HelloSummer!
Whatareyouplanningforthelongschool holidays?LetFamilieshelpyouout.We havelotsofideasformakingthesummer holidaysfunandkeepingthekids entertained.Whetherit’samoreaffordable summer,inspirationfordaysout,orholiday clubsandclasses…we’vegotyoucovered!
Don’tforgettocheckoutourbumperWhat’sOnguideforfunthings todoforallthefamilythroughoutCoventry&Warwickshire.
Children’sbrainscangetstaleoverthesummerbreak,sotakealook atourEducationsectionforsuggestionsonhowtokeepthemfresh sotheyarereadytolearnstraightawayontheirreturntoschool. IfyouhaveachildstartinginReceptionorchangingschoolthis September,youmightbeinterestedinpreparationyoucandoover thesummer.
WeinterviewaCoventryfostercarerandfindoutwhatittakestodo thisrewardingandvitalrole.
OurIndependentSchoolListingsiswhereyoucanfinddetailsofopen daysandaquickreferenceguidetopre-prep,prepandseniorschools inCoventry&Warwickshire.
Areyourkidsworriedaboutclimate-change?Wehavesomegreat suggestionstohelpyoudoyourbitfortheenvironmentasafamily andgetkidsthinkingabouttheplanetandhowwecantakeaction nowtoprotectitforthefuture.
Plus,ayummyKitKaticecreamcakerecipewhichyoucanhavefun makingthissummerwiththekids.
Finally,inthisissue,wehaveaCryBabiesNewbornConeyandMy FirstBathtogiveaway!Applyinside.Bydoingso,you’llalsoensure youreceiveourdigitalmagazinestraighttoyourinbox. Enjoythemagazine!
Amoreaffordable summer
ByZuzuJordan
Summerholidaysareveryexpensiveforfamilieswiththe extrachildcare,holidaysanddaytrips.Asmuchaswemay lovethebreak,sixweeksisalongtimetofill.Timeforsome planning,researchandbudgeting!
Agoodstartingpointforaninexpensivesummerbreakisasking yourchildrenwhattheywouldliketodo.Fromthere,writealist togetherofthingstheycandotofillthose‘Idon’tknowwhat todo’moments.Thiscantakethepressureoffparentstobe constantlyprovidingtheentertainment.
Equally,summerholidaysareforpyjamasdaysandnotplanning anythingtoo.Enjoy!Rememberthere’svalueinlettingthemget ‘bored’…sometimesoutofboredomcreativityisborn.
Togetyourliststarted,trysomeofthesecheaporFREEideas.
OUTDOORS
Countryparks Manyaccreditedcountryparksruntheirown individualeventsandactivities.Equally,youcancreateyourown activitiessuchasrainbowwalkswhereyoucollectnaturalthings ofdifferentcoloursandtexturesorsimplypackapicnic.Tofind yournearestcountrypark,checkoutwww.gov.uk/find-yourlocal-park
Gardening hetheritisjustweeding,plantingorgrowinga vegetablepatchfromtheseedsthatareinthefoodyoubuy.
CreateyourownScavengerhunt asanexcitingwayfor childrentoexplorethenaturalworld.
Stargaze! Ofcourse,youwillhavetowaitforaclearnightand
Takenature’spulse-join theBigButterflyCount
TheBigButterflyCountisaUK-widesurveywhichhelps toassessthehealthofourenvironmentbycountingthe amountandtypeofbutterflieswesee.
Thisyear,theworld’sbiggestsurveyofbutterflieswilltake placefromFriday,12JulyuntilSunday,4August.Theannual citizenscienceprogrammeattractstensofthousands ofpeopleoutintotheirgarden,localgreenspaceorthe countrysidetospendfifteenminutescountingbutterfliesand helpingtoinformconservationaction.
Butterfliesareindicatorsofahealthynaturalenvironment andwithhalfofBritain’sbutterflyspeciesalreadythreatened ornearthreatenedwithextinction,it’sneverbeenmore importanttounderstandhowourinsectsarerespondingto thechangingclimateandtotakeactiontoprotectthem.
Moreinfoatwww.bigbutterflycount.orgordownloadthe FREEBigButterflyCountapp.
preferablysomewherewithlittletonolightpollution.There’s plentyonlinetohelpyouguidechildrenonwhattolookforinthe nightsky.
Denmakingorcampingoutside inthegardencanbefun especiallyonhotsummerevenings.Useyourimaginationto createadenifyoudon’talreadyhavethecorrectequipment.
Tapintoyourcommunitypages onsocialmedia;otherparents areequallywantingtofindthingstodo.Somecommunitiesset upfriendlyfootballgamesorjustmeetups.Youcouldevenhost yourownlocalsummerOlympics.
Carwash,toywash oranythingthatinvolveswater,sponges andtowels.Thiscaneasilybeadaptedforolderkidswhenthey can‘charge’fortheirservices.
Birdwatching andweatherwatchingisanothergreatactivity whichdrawschildren’sattentiontotheoutside.Findchartsand walksonline.
Bughunting andmakingabughotelgohandinhandnicely. Givingchildrenafocusfortheirwalkscanreallyhelpwiththe tiredlegsandwaivingstamina.
Geocaching islikeatreasurehuntusingGPScoordinatesto find‘hiddentreasures’fromothergeocaches.Someappsare completely anditputsanotherfunspinongoingfora walk.Trywww.geocaching.com/play
INDOORS
Libraries TheSummerReadingChallenge islaunchedinevery librarynationwideandanythingthatencouragesreadingis definitelygood.Eachyearhasanewthemeandchildrenare rewardedforeverybooktheyread.Findyourlocalparticipating libraryatwww.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/library-zone
Museumsandgalleries Manyare soyouonlyneedpay fortravel;takeyourownpackedlunchtosaveoncafécosts.Be awarethatsomemuseumswithfreeentrydochargeforspecial exhibitions.
Insidedenmaking canbejustasfunasoutdoor.Youcouldturn itintoanindoorpicnicormoviespecialactivity.
Artandcraft canbeassimpleascuttingupoldmagazinesand newspaperstomakeacollage.Assuppliescanbecostly,tryto usethingsyoualreadyhavearoundthehouse.Reduce,Reuse andRecyclearethethreewordsthatmostchildrenwouldhave beentaughtaboutinschool.Discusstheimportanceofnot wastingresources.
Learnanewskill likeorigami,juggling,LEGO,baking….thelist isendless!
