Families Warwickshire July/August 2023 PRINT

Hello Summer!

Summer is finally here! And if you haven’t started planning fun things to do during the long summer school holidays, now is your chance.

This issue is packed with loads of fabulous ‘boredom busting’ ideas for projects to keep the kids busy - many are low cost or FREE and educational – plus there’s even ideas on ways in which your kids can use technology constructively!

Check out our top tips on how to prevent summer brain drain and helping your child with school transition in our Parenting section. And don’t miss our Family Food ideas to inspire the kids to get into the kitchen and make some simple family meals and healthy treats to keep everyone cool this summer!

Meanwhile, there’s loads of inspiration for family fun throughout Coventry and Warwickshire from food festivals, outdoor cinema and theatre and much, much more in our Summer What’s On guide. So, slap on the sun cream…it’s time to get out and about!

Look out for another Orchard Toys game giveaway – we haveNEWgames bundles to giveaway! Apply inside and you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Enjoy the magazine!

CONTENTS

Contact us

In this issue

4. Summer Fun

7. Clubs & Classes

8. What’s On

10. Schools

12. Parenting

14.

The paper used in this magazine is made with or contains forestbased materials from FSCcertified forests and its use will not have harmed forests.

Things for cool kids to do this summer

By Claire Winter

The long school holidays are here, the weather has perked up (hopefully) and there’s lots of fun to be had! Families Warwickshire has plenty of ideas to keep your kids busy all summer – and the good news is a lot of them are absolutely FREE!

Cool kids can…..

Explore a local forest or woodland with family or friends. Pack a delicious picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic beauty and organise a scavenger hunt to make the experience even more exciting.

Visit a different playground or splash park to keep cool on hotter days. It’s fun to venture further afield to add excitement and adventure to your child’s summer experience.

Put on a show or concert.

Think Britain’s Got Talent and The Voice combined; it’s a fantastic way to showcase singing or dancing and create lasting memories, particularly if you video their acts.

Become an extra pocket money generator. Get the kids to put their skills to use by offering to do chores for neighbours, friends and family.

Host a mini-Olympics. Come up with some quirky games and competitions that will get everyone’s blood pumping and having a blast while doing it.

Create a newspaper or magazine. Encourage your child’s writing skills – get them to come up with exciting articles, interesting stories and plenty of pictures. Your child can also practise their digital skills by using a computer or tablet.

Get fit. Be a #fitfam and promote a healthy lifestyle to your kids by going on a run or a

jog together. You’ll be staying active and you’ll be setting a great example for your children.

Sign up to a summer camp or workshop. Encourage your child to explore their passions and develop new skills. Not only will they have fun and make new friends, they’ll also gain valuable experience and knowledge that will benefit them in the future.

Learn to type. No more pecking like a T-Rex; get the kids to level up their keyboard game. With online typing lessons or software, they can improve their typing skills and impress everyone with their lightningfast fingers.

Explore the great outdoors and complete the National Trust’s 50 things to do before you’re 11¾. From building a den to climbing a tree, this list is packed with exciting activities that will challenge and inspire the whole family. Time to start ticking!

Be in charge for the day. Invite the children to plan an epic day out for your family. Get them to put on their planning hats and see what they come up withthe wackier the better.

Get creative in the kitchen and get the kids to make a delicious meal or snack. Be inspired by cuisines from other countries or take inspiration from a favourite TikTok chef or food influencer.

Be kind. Teach your kids the value of kindness by getting them to volunteer to hang out with some of the older generation or people in need in your community. They can chat, play games or even help with some household chores.

Be screen-free. Are you tired of the constant screen time battles with your kids? Challenge the whole family to disconnect and enjoy a device-free day! Spend time outdoors and try new activities. It’s a great way to recharge and create lasting memories together.

Have a water fight. Nothing beats an old-fashioned water fight with friends or family. Whether you use water balloons, water pistols or old washing up bottles, it’s a great way to beat the heat and have lots of fun at the same time.

Visit a pick-your-own fruit farm. Yes kids, fruit grows on bushes and trees! Picking your own can be a relaxing and rewarding experience. Many berries freeze well so you can stock up for puddings and breakfast toppers if your children’s enthusiasm means you have too much for today’s teatime.

Try wild swimming. Make a splash in a river, lake or the sea. Prioritise safety by choosing a safe and appropriate location, checking water conditions and always swim with a buddy or under adult supervision.

Visit a working farm. Farm life can be a fabulous adventure for younger children. Meet cute animals, learn how to milk a cow and help with chores like collecting eggs or feeding the pigs.

