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Welcome to our first issue of 2025!
Firstly I would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year. I hope 2025 is a happy and healthy one for you and your family.
As we kick-off the New Year, this could be a great time to think about doing something more rewarding with any spare time you may have. Have you ever considered volunteering? HomeStart in Suffolk are looking for more volunteers to provide practical and emotional support to Suffolk families. Or maybe this is the year you get more active. Abbeycroft have some great advice for getting the whole family fit and healthy on page 9.
We also have some helpful advice from our Family Law experts at Bates Wells & Braithwaite, and a great Education feature.
I hope you enjoy.
Best Wishes Stacey Phillips 3-6 7-8 9 11 12-16
IN THIS ISSUE:
What's On Community Active Families Family Law Education
4. If you have a reluctant child, explain that it’s important and fun to try new things, but don’t insist.
to try new things, but don’t insist.
5. Remember that moving from one activity to another is normal amongst children.
5. Remember that moving from one activity to another is normal amongst children.
6. Always consider the benefits of an activity.
6. Always consider the benefits of an activity. For instance, there’s great value in discipline-based activities Ensure staff members are professionals with relevant skills
usefulness, e.g. drumming lessons might be cool, but the
14 February – 31 May 2025 l Free admission
At The Hold, Ipswich Waterfront
Departures explores emigration from Suffolk to all across the globe throughout history. Including early colonists arriving in America, the excitement of the Gold Rushes, and ‘Ten Pound Poms’ leaving for Australia.
The exhibition will uncover personal stories of emigrants from Suffolk. Why did they leave? What did they experience?
What is the legacy today of over 400 years of emigration from Suffolk?
To book tickets, please scan the QR code or visit: www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/whatson
This half term come and travel the world through family friendly crafts. At The Hold and selected Suffolk libraries. Find out more at: www.suffolkarchives.co.uk
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S w i m M e m b e r s h i p f r o m £ 3 1 . 1 0 p e r m o n t h
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Suffolk Family Support Charity Hosts Nearly New Sale
Every parent knows that baby and toddler items don't stay new for long. Whether it’s clothing, toys, or nursery furniture, little ones grow fast — but that doesn’t mean the items they’ve outgrown should go to waste.
That’s why Home-Start in Suffolk are excited to invite you to their Baby & Toddler Nearly New Sale - a fantastic event where you can shop, save, and support local families all in one go! Taking place on Saturday 22nd March at Moreton Hall Community Centre, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 7EE, from 10am to 1.30pm.
You'll find amazing bargains on nearly new baby and toddler clothing, toys, books, equipment and more - all at unbeatable prices. The best part is, all proceeds from this event will go directly towards supporting Suffolk families, helping to make a real difference in our community.
Supporting Home-Start in Suffolk
This event is more than just a chance to shop - it’s an opportunity to give back to families in need. Home-Start in Suffolk is dedicated to supporting parents and carers with children under 12, offering practical and emotional support during difficult times. Through weekly home visits, telephone and virtual calls, and regular community groups, HomeStart helps families build resilience, grow in confidence, and strengthen their relationships with their children.
By attending the sale, you are directly supporting HomeStart in Suffolk and the vital work they do in our community. The funds raised will go towards providing non-judgmental, professional friendship and support to families who may be struggling, ensuring they get the help they need to thrive.
Interested in Selling?
Having a post Christmas clearout and want to make some extra cash? This is your chance to sell your nearly new baby and toddler items! Stalls cost just £20 and bookings can be made through the website: www.homestartinsuffolk.org, or emailing: events@homestartinsuffolk.co.uk.
Do you run a local baby or toddler business?
Suffolk Baby & Toddler businesses are also invited to be part of this exciting event. If you’re a local business that caters to young families, why not consider having a stand or supporting the event through sponsorship. Please contact Home-Start for more details. Email: events@homestartinsuffolk.co.uk
This is a fantastic community event that brings together families, supports a meaningful cause and promotes sustainability. Please also follow Home-Start in Suffolk on social media for regular updates about this event.
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?
The Home-Start in Suffolk Nearly New Sale is not only focused on raising funds to support local families, it's also a great opportunity to connect with people who may be interested in giving back through volunteering.
Home-Start in Suffolk relies on the dedication and kindness of volunteers to help provide vital support to families in need. If you’re looking for a rewarding way to make a difference, please visit their volunteer information stand during the sale to learn more about how you can get involved. Their friendly staff will be happy to answer your questions and provide information about how volunteering with Home-Start can be an incredibly fulfilling experience.
For more informaton about volunteering, please visit: www.homestartinsuffolk.org or call today on: 01473 621104.