ZuzuJordanisaMasteryforMathsspecialistwhohastaught primaryagedchildrenforsixteenyearsandisinterestedin earlyyearsandhomelearning.For FREE homeworkandhome learningresources,findheronInstagramatedumate_uk
SAMALLARD
JAMESMULKEEN SAMALLARD
Makecrispy KitKat Ice CreamCake
Crispy,creamy,chocolateyanddecadent-wordscan’tdescribethisperfectlydreamyKitKatIce CreamCakecontributedbymulti-award-winningfood,parentingandlifestylewriter,EmilyLearyat AMummyToo(www.amummytoo.co.uk).
Thisrecipeissosimple,itcan whippedupinminutesandpoppedbackinthefreezer,readytobring outasthedessertthatgetseveryonetalking.
Makes8slices,preptime15minutes,freezingtime8hours
Ingredients
290g(10.2oz)KitKatbars(may varybycontainerdimensions)
1litrevanillaicecream
100g(3.5oz)Magicshell chocolatesauce-thekind thatsetsonicecream
Preparation
Equipment
2lb(900ml)nonstickloaf tin(wideenoughtofitthe KitKats)
Clingfilm(plasticwrap) Siliconespatula
Doublelinethecontainerwithclingfilm,leavingoverhangto coverthetopofthecake.Scoopthevanillaicecreamintoa bowlandleaveatroomtemperatureforabout10minutessoit’s pliablebutnotmelted.
ArrangealayerofKitKats alongthebottomofthe container,facedown(thiswill bethetopwhenyouturnthe cakeout)
Step5
AddafinallayerofKitKats.
Topwithhalftheicecream.
Step6
Coverandplaceinthefreezer overnightuntilsolid.
Arrangeanotherlayerof KitKats.
Step7
Removefromthecontainer, unwrapandplaceona board.Drizzlewiththemagic chocolatesauceandallowto set-thisshouldonlytakea coupleofminutes.
Addtherestoftheicecream.
Step8
Cutintosliceswithasharp knifetoserve.Makesure toservestraightawayto ensureit’sstillfrozenwhen itreachesthetable!
Step1
Step2
Step3
Step4
CouldyouFosterWithCoventry?
Therearemanyreasonschildrenofallagesanddiverse backgroundsneedtocomeintothecareofthelocal authority,suchasacrisisathome,parentswhoneedsome extrasupporttohelpthemparentsuccessfully,drugor alcoholdependencyorconcernsaroundviolenceinthe home.
Fosteringprovideschildrenwitha safe,positiveandnurturinghome whilstdecisionsarebeingmade abouttheirfuture.
FamiliesspoketoSalma,aNext StepsfostercarerfromCoventry, aboutherexperience:
Whatmadeyoudecidetobecome afostercarer?
Iwasnotabletobeabirthmum butfeltguidedtofoster.
Cananyonefoster?
Youcanbeafostercarerwithouthavinganyspecific qualifications,andyoucanbesingleorinacouple,anygender, race,ethnicityorsexualityandyoudon'tneedtohavechildren ofyourown.Aslongasyouarecommitedandhaveaspare roominyourhomeyoumaybeeligible.
Aretheredifferenttypesoffostering?
Yes.Thetypeoffosteringyoucanprovidewillverymuch dependonyou,yourlifestyleandtheneedsofyourownfamily. Thereismainstream,long-term,shortstay(knownasrespite), out-of-hours(emergencyfostering),NextSteps(childrenwith complexneeds)andparentandchildfostering.Fosteringcan beshortorlongterm,insomecases,babiesmaygoontobe adoptedorchildrenmaystaywiththeirfostercareruntilearly adulthood.Yourpreferenceswillbeconsidered.
Whathelporsupportisavailabletoyou?
Thereisathoroughinductionandarangeofcoreandbespoke trainingavailableandreallygoodongoingsupportfrom CoventryCityCouncil.Youareconstantlylearningand enhancingyourself.Whenyoufoster,youarepartofawider groupandthereisagreatsenseofbelonging. Whatwouldyousayisthebestpartaboutfosteringfor you?
A:Fosteringgavemetheopportunitytohelpyoung,vulnerable childrentohaveabetter,morebalancedlife.Toprovide stabilityatachallengingtimeintheirlivesandhelphealany traumasorunmetneedstheyhave.It’sgreattoseeyoung peoplewhowere,orare,inmycareflourishingandbeing happy.ItissucharewardingroletohaveandIfeelblessed thattheyarepartofmyfamilyandtobepartoftheirjourney. Whatarethechallenges?
Fosteringisn’teasy–everychildhastheirownindividual needsandearlychildhoodexperiences.Nomatterwhatthey sayordo,it’snotpersonaltoyoubutyouhavetheprivilegeof turningtheirlifearoundandbeingthepersonthatwon’tgive uponthem.
Fostercarersmakeaday-to-dayandlifelongdifferenceto thelivesofCoventrychildrenwhoarenotabletolivewith theirbirthfamilies.
Ifyouareinterestedinfosteringandwanttofindoutmore, pleasevisitwww.coventry.gov.uk/fostering orspeaktoamemberoftheteamon02476832828. Coventryhasaparticularneedforfostercarerswhocan,with support,careforsiblinggroups,teenagers,childrenwithcomplex needsandunaccompaniedasylumseekingchildren.
WeCANsavethe planet
ByJamesCampbell
Mostofuswanttoliveinawaythat’skindertotheplanet, kidsespecially.Whileresearchingmyclimate-changebook forchildren,Imetabsolutepilesofstudentsinprimaryschool assemblies.Lotsofthemwereworriedaboutclimatechange butunsurehowtoturnthateco-anxietyintoeco-action.
Thankfully,thereisalotwecando-rightnow.Thesummer holidaysareagreattimetodevelopplanet-savinghabits fortherestoftheyear.Orforalifetime,ifyoustickatit!
Trythese:
Writetosomeoneinpower
You’renevertooyoung tohaveyourvoiceheard. Suggestyourkidswriteto yourMPabouttheirclimate concerns,urgingthemto getinvolvedwithkeyissues whichworryyourchild.Local MPswillhopefullyrespond -particularlyifyourchild arguestheircasewithout beingrudeorincluding photosofthemwithdevil hornsdrawnonthem!