Get arty. Be inspired by Banksy and do some graffiti art with your kids or try other art projects like collages or mosaics. It is a great way to bond and unleash your inner artist!

Have fun on a budget

Summer is the perfect season to enjoy the great outdoors.

However, it can be a challenge to find fun and affordable activities. Luckily, there are some options that won’t break the bank. Check out local summer events, starting with our What’s On pages.

There are often free or low cost events held by local councils that can be both informative and entertaining, plus free-to-enter festivals and museums.

Have a garden campout

Pitch a tent in your garden and plan to spend the night under the stars with lots of pillows, story books, torches and snacks. Kids will love the sense of freedom, you’ll save money and it’s not far to ‘go home’ if they change their minds!

Have a day at the beach

Kids can enjoy building sandcastles, paddling in the sea and exploring rock pools. Getting there can be cheaper with a railcard or a coach. You can make it all part of the adventure.

Get the family outdoors

In today's fast-paced digital world, it's more important than ever to prioritise quality time with our loved ones and invest in our health and wellbeing. Getting the family outdoors and active is a fantastic way to achieve both. Not only does it strengthen family bonds, but it also promotes physical fitness, mental wellbeing and a love for nature.

Engaging in outdoor activities as a family brings countless benefits. It encourages children to develop a lifelong passion for fitness and instills healthy habits from an early age. Outdoor adventures provide an opportunity to disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature, fostering creativity and imagination. Additionally, regular physical activity reduces the risk of chronic diseases and boosts overall mental health, enhancing mood and reducing stress.

One event that perfectly combines family fun and physical activity is the Wolf Run. This thrilling and challenging obstacle course is designed for participants of all fitness levels, making it an inclusive experience for everyone. From running, crawling and climbing to splashing through mud and conquering obstacles, the Wolf Run offers an unforgettable day of excitement and adventure.

So, gather your loved ones and step outside together. Embrace the joy of outdoor activities, breathe in the fresh air and create lasting memories.

15% discount for Families Warwickshire Readers FMWOLF15. Book online at www.thewolfrun.com

Embrace the digital world

Are you looking for some fun and interactive ways to keep your kids entertained while also embracing the digital world? There are lots of options to choose from; just remember to set a timer and stick to it.

For starters, look for coding games or apps that can teach the basics of programming. Or try language learning. Duolingo (www.duolingo. com) has launched two new apps for children; Duolingo ABC for learning to read and Duolingo Kids which teaches Spanish, French and English. Both are free.

Another engaging activity for kids is creating their own videos. With the rise of YouTube and social media, they can use their creativity to make their own videos and share them with friends. By supervising where they post their videos, this activity can also be a lesson in online safety.

Finally, for those who love gaming, there are plenty of cool options. From Minecraft to Roblox, these games encourage kids to use their imaginations in creating their own worlds and adventures. Plus they boost their problem-solving skills.

Entertainment for the whole family

Discover a huge selection of mouth-watering food and drink, plus live music and great activities to keep the children busy this summer. There’s also lots of outdoor cinema and theatre on throughout Coventry & Warwickshire. Here’s some of our family friendly favourites.

Food Festivals Outdoor Theatre Outdoor Cinema

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men Coughton Court, Alcester

14 Jul Romeo and Juliet

Open Air Theatre

Hill Close Gardens, Warwick

15 Jul Dr Doolittle

15 Jul The Great Gatsby

Warwick Thai Festival

Warwick Racecourse, Warwick

8-9 Jul (10:30 – 18:00)

Nuneaton Food Festival

Queens Road, Nuneaton

16 Jul (10:00 – 17:00)

Balsall Common Food Fest 2023

Balsall and Berkswell Hornets FC, Balsall Common

29 Jul (13:00 – 21:00)

Kenilworth Food Festival

Warwick Road, Kenilworth

30 Jul (10:00 – 17:00)

Coventry War Memorial Park Food Festival

War Memorial Park, Coventry

13 Aug (10:00 – 17:00)

The Wizarding World on Waterside Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon

15-17 Aug (10:00 – 17:00)

The HandleBards

Coventry Cathedral

15 Jul A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Heartbreak Productions

Ryton Pools, Ryton-upon-Dunsmore

25 Jul David Walliams Bad Dad

Quantum Theatre

Caldecott Park, Rugby

27 Jul The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny

Heartbreak Productions

Hill Close Gardens, Warwick

1 Aug David Walliams Bad Dad

The Three Inch Fools

Charlecote Park, Warwick

4 Aug As you like it

5 Aug Robin Hood

Orchard Toys Giveaway

Outdoor Cinema

Warwick Racecourse, Warwick

26 Aug Grease (PG-13)

Adventure Cinema

Coombe Abbey Park, Coventry

26 Aug SING (PG)

27 Aug Matilda the Musical (PG)

28 Aug Encanto (PG)

Luna Cinema

Warwick Castle, Warwick

8 Sep Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (PG)

Performing arts

The performing arts is a wide and vibrant industry including theatre, music, dance, film making and more. With its many facets, the performing arts can open up a world of possibility for young people to develop and grow in an environment that is safe and supportive. By providing a platform for creativity, fostering confidence, and promoting a sense of connectedness and community, the performing arts play a vital role in shaping the lives of young people.

