they are much less likely to pick up a book themselves.

Even if boys don’t like reading themselves, they will like listening to stories. If you are out of the habit of reading (possibly to older children), then get back into it! Bedtime is the easiest time for this, but it doesn’t have to be. Camping holidays are perfect for story telling where there is no power to charge up other gadgets.

Audio books are a brilliant way to keep boys’ interest in stories alive. Make the most of long car journeys and plane trips with audio books.

Do whatever is necessary to find something that inspires boys enough to get them reading. Talk to them about their interests and find books that they are likely to enjoy. Some boys may get hooked on certain characters in a series of fiction books, but others may want to read for a purpose and prefer non-fiction.

Boys will love browsing Reading Chest’s online library, choosing books that interest them such as ‘Real Life Daredevils,’ ‘Extreme Sports,’ ‘Heroes or Villains.’ Then there’s the added excitement of waiting for their own personally addressed envelope of books to arrive in the post!

Make the most of this summer and get boys reading. More importantly - get them reading for pleasure.

All the above applies to girls as well as boys! For more reading advice and access to inspiring books at all book bands visit www.readingchest. co.uk. Families readers can enjoy £5 off their first month’s Reading Chest membership with the discount code FAM.

I also have several families who attend with children who have speech delay and are awaiting a referral as the classes are useful for focusing on sounds, pronunciation and vocabulary.”

A Sounds Right Phonics preschool class gently introduces children and families to letters and sounds through multi sensory methods; singing, dancing, actions, games and physical activities. Children learn the sounds and then with the help of the mascot, Robot Reg, are encouraged to orally blend and segment these sounds to read and spell words. Robot Reg is rather cheeky and children are encouraged to join in with calling him, a real highlight of the class for some children!

The class is broken up by two active parts of class which help to develop gross and fine motor skills; the first is a high-energy dance with Pom-poms or dance scarves which are used to form the large letter shapes in the air. The second is a dough-disco which helps strengthen the small muscles in their hands and fingers ready for mark-making. Both are set to funky music with the disco lights in full swing!

One mum said “My little girl had a head start when she started school, she could recognise all her letters, and could read simple words. I can’t recommend Sounds Right Phonics any more, it’s the best class we’ve been to!”

Sam is also running a BRAND NEW 4 week workshop over the summer holidays for children starting school in September.

For more information contact Sam on sam@soundsrightphonicsclasses. co.uk or head to her Facebook page. familiesonline.co.uk

Families North Yorkshire 17

Please check listings with the venue before leaving the house!

What’s On? Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon & Yorkshire Dales

8 Jul & 29 Jul - Mercer Art Gallery, Harrogate

Mini Mercer sessions

A fun morning of children’s movement, meditation and mindful art activities inspired by the art in the gallery, aimed at children aged 18 months to 7 years. The sessions will encourage children to be active, build confidence and manage their emotions. We’ll do yoga moves, simple meditation, breathing and relaxation exercises, and enjoy being creative together with some making activities! £3 per child, please call the gallery on 01423 556188 or book online at www.harrogate.gov. uk/frith

13 Aug – Knaresborough Castle

Dungeons and Dragons!

Join us for lots of dungeon and dragon related crafts, games and more! Follow us on Facebook or sign up to our family mailing list to get the details! @ knaresboroughcastle museums@harrogate.gov.uk

17 & 24 Aug – Brimham Rocks

Family Outdoor Day

Join Harrogate Climbing Centre for a day weaselling, climbing and abseiling. Age 7+.

26 Aug – Ripon Racecourse

Bank Holiday Family Day

Thrilling racing plus young racegoers can enjoy balloon modelling, cup and saucer ride, barrel train ride, Kiddie Cub Karts and bouncy castles.

York & North Yorkshire Moors

‘til 1 Sep - Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre

Hamlet, Henry V, The Tempest and Twelfth Night

29 July, 5, 12, and 19 August – Green Hammerton village hall

Family Yoga Classes

Come and enjoy the benefits of yoga as a family. Precious time together to enjoy yoga movements, relaxation, mindful activities such as massage and making relaxing aroma oils.

Learn about the benefits of meditation; sitting still has never been so powerful.

Learn ancient wisdom to ensure you enjoy a happy and healthy life together in this modern world.

Please visit www.jenniyoga.wordpress.com or email Jenni directly at: jennidruyoga@ gmail.com for more details.