Shopsustainably
Fastfashionisanecological nightmare.Abrandnewpair ofjeanstakes1,800gallonsof watertomake;equivalentto fourmonths’worthofbaths foronechild!Ifyourkidsneed summerclothes,headto charityshops,second-hand clothesfairsorswapwith otherparents.Findunique clothesandfeelsatisfiedthat noresourceswereusedin yourpurchases.
Aletterforthefuture Makeagame-planfor positiveenvironmental action.Askyourchildto writealettertotheirfuture selvesabouthowtheworld isnow,howthey’dlikeitto beandtheimpacttheyplan tomake.
Trysomenewplanet-friendlymeals Animalfarmingisamassivecontributortocarbonemissions. So,recruityourkidsasyourkitchenhelpers.Pickoutand cookasmanyplant-basedrecipesaspossibleasateam. Makeitanadventureforthewholefamily,exploringnew flavoursandturningleftoversintonewdishes.Wasting foodalsowastestheresourcesthatwentintogrowingand transportingit.
Rethinkyourtoiletsituation
Oursewagesystemsareoverwhelmedbythesheeramountof wasteweproduce.Muchofitgetsflushedintorivers,whereit causesalgalbloomsandchokesecosystems.Onesolutionis tocutdownonourloo-flushing.Getyourfamilytosubscribeto ‘Ifit’syellow,letitmellow;ifit’sbrown,flushitdown.’Betteryet, readupon‘humanure’andjointhemovement!
Startcomposting
Whenfoodwasteispacked inplasticandsenttolandfill, itdoesn’tgettheoxygen itneedstorotproperly, generatinghugeamounts ofmethane.Bystartingup acompostheaptogether youcanturnyourvegetable peelings,eggshells,dead leavesandgrassclippings intolovelysoilinstead.
Windowsillherbgarden Industrialfarmingandfoodshippingbothtakeahugetoll ontheenvironment.Wecan allbealittlemoresustainable bygrowingfoodathome. Startsmallthissummerwith anindoorherbgarden.Plants likebasil,coriander,mint, parsley,thymeandrosemary thriveonsunnywindowsills andareeasyforkidstogrow.
Planagreensummergetaway
Howaboutholidayingassustainablyaspossible?Taking publictransporttoyourdestinationasopposedtoflyingisa start.Oncethere,choosetowalkorbikeeverywhere.Seekout sustainableplacestostay,likeB&Bsorcampsites.Optfor restaurantsspecialisinginlocally-sourced,not-shipped-overfrom-halfway-across-the-worldingredients.Packplastic-free sunscreen.Whateveryoudo,seeifthere’saneco-friendlierway!
JamesCampbellisauthorof Don’tPanic,WeCANSaveThe Planet (availablefromwww.bookshop.org),ahilarious,lightheartedlookattheproblemsfacingplanetEarth,perfectfor educatingandcomfortingchildrenwhoareworriedabout climatechange.
Redwings Horse Sanctuary
Trotalongto Redwingsthis summer!
Dog friendly! Visit ourcafé& giftshop
Meetfriendlyrescuedhorses anddonkeys.Visitusnear Banbury.
redwings.org.uk/visit
Findoutmoreaboutus,includingoursevenday summeropeningtimesonourwebsite.
Forestfun forallthe family
Didyouknowthereisa forestgrowingright hereonyourdoorstep?
Therearerareplant speciesandanimalsof conservationconcernlivingandthrivinglocallyandfamilies areinvitedtoexploreandconnectwiththenaturalwonders righthereintheMidlands.
Ifyourchildrenloveexploring,buildingdens,followinganimal tracks,creatinghomesforwildlife,orhaveahungerfor knowledge—suchaslearningtoidentifybirdsbysoundor tryingabushcraftactivity—theHeartofEnglandForestcharity isforthem!Thereareplentyofopportunitiesforfamiliesand youngpeopletogetinvolvedwiththeexcitingworkbeing done.
AttheForest,differentadventuresandactivitiesareprovided foreveryage,whetherit’sspendingtimetogetherasafamily orsendinglittleadventurersintothewildwithtrainedstafffor thedaytobuildconfidenceandgrownewfriendships.Mini Foresters,YoungForesters,Wildtribeholidayclubs,Forest Birthdayparties,guidedwalks,andeventsalloffersomething uniqueandexcitingforyoungpeople.
Byfindingtheirwildside,withalittlehelpfromtheHeartof EnglandForest,childrencangrowintoFutureForest GuardianswhowillcarefortheForestfortheyearstocome. Formoreinformationvisitwww.heartofenglandforest.org
RedwingsHorseSanctuary isdelightedtoannounce thatitsvisitorcentrenear Banbury–RedwingsOxhill, willbeopendailyfrom Friday19thJulythroughto Monday2ndSeptember.
Notonlythat,butseveraloftheirAdoptionStarhorsesand donkeyswillbecelebratingtheirbirthdayswithpartiesover thesummertoo–andeveryoneisinvited!
•Rumpel’sBirthdayParty: Sunday14thJuly
•Arya’sBirthdayParty: Sunday21stJuly
•TimothyandCain’sBirthdayParty: Sunday11thAugust
•Lady’sBirthdayParty: Sunday25thAugust
Aftermakingplentyofnewfour-leggedfriends,youcanput yourfeetupwithawarmcuppaandasliceofcakeinMajor’s caféorbrowsetheshelvesofthegiftshoptofindalovely keepsakefromyourday.Allproceedsgotowardsthecareof Redwings’rescuedresidents.
RedwingsisdogfriendlyandFREEtoenterbutdonationsto supportitsworkaremostwelcome.
Trotacrosstothecharity’swebsiteformoreinformation! www.redwings.org.uk/visit
TuesdaysandThursdays duringschoolholidays from8.30am-5.30pm at MiddleSpernalFarm (Nr.StudleyandAlcester).
AholidayclubintheForestfornaturelovingchildrenaged4-12years.
Havefuninthewoodswithactivitiessuchas cookingonanopenfire,whittling,denbuilding, orienteering,wildlifewatching andgames.Meetoldfriends andmakenewones!
