Families Suffolk Magazine: July/Aug 23 - Digital Edition

Our guide to family days out and places to visit this summer. Including:

CONTACT US:

EDITOR: Stacey Phillips

T: 07951 946736

E: editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk

Welcome

We have tonnes of ideas for summer fun in this issue. If you’re looking for a day out, take a look at our articles on top UK beaches, theme parks and outdoor adventure parks to get truly inspired. And, if you’re heading on holiday or on a day trip, don’t forget to download our free activity printables for those ‘I’m bored’ moments.

Closer to home, try some Forest School activities and some great recipes which will develop your child’s cooking skills.

September will roll round before you know it, so read tips on how you can help your child with the transition to a new school year and check out the best uniform labelling and stationery ideas.

Look out for LOADS of fabulous giveaways in issue too. Apply inside and you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

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Education

Environment

Giveaways

Family food

Free activity printables

Forest school activities

Top UK beaches

Top UK beaches

Get in touch

Competition winners from our March/April issue

Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE

It’s all about Alice!

Pennikkity Pots Ceramics Café, based in the heart of Ipswich, will be transformed for this summer’s school holidays into a Wonderland of creativity with ‘Alice’ inspired products and events. The studio will be bursting with themed ceramics, food and drinks to reflect this iconic storybook and Disney classic. Including 'Un Birthday Parties’ – who needs a real Birthday to celebrate? Throw your very own Un Birthday party and celebrate with a cream tea fit for the Queen of Hearts herself. These yummy mini afternoon teas come complete with a keepsake ceramic to paint too, so pre book your table and celebrate the holidays with friends and family.

Every week during the holidays the studio will be running a programme of ‘Wonderland Workshops’ these will be bookable events to include - Mad Hatters Tea Party - bubble painting workshops and Terrific Toadstoolsmushroom making clay workshops experimenting with magical colour changing crystal glazes that burst into an explosion of colour in the kiln. A full itinerary of all events, workshop details and dates will be advertised from the beginning of July via the Pennikkity Pots Facebook page, Instagram feed or in store at the studio. Events will be planned and run during the daytime for children and in the evenings for adults.

So, don’t be late like the White Rabbit, check your diaries and reserve a day to get creative and join in all the fun at

Pennikkity Pots this Summer holidays, you would be mad as a Hatter to miss it. Open 7 days a week once the schools have broken up. Booking is advisable but walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows. Curious? – give it a go.

V isit us in our ceramics café or pick up a paint at home kit and get creative £2

We are open from Monday to Saturday 10.00am – 4.00pm Closed on Wednesdays term time only Sunday 11.00am – 4.00pm

Booking advisable

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FALL IN LOVE WITH CINEMA AGAIN THIS SUMMER AT KING STREET CINEMA

By Dan Champion, Suffolk Dad, and Managing Director of King Street Cinema

SUMMER AT KING STREET CINEMA

Everyone remembers their first movie at the cinema; Cinderella squeezing her tiny foot into a glass slipper or Jack and Rose perched atop the rails of the ill-fated Titanic. The smell of popcorn, the beat of the up-tempo music that seems to travel through the ground and up through your body - it’s enchanting. It was at King Street Cinema (then called Ipswich Film Theatre) that I first fell in love with cinema.

Located within the Corn Exchange in Ipswich, the cinema has a beautiful atmosphere with exposed brick and wood panelling. As a child you barely notice the decor, but you remember the feeling you had while you were there. It was here I first watched Christopher Reeve fly through the air in his red cape, utterly transfixed. I have gone on to work in cinema my entire adult life and the love of watching a film on the big screen hasn’t dwindled. Now,…let's say a few years on… we want to create the same magical experiences for our kids, and their kids to come.

This year we are excited to launch a summer programme for our younger audiences. We want them to have the same shared experiences we had as children when we watched a film at the cinema. A mix of older classics such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as well as new releases like Barbie and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will provide something for everyone. Check out our Summer Programme (see more on p4) and head to our website to book.

KING STREET JR

This year we re-launched our kids club; King Street Jr. These shows are JUST for families - meaning if you arrive without a child you won't be let in. We want to create a space where families feel comfortable going out to enjoy a film, not worried their child is going to knock over the popcorn or be hushed if they’re too loud. With a child of our own we know the challenges of bringing little ones to the cinema - but we want this cinema to be different; somewhere you can go as a family and create your own movie memories. With kids club tickets priced at £4.50 we want to make sure that it doesn’t break the bank too.