Be Confident

Confidence is fundamental to a young person’s development; it enables them to have a go, try new things and succeed and fail in a safe environment. The performing arts naturally helps young people build confidence as they practice routines, perform in front of fellow students, family and friends, and receive and act on feedback. All this work culminating in the thrill of performing for an audience, with the knowledge that they have built the skills to create great work.

Be Creative

Of course, the performing arts are an outlet for creativity! Whether learning a dance routine, acting in a play, or pitching a film idea, the performing arts gives young people an opportunity to use their imagination and express themselves. Flexing their creative muscles allows young people to think outside the box and find creative solutions to problems they encounter in their work but also in their everyday lives.

Be Connected

There are very few industries that rely on teamwork as much as the performing arts. Whether they are rehearsing, performing, or filming, the performing arts allows young people to connect with others who share their passion. Connecting with their peers, young people form bonds, deepen their empathy, and develop compassion for the world around them.

At The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, we believe that the performing arts can have a huge, positive impact on the lives of young people. Every week, our students learn new skills and make new friends though our three core modules, Comedy & Drama, Film & Television and Musical Theatre. Through our ethos of ‘Be Yourself, Be Amazing’ our students have the confidence to put themselves out there, the creativity to think differently and the community to feel supported whilst doing so.

www.pqacademy.com

Fun for all the family this Summer A guide to What’s On in Coventry and Warwickshire

School Holidays

Inspiring with Innovation British Motor Museum, Gaydon 21 Jul – 4 Sep

Get innovative this summer at the British Motor Museum. Meet the daring and dynamic ‘Car Designers’, build your own wind turbine and design a car of the future! Hands-on STEM fun for 2023 at 2022 prices. Book online. www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/families

Rugby Art Gallery & Museum

Rugby Town Centre

25 Jul - Sep

Professor Pumpernickel launches Super Summer at a FREE event on 28 Jul with his mind-bending science show at the Percival Guildhouse Gardens. Plus there’s so many great low-cost activities for children of all ages to get involved in over the summer holidays. Some are even FREE! See website for details. www.ragm.co.uk

Dinosaurs Alive!

Hatton Country World, Warwick

26 Jul – 4 Sep

The dinosaurs are back! Be amazed by state-of-the-art animatronics, puppetry and SFX. Enjoy daily dinosaur shows, activities and entertainment all summer. All included in your Hatton Adventure World admission. Plus with a full programme of Hatton’s usual animal, magic and play activities, there’s something for everyone. www.hattonworld.com/adventureworld

All Things Wild Honeybourne

Interact with fascinating animals, learn from expert keepers, enjoy a ride on the DinoTrain and explore the wonderful world of Dinosaurs.

www.allthingswild.co.uk

Astley Book Farm Bedworth

The largest second-hand bookshop in the Midlands. Browse books for the whole family then grab a refreshment and relax in the coffee shop & yurt. www.astleybookfarm.com

Compton Verney Warwick

Fantastic day out for all the family!

Explore 120 acres of parkland with fun, hands-on activities for children and adults to enjoy together. www.comptonverney.org.uk

Twycross Zoo Atherstone

Enjoy a family day out at the Zoo!

Explore the animal world and have fun, exciting encounters with over 500 animals, from 125 different species. www.twycrosszoo.org

Outdoor Fun

Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve

Coventry

Set in 220 acres and headquarters of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, the reserve has a wide variety of large pools, bird hides, woodland walks and wildflower meadows. www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Foundry Wood

Leamington Spa

Unique urban community woodland. Learn about woodland habitats and wildlife conservation. Plus a range of special events each month for all ages. www.foundrywood.co.uk

Hill Close Gardens

Warwick

Rare Victorian Gardens to explore with Children’s trail and garden. Regular special events and workshops throughout the year. www.hillclosegardens.com

Tinker | Make | Play Engineers

Coventry Transport Museum

Dates from 29 Jul – 2 Sep (see website for session details) Tinker about taking everyday items apart, make things using real stuff and play to explore engineering concepts with the family. All welcome. Book online. www.transport-museum.com