WHAT’SON
Events
WarwickshireLavenderFarm
Bubbenhall 21Jun–28Jul
Don’tmissthechanceforsome beautifulfamilyphotosatthefarm. Takeapicnicorenjoyrefreshments atTheLavenderCafé.Atreatfor allthesenses.Speciallivemusic eveningevents13&20Jul.Tickets online.
www.warwickshirelavender.com
GodivaFestival WarMemorialPark,Coventry 5–7Jul
Threedaysofgreatmusicand familyentertainment.Sundayis FamilyDayheadlinedbyBeverley KnightMBE.Alongsidethemusic therewillbeawholehostof activitiesandperformances designedforfamilies. www.godivafestival.com
CoventryCaribbeanReggae Fever MemorialPark,Coventry 20–21Jul(11:00–20:30) ExcitingparadethroughtheCity Centreandafestivaltoremember onSat,plustheWindrush Exhibitionandfairgroundfunon Sun.Buyticketsinadvanceonline. www.covcarnival.org
WarwickFolkFestival CastlePark,WarwickandWarwick TownCentre 25-28Jul
Familyfriendlyfestivalshowcasing thebestoftraditionaland contemporaryfolkmusic,singing, dancing,food,familyentertainment andworkshops.Ticketsonline. www.warwickfolkfestival.co.uk
ArtinthePark
JephsonGardens&MillGardens, LeamingtonSpa 3-4Aug
FREEweekendfestivalshowcasing thebestartists,performersand craftspeopleinWarwickshireand theMidlands.Liveentertainment, food,drinkanddemonstrations. www.artinpark.co.uk
LuntRomanFestival
LuntRomanFort,Baginton 3-4Aug
TheLunt’smostspectacularevent oftheyear,whentheforttruly comestolife!Re-enactments, replicaRomangoods,earlyyears areaplusspectacularhorse displays. www.luntromanfort.org
FamilyFunDay
DraycoteWater,Rugby 7Aug(11:00–15:00)
Funactivitiesforfamilies,local artisanmarket,food,drinkandlots more!Allwelcome.FREEentry. Parkingchargesapply. www.stwater.co.uk/our-visitorsites/draycote-water/ LeamingtonSummerFest Parade,LeamingtonSpa 11Aug(10:00–17:00) Giantmarket,pop-upbeach,fair rides,deliciousfoodstalls,games, entertainmentandmuchmore! FREEentry. www.cjseventswarwickshire.co.uk
DozeunderDippy HerbertArtGallery&Museum Coventry 17Aug
Experienceasleepoverunlike anythingyou‘Ever-Saur’!Stay overnightinthemuseum,snoozing underthefeetofa26-foot Diplodocus!Anighttoremember foralldinosaurloving6-11yearolds andtheirgrownups. www.dippyincoventry.co.uk
DragonSlayer
WarwickCastle 22–26&30–31Aug
England’sgreatestlostlegend comestolifeinthisfull-length theatricalnight-timeeventwith equestrianstuntwork,projection mappingandspectacular fireworks. www.warwick-castle.com
Wizzafest2024
BlythHallFarm,Coleshill 23-26Aug
Wizzafestisafamilymusicfestival withlivemusic,stalls,streetfood andactivitiesforeveryagegroup. Weekendanddayticketsavailable. www.wizzafest.co.uk
FamilyRavewithBigFishLittle Fish ComptonVerney 31Aug
Danceinthegroundswiththe familythissummer!Withsuperstar DJPerryfromPendulumheadlining andfoodfromDigbethDiningClub, bars,floralcraftingactivities, authorreadingsandsignings, bubbles,balloons,facepainting andfoam!Ticketsonline. www.bigfishlittlefishevents.com
DaysOut
AllThingsWild Honeybourne
Interactwithfascinatinganimals, learnfromexpertkeepers,enjoya rideontheDinoTrainandexplore thewonderfulworldofDinosaurs. www.allthingswild.co.uk
HattonCountryWorld Warwick
TheGreatSummerAdventure 20Jul–2Sep
Getreadyforevenmoreexcitement thisyearwithanall-newAmazing MaizeMazeandbiggerandbetter FoamParty!Plus,allyourfavourite attractionsareback.Makebig savingswithaSummerPassand enjoyuptosixvisitsoverthe holidays.(Limitedoffer) www.hattonworld.com /adventure-world
WhipsnadeZoo
Dunstable
Feelthewonderofwildlifethis summeratWhipsnadeZoo,the UK’sbiggestzoo.Discoverover 10,000animalsincludingthenew MonkeyForestexhibit,expert animaltalkseveryday,plusahuge outdoorplayarea!There’sawhole dayofspecialfamilymemoriesto bemade. www.whipsnadezoo.org
TwycrossZoo
Atherstone
VisitTwycrossZooforafamilyday outwithadifference!Withover100 animals,TheGruffaloDiscovery Land,animalexperiences,stunning naturereserves,softplayandmuch more–there’ssomethingforevery memberofthefamily!Thissummer enjoytheAnimalBricktacular, transformingyourfavouriteanimals intobricksculptures. www.twycrosszoo.org
DON’T MISS!
GruffaloDiscoveryLand TwycrossZoo
Thefour-acreland,locatedintheheartofTwycrossZoo,isthefirst attractionofitskindandbringstogetherthemuch-lovedcharacters, frombest-sellingchildren’sbook,TheGruffalo,byJuliaDonaldsonand AxelScheffler.
Afteranexcitingredevelopment,visitorscannowstepintothestoryof theGruffaloandexplorethreebrandNEWinteractivediscoveryzones, designedwithchildreninmindtocreateanenhancededucationaland sensoryexperience.WithNEWGruffaloRangerTraining,NEWlive entertainment,improvedpathwaysandrefreshedlandscaping.Plus, you'llstillbeabletowalkwiththezoo’sbirds,butterfliesandgoats, meetreal-lifesnakesandowls,haveatreatatOhCrumbs!Café,take homeGruffaloGoodiesandmeetTheGruffalo.
Theland,completewithanimatronics,filmclips,andmuchmore,offers familiesanimmersivejourneythroughtheDeepDarkWoodwhereyou’ll encounterFox,Owl,Snake,Mouseandlearnmoreaboutthereal-life animalsthatfeatureinthisfamilyfavouritestory.
EntrytoTheGruffaloDiscoveryLandisincludedinpriceofadmissionto thezoo.