Tickets from £12.50 (excluding booking/delivery

20 Jul & 3 Aug- Mercer Art Gallery, Harrogate fees. For full performance schedule & ticket prices

Family Art Sessions

Drop in to the gallery on Saturdays for free familyfriendly creative sessions, led by artist Jennyanne Smith.

Inspired by our current exhibition William Powell Frith: The People’s Painter, these sessions will look at the work on display and invite you to make your own marks and try new techniques with clay, printmaking and paint.

Just drop in.

20 July – 1 Sep - RHS Harlow Carr

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Eric Carle’s much-loved classic will be brought to life with giant willow sculptures, 3D apples and pears, hands-on craft activities and storytelling with the Garden Detectives. Children can follow a daily garden trail in search of the Very Hungry Caterpillar, enjoy birds-ofprey flying displays and make their own caterpillar hat.

Activities vary daily.

21 July – Newby Hall

Historic Vehicle Rally

Visit the North’s biggest one day car show. A fantastic day out for the whole family, and tickets include entry to the gardens & adventure playground.

24 July – 1 Sep – Mother Shipton’s Cave

Witches and Wizards

You have been accepted at Mother Shipton’s School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Visit the Wuthering Woodland, be sorted into a school house and attend lessons to become a qualified Witch or Wizard! Magic for all the family. 10am - 5.30pm, (last admission 4.30pm).

5 Aug – Ripon Racecourse

Family Brick Adventure

At our inaugural Family Brick Adventure, we are offering tutorials by LEGO experts for FREE! Lots of family entertainment and an afternoon of racing. Model village, face painting, balloon modelling and bouncy castles.

10 -11 Aug - Fountains Abbey

Get Medieval

Step back in time as you enter the Rosa Mundi medieval camp and discover what domestic life was like in fifteenth century England.

18 Families North Yorkshire

please visit www.shakespearesrosetheatre.com Book online www.ticketmaster.co.uk

13 July – North Yorkshire Moors Railway

60s Fest

Get the chance to head back in time to the swinging sixties with events up and down the railway. Visit Levisham Station and experience The Vox Beatles tribute band, with hit songs from the Cavern Club & Hamburg early days, Beatlemania, Sgt Pepper/ Magical Mystery Tour, White Album & Rooftop eras.

Visit Goathland Station, once known as Aidensfield of Heartbeat fame, with classic cars and live music. What’s more, Pickering will also have live music, displays and an evening show dubbed ‘The Big Night Out’, which will be hosted by the fantastic Minster FM.

14 July – York’s River Ouse

Dragon Boat Challenge

36 teams will battle it out on the Ouse (between Scarborough Railway bridge and Lendal Bridge) for the Challenge trophy and other prestigious awards. Come and watch this family friendly event!

18 – 28 July – Citywide

27 Jul – 1 Sep – York Minster’s Dean’s Park

Summer in Dean’s Park: Look Up! Weekend

A range of FREE family activities designed to make young explorers look up! Have-a-go arch building, Heavens’ observation centre, Give and take tree, falconry viewing area and flying beasts and sunflowers.

29 Jul – 2 Aug – Beetle Bank Open Farm

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Bring your own bear! Lots of fun to be had – go on a treasure hunt, bring a picnic and have fun with the resident animals.

10-11 Aug – Citywide

York Walls Festival

The first ever York Walls Festival is bringing together organisations across the city to host Open Days, lead guided walks and hold other events linked to the City Walls. For more information visit: www.visityork.org.uk

15 – 18 Aug – Castle Howard

BBC’s Countryfile Live

York’s well-known streets will be transformed into a vibrant and exciting central festival hub. Plenty of family fun. To find out more visit: www.greatyorkshirefringe.com

Great Yorkshire Fringe

Making its official Northern debut, Countryfile Live is setting up home in the stunning grounds of Castle Howard. We welcome you to come and join us and celebrate the glorious Yorkshire countryside. Tickets booked online.

26 July – 24 August – York Theatre Royal

17 Aug – Beningborough Hall

Come aboard the Swallow and join John, Susan, Titty and Roger as they sail to Wildcat Island and meet Nancy and Peggy, the self-proclaimed Amazon Pirates, and the dastardly Captain Flint, in this action-packed adventure.

Enjoy family-friendly talks exploring the role of a beekeeper, art and craft activities and tasters.