Lunt Roman Festival

Lunt Roman Fort, Baginton

26 – 27 Aug

The Romans return! The Lunt’s most spectacular event of the year, when the fort truly comes to life! Ideal family day out. Designed for 5-12’s but all welcome. www.luntromanfort.org

Summer Reading Challenge

Coventry & Warwickshire Libraries

Ready, Set, Read! Read six library books over the summer holiday and collect rewards along the way. Complete the challenge and you’ll receive a medal and certificate. Open to children ages 4-11, online or at your local library www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

National Trust Warwickshire

Visit one of our local National Trust properties: Baddesley Clinton; Coughton Court; Packwood House; Charlecote Park; Upon House and Gardens and Farnborough Hall. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Ryton Pools Country Park

Bubbenhall

Over 100 acres with miles of flat, surfaced footpaths perfect for bikes, plus two exciting adventure play areas, a visitor/education centre and a café. http://countryparks.warwickshire. gov.uk

Warwickshire Lavender Farm

Bubbenhall

Reopened 28 Jun for 28 days only! Don’t miss the chance for some beautiful family photos at the farm. Take a picnic or enjoy refreshments at The Lavender Café. www.warwickshirelavender.com

Get Active

Coventry City Walls Walk Broadgate, Coventry City Centre

Walk the route of the City Walls with a local Blue Badge Guide. Discover the stories behind their construction and what remains today. The walk is 2.5 miles and takes circa 3 hours. Families welcome, book direct with Verity. 23 Jul & 20 Aug, 14:00. www.ventureswithverity.co.uk

Go Ape Coventry

The best of high rope antics, axe throwing and mini-Land Rovers at Coombe Abbey for thrill-seeking adults and fun-seeking children. www.goape.co.uk

Jump In Warwick

The perfect place for families to burn off excess energy and enjoy some quality jumpin’ fun! www.gojumpin.com

Junior Parkrun

Leamington, Stratford-upon-Avon, Rugby, Coventry

A FREE, fun and friendly weekly 2K event for juniors (4-14 years old) Every Sunday at 9:00. Children must be able to complete the course without an adult. www.parkrun.com

Planet Ice

Coventry

Get down to the rink and skate for fun, learn to skate or book a party. www.planet-ice.co.uk

The Wave

Coventry

Grab your goggles and enjoy a family day out at one of the UK’s awardwinning indoor water parks in the heart of Coventry City Centre! www.thewavecoventry.com

Days Out Theatre

Redwings Horse Sanctuary

Oxhill

Home to 80 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys. Visit the animals and enjoy the café/gift shop. FREE entry and parking, donations appreciated. Booking required.

www.redwings.org.uk

Stratford Butterfly Farm

Stratford-upon-Avon

Walk amongst some of the world’s most stunning and colourful butterflies in a tropical rainforest setting, complete with fish-filled pools, splashing waterfalls and beautiful blooms.

Visit the newly opened ‘Rainforest Realm’ linking the Butterfly Farm to the rainforests of Belize and the ancient Maya civilisation. See a range of animals originating from the rainforests of Central America including Kenny the Spectacled Caiman and the NEW baby river turtles.

Get involved with Meet the MiniBeast handling and live demonstration sessions from 22 Jul – 3 Sep in the Discovery Zone.

www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

Belgrade Theatre Coventry

Zog

Wed 26 – Sun 30 Jul

Age recommendation: 3+

Hey Duggee

Thu 3 – Sun 6 Aug

www.belgrade.co.uk

The Albany Coventry

The Snail and the Whale

Mon 28 – Tue 29 Aug

Age recommendation: 4+

www.albanytheatre.co.uk

Royal Shakespeare Company Stratford-upon-Avon

Sat 1 Jul – Sun 27 Aug

FREE open-air theatre on weekends throughout July and August at The Dell, outdoor stage in Avonbank Gardens.

www.rsc.org.uk

Museums & History Events

British Motor Museum Gaydon

Explore over 400Britishclassic cars, take part in themed trails, experience touch screen exhibits and understand how a car works. Fun for all the family! www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

Coventry Transport Museum

Coventry

Visit the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles on the planet and learn about how Coventry changed the world through transport. www.transport-museum.com

Herbert Art Gallery and Museum

Coventry

The perfect place to delve into Coventry’s history and engage with art and culture. PLUS visit Dippy the Diplodocus fresh from the Natural History Museum. www.theherbert.org

Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden Kenilworth

Get outdoors and explore the mighty medieval keep, climb up Tudor towers, wander through a unique Elizabethan Garden and get hands on with history. www.english-heritage.org.uk