InadditiontoTheGruffaloDiscoveryLand,visitorstoTwycrossZoocan enjoy100acresofspacewithover70speciesofanimals,andcannow benefitfromabrand-newannualticket,whichallowsvisitorstopayfor adayandvisitFREEfor12months. Formoreinformationandtobooktickets,visit www.twycrosszoo.org
OutdoorFun Theatre
ComptonVerney
NrWarwick
Stunningparklandandlake,and woodlandadventureplayground. Award-winningartgallery,restaurant andgiftshop.There’sawealthof familyactivitiesonweekdaysand weekendsovertheschoolholidays. Seeonlinefordetails.Ormakeyour ownfunandpickupMyActivityBook fromtheWelcomeCentre(£3.50)or FREEbagsandactivitiestokeepthe kidsengagedandentertained throughoutyourvisit.Closed MondaysexceptBankHolidays. www.comptonverney.org.uk
CountryParks
Warwickshire
Warwickshirecountryparksoffera diverseportfolioofgreenspaceswith fivecountryparksandthree greenwayscoveringover1,200acres forfamiliestoenjoy.Takeasummer walk,abikerideormakeadayofit withfamilyandfriends.Plusthere’s plentyofeventsandactivitiesonover theholidays.Bookonline. countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk
FoundryWood LeamingtonSpa Anurbancommunitywoodlandinthe heartofLeamingtonSpaand Warwick.Learnaboutwoodland habitats,wildlifeconservation, traditionalwoodlandcrafts,andmore. Regulareventsforfamiliesand wellbeingeventsforadults throughouttheyear. www.foundrywood.co.uk
HeartofEnglandForest
Warwickshire
Visitabeautifulandveryspecialpart oftheworld,richinhistoryand legends,rollinggreencountryside, rivers,andbusymarkettow.Covering 7,000acreswith58milesofpublic andpermissivefootpaths–an adventureintheforestawaitsyour family!WildTribeHolidayClub Tuesdays&Thursdays. Bookonline. heartofenglandforest.org
HillCloseGardens Warwick RareVictorianGardenstoexplore withChildren’strailandspecial eventsandworkshopsthroughout theyear.Plus,specialchildren’s gardenwithmudkitchenwherekids canplant,water,weedandharvest fruitandvegetables,sogoprepared togetstuckin! www.hillclosegardens.com
GetActive
AckersAdventure Birmingham Getinvolvedwiththeactionat Ackers,includinglearntoskilessons (4+),tubingortobogganing,disc golf,sessionsforhomeschoolers andholidaycamps. www.ackers-adventure.co.uk
AdventureZone Rugby
SoftPlaycentreforchildrenaged 0-12.Plus10pinbowling,ARdarts, CrazyGolf,Pooltablesand ShuffleboardsinStrikesBar.Funfor allthefamily! www.theadventurezone.co.uk
AirHopTrampolinePark Warwick Jumpintohappy,theultimateplay experienceforkidsandbigkids. CheckouttheSummerPass,it’s greatvalue! www.airhop.co.uk
GoApe Coventry
Thebestofhighropeantics,axe throwingandmini-LandRoversat CoombeAbbeyCountryParkfor thrill-seekingadultsandfun-seeking children. www.goape.co.uk
JuniorParkrun
Stratford-upon-Avon,Leamington, Rugby,Coventry AFREE,funandfriendlyweekly2K eventforjuniors(4-14yearsold) EverySundayat9:00.Childrenmust beabletocompletethecourse withoutanadult. www.parkrun.com
MrKarting Warwick
Junior&FamilyArriveandDrive KartingplusChildren’sKarting parties.Perfectforcompetitivekids aged8+(andtheirgrown-ups!) Open7daysaweek. www.mrkarting.co.uk
PlanetIce Coventry
Skateforfun,learntoskateorbook aparty.NEWIceCardMembership offersdiscountsonselectedpublic skating,courses,cashbackand vouchercodes. www.planet-ice.co.uk
RedKangaroo Coventry
BouncerightintoRedKangaroo trampolinepark!There’ssomuchto doalongsidejumpingfuntokeep thekidsentertainedforhours! www.redkangaroo.co.uk
SpotOnWake Henley-in-Arden TheUltimatewatersports destination!With3customdesigned lakes,trywakeboardingorSUP(6+) ortheAquaJungle(8+).Learn somethingnewthissummer. www.spotonwake.co.uk
TheWave Coventry Grabyourgogglesandenjoya familydayoutatoneoftheUK’s award-winningindoorwaterparksin theheartofCoventryCityCentre! www.thewavecoventry.com
WarwickSportClimbingCentre WarwickUniversity Schoolagechildrenandadultscan tryclimbingorboulderingin Coventry.JuniorPay&Play, InstructorledsessionsplusKids Parties. warwick.ac.uk/services/sport /climbing/junior
BelgradeTheatre
Coventry
PeppaPig–FunDayOut
Wed28–Thu29Aug www.belgrade.co.uk
TheAlbanyTheatre
Coventry
Errol’sGarden Sat24–Sun25Aug
Agerecommendation:3-8
DinosaurWorldLIVE! Fri30Aug–Sun1Sep www.albanytheatre.co.uk
RoyalShakespeare Company
Stratford-upon-Avon
AsYouLikeIt
Thu18Jul–Sun1Sep TheHollowayGardenTheatre www.rsc.org.uk
RoyalSpaCentre LeamingtonSpa
TheGruffalo Thu11-Fri12Jul
Agerecommendation:3+ PopPrincesses Thu25Jul www.royalspacentreandtownhall .co.uk
WHAT’SON
SummerReadingChallenge
Coventry&WarwickshireLibraries
Takepartonlineoratyourlocal library.Setyourreadinggoaland readanythingyoulike!Encouraging childrenage4–11to enjoythe benefitsofreadingforpleasure.Sign up,readbooks,earndigitalrewards. Starts6Jul. www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
BrandonMarshNatureReserve Coventry Joininwithsomeoutdoorfunover theholidays.There’sPondDipping, WoodlandTreasureHunt,Bug Hunting,CharcoalPencilMaking, OutdoorSurvival,DenBuildingand muchmore(Selecteddatesonly) WilderFamiliesFeston27Jul.Plus regularNatureTots,AfterSchool ClubsandSaturdayNatureClubs. www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
HandsonHistory KenilworthCastle
6Jul–1Sep(selectedweekends, 10:00–17:00)
Travelbackintimethissummer. Tolearnwhatlifewaslikeforpast inhabitantsofthecastle.Fromsword schoolandstorytellingtojunior joustingtherewillbeaselectionof activitieseachweekendforchildren totakepartin. Specialevents LegendaryJoust 20–21Jul (10:00–17:00)
Knight’sTournament 24-26Aug (10:00–17:00) Don’tmissoneofhistory’smost spectacularsportingcontests! Bookonlineandsave15%. www.english-heritage.org.uk
