Upcoming Prep School Events
Well, it’s back to school already and soon the nights will start drawing in! So make haste while there are still pleasant days and plenty of daylight left and enjoy some family adventures. To entertain the kids, why not pick a family wild-life spotting walk to make the most of the great outdoors.
Don’t miss our article on apps and platforms to help your child with spelling as well as our selection of great graphic novels for reluctant – and other – readers.
Halloween is a favourite time of year for many children so to get them in the mood, don’t forget to download our spooky craft activity and take a look at our Halloween food, craft and sciencethemed special effects pages too!
Finally, in this issue, we have four great giveaways for our readers. Apply inside.
Education Early years Clubs & classes
Autumn make n’ do’s Best family walks for wildlife spotting
Halloween spooky science Fun Halloween craft
Competition winners from our May/June issue
Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE
Recognising a good state secondary school
By Melanie Sanderson
Choosing a secondary school is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make for your child. Very likely, your two priorities are whether your child will reach their academic potential and whether they will be happy there. Here are my tips on what to look for.
Hot-house or greenhouse?
Is the school educationally aspirational and how does this manifest? Look for relaxed and respectful teacher-pupil relations. They are key to successful learning. Is the library well-stocked and busy? Teacher recruitment and retention is challenging all schools. Ask pupils how often they have cover teachers.
Are pupils regularly assessed?
Performance measures such as Progress 8 are good indicators of how a school adds value as they measure academic attainment rates over time. Are there programmes to stretch the more academic children? What about those with special educational needs and disabilities?
Breadth of curriculum
The best state schools offer and value a broad liberal arts education beyond the standard curriculum. For instance, Bohunt School in Hampshire ‘blew the socks off’ the Good Schools Guide with immersion classes in Mandarin. Some of the best state schools
invest in top notch sports facilities and coaching, others have outstanding creative or performing arts spaces.
READ MORE
Apps and platforms to help your child with spelling
Spelling isn’t easy – sometimes even for grown ups! Luckily there are a wealth of tools available to help you and your kids with spelling.
First Words Deluxe
Ideal for toddlers who are just beginning to master letter sounds. Ages 3+. ios
Sir Linkalot
Helps memorise and recall the spelling of high frequency words. Ages 5+. ios & android
Spelling Shed
Popular in schools and great for competition between friends. Ages 5-11. ios & android
DoodleSpell
Tailors spelling exercises to suit a child’s strengths and weaknesses. Ages 5-11. ios & android
Squeebles Spelling Test
Create spelling tests with your choice of words. Ages 5-11. ios & android
Word Wizard for Kids
Great app for independent practice of spelling words. Ages 4-10. ios & android
Your Spelling
Focuses on the words needed for KS1 and KS2 SATs. Ages 5-11. ios
Night Zookeeper
Fun, engaging online programme that increases vocabulary and improves spelling. Ages 6-12. web
Spelling Hangman
Great for challenging your child and makes weekly spelling fun. Ages 4+. ios
Helping children with theory of mind
By Usha Patel
Back in 2007, a mum called Sarah told me of an incident involving her then 8-year-old son, Albi. Sarah had fainted in the bathroom of their small flat. As she was coming round, she called out for her son. He said: ‘Yes, I saw you.’ Sarah reported that Albi carried on playing without concern.
READ MORE
Overcoming failure and disappointment
By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble
Whilst studies show that children learn better when they experience failure, no parent likes seeing their child upset or disappointed. It feels right to help them avoid anything seemingly harmful they encounter, whether that be through distraction, bargaining or a quick credit-card swipe.
READ MORE
How to be great at spelling
By Zuzu Jordan
For children, learning how to spell isn’t just about passing school tests but also about being able to write words correctly in their extended writing. As adults, spelling is essential for effective writing in the professional world. So how can kids learn to spell well?
READ MORE
Caring for 2-4 year olds 7.45am to 6.00pm all year round
Good value, community childcare. All types of childcare funding, tax-free childcare and childcare vouchers accepted.
Get in contact, arrange a tour, or book your child’s space now!
enquiries@hornsdrove.uk 02380 737 207 www.hornsdrove.uk
hornsdrovehatchlings facebook.com/hornsdrovehatchlings
© Hallett Early Years Photography
Diversity & inclusion at Walhampton Prep
At Walhampton Prep School, inclusivity is more than just a buzzword; it’s a core value that permeates every aspect of their educational approach.
Walhampton believes in celebrating the unique qualities of each child, fostering a sense of belonging where students feel seen, heard and valued.