Lunt Roman Fort Nr Coventry

Explore the unique Roman Fortress, taking in the sites of the ramparts, the granary building and the world’s only known gyrus! www.luntromanfort.org

The MAD Museum

Stratford-upon-Avon

Interactwith artworks, contraptions and machines at the UK’s only Mechanical Art venue. An impressive collection of eccentric and ingenious creations. www.themadmuseum.co.uk

Mary Arden’s Farm

Stratford-upon-Avon

Families are welcomed back to Mary Arden’s Farm starting from 1 Jul every weekend until 3 Sep.Celebrate the legacy of Shakespeare’s First Folio. www.shakespeare.org.uk

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Stratford-upon-Avon

Discover the fascinating stories behind the world’s greatest storyteller across his family homes. www.shakespeare.org.uk

Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall Stratford-upon-Avon

Visit the 600-year-old building where William Shakespeare sat in the 1570s and wrote his first works and experience Tudor school life, dress, art and stories.

www.shakespearesschoolroom.org

St. Mary’s Guildhall / Tales of Tea Coventry

Visit this historical gem in the heart of the City. Discover its 700 year old history then feast with the family at Tales of Tea in the stunning vaulted Undercroft. Pre-booking required. www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk

Warwick Castle Warwick

Explore the castle towers and ramparts and over 64 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens. Don’t miss the biggest summer in history with live shows, events and extraordinary entertainment for all the family from The Realm of Zog to Wars of the Roses LIVE! Did you know you can also sleepover at the castle this summer? Book a short-break package and really make the most of your visit.

www.warwick-castle.com

Don’t Miss

Art in the Park Leamington Spa

5 – 6 Aug

The biggest FREE curated arts festival in the Midlands, Art in the Park, returns this August for its 10th year!

Set in the beautiful surroundings of Jephson Gardens and Mill Gardens over two days, visitors can expect live demonstrations from local artists and craftspeople showcasing their work with an opportunity to buy.

Throughout the festival grounds, there will be various SEND safe spaces as well as SEND activities for people of all ages. The festival will be fully accessible to varying abilities and for the first time this year there will be BSL accompanying all live music to make the festival inclusive for everyone.

In the lead up to this year’s festival, kids can take part in the creation of butterflies that will be on display during the festival. Supply kits and instructions can be picked up from Blenz Cafe or the Pump Rooms in Leamington Spa.

This summer, enjoy a fantastic day out with great food, live music, dance, theatre and fun art-based activities for all ages. From crafts to music to improv comedy there is a workshop/activity to keep both kids and parents entertained, making Art in the Park a great festival for the whole family.

For more information, please visitwww.artinpark.co.uk

Good Times Festival Mill Gardens, Leamington Spa

8 Jul

Live music, food and drink and FREE kids activities! A great way to spend a Saturday. Under 5’s go free. Familiy discounts available. Tickets on Eventbrite.

Funtopia Coombe Abbey, Coventry

26 Jul

The BIG Day Out for Little Kids! A funfilled festival specifically designed for under 10’s. High energy inflatables, role play areas, activity zones, family games, stage shows and more!

www.funtopiauk.co.uk

Warwick Folk Festival Castle Park, Warwick and Warwick Town Centre 27 – 30 Jul

Family friendly festival showcasing the best of traditional and contemporary folk music, singing, dancing, food, family entertainment and workshops.

Legendary Joust Kenilworth Castle

29 – 30 Jul (10:00 – 17:00)

Experience the exhilarating spectacle of speed and skill as four legendary knights compete for honour and glory in the Grand Medieval Joust. www.english-heritage.org.uk

Mizuiku Family Workshop: Wonderful Water

St Nicholas Park, Warwick

3 Aug (10:00 – 12:00)

Families with children aged 5-10 are invited to this FREE workshop by the banks of the river to learn all about the wonderful water. Book via Eventbrite. www.severnriverstrust.com

Draycote Water Summer Fair

Draycote Water, Rugby

11 Aug (10:00 – 16:00)

Enjoy a day of great food, live music, craft stalls, children’s games and lots more! FREE entry.

www.visitdraycote.co.uk

Dragon Slayer Warwick Castle

11-13 and 18-20 Aug

England’s greatest lost legend comes to life in this full-length theatrical nighttime event with epic projection mapping and spectacular fireworks. www.warwick-castle.com

Family Fun Day & Craft Fair

Brownsover Hall, Rugby

12 Aug (12:00 – 16:00)

Live music, children’s entertainment and food and drinks stalls, there’ll be plenty to keep the whole family occupied! FREE entry. www.brownsoverhall.co.uk