SATURDAY 22ND MARCH 2025 10AM - 1:30PM
Making Fitness Accessible CIC - Supporting childen & young people to become
active through inclusive and accessible physical activity projects.
In a world that can often feel overwhelming, young people with cognitive, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and physical challenges deserve a safe, nurturing space where they can thrive.
The Sensory Gym, nestled within the innovative Therapy Gyms facility, provides just that—a transformative haven designed to enhance fitness, mental health, and overall well-being for these extraordinary individuals.
At the heart of the Sensory Gym lies a commitment to inclusion. Every piece of equipment, every activity, and every corner of this space has been carefully curated to cater to diverse abilities and needs. From soft play areas that encourage exploration and physical engagement to sensory-rich environments filled with calming lights, sounds, and textures, this area is a playground of possibility. Its design encourages
movement, fosters confidence, and builds essential motor and social skills in a way that feels fun and empowering.
“We love being here... and she gets so much support from the team.”
Mrs
A B
It’s a special place...
The benefits extend far beyond physical activity. For young people with SEND, the Sensory Gym allows them to engage with the world in ways they might not otherwise experience. Experienced, trained staff are on hand to guide and support, ensuring every visit is productive and tailored to individual needs. Whether it’s a child taking their first steps toward improved mobility or a teenager finding solace in a quiet sensory corner, these moments are catalysts for growth.
A stimulating, safe, exercise space for people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
You can book a private slot or instructor led session through the Making Fitness Accessible website. Siblings and health care teams are invited to attend too. All ages are welcome.
To find out more and arrange a taster session just call, email or visit our website.
Therapy Gym, Unit 4, Holton Park, Holton St Mary, Colchester CO7 6NN Call: 01206 692524 email: matt@makingfitnessaccessible com or visit our website: www.makingfitnessaccessible.com
What truly sets the Sensory Gym apart is its holistic approach. It’s not just about improving fitness—it’s about enriching lives. The Sensory Gym fosters friendships, strengthens family bonds, and builds a bridge between therapy and play. Parents and caregivers often remark on the joy they see in their children’s eyes after a session, a testament to the profound impact this space has on their lives.
Now more than ever, facilities like the Sensory Gym are needed to provide those at the centre of the support network, an accessible, safe environment. They remind us that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their potential in an environment that celebrates their unique abilities.
Therapy Gyms has truly redefined the concept of fitness and therapy for young people with disabilities. It’s a space where limitations are challenged, potential is unlocked, and every achievement—no matter how small—is celebrated.
The Sensory Gym invites families, educators, and healthcare providers to explore its facilities and discover the transformative impact it can have on young lives.
Visit the Therapy Gyms website: makingfitnessaccessible. com or call: 01206 692524 to book a free taster session to see how this exceptional space is changing the narrative for people with disabilities.
The new year is a perfect opportunity to focus on getting your family fit and healthy, setting
stage for long-term health and wellbeing.
Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, increase energy, or simply feel stronger, it all starts with small, consistent changes.
First, set clear, achievable goals that align with your lifestyle and then break them down into manageable steps, such as incorporating 30 minutes of exercise a day or cutting down on processed foods. Even simple things like walking to school, work or the shops instead of taking the car.
Exercise and activity is key, and the best routine is one that combines both cardiovascular activity (where you raise your heart rate slightly) and strength training with either weights or your own body weight. Cardiovascular exercises like walking, running, cycling, or swimming boost heart health, while strength training helps build muscle mass, improve metabolism, and prevent injury. Try to find activities that you enjoy, making it more likely you'll stick with them.
Nutrition is equally important. Prioritise whole, nutrientdense foods—fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains—while limiting added sugars and processed snacks. Hydration plays a huge role in health, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Remember, health is not just physical; it’s mental, too. Practice mindfulness, manage stress and get enough sleep to allow your body to recover and thrive.
Starting your fitness journey in the new year can be exciting and motivating, but it’s the consistency and dedication that leads to lasting results. Keep track of your progress, celebrate your successes, and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. With patience and commitment, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, fitter version of yourself.
TOP TIPS
Don't fall into the New Year trap and
Start slowly and build up your activity
Set realistic goals.
Find something you enjoy doing.
Exercise should never be a chore, it’s a gift.
Rest days are equally as important as workout days.
Walk more.
Chart your progress and be kind to yourself if you skip a workout.
Exercise as a family - it’s addictive and you will motivate each other.
Whether
When a young person transitions from being a child to a teenager, they can face new challenges which may affect the way they feel, sometimes causing low mood and in some cases anxiety or depression.
Changes in hormones and moving up to high school can be just a couple of the causes for this and we understand that as a parent, guardian or carer, it can be difficult to know what to say or how to offer support.