1FREEPOPCORN+1FREE JUICEBOXWITHTHIS COUPON*

Ticketsmustbeshownattimeofuseandthe couponcanonlybeusedonce.Couponvalid foranykidsfilmfrom21.07.2023uptoand

Are you ready for a Summer of Play at Ickworth Estate?

Endless possibilities to play await you at Ickworth Estate this summer. We invite you transform the Walled Garden and reclaim it as a hub for families and friends to connect with nature and each other.

We’re all about getting creative this year at Ickworth Estate, so head to our ‘Play Garden' and you’ll find lots of activities to fill the long summer days. Explore a journey of play activities and discover a variety of ways to get creative in the Play Garden itself.

With so many different activities, you can lose track of time weaving through wild mazes or immersing yourself in the sensory garden. With your support, we’re restoring the 1st Earl’s Summer House, one of the oldest buildings on the estate. You’ll have the chance to get creative as you build your own summer house and perform on the summer house stage overlooking the stunning canal lake.

There’s plenty to excite all ages of children, and adults that are young at heart, so join us and spend a fun-filled summer exploring Ickworth Estate.

The Play Garden is open daily between 22 July to 5 September, 10.30am3.30pm. Normal admission charges apply, free for National Trust members.

Estate?

Holiday Clubs & Camps

MAXIM SUMMER CAMPS

WHERE: Great Cornard & Sudbury

WHEN: Various dates and times throughout July & August

SUITABLE FOR: Children over 5 years

COST: £20.00 per day

A programme of fun activities including: Basketball, Dance, Nerf & Football www.maximsportscoaching.co.uk

SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUB

WHERE: Culford School, Bury St Edmunds, IP28 6TX

WHEN: 10th July - 31st Aug 8.30am - 5.30pm

SUITABLE FOR: Age 5-12 year olds

COST: From £37 per day

Energetic and engaging sporting, craft and play sessions. www.culford.co.uk/commercial

SUMMER SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS

WHERE: The Quay Theatre, Sudbury CO10 2AN

WHEN: 24th July - 29th July 10am - 4.30pm

SUITABLE FOR: Age 8-16 year olds

COST: From £24 per child per day

Acting, Singing & Dancing www.quaysudbury.com

ELITE SPORTS SUMMER HOLIDAY COURSES

WHERE: St John's Primary & Sidegate

Primary School, Ipswich

WHEN: 31 July - 2nd Aug & 22nd-24th Aug | 10am - 3pm

SUITABLE FOR: Age 4-11 year olds

COST: From £20 per day

www.facebook.com/

EliteSportsIpswich

QUAY SCHOOL OF DANCE SUMMER SCHOOL

WHERE: Acton VIllage Hall, CO10 0XA

WHEN: 10th - 11th Aug

(Times & costs vary by age)

COST: From £45 for 2 days

Dance, singing, drama, choreography, games, crafts & face-painting. www.quaydance.co.uk

PREMIER EDUCATION SUMMER HOLIDAY CAMPS

WHERE: Stowmarket, Bildeston Haverhill, Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, Newmarket & Halstead

WHEN: Various dates and times throughout July & August

SUITABLE FOR: Age 4-12 year olds

COST: Various prices

www.premier-education.com

INSPIRE SUFFOLK HOLIDAY CLUBS

WHERE: Ipswich, Lowestoft & Felixstowe

WHEN: 24th July - 1st Sept

8.30am - 3.30pm

(extended hours also available)

SUITABLE FOR: Age 4-12 year olds

COST: From £10 4 different clubs to choose from www.inspiresuffolk.org.uk

ACTIVITY DAY CAMPS

WHERE: Newmarket Rd, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3SN

WHEN: 24th July - 1st Sept

8.30am - 6pm

SUITABLE FOR: Age 3-12 year olds

COST: From £24 per child per day

Creative crafts & team games to putting on a show and tasty cookery. www.kidsplaychildcare.co.uk

CLUB CREATIVE

WHERE: Bures Primary School, CO8 5BX

WHEN: 31st July - 4th Aug

10am - 4pm

SUITABLE FOR: Age 3-16 year olds

COST: £70 for 5 days

Performing arts, crafts and games. To register go to: https://forms.gle/ uSJ7XgJAqX1byg7M6