Warwickshire Pride Festival

Pump Room Gardens, Leamington Spa

19 Aug (11:00 – 18:00)

Family friendly festival celebrating LGBT+ life and culture. Expect a rainbow marketplace of stalls, live performances and entertainment, food and drink from around the world, fairground rides, a trans chillout zone, bi zone, youth tent, women’s tent, a quiet zone, dog show, family area and much more. FREE entry, all welcome.

www.warwickshirepride.co.uk

Knights’ Tournament

Kenilworth Castle

26 – 28 Aug (10:00 – 17:00)

Go back in time and get closer to the action as rival knights compete in the ultimate test of strength and skill at Kenilworth Castle's Knights’ Tournament.

www.english-heritage.org.uk

EcoFest 2023

Pump Room Gardens, Leamington Spa

2 Sep (10:00 – 17:00)

Celebrate everything eco! Learn more about how you can decrease your carbon footprint, increase your healthy eating and step outside more to explore beautiful local green spaces. Fun ‘have a go’ sessions, craft activities, local sustainable food and music on the bandstand. FREE entry.

www.warwickdc.gov.uk/ecofest

Wolf Run Junior

Leamington Spa

3 Sep

Children and teenagers can get a taste of the action and enjoy wild running and obstacles at Wolf Run Junior. Open to 7 - 17 year olds. The junior course is 3km long and can be completed once or twice. www.thewolfrun.com

Coventry schools get highest grades

Staff at four Coventry schools have had their work marked by school inspectors – and have achieved top grades all round.

Bablake & King Henry VIII Pre Prep, Bablake School and King Henry VIII School, have been scrutinised by the ISI inspectorate, which published its reports this month. Each of the four has been judged ‘excellent’ in all categories examined - academic and other achievements, and personal development.

The schools are all part of the Coventry Schools Foundation (CSF), and Chris Staley, Principal said that he was enormously proud of staff and pupils.

“Just look at the pace of development in AI,” he said. “We have to turn out pupils who are ready for a world of work which we can’t yet even imagine. We are going to be investing in IT in order to meet that challenge head on.”

The inspectors reported that Bablake School pupils achieved highly, and mainly at higher grades than expected in GCSE and A level exams, while enjoying pursuits such as Formula One racing teams, opera, and cricket tours.

The inspectors said that pupils “achieve highly in a wide range of subject areas,” and that staff “help ensure that every individual is valued.”

The

King Henry VIII meanwhile impressed inspectors with its robotics team, which represents the UK on the worldwide stage; grades beyond expectations; and pupil happiness.

report says “Pupils radiate cheerfulness and care for each other, in large part because of the priority attached by staff to their wellbeing.”

Preventing summer brain drain

By Jemma Z Smith

Summer holidays are fabulous but all too often the return to school in September can come as a bit of a shock to the system. How do you spell that word again? What’s that fractions rule? The feeling of forgetting everything is really common (for adults too!).

Here are some fun activities you can do over the long summer break to keep everyone’s minds in tip top condition and just as sharp as in term time.

Times table bingo

This can be a really good way of practising your times tables. There are lots of free and downloadable resources out there but essentially all you need is paper, pencils and perhaps a times table square that you can refer to.

While you’re in the maths zone, try making up dice games. For example, start with three or more dice and set challenges: can you roll a number higher than… an even number, a prime number or a number in a certain times table. The possibilities are endless. Assign points to the winner and make it as competitive as you wish!

Kim’s game

This is a popular memory game that you can play anywhere. Find ten objects and place them on a tray or picnic blanket. Everyone has a good look, then all but one person closes their eyes and an item is silently removed. Can the kids remember what has been taken? For variation, cover the tray and everyone has to try to remember the whole list of ten objects.

Story stones

This is a lovely, artistic way of keeping the kids’ imaginations and creativity firing. Firstly, you need to go on a walk and find some smooth pebbles suitable for painting on. The idea is then that each stone is used to paint a different section of a story. Acrylic paint or permanent markers are the best to decorate stones. The kids can even act out the story later.

Lights, camera, action!

Feeling dramatic? Encourage the kids to become a news broadcaster for the day! They can take on the role of a character and choose something that they want to talk about. Will it be scary or funny? Who will be the interviewee, the director, camera person and lighting technician? Then, of course, they will need to prepare a timed script and practise speaking clearly in front of an attentive audience.

Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel, www.educationhotel.co.uk

Combining activities

Turn a long walk into a treasure hunt. There are lots of downloadable online activities or you could make your own. Ideas include finding items which begin with a certain letter, a particular shape or colour.

Rainy days call for some baking – and some maths too! Can your child work out the correct ingredient amounts for a delicious recipe? How much more is needed to halve or double the number of buns?