Swallows and Amazons

26 – 28 July – Castle Howard

Luna Cinema – Outdoor Cinema

First time appearance for Luna Cinema at this spectacular venue and setting. 3 nights of Open-Air cinema: The Greatest Showman; Bohemian Rhapsody and A Star is Born.

Let’s celebrate Bees

22 – 26 Aug - Beetle Bank Open Farm

Wildlife Workshop Week

Join us with a week of Wildlife workshops where you can learn about the animals we look after. Extended ‘touch and feel’ sessions in the barn and activities in the education centre. Come and join us for this week of education and fun!

familiesonline.co.uk

LEEDS

1 Sep – Yorkshire Air Museum

Allied Air Forces Memorial Day

‘til 3 Nov – Temple Newsam

Tadcaster, Selby & surrounding areas

Unmissable summer family fun at piglets adventure farm

2 Jul – 2 Sep – Stockeld Park

NEW for 2019, explore The Beach at Piglets Adventure Farm! From 20st July – 1st Sept Piglets Adventure Farm is full of unmissable family fun, with amazing magic shows and incredible circus acrobatics, you won’t want to miss it!

From gryphons to gargoyles and wyverns to wolves, explore the hidden beasts lurking in the walls of Temple Newsam. Follow the trail through the house and delve into the weird and wonderful collection of ceramics, furniture and art work. Visit the ‘Bestiary’ filled with beastly items from across the variety of Leeds’ collections plus a newly commissioned piece by award winning sculptor Kate Mccgwire. Finally, the ‘Lair’ offers a hands-on opportunity through dressing up, crafts and even a Beasts Top Trumps to let your imagination run wild.

Fantastical Beasts

The day also marks the 75th anniversary of the D Day landings. A truly international event, we celebrate the unique relationship and cooperation that Allied Air Forces have established throughout military conflicts across the years.

Summer Adventure

Stockeld Park’s Summer Advenrture is back and jam packed with entertainment and adventure for all the family to enjoy. Join in the fun and games on 27-28 Jul for Family Sports Challenge, see the Stunt Mania Bike and Quad Show on 3-4 Aug, Meet CBBC’s TV royalty duo Sam and Mark on 11 Aug.

27 July – 9.30am – 5pm - Selby Market Place

Selby Food & Drink Festival

Along with fabulous producers there will be street food and bars. Seating areas provided so you can relax and enjoy your food & drink! This year, there will be a Cookery Theatre with Nigel Brown with food demos & tasters.

3 Aug – 4pm – 11pm - Selby Market Place

Beer Festival

18 Yorkshire beers, at least 4 ciders and live music.

24 – 26 August – Sherburn in Elmet, Eversley Park

Craft & Food Festival

Professional Cookery demos, over 100 craft & food stalls, competitions, displays of vintage & classic cars & motorbikes, fairground rides & more!

1 Sep – Tadcaster Town centre

Tadcaster Soapbox Challenge

A brand-new event launching this year, from the team that brought you the Micklegate Soapbox Challenge and Minster FM. Enormous family fun with the course running through the centre of Tadcaster and involving a day’s racing with lots of things to do and see.

EAST YORKSHIRE & THE COAST

22 Jul, 1, 5, 15, 19 & 30 Aug – Robin Hood’s Bay, National Trust

Rock Pool Rummage

Search the rock pools with a ranger. Learn about amazing anemones, crazy crabs, funny fish and lots more. Age 4+

27-28 Aug - 11–5 – Scarborough Castle

Victorian Sports Day

Enjoy a cracking day of historical sports in the magnificent setting of Scarborough Castle. Hear the whack of cricket bat on ball, and see sprinters compete as live music plays. Think you have what it takes to challenge the Victorian athletes? Come and enjoy activities designed for all the family. familiesonline.co.uk

Grab your swimwear and sunhat as Piglets Adventure farm is bringing the beach to you this summer! Splash your way through 2 acres of sand and water fun, take a selfie in the giant deck chair, climb Truffles Lifeguard tower and laze in a hammock. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a delicious ice cream or milkshake at Beach Bites café. Plus, enjoy a full day of family fun and hire your own private Beach Hut! The fun doesn’t stop there, get foam fever as you boogie on down with end of day Foam Parties daily, watch hilarious Pig Racing in the Pork-shire Hurdle, soak friends in Water Wars and explore the Maize Maze challenge- will you make it on to the leader board?

Hold on there’s more! Follow the magical Fairy Tale Trail through the woodland to find out which fairy or wood elf you are, it’s such a magical enchanting experience.