The Public Health and Communities Team at Suffolk County Council are proud to be launching a new campaign which supports parents and carers of young people in Suffolk to know where they can turn for help. The Support Squad campaign showcased on the Healthy Suffolk website offers information about FREE workshops and webinars designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence needed to assist the young person in your life. Additionally, it provides valuable information, advice, resources, and links that you can share with the young people you care about.
The Stress of Christmas Can See a Change in the New Year For Many Families
Family Law Partner Denise Head discusses the difficulties of family separation.
Let’s be clear. The festive season is often seen as a time for joy and togetherness, but for many families, the pressure of Christmas can take its toll. Financial strain, heightened expectations, and unresolved tensions can lead to a breaking point during what’s meant to be a celebratory period. It’s no surprise then, that January sees a notable increase in divorce enquiries, with the first working Monday of the year often dubbed “Divorce Day.”
For some, the New Year brings clarity about the need for a fresh start. However, deciding to separate or divorce is a significant step and one that should not be taken lightly. Family stresses are heightened at Christmas, but it’s important to determine whether these issues are temporary or reflective of deeper concerns. Exploring options like relationship counselling, may provide valuable insight before making any permanent decisions.
If separation or divorce does feel like the right path, taking early legal and financial advice is crucial to help navigate the process effectively. The introduction of no-fault divorce in 2022 has made it easier for couples to part ways without assigning blame, but the financial aspects remain complex and deeply personal. Decisions around property, savings, and future arrangements for children require careful consideration, which is why consulting a family lawyer early on is so important. At Bates Wells & Braithwaite, we understand how difficult and emotional this time can be. Our experienced family law team offers compassionate guidance to help you make informed decisions. To support you in taking the first step, we provide an initial fixed-fee appointment where we’ll discuss your situation and outline your options.
So if the stresses of Christmas have left you contemplating separation or divorce, contact us today. We’re here to help you find the best path forward for you and your family. Contact us on: T: 01473 219282 or email: mail@bates-wells.co.uk www.bates-wells.co.uk
your family
Providing legal advice when you need it most
RESOLVING DISPUTES:
• Divorce & separation
• Financial & property issues
• Pension agreements & entitlements
• Family mediation
• Children & social care
• Pre-nuptial/living together agreements
• Civil partnerships
• Same sex relationships
Where every pupil
develops
At Framlingham we believe in the individual. There is no typical Framlinghamian, no singular path that we take. Often, we are many things within one. Every pupil is valued for who they are.
Our Nursery and Pre-Prep, from ages 2 - 7, aspires to create independent learners who are curious about the world around them. We aim to ensure children retain that confidence, curiosity and desire to learn all the way through their education. We have immediate or 2025 places available.
START YOUR CHILD’S JOURNEY TODAY
Join us for an Open Day, Stay and Play session or arrange a personal visit to experience Framlingham College for yourself.
PREP SCHOOL OPEN MORNINGS
Friday 07 March 2025
Bank Holiday Monday 05 May 2025 10:00 - 13:00
STAY AND PLAY SESSIONS (AGES 2 - 7)
Valentines Crafts - Saturday 15 February 2025
Easter Crafts - Saturday 22 March 2025 09:30 - 11:00
To register or learn more, scan the QR Code or visit framlinghamcollege.co.uk/openmornings , email admissions@framlinghamcollege.co.uk or call 01728 727217
The value of an independent school education
By Louise North Principal, Framlingham College
With the imposition of VAT on school fees, many parents are taking stock as to whether the choice they had made for their child is still worth it, given the extra toll that it will take on their finances.
The vast majority of independent school fee paying parents are not awash with cash. Instead, they are dual income families where careful calculations have been done and sacrifices and compromises made, to ensure that they can manage the fees. They have chosen to invest in independent education instead of buying a holiday home or a second car, but now, they are having to revisit this choice and question its worth.
As Principal of Framlingham College, I know that independent school education is absolutely the right choice to make if you have the financial capacity to do so. And yes, the sacrifice and compromise are worth it. Never has it been so imperative for independent schools to shout about the good that they do and the tangible and intangible impact that they have on young people and their wider community. As our future leaders, we must invest and there is no better investment to make in the future than in your child’s education.
But what is it that makes independent education worth it? Independent schools ensure the time, resource and expertise to develop each child as an individual. At Framlingham, we know each child well from the systems in place that allow us to do so. Around each child there is a scaffold of support, from Housemaster/Mistress to tutor, from the medical team and our counsellors to the chaplain, from the teachers in the classroom to the coaches on the sports field. House structures lend themselves to a close relationship with House staff. The tutor system means that each child is known and understood. Our staff are genuinely interested in each young person, their individual character, personality, hopes, dreams and ambitions. It is these close relationships and the subsequent understanding of each child that brings reassurance to parents, who are often busy in their professional lives, to ensure the best possible start for their child in a world which is increasingly complex and demanding.