Going on holiday? There are always lots of anagrams, sudoku puzzles and crosswords which will make long car journeys go much more quickly. These can be especially helpful for 11+ practice as they help to build up a rich vocabulary, help with verbal reasoning type activities and keep maths skills strong. Don’t forget board games. Counting steps on a board, rolling doubles, working with money in Monopoly and keeping score all keep children’s maths brains sharp. Filling a Scrabble board exercises word skills. Just make sure you have some good snacks at the ready to keep everyone happy when the competition gets fierce!

The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children ages 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday and collect rewards, such as stickers, on their way to receiving their Challenge certificate and medal.

The theme for this year is Ready, Set, Read! and the Challenge is being delivered in partnership with national children’s charity

The Youth Sport Trust and public libraries.

This year, the Challenge aims to keep children’s minds and bodies active over the summer break, empowering young people to forge new connections with others and unleash the power of play, sport and physical activity through reading.

The Challenge launched in libraries in England on 24 June and will continue through September.

More information at www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Help your child with school transition

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble

While moving to a new class or new school can be challenging for kids, most adapt to changes within the first few weeks as routines are established and new friendships formed. Preparation is a key component which can make a huge difference to the readiness of your child. At the same time, emotional resilience greatly helps children adapt to different environments, routines and social dynamics. So, how can parents support children through their journey of change and uncertainty?

Encourage open communication

Open communication is essential in helping children express their worries and concerns. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings and validate their emotions. Set aside dedicated time and spaces for these conversations. This can be as simple as the walk or drive home from school or over a snack at the end of the day.

Develop problem solving skills

Encourage your child to identify potential challenges and discuss possible solutions together. This will help them feel more prepared while developing their own problem-solving skills. Encourage your child to be open to new experiences, emphasising the importance of adaptability in overcoming challenges.

Model resilience

By modelling resilience you provide a powerful example for your child to follow, helping them develop the emotional strength needed to adapt to new experiences. Give examples of your own coping strategies, taking care to maintain a positive spin. Show your child that change is a natural part of life and discuss the exciting opportunities that the new academic year will bring.

Emphasise the importance of self-care

Establish healthy routines including regular sleep, exercise and healthy eating. Encourage participation in a range of out of school activities that they enjoy. This will help them better manage their own stress and maintain a positive outlook during times of change.

Celebrate success

Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s achievements and milestones during transition. Praising their ability to overcome challenges boosts confidence. Keep the open communication going so it becomes a habit. Children need to know you will always be behind them through and beyond their teens. Remain patient and understanding as each child’s experience is unique and developing emotional resilience takes time and practice.

Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with the insights, skills and tools needed to nurture the development and wellbeing of the next generation.

Starting primary school

Starting primary school can be an exciting yet daunting new chapter for you and your child. The most useful thing you can do is prepare them ahead of their first day:

Practise getting dressed, using the toilet, opening a lunchbox, using cutlery.

Play games which involve turn taking and social skills.

Help your child recognise their name so they can keep track of clothes and find their peg.

Acknowledge your own feelings and anxieties. This is the start of your child’s journey away from you and that can be challenging. Recognise this is normal but try to keep those emotions away from your child.

Talk about your child’s day, emphasising the positive but be ready to help them with any worries they might express. Make time to talk and listen.

Expect teething troubles and always speak to the teacher if you have particular concerns.

Transition to secondary

Moving up to secondary school is an exciting milestone involving significant changes. It’s a lot to go from being the oldest to the youngest, with much larger buildings, new teachers, subjects and classmates. To manage this rite of passage:

Talk to your child about how they are feeling and the differences that they will experience.

Focus on exciting opportunities eg new friends and activities. Encourage age-appropriate independence to prepare them for more responsibility.

Familiarity is a comfort. Look at the school website together, practise the journey, reach out to make new friends.

Encourage preparation. If your child has all their equipment/ uniform/books ready every day this will help the school day run more smoothly.

Keep your own worries under wraps.

Discuss phone use and online safety. Set digital boundaries and stick to them regardless of peer pressure.

Kids in the kitchen

Cooking empowers kids in the kitchen and gives them lifelong skills for when someday (not so long away), they’ll be preparing meals for themselves or their own families.

Give your child the opportunity to get creative in the kitchen with these two fun, easy and nutritious summer lunch recipes that they can make by themselves – or with a little help.

Chicken Caesar Salad Kebabs

Makes 6 skewers

Everything is more fun on a stick! This isn’t your typical salad lunch since all of the components are separate and you can choose to include what you like. Serve the kebabs with the easy, creamy home-made dressing for dipping and you have a seriously tasty lunch.

Get ready!