Plus, the Magic Hatter is back and will be conjuring up colourful comedy magic, amazing tricks and summertime silliness! Circus at the Farm is back too with crazy upside-down juggling, death defying stunts and amazing acrobatics from the famous Fatt Matt!

There’s also all the usual adventure farm fun, including Tractor & Trailer rides to the amazing Bale Play Baaarn with giant drop slides, straw bale mountain, junior tractor drivers’ area, rope swing & dig ‘n’ play. Explore giant Sandpit, Bouncing Pillows, Crazy Golf, Barrel Rides and Go Karts too, and that’s all before you see the cute animals! You’ll find lots out in the paddocks and in the Animal Barn. Get up close to little piglets in the Piglet Maternity Ward and if you are lucky you might see one being born!

You can even enjoy a refreshing drink and delicious snacks in the Piglets Coffee House with small soft play area or try a piggy poo ice-cream in the Ice-Cream Parlour!

Come on down to Piglets Adventure Farm this Summer for a day of unmissable family fun. Get your discounted tickets online today Open daily from 10am – 5:30pm. For each event date, take a look at the website pigletsadventurefarm.com Piglets Adventure Farm is located 15 minutes from the centre of York, on Towthorpe Moor Lane, between Strensall Road and the A64, North of York. For full information please go to pigletsfarmpark.co.uk or call 01904 499183 Piglets Adventure Farm Park, Towthorpe Grange, York, YO32 9ST

table tots

Baby & children’s indoor markets: pre-loved, nearly new sales, maternity - 10 www.tabletots.co.uk/events

JULY BARNSLEY 6th Kirk Balk Academy BRIGHOUSE 7th Brighouse High School RIPON 21st Ripon Leisure Centre ROTHWELL 27th Rothwell Sports Centre 1.30 start AUGUST PONTEFRACT 10th New College GUISELEY 11th Aireborough Leisure Centre BEVERLEY 18th Beverley Grammar School

‘til 20 Oct – Lotherton Hall

50 years of Lotherton

Lotherton host three exhibitions to celebrate their 50th anniversary as a museum. Representing the past, present and future of Lotherton, these exhibitions showcase the variety of their collections and exciting new talent. All three are free with admission into Lotherton.

3 Aug – Temple Newsam

Big Family Fun Day & Classic Car Show

St. Gemma’s Hospice Big Family Fun Day is back again!

With loads of stalls, food vendors, entertainment, fun fair rides, inflatables, bar, assault course and games, there’ll be plenty to keep all the family happy for hours on end. St Gemma’s have also teamed up once again with the City of Leeds MG and Classic Car Club who’ll be displaying a whole host of beautiful vintage vehicles.

Entry is by donation on the day and plenty of free parking is available.

England’s First Woodland Fairy Sanctuary

Something new and very exciting is stirring in the Yorkshire woods, as June saw the opening of a visitor attraction quite unlike any other.

Nestled in a 100-acre wood close to York, this woodland fairy sanctuary is the first of its kind in England. The eco-aware sanctuary is off grid and, quite uniquely, designed to appeal to adults as much as children. As well as a beautiful woodland trail, it also includes a stunning Fairy Museum, to display what is believed to be the world’s largest collection of fairy artefacts, collected over many years by owners Carolyn and Christian Van Outersterp.

“With four children of our own we have long been appalled by the quality of many attractions and we have always disliked the patronising of children. Who laid down the rule that anything designed to appeal to children should be garish, naff and plastic? In our experience children have a huge capacity to appreciate nature, beauty and intricacy, so we have created a trail of the imagination with storytelling at its heart.”

This new venture bucks the trend to constantly entertain and distract, there are no rides, no interactive exhibits and no giant cartoon characters – instead Northwood is about fostering a connection to nature, at its most beautiful and magical. The woodland trail winds through 1.5km of old fairy paths, peppered with fairy tree houses, stump houses, a willow walled maze and Elven thrones.

In keeping with the sustainable ethos Northwood Kitchen, a chic new rustic Eatery, will lift the bar for visitor attraction cafes. Selling healthy and delicious local food and organic teas and coffee.

Please note, as car parking is limited tickets are only available online, with pre allocated slots making for a calmer experience. Prices from £6.90 per child and a family ticket is £27.50 Northwood Trail, Buttercrambe Wood YO41 1AP www.northwoodtrail.co.uk

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