In recognition, Walhampton was chosen as the winner of the Muddy Stilettos ‘Most Inclusive Prep School’ award 2024, highlighting commitment through the delivery of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Action Plan.
Walhampton’s People of Power Group recently unveiled a new mural to celebrate diversity and inclusion and to highlight the progress made at Walhampton from the representation in the original 1958 mural. Each pupil and staff member was invited to add their fingerprint to the mural.
Find out more HERE.
Challenging children to be their best
The Gregg Prep School has a friendly and nurturing environment where children are comfortable to be challenged academically and personally. Whether it’s for the task at hand or stretching their knowledge in a familiar area, pupils are given opportunities to see how far they can progress.
This is achievable for all pupils from Year R to Year 6, thanks to small class sizes and the additional attention they receive from teachers.
The School believe that inspiring all ability groups and being inclusive is vital so that the same opportunities are given to all.
Pupils are encouraged to achieve their best, not only through classroom activities but also through their independent learning, when engaging in cocurricular activities (including visits and residential trips).
Find out more HERE.
Prince’s Mead awarded Eco-School Accreditation
Prince’s Mead has been awarded distinction in its latest Eco-School Green Flag assessment, recognising its exceptional commitment to environmental sustainability and education.
Initiatives that contributed to earning the Green Flag included
Partnering with a School in Uganda: pupils recently sent a donation package of uniform to the children at Central High School, in Kabale, who lack clothing and bedding.
Plant-based food: pupils are offered plant-based food options every day and seasonal vegetables, salad and herbs grown by the schools RHS accredited Gardening Club.
Conservation: pupils learn’t about conservation during their weekly outdoor learning sessions. From making fat balls to feed the birds to taking part in the RSPB’s Big Schools Birdwatch.
Find out more HERE.
School Open Events Autumn 2024
King Edward VI School
Southampton SO15 5UQ 02380 704561
Open Evening Fri 4 Oct 6-8.30pm
Call or book HERE.
Prince’s Mead School
Winchester SO21 1AN 01962 888000
Open Day Fri 11 Oct 10am
Call or book HERE.
St Swithun’s
Winchester SO21 1HA 01962 835792
Senior and Sixth Form
Sat 5 Oct 9am
Pre-School, Pre-Prep and Prep Open Afternoon Fri 8 Nov 1.30pm
EYFS Afternoon Fri 11 Oct 1.30pm
Call or book HERE.
The Gregg Prep School
Southampton SO17 1EJ 02380 557352
Open Mornings
Wed 25 Sep 9.30-11.30am
Wed 13 Nov 9.30-11.30am
Senior School Activities
Morning Sat 21 Sep
Senior School Open Evening Thu 3 Oct
Call or book HERE.
Walhampton School
Lymington SO41 5ZG 01590 613300
Open Morning Fri 11 Oct
Call or book HERE.
Graphic novels for reluctant readers
Graphic novels can really encourage those kids who don’t embrace reading – and are great for those who do too! Take a look at our selection below.
Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson
Follows the friendship between an awkward girl and a unicorn. Ages 7+.
InvestiGators by John Patrick Green
Comic strip format. This is a wordplay-packed cartoon! Ages 7+.
Wonder Woman by Lisa Yee
Female friendship and bravery in this riproaring, crime-fighting adventure. Ages 9+.
Bumble and Snug and the Angry Pirates by Mark Bradley
Great for independent reading Ages 5+.
Cowgirls and Dinosaurs by Lucie Ebrey Crime fighting adventure. Ages 9+.
The Pavee and the Buffer Girl by Siobhan Dowd Great sensitivity and storytelling. Ages 10+.
Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth by Judd Winick Well-told, gripping scifi story, colourful action and comedy. Ages 6+.
Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
Explores empathy, kindness and persistence. Ages 7.
Meesh the Bad Demon by Michelle Lam
First story in a fantasy graphic series. Fun and fast-paced. Ages 8-12.
Dealing with toddler tantrums in public
Understanding toddler tantrums better
Recognise tantrums are a normal part of child development. Identify triggers like hunger, tiredness or frustration.
Know that toddlers lack the emotional regulation skills to handle intense feelings.
Understand that public settings can be overwhelming for toddlers.
Managing tantrums in public
Stay calm and composed; don’t react emotionally.
Acknowledge your child’s feelings and offer comfort.
Use distraction techniques, like showing them something interesting.
Keep interactions brief and avoid lengthy explanations. Move to a quiet place if possible.
Preparing for public outings
Plan outings around your toddler’s schedule.