Grab a liquid measuring cup, a small bowl, a whisk or fork, a knife and cutting board, six small wooden skewers or paper lollipop sticks and measuring spoons.

Get set!

¼ cup (60ml) mayonnaise or plain greek yogurt;

2 tbsp (30ml) extra virgin olive oil;

1 tbsp (15ml) red wine vinegar or lemon juice;

½ tsp garlic powder;

½ tsp Dijon mustard;

½ tsp Worcestershire sauce;

2 tbsp (13g) grated Parmesan cheese;

Pinch of ground black pepper;

4 Romaine lettuce leaves;

2 slices focaccia bread or any bread;

1 (6–8oz [170–226g) cooked chicken breast (such as leftover cooked chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken);

8 cherry or grape tomatoes.

Go!

First, make the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan cheese and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use or pack in small containers.

Cut the lettuce, bread and chicken into bite-sized pieces or cubes. Cut the tomatoes in half. Place all of these ingredients onto six small skewers in any order you like.

Eat right away or pack the skewers into containers with some dressing on the side for dipping and store in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.

Mix it up!

Create different sandwich kebab combinations. Try hard-boiled egg, cheese cubes, rolled ham or turkey, bacon, cucumber chunks and different kinds of bread.

One Pot Mac and Cheese with Trees

Makes 4 servings

Are you obsessed with creamy, cheesy pasta? Me too! Ditch the box because you won’t believe how easy this mac is to make from scratch. You cook both the pasta and the sauce at the same time and in the same pot—it’s like a magic trick! If you don’t love broccoli, feel free to leave it out or stir in some frozen peas when you add the cheese at the end of the recipe. American cheese makes the sauce extra creamy but if you don’t have any, you can replace it with 1 more cup (113g) of shredded Cheddar.

Get ready!

Grab a large liquid measuring cup, a large pot, a wooden spoon and dry measuring cups and spoons.

Get set!

2 cups (480ml) whole or semi-skimmed milk;

1 cup (240ml) water;

½ tsp kosher salt;

2 cups (128g) elbow macaroni or small shell pasta;

2 cups (182g) frozen broccoli florets;

1 cup (113g) shredded Cheddar cheese;

3 slices American cheese, ripped into pieces.

Go!

In a large pot, add the milk, water and salt and place the pot over medium heat. Once the pot starts to bubble, stir in the pasta and turn the heat down to medium-low. Cook the pasta for five minutes, stirring often and making sure the pot doesn’t boil over. If the liquid starts to bubble up close to the top of the pot, turn the heat down more and keep stirring.

After five minutes, stir in the broccoli and cook for five minutes or until the pasta is tender.

Turn off the heat and add the Cheddar cheese and American cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Serve!

Chef’s tip. If using fresh broccoli for this recipe, use a small paring knife to cut small florets off the larger head of broccoli. You want all the florets to be roughly the same size so they cook in the same amount of time. Always supervise kids when using knives in the kitchen.

These delightful recipes are just two of many featured in the new book Kid Kitchen by Heather Staller, a trained culinary professional and parent of two. Reprinted with the permission of Page Street Publishing Co. 2023. Photos: Michelle Boule.

DIY blueberry and strawberry yoghurt ice lollies

We asked Emily Leary, multi-award-winning food, lifestyle and parenting writer, presenter, photographer and author of A Mummy Too (www.amummytoo.co.uk) to share her yummy fruit and yoghurt lollies recipe - the perfect summer cooler!

What Emily loves about these ice lollies is they’re so easy to make, taste delicious and are often a lot healthier than store-bought ones which can be pretty high in sugar or use a base that’s high in fat, colouring and preservatives.

The lolly has natural vanilla yogurt as the base, and is bursting with fruity flavour which means they’re not just super refreshing but wonderfully healthy too.

Now let’s get on with the mixing, freezing and eating!

Ingredients

Blueberries and strawberries:

70 g (2.47 oz) strawberries

160 g (5.64 oz) vanilla yogurt

40 g (1.41 oz) blueberries

Equipment

Chopping board

Kitchen knife

Weighing scales

Jug blender

Lolly moulds with sticks

Spoon

Prep Time: 15 mins

Freezing time: 8 hrs

Servings: 12

Calories: 68 kcal

Step

Mix the yogurt with the blueberries.

Step 5

Carefully spoon the yogurt mix into the moulds.

Place a lolly stick into each cup. Freeze for a minimum of 8 hours.

That’s it - after 8 hours remove your fruity yogurt lollies from the freezer and enjoy!

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Step 1

Slice the strawberries thinly, lengthways.

Step 2 Place sliced fruit around the inside of four lolly moulds.

3

Step 4