SUMMER THEATRE SCHOOL

WHERE: Ipswich Regent, IP4 1HE

WHEN: 14th-19th Aug | 9am - 5pm

SUITABLE FOR: Age 8-18 year olds

COST: £170.00

A week-long series of workshops aimed at improving musical theatre skills.

www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk

KICKS AND TRICKS

WHERE: Stowupland Sports Centre, Rushmere Sports Centre, Cliff Lane primary School, Whitehouse Primary School

WHEN: Throughout July & August 9am - 5pm (extended hours also available)

SUITABLE FOR: Reception - 16 yrs

COST: £25 per day

www.kicksandtricks.co.uk

DELLAR SPORTS COACHING HOLIDAY CAMPS

WHERE: Woodhall Primary School, Sudbury, CO10 1ST

WHEN: 24th-31st July & 1st-4th Aug

8.30am - 5.30pm

SUITABLE FOR: Reception to Yr 6

COST: From £12.50

www.dellarsportscoaching.co.uk

SCHOOLS OUT ACTIVITIES

WHERE: Colchester, Ipswich, Woodbridge, Bury St Edmunds & Felixstowe

WHEN: 24th July - 1st Sept

SUITABLE FOR: Age 4-16 year olds

COST: From £35 per day

Over 100 fun-filled, action-packed activities. www.schoolsoutactivities.co.uk

THRILLS & GRILLS - SUMMER COOKING PROGRAMME

WHERE: The Food Museum, Stowmarket, IP14 1DL

WHEN: Tue & Wed throughout August

9.45am - 4pm

SUITABLE FOR: Age 7-11 year olds

COST: £30-£35 per day

www.foodmuseum.org.uk

FOOTPRINTS THEATRE COMPANY SUMMER SCHOOL

WHERE: The Food Museum, Stowmarket, IP14 1DL

WHEN: 14th-19th Aug | 10am - 4pm

SUITABLE FOR: Age 8-16 year olds

COST: FREE

Work with professional actors and directors to explore local heritage.

www.foodmuseum.org.uk

Top theme parks to visit this summer

If you’re thinking of visiting a theme park this summer and are not sure where to head to, take a look at our suggestions.

Alton Towers & CBeebies Land

Stoke on Trent

Offers thrills and spills for older children. Cbeebies Land for younger kids.

Paultons Park & Peppa Pig World

The New Forest Something for everyone, with Peppa Pig World tailored to pre-schoolers.

Chessington World of Adventures Surrey

40 rides and attractions, zoo, Sea Life aquarium and Go Ape.

Drayton

Resort & Thomas Land

Rides for older kids plus Thomas the Tank area and big zoo.

Legoland Windsor Windsor, Berkshire

Iconic theme park, dedicated to children 3-12 years.

Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Scottish Highlands

From larger-than-life dinosaurs to water coasters

Sundown

Adventureland

Retford, Nottingham

Quaint and traditional attraction dedicated to children under 10.

Warrington, Cheshire

For ages 2-13, six themed areas, over 25 rides, host of attractions.

Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park

North Yorkshire

40 rides and attractions.

Manor

Gulliver’s Resort

Outdoor adventures for summer

If you’re heading out of your local area this summer, here’s a selection of fantastic places where you can give your kids an outdoor adventure.

Lilidorei Play

Village

The Alnwick Garden

Northumberland

NEW! Largest play structure in the world. Fantastical play universe.

Belvoir Castle

Grantham, Leicestershire

NEW! Set over 4 acres. Giant timber fortress, tunnels, zip wire, toddler area.

WildPlay at Whinlatter

Keswick, Cumbria

FREE! Forest adventures in 9 play areas on a 600m trail. Summer water features.

Culzean Castle

Ayrshire, Scotland

Adventure Cove & Wild Woodland play areas include towers, treehouse, zip slides.

Heartlands

Redruth, Cornwall FREE! Shipwrecked boat, mini beach, huge wooden climbing frame and more.

Tyntesfield

Wraxall, Somerset

Den-building village, Home Farm courtyard, big tractor to climb, slides.

Chatsworth House

Northamptonshire

Extensive adventure playground, water play, large sand play, climbing tower and more.

Basingstoke, Hampshire

Network of covered tunnels, wooden fort, slide, deep sandpit, stream, water play.

Bakewell, Derbyshire

Woodland playground with rope park, zip wire, water/sand play, working farmyard.