RugbyArtGallery&Museum
RugbyTownCentre 20Jul–31Aug
CelebrateJasonandhisArgonauts withafun,filledactivityprogramme forfamiliesinaSummerofColour. Unleashsomecreativitythisholiday! Low-cost,accessiblebookable workshopsandartadventures. www.ragm.co.uk
RSCSummerFamilyActivities
Stratford-upon-Avon 20Jul–1Sep
FREEperformances,workshopsand storiesbycommunityandsemiprofessionalcompaniesatthe HollowayGardenTheatrethis summer.Programmeofeventsonline. www.rsc.org.uk/summer-activities
AstleyBookFarm Bedworth (OpenTue–SunandBankHoliday Mondays)
Thelargestsecond-handbookshopin theMidlands.Browsebooksforthe wholefamilythengrabarefreshment inthecoffeeshop&Yurtandrelax. Bliss! www.astleybookfarm.com
StratfordButterflyFarm
Stratford-upon-Avon HandlingandDemonstrations* 20Jul–1Sep (excluding26Aug) MeettheMini-Beasthandling sessionsandButterflyLife-Cycle expertdemonstrationsdailyat11:00 plustheopportunitytohandlea varietyofstickinsects.Makeagreen promiseintheDiscoveryZoneand writeapledgetohelpprotectnature. Pledgeswillbeenteredintoaweekly prizedrawtowinafamilyseason tickettothebutterflyfarm. *Subjecttochangedependingon availabilityandwelfareoftheanimals. Formoreinformationandtobook ticketsvisit www.butterflyfarm.co.uk
LuntRomanFort NrCoventry ExploretheuniqueRomanFortress, takinginthesitesoftheramparts,the granarybuildingandtheworld’sonly knowngyrus!Thefortisopentothe publicatselectdates×during theschoolholidays. Specialevents FabulousPhalerae 23Jul–1Aug CraftglitteringRomanmedals GlitteringGreaves 6–15Aug CraftspectacularRomanlegarmour Agerange5–12butallwelcome, bookonline. www.luntromanfort.org
Museums & History
BritishMotorMuseum Gaydon
Exploreover400Britishclassiccars, takepartinthemedtrails,experience touchscreenexhibitsandunderstand howacarworks.Funforallthefamily! www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk
CoventryTransportMuseum Coventry
Visitthelargestpubliclyowned collectionofBritishvehiclesonthe planetandlearnhowCoventry changedtheworldthroughtransport. Tinker,Make,PlayWorkshopson ThursdaysandSaturdays20Jul–31Aug. www.transport-museum.com
HerbertArtGalleryandMuseum Coventry
Theperfectplacetodelveinto Coventry’shistoryandengagewithart andculture.VisittheJOY…Inspiredby Natureexhibition19Jul–22Sep. PlusseeDippytheDiplodocusfrom theNaturalHistoryMuseum. www.theherbert.org
MADMuseum
Stratford-upon-Avon
Interactwithartworks,contraptions andmachinesattheUK’sonly MechanicalArtvenue.Animpressive collectionofeccentricandingenious creations. www.themadmuseum.co.uk
ShakespeareBirthplaceTrust
Stratford-upon-Avon
Discoverthefascinatingstoriesbehind theworld’sgreateststorytelleracross hisfamilyhomes.NurtureinNature: Make&TakeWorkshopsonselected datesovertheschoolholidaysatAnne Hathaway’sCottage.Plus,hands-on activityeverySundayatShakespeare’s NewPlacecelebratingthewomenwho madeShakespeare. www.shakespeare.org.uk
Shakespeare’sSchoolroom& Guildhall Stratford-upon-Avon Visitthe600-year-oldbuildingwhere WilliamShakespearesatinthe1570s andwrotehisfirstworksand experienceTudorschoollife,dress,art andstories. www.shakespearesschoolroom.org
St.Mary’sGuildhall/TalesofTea Coventry Visitthishistoricalgemintheheartof theCity.Discoverits700yearold historythentreatthefamilyto AfternoonTeainthestunningvaulted Undercroft. www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk
RedwingsHorseSanctuary Oxhill Hometo80rescuedhorses,ponies anddonkeys.Visittheanimalsand enjoythecafé/giftshop.FREEentry andparking,donationsappreciated. Bookingrequired.Don’tmissthe specialbirthdayeventsthissummer. www.redwings.org.uk
NationalTrust Warwickshire EnjoyavibrantandcolourfulSummer ofPlayatourlocalNationalTrust properties:BaddesleyClinton; CoughtonCourt;PackwoodHouse; CharlecotePark;UponHouseand GardensandFarnboroughHall.Each propertyhasitsownuniquefamily activitiessowhynotvisitthemall. Seeindividualwebsitesfordetails andprices. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
WarwickCastle Warwick Bepartofthebiggestsummerin history!Withliveshows,eventsand extraordinaryentertainmentforallthe familyincludingtheLegendofthe Trebuchet,TheFalconer’sQuest,War oftheRosesLive!andtheRealmof Zog.Overnightstaysincludecastle entry,themedeveningentertainment, complimentarybreakfastandcar parking. www.warwick-castle.com
KidsArt Club
Weekly Classes & Holiday Art Clubs !
ArtGroupStudios
ArtGroupStudioshaslotsonforchildrenthissummer. TheyholdweeklyclassesafterschoolandSaturdays, HolidayArtClubsthroughouttheweekduringschool holidaysandparentandchildpaintingsessionson Sundayafternoons.
Weeklyclassesprimarilyfocusonpaintinganddrawingand holidayclubsofferavariedandexcitingprogramfromClay Sculpting,Printing,Collage,Decoupage,Animation,Tie-Dye, andMarblingtonamejustafew!
WeeklyClassesareonehourlongandaresplitintoage groups5-9,9-12,10-14and14-17andcost£11perclass.
HolidayArtClubsarebestsuitedfor5to12yearoldsandrun from10am-2.30pmandcost£28perday.
Forbookingsandenquiries,pleasevisit www.art-group-studios.co.uk
EDUCATION
DiscoverLifeat WarwickPrep
Witharichhistoryspanningover100yearsandnestledamidst 55acres,WarwickPreparatorySchoolislocatedjustafew minutes’walkfromthehistorictownofWarwick.
Theschoolbenefitsgreatlyfrombeingpartofsomethingbigger. TogetherwithKing’sHighSchoolandWarwickSchool,itformsthe WarwickSchoolsFoundation,givingaccesstofurtherexceptional facilitiesincludingaworld-classMusicSchool,anenchantingForest School,theBridgeHouseTheatre,a25-metreindoorswimmingpool, andmuchmore.