Bring snacks and toys to keep your toddler occupied. Set simple rules and expectations before going. Be prepared to leave if necessary.
Practise patience and stay calm.
Post-tantrum strategies
Praise good behaviour once they calm down.
Discuss the tantrum calmly at home later.
Reinforce positive behaviour with rewards.
Teach emotional regulation skills through practice. Maintain consistency in your responses.
Boost your child’s confidence with a FREE Perform class
As the buzz of the new school year begins, why not enrich your child’s after-school routine with something truly special. Perform’s dynamic classes are expertly crafted to enhance your child’s confidence, concentration, communication and co-ordination – skills that complement their academic journey. Sessions are packed with drama-based games and activities which allow reserved children to come out of their shell whilst energetic children have the perfect outlet to express themselves.
‘My son is extremely shy, socially anxious and self-conscious but he LOVES Perform. I’m so grateful to the teacher for making my little boy feel so happy and valued!’
‘The teaching team are truly amazing. They have had such a positive impact on my children’s confidence levels.’
This term, ages 4-7 are off to Outer Space on an intergalactic adventure with the Sparkly Spaceman and the Man on the Moon! While ages 7-12 will enjoy a groovy Greek extravaganza in The Hercules Beat, where Hercules gets everyone dancing to stay fit.
Try a FREE class, book HERE. More about Perform’s weekly classes
Confidence building weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-7s and 7-12s, designed to boost
NEW class in Hedge End Sept 2024
confidence, communication, concentration and co-ordination.
Book a FREE class in one of the following venues, HERE, EMAIL or call 020 7255 9120.
NEW Hedge End: Underhill Centre
Ages 4-7, Tuesday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Tuesday at 5pm
Chandlers Ford: Chandlers Ford Methodist Church
Ages 4-7, Monday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Monday at 5pm
Lymington: St Thomas Church Hall
Ages 4-7, Monday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Monday at 5pm
Romsey: United Abbey Reform Church
Ages 4-7, Tuesday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Tuesday at 5pm
Southampton: Highfield Church Centre
Ages 4-7, Wednesday, 4pm & 5pm & Ages 7-12, Wednesday at 6pm
Winchester: Holy Trinity Parish Church
Ages 4-7, Thursday 4pm & 5pm & Ages 7-12, Thursday at 6pm, Saturday at 2pm
Autumn make n’ dos
How about some great autumn activities that truly celebrate the wonderful colours and beauty of this season? From playing with shiny conkers to leaf rubbing, there’s something for everyone!
Acorn owl
MAKE HANGING PUMPKINS FOR A TWIG TREE
We asked our friends at Hobbycraft for a spectacularly spooky Halloween craft activity for parents to do with their kids and they’ve come up with these cute pumpkins to hang on a twig tree.
DOWNLOAD HERE
Best family walks for wildlife spotting
We asked our friends at The Outdoor Guide to recommend some of the best UK ‘walks on the WILD side!’
Somerset Levels
Later this year, one of the wonders of the natural world will return to the Somerset Levels - the starling murmurations. Thousands of starlings come to roost here amongst the reedbeds. The peak season is November to February.
The Needles, Isle of Wight
With views out across the English Channel, you may glimpse a pod of dolphins that have become regular visitors here. Surrounded by the sea, this walk also gives you the chance to see marine birds including gannets and shearwaters. This is a longer walk so do consider your child’s age and capabilities.
Regency Walk, London
Even in the heart of London you can go for a walk to see some amazing wildlife. The Regency walk takes you past St James’s Park - well worth a detour to observe the abundant birdlife living on the lake - you might see the pelicans that live there too!
Petworth Park, West Sussex
The deer park in Petworth, West Sussex, is home to between seven and eight hundred fallow deer. The lake also offers the chance to see various ducks and geese.
If you’re a National Trust member, pop into the cafe afterwards for a well earned cuppa and slice of cake.
© Holly Barber
© Holly Barber
© The Outdoor Guide
© Holly Barber
Best family walks for wildlife spotting
We asked our friends at The Outdoor Guide to recommend some of the best UK ‘walks on the WILD side!’
Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Dorset
Brownsea Island is a haven for wildlife including red squirrels. Dorset Wildlife Trust also has some hides on the island where you can get glimpses of the resident and visiting birdlife that migrates here during winter.
Blakeney Point, Norfolk
Show your kids wild seals - the Norfolk coastline is a great place for it!
There are colonies of grey and common seals that can be seen on the tidal sands, as well as migratory birds including redshanks, oystercatchers and avocets. This is a long walk though so best for older children.