The Vyne

Stanwick Lakes

Numberblocks toys to giveaway

8 bundles worth £80 each Collectables and playset for endless play and learning adventures

As seen on CBeebies

Bundles include:

Numberblocks Friends

One to Five

Numberblocks Friends

Six to Ten

Numberblocks Step Squad Mission Headquarters playset

Grab Start Rite Schools shoes worth £50

FREE Readly digital mag subscriptions worth £120

Families has 5 pairs of Start-Rite Schools shoes to give away.

A leader in children’s fitted footwear for over 230 years, StartRite school shoes are designed to be tough and provide the correct support for the age and developmental stage of the child.

Containing biomechanical sole units, a proprietary air flow system and with double industry standard testing, StartRite delivers shoes that are comfortable and dependable: never outworn, only outgrown.

Winners will receive a £50 voucher to select from a broad School Shoe range. The range includes a selection at a more value-driven price point and a selection that donates profits to The Daily Mile, a charity working to help children get more exercise during the school day, thereby improving their physical, social, emotional and mental health.

APPLY HERE

T&C’s apply.

Families has 3 annual subscriptions to Readly to give away, offering hours of digital magazine fun for young readers, including 80+ Disney magazines and comics.

Featuring much-loved character comics such as Disney’s Frozen, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, High School Musical, Star Wars™ and MARVEL, kids can immerse themselves in the world of Disney through brilliant stories, fantasy adventures, craft ideas and activities revolving around their favourite characters.

The Disney magazines are available to all the family as part of the unlimited reading subscription on Readly – where users can instantly read over seven thousand magazines and newspapers via their smartphone, tablet or laptop. Five user profiles per household. Parental controls apply.

APPLY HERE

T&C’s apply.

Let the kids in the kitchen!

We asked Heather Staller, writer of the new book Kid Kitchen, for some of her favourite recipes for developing kids’ cooking skills.

No-Bake Trail Mix Cups

Healthier granola bar alternative. Use crushed pretzels, cereal, chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruit.

Healthy Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Glaze

Wholegrain, lower in added sugar and made in one bowl!

Stuffed Pizza Bites

A fun twist on pizza night – stuff with whatever you like.

Baked Spaghetti Cups

Healthy and easy weeknight meal kids can virtually make all by themselves.

PB&J Breakfast Cookies

Full of fruit, protein & whole grains, kids will love this breakfast choice.

Blueberry Pancake Breakfast Cobbler Blueberry pancakes BUT also a dessert cobbler that’s healthy enough for breakfast!

Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowls

Veggie-packed, easy dinner. Kids can make with just a little help!

Strawberry Oatmeal Snack Cake

Made from wholesome ingredients. Easy to stir up before breakfast.

S’mores Brownie Bites

Easy, impressive dessert that kids can make with just a little help.

Make Neapolitan dairy-free ice cream!

We asked Emily Leary, multi-awardwinning food, lifestyle and parenting writer, presenter, photographer and author of A Mummy Too to share her delicious, creamy dairy-free ice cream recipe with us. This perfect summer treat will cool you down on even the warmest of days and inspire the whole family to get in the kitchen just for a lick of the spoon!

Seven great Forest School activities

We asked Naomi Walmsley, author, with Dan Westall, of the Forest School Handbook for some ideas from the book on how to connect kids with nature. Here are her inspiring ideas.

Be a mud detective

Camouflage your hand

Mark out a sticky, muddy area (or area of loose dirt) with sticks about three by two feet. One person turns away whilst the other hops, skips and jumps through the pit. Now guess how they moved through by looking closely at their tracks.

Make a goblin or toy village

It’s all about blending in. Place your hand on a tree or at the base of it. Take away the shine using charcoal, add mud to change the colour. Sprinkle on some woodland mulch or stick on some tiny sticks and moss or bits of bark to add texture.

Make a simple Stone Age tool

Imagine a family of tiny goblins or make this village for your favourite toy. Find places that have interesting characteristics, a hole in a tree, creeping roots etc. Add leaves on sticks for miniature trees, pebbles for bridges, moss for roofs and make mini shelters big enough for your imaginary guests or toy.

Find a thin sheet of slate. Place it on a hard surface and break off bits you don’t want with a round, heavy stone. Make a triangular arrow shape. Rub back and forwards to smooth it, using sandstone, any rough rock or rough outdoor surface. Hey presto! Your own simple stone tool.