Withfourmainentrypoints,childrencanjoinTheSquirrelsNursery (age3+),Reception(age4+)orthePrepDepartment(Years3to Year6).
“Thesuccessofourschoolisfirmlybuilt aroundthepursuitofexcellenceinallwe do.Ourpupilsfollowabroad,variedand challengingcurriculumtaughtbymultitalentedandexceptionallycommittedstaff. Weareveryproudofourtremendous academicreputationbothlocallyandfar beyond,enablingchildrentofulfiltheir potentialandbethebesttheycanbe. Whiletheyarewithus,wealsowantthem toenjoythemostroundedlearning experiencepossible.
Tothatend,weoffergreatstrengthanddepthinbothteamand individualsports;weproviderichanddiversemusicalopportunities; weorganiseabroadandengagingprogrammeofvisitsandextracurricularactivitiesdesignedtowidentheirinterestsandskills.We recognisetheuniquetalentsand skillsofeachindividualchildandaim tofosteralifelongloveoflearningenablingthemtorun,play,imagine andthrive.”
FindoutwhatmakesWarwick PreparatorySchoolsucha vibrant,dynamic,happy,and specialplaceattheirOpen MorningonSaturday21 September,9.30am-12.15pm. Bookatwarwickprep.com/openmorning
IndependentSchools Coventry&Warwickshire
ArnoldLodge
PrepandJuniorSchools
CrescentSchool Rugby T:01788521595
www.crescentschool.co.uk
Nursery,ReceptionandYear3 OpenEve:Tue1Oct 18:30–19:30
KingHenryVIIIPre-Prep Coventry T:02476271190 www.kinghenrys.co.uk
KingHenryVIIIJunior Coventry T:02476271160 www.kinghenrys.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat21Sep 09:30–12:30
SeniorSchools
BablakeSenior Coventry T:02473271248 www.bablake.com
OpenMorning:Sat28Sep 09:30–12:30
KingHenryVIIISenior Coventry T:02473271190 www.kinghenrys.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat21Sep 09:30–12:30
LeamingtonSpa (Ages4-18) T:01926778050 www.arnoldlodge.com
OpenDay:Sat28Sep 10:00–13:00
BiltonGrange Rugby (Ages3-13) T:01788810217
www.biltongrange.co.uk
OpenDay:Sat5Oct
TheKingsleySchool
LeamingtonSpa (Ages3-18) T:01926421368
www.thekingsleyschool.co.uk
SeniorSchoolOpenAfternoon: Tue10Sep14:00–18:00
BablakePrePrep Coventry T:02476271285 www.bablake.com
BablakeJunior Coventry T:02473271248 www.bablake.com
OpenMorning:Sat28Sep 09:30–12:30
CrackleyHallSchooland LittleCrackersNursery Kenilworth T:01926514444
www.crackleyhall.co.uk
Nursery,ReceptionandYear3 OpenEve:Thu26Sep 18:00–20:00
StratfordPreparatorySchool Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789297993 www.stratfordprep.co.uk
TheCroftPreparatorySchool Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789293795 www.croftschool.co.uk
WarwickJuniorSchool
Warwick T:01926776418 www.warwickschool.org Year3to6OpenEvening: Fri5Jul16:30–18:00
WarwickPreparatorySchool
Warwick T:01926491545 www.warwickprep.com OpenMorning:Sat21Sep 09:30–12:15
King’sHigh Warwick T:01926494485 www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk
OpenEvening:Fri5Jul 16:30–19:30
PrincethorpeCollege Rugby T:01926634201 www.princethorpe.co.uk
OpenAfternoon:Sun15Sep 14:00–17:00
WarwickSeniorSchool Warwick T:01926776400 www.warwickschool.org Year7–13OpenEvening: Fri5Jul18:00–20:30
Registerforopen eventsonline
HellenDodsworth, Headmistress
Continuityoflearning duringthesummer break
ByZuzuJordan
Schoolsummerholidaysofferfamiliesachancetospendtime togetherandgetsomemuchdeservedrespite.However,no onewantslearningtoseepawayorbecomestagnant.
‘Brushingawaythecobwebs’afterthesummerholidayscan takesometimeinSeptember;indeed,childrencanbemistaken ashavingregressed.Weallwantourchildrentohittheground runningassoonastheyreturn.Happily,thisisachievableinthe leaduptothenewschoolyear.Trysomeofthesetechniquesto helpwithlearningcontinuity:
Expandingchildren’svocabulary isincrediblyimportanttotheir writingandreadingcomprehension.Whenonholidayorjust goingondaytrips,thinkaboutthenewwordsyouareexposing themto.Equally,playinggamesathomesuchasScrabbleand HeadsUpcanbeeducational.
Makesurebooksareapartofeveryday. Wheneveryouread toyourchildorletthemlistentoanaudiobooktheyformthe senseofabeginning,middleandendofastory.Signupfor the SummerReadingChallengeatyourlocallibrarywhich rewardschildrenfortheirefforts.Maketimetochataboutwhat yourchildrenarereading;itwillraisetheirengagementand comprehensionlevels.
Utiliseeducationalapps tohelpchildrenpractiseskillsand enhancetheirlearning.
Practiseliteracyskills bywritingapostcardonholiday,emails orevenletterstofriendsandfamily,journaling,bloggingand
Goalsetting
Goalsettingisessentialingivingyourchilddirectionand motivation.Settingmeaningfulgoalscanraiseself-esteem, encouragedevelopmentalgrowthandaidingivingthema deeperbeliefinthemselves.Themoreyouinvolveyourchild intheactualsettingofthegoals,themoreinvestedtheywill be.
Allgoalsmustbe SMART:Specific,Measurable,Attainable, RelevantandTimebased. Forexample:learnaspecifictimes tablebytheendofthemonth.
Notallgoalsneedtobeacademic;somecanbephysicalor relatingtoalifeskill.Forexample,beingabletotietheirown shoelacesorlearningtorideabike.CreatingSMARTtargets willhelpyoudirectyoursupportandresources,givingyoua clearroadmapforsuccess.
Discusswhatchallengestheymayfaceandwhatstrategies theywillneedtodrawupontoovercomethem.Youcanbreak downthegoalsintosmallerstepssotheyfeelmanageable. Don’tforgetwhenagoalisachieved,itisimportantto celebrateandreflectontheprocess.
enteringwritingcompetitions.