A happy child will thrive, so creating an environment where a child feels safe, supported and nurtured is paramount. In independent schools, pastoral care comes top of the list. Young people have always needed guidance and support as they navigate their way through the choppy waters of adolescence, but never more so than today. Independent education teaches young people to be kind to themselves and to others, and the rhythm of an independent school week, particularly in a boarding school, allows them time to take the lid off the pressure cooker. Wellbeing sessions and mindfulness, are weaved into the week to encourage young people to take time to reflect, find ways to relax and be calm. These are not added extras, rather they play an integral part in any young person’s education.
Developing a love of learning, intellectual curiosity and a spirit of enquiry in every child is central to independent education. Independent education allows more flexibility and creativity in the academic curriculum, and focus is placed on deepening knowledge alongside the development of skills. Academic achievement and flourishing come as a result of this supportive, inspiring and aspirational environment. I would go as far as to say it is a byproduct of the outstanding educational provision, rather than the goal in itself. Instead, the priority for independent schools is to develop good human beings, capable of embracing the uncertainty that lies ahead without fear and with confidence. This confidence develops over time, and it is important to say that it is confidence, not arrogance, that our young people possess when they leave. Discovering things about themselves through the vast co-curricular offering in an independent school is essential to their learning. As well as team sport, drama productions, and musical ensembles, independent schools like Framlingham give young people the chance to learn about sustainability, beekeeping, how to knit, play chess, fly drones, and robotics. Leadership, teamwork, collaboration and effective communication are all skills developed through their experiences on Duke of Edinburgh award expeditions and night exercises with the Combined Cadet Force. Co-curricular activities play a formative part in the development of each young person and independent education recognises the value in learning both within and beyond the classroom.
Independent education is a choice that parents make, and schools take seriously to deliver the high-quality product that parents are paying for. Framlingham delivers an exceptional, forward thinking, relevant and dynamic education and the imposition of VAT will not change this. In fact, in the face of such opposition to our educational ethos and values, our commitment to the young people in our school simply strengthens.
Independent education should not be misrepresented as an unnecessary extravagance or indulgence of the super-rich. Rather, it is a choice that hard-working parents are making because in doing so, they are investing in the single most important thing in their lives: their child.
Ipswich School Retains Top Spot as Suffolk’s Best Independent School for the 9th Consecutive Year
Ranked among the top 10 independent schools in East Anglia by The Sunday Times Parent Guide 2025
Ipswich School is thrilled to announce that it has been ranked as the top independent school in Suffolk for the ninth consecutive year, as revealed in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide. The school is also proud to be the only institution in Suffolk and Norfolk to make the prestigious Top 10 Independent Schools in East Anglia. Additionally, Ipswich School has risen 10 places nationally, moving from 126th to 116th in the national rankings, further highlighting the school’s continued academic excellence and progress.
Commenting on this remarkable achievement, new Head Nick Gregory, who took the helm in September, said: "2023/24 was an extraordinary year for Ipswich School in lots of ways: our Girls' Cricketers winning two national competitions, a String Quartet enjoying success at a similar level, and a change of Head at the year-end as well. That we should now get this level of recognition too - based, as these tables are, on the exceptional exam performance of our pupils (notably the 84% A*, A and B at A Level) - is just an additional boost and a further reminder of the incredible range of our pupils' academic and co-curricular achievements. We are very proud indeed to be recognised - once again - as Suffolk's #1 school."
The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2025, released in December 2024, is widely regarded as the most authoritative ranking of the UK’s highest-achieving secondary schools. This year’s edition provides a comprehensive analysis of school performance based on A-level and GCSE results from Summer 2024, offering parents an essential tool for making informed choices about their children's education. As one of the most trusted resources for parents, the Parent Power Guide allows readers to compare individual school performance across regions, making it easier to identify the very best in independent education.
This prestigious accolade is a testament to the unwavering commitment of Ipswich School’s students, staff, and the strong support from its parents and wider community. It underscores the exceptional quality of education and the holistic development that the school provides - whether through academic achievement, co-curricular success, or the fostering of a supportive and dynamic learning environment.
There’s never been a more exciting time to join us at St Jo’s. Find out more about our Sport, Academic and Performing Arts initiatives at our Whole School Open Morning on Saturday 1 March. Does your ambition match ours?