Seven great Forest School activities

We asked Naomi Walmsley, author, with Dan Westall, of the Forest School Handbook for some ideas from the book on how to connect kids with nature. Here are her inspiring ideas.

Nature is a rainbow

Make nettle smoothie

You’ll be amazed how many different colours you can see when you start to look. Pick up a free colour chart from a hardware or DIY shop. Head to the park or forest or even into a town to see which natural things match the colours on your chart.

Conkers are a great resource

Pick a large handful in spring using a gardening glove. Add them to a blender with a banana, some pineapple, a glug of coconut milk, a slab of cucumber, half an avocado and blend until completely smooth: this will remove the sting.

Numberblocks toy bundles to giveaway

For endless play and learning adventures

Bundles include:

Numberblocks

Friends One to Five & Six to Ten

Numberblocks

Step Squad

Mission Headquarters playset

At the end of summer, the seeds (conkers), leaves and bark of the horse chestnut tree all contain ‘saponin’ which has similar properties to soap. Grate the conkers, pour over warm water and leave to steep. Use after about half an hour to wash grubby hands or clean your clothes!

As seen on CBeebies

Let’s go plastic-free in 2023!

Mark Plastic-Free July by reducing your family’s single-use plastic waste this summer. Try one of our ideas to help the planet and future generations.

Eco Warrior shampoo bar

Lasts longer and produces foamy lather with fewer chemicals.

Aluminium refill bottle

Zero waste. Just buy washing up liquid in bulk and refill.

Shaving soap

Free from plastics, including in the packaging.

Reusable cotton snack bag

Perfect alternative for sandwiches and snacks.

Plant-based dental floss

Made with 100% renewable resources. Recycle in food waste.

Bamboo dish brush

Made with natural bamboo, durable and effective.

Disney Stitch stainless steel straws

Reusable stainless-steel straws with adorable Stitch toppers.

Zero Waste Locator

Find your nearest plasticfree food outlets using this interactive map.

Toy swap subscription library

The more affordable and sustainable alternative to buying toys.

Free activity printables for all ages

Perfect for those ‘I’m bored!’ moments or for some quiet time.

Bluey and Bingo paper masks

Make a Bluey and Bingo paper mask by downloading this template.

Duggee and his friends

Download this sheet to colour in Duggee and the Squirrels.

Make your own Routemaster

Download the template to make this iconic double-decker bus.

Tracy Beaker word search

For Jaqueline Wilson fans! Find the hidden words connected to Tracy Beaker.

A Beginner’s Guide to Bear Spotting activity book

Fun activities for 5-8s based on popular book.

Make a pirate hat

Download this pirate hat template to sail the seven seas in style.

Let’s play butterfly snap

Download these cards and play a fun snap game.

Everything Under the Sun activity pack

Test your knowledge and let your imagination run wild.

The Funny Life of Sharks activity pack

Activities for 8-11s based on the hilarious book.

Staying safe in the water

Young children can be fascinated by water, and swimming is great for a child's health and fitness. Here are some tips to make sure that their time in the water is fun and safe:

• Babies and small children mostly drown at home in the bath or in the garden, in just a few centimetres of water. Children should be supervised in the water at all times. Don’t rely on older children to supervise.

• It’s not just young children who are at risk. Older children and teens can get into trouble, especially while ‘wild’ swimming. Strong currents, deep water and objects lurking under the water are unlikely to be obvious.

• Don’t assume that because a child can swim, they will be safe.

• Drowning happens silently. As drowning occurs, the instinctive drowning response means that a child is unable to speak or to control their arm movements, and they slip quietly under the water – it’s a myth that they splash about, shout or scream.

• Even if you’ve taken steps to make your garden or environment safe, children have drowned after wandering into neighbouring gardens. Be mindful of this at home and on holiday.

• Empty paddling pools when they’re not in use.

Drowning prevention information from The Child Accident Prevention Trust can be found at:

www.capt.org.uk

Turning your child into a bookworm

By Emma Shingleton

Is your youngster a reluctant reader? Despite tempting them with every type of book, do they still only read when they ‘have’ to and not for pleasure?

The long summer holidays are an ideal time to encourage your child to ditch their screens and curl up with an engrossing story book instead.

So let’s get started:

Create a reading den

Every home should have a reading corner or den; a place that is inviting and excites children. Choose a quiet spot and add some pillows, bean bags or cushions to curl up on. Perhaps you could put up some posters to get them in the mood for imaginative thinking. What about: Under the Sea, Rainbows