Setprojects suchasraisingawarenessonenvironmentalissues orcharityfundraising.Thiscanencompassarangeofskills includingliteracyandnumeracy.
Teachskills thathelpyourchildtonavigatethroughlife.For example:touchtyping,readingbusortraintimetables,cooking ameal,mapreading,planninganevent,packingforatripand FirstAid.
Physicalactivitiesareessential andmoreappealinginthe summerwhentheweatheriskindertous.Setgoalslikelearning torideabikeorswimmingalengthofapool.
Relaxingonroutinesisimportant butrememberthatroutines intheweeksleadinguptoreturningtoschoolhelpwiththe transitioningoingback.
ZuzuJordanisaMasteryforMathsspecialistwhohastaught primaryagedchildrenforsixteenyearsandisinterestedin earlyyearsandhomelearning.ForFREEhomeworkandhome learningresources,findheronInstagramatedumate_uk
Brainboostinggames
Wedon’twantourchildrentostop‘thinking’overthesummer holidays.Butwhatisthinking?Anycognitiveprocessessuch asproblemsolving,decisionmaking,imaginingandplanning. Trythese:
Memorygamesandpuzzles -placeobjectsinfrontofyour child,coverthemandseehowmanytheycanremember.Good forhand-eyeco-ordinationandgeneralproblemsolving.
‘Thunk’questions whichdon’thavearightorwronganswerbut encourageindependentthinkingeg‘ifyourpetcouldtalk,how woulditdescribeyou?’
Learninganinstrument, languageoranynewskillengages everypartofthebrain.
Mindfulness forkidshelpsincreasefocus,amongstother benefits.
Exercise playsacrucialroleinboostingmemory,cognitionand motorco-ordination.
Playgames whereyourchildusestheoppositehandtotheir writinghand.Thisisknowntoincreasebrainactivity. Finally,sleep issoimportantforboostingthatbrain!
Preparingtostartor changeschool
ByGailHugman
Startingorchangingschoolcanbebothanexcitingand nerve-wrackingbusiness,notonlyforparentsbutalsofor childrenwhopickuponthevibeathome.Withplanning,you canfeelmoreconfidentinthewayyousupportandcelebrate yourchild’smilestonesandtransitionsastheyoccur.
Gettingyourchildreadytostartschool
Besuretoreadtheinformationpackprovidedbyschool.
Teachyourchildtodressintheirschoolclothesas independentlyaspossible.
Showyourchildhowtousecutleryforschoollunches;or packedlunchboxesandwrappers.
Practiselisteningskillsbygivinginstructionsandaskingyour childtorepeatthembacktoyou.
Havefunwithactivitiesthatpractisefinemotorskills,suchas tracingorthreadingbeads.
Explainthatschoolistheplacetheywilllearnskillssuchas readingandwriting,tohelptheminlife.Andmakenewfriends toplaywith!
Letthemknowtheirteacherwillbeexcitedtomeetthemandis hopingtheyarekindandfriendlyaswell.Thishelpsyourchildto bemorerelaxed.
Ifyourchildisalittleanxious,itcanhelptoremindthemwhere you’llbeandwhatyou’llbedoingwhilethey’reatschool.Tell themyou’llbethinkingaboutthemandlookingforwardto seeingthemattheendoftheday.
Movingtosecondary
Movingtosecondaryschoolisanotherbigtransition thatmanychildrenlookforwardtobutcanfindalittle overwhelmingwhenithappens.Intheweeksleadingupto thenewterm:
Remindthemthatnooneexpectsthemtobeperfect. If theygetlostduringthefirstweek,alltheyneedtodoisask forhelp!Talkaboutwhatislikelytobeexpectedofthem andremindthemyou’restillavailableforhelpandsupportat home.Thisreassurestheirbrainandhelpstheirconfidence.
Tellthemthatifthey’renotsureofsomething, asking questionsisokay,providingthey’repolite.
Explainthatit’sfinetofeelexcitedandalittlebitanxious. Askthemifthere’sanythingthey’reworriedabout.Aimto suggestreassuringandpracticalsolutionstoeventheir smallestworries,whicharequitenormalwhenstartinganew phase.
Finally,relax! Yourchildwillfeelmoreconfidentifyouare proudofwhotheyareanddelightedwiththeprogressthey aremaking.
Returningtoschool
Ithelpstoprepareforreturningtoschoolafterthelongsummer holidays.
AweekbeforeschoolstartsinSeptember,tellyourchildit’s timetogettheirbrainreadytolearnagain,whichmeansgetting usedtoschoolbedtimes!Italsousuallymeansgettingupearlier thanintheholiday.Starttolimitscreentimethatcandistract theirbrainandmakeconcentrationatschoolmoredifficult.Put togetherahomeworkkitanddecidewhenandwherehomework willbedone(allowingforafterschoolclubs).
Gettingorganisedandputtingafewthingsinplacebeforethe newschoolyearwillmakeforaneasierstartinSeptember!
GailHugmanisproprietorofLessonsAlive(www.lessonsalive. com)andauthorofAShortandSimpleBookfortheWhy’s,100 ThingstoLearnbeforeyou’re10,plustherecentlypublished MakingthePenniesDrop,whichshowsparentsexactlyhowto teachkeyskillstochildren.
Homeworkpreparation
Planningforhomeworkbeforeschoolstartshelpsset expectations.First,decidewherethehomeworkwillbe doneandaskyourchildwhattheythinkwouldhelpthemto beorganised.
Prepareahomeworkkitinaboxordrawer.Thiscansave valuableminutesinabusyevening.Ithelpsyourchildfocus ontheirassignmentsratherthanspendtimesearchingfora pencil!Workonittogetherandputtheminchargeofmaking achecklist.Askthemtomakesureeverythinggoesback whenthey’vefinishedandletyouknowifthingswearoutor getlostandneedtobereplaced.
Olderchildrenmaybegivenasmallbudgetforessential equipmentwhichencouragesresponsibilityandorganisation.
Usefulitemsinclude:atimer–helpsbrainstostayfocused; pen;pencils;colouringpencils;eraser;pencilsharpener;ruler; dictionary;gluestick;scissors;protractor;Post-its;paper; counters;spellingpracticesheets;dice;string;holepunch; paperclips;plasticpocketsforwork;stressorjugglingballs; craftmaterials;water;backgroundcalmingmusic(optional!)
SUMMER HOLIDAYS