National Trust Charlecote Park
The grounds of Charlecote Park, on the outskirts of Stratford upon Avon, has been home to a herd of fallow deer for centuries. Legend has it that William Shakespeare was prosecuted for poaching deer from here!
Richmond Park, London
During the autumn, male deer show prowess by clashing antlers with their rivals. Watch the deer rut in Richmond Park in London, home to fallow and red deer. Remember, keep a respectful distance and ensure dogs are on leads. This is a 7-mile circular walk so will only be suitable for older children.
© Holly Barber © Holly Brega
© Terry Whittaker
© Holly Brega
Spooky Halloween science
Create some ghostly, glowing and ghoulish Halloween effects at home with these simple science ideas.
Ghost rocket
Made with simple ingredients which react to propel your ghost to fly.
Halloween lava lamps
Use simple ingredients which react eerily to create magical lamps.
Dancing ghosts
Learn about static electricity by creating ghosts that move by themselves.
Make a galaxy in a jar
Recreate the wonders of the night sky in a jar of magic.
Luminous drinks
Discover the weird effect on some drinks when exposed to UV light.
Ghostly glowing eggs
Examine the spooky reaction that occurs between vinegar and egg shells.
Ghost slime
Make slime that is icycold to touch with just a few ingredients.
Blow up a pumpkin balloon
Using simple science, blow up a pumpkin balloon without touching it.
Fake blood
Add authenticity to a Halloween costume with this concoction.
Fun Halloween craft projects
So much of the excitement of Halloween is in the anticipation, in choosing a costume and decorating the house. Here are some great Halloween craft ideas which will add to the fun.
Halloween sensory surprise box
Ghost leaves
paper plate spider’s web
CBeebies Trick or Treat bags Rock Skulls
Halloween fuse beads decorations
Easy paper craft ghosts
Threading
Halloween bat
Pumpkin pinata
Delicious Halloween delights
It’s not Halloween without some themed food and there’s as much fun in the making of it, as in the eating! Get the kids in the kitchen helping with some of these ideas.
Watermelon Jacko’-Lantern
Scary Halloween jelly
Sticky toffee apples
Spider pizzas
Skeleton biscuits
Mummy hot dogs
Frozen banana ghosts
Pumpkin Rice Krispie treats
Monster burgers
Funny videos to get the kids laughing
In the often-stressed lives of parents it can be challenging to be playful and share laughter with our kids. So, for the moments when you can’t do this, keep these funny videos up your sleeve!
Kids’
jokes
The Bounce Patrol gang tell family-friendly jokes for kids of all ages.
Topsy and Tim funny moments
Topsy and Tim pick favourite funny moments from the popular CBBC show.
The Great Cookie Caper
Children’s soft toys play characters in this humorous tale of missing cookies.
The Terrible Plop Funny rhyming story by Ursula Dubosarsky, read aloud.
Farm
animals
A video with farm toys playing, jumping and making silly, funny sounds.
Tiny Dog, Big Stick Watch Bosco the Dachshund navigate a park in London.
The Duck Song Funny story about an annoying duck and a lemonade stand.
Talking
twin babies
Your kids (and you) will be in hysterics watching these chatterboxes.
If You Laugh I’m Starting this Book Over
Riotous read-aloud book that insists listeners must not laugh.
2025 Top family holiday destinations
We asked Ashley Lutz from Travel Counsellors to pick some family holiday ideas for 2025 and here’s what she came up with.
Switzerland
Exciting museums, snow parks & slopes, actionpacked rope parks, toboggan runs, pristine lakes/rivers.
Mexico
The Rivera Maya (btwn Cancun & Tulum) is perfect for a family beach holiday.
Abu Dhabi
Great for kids’ activities and winter sun, good value, relaxing, lovely beaches.
South Africa
Spot the Big Five on safari! Plus, great beaches and adventure activities.
USA
From theme parks to surfing, tailor-make your holiday and create something unique.
Sri Lanka
Stunning landscapes and beaches, bustling cities, culture, wildlife, summer or winter.
Iceland
In Reykjavík: restaurants, loads of children’s activities. Northern Lights, whales, live volcanoes.
Croatia
Enjoy an off-the-beatenpath holiday with quaint villages and secluded beaches.
Slovenia
Active holiday with a twist! Lakes, mountains, beach and national parks.
Hama Beads Gabby’s Dollhouse Maxi Tubs
Dollhouse
Feed, clean, play with and look after your pet – and see what character you develop
5 bundles available –
2 pets per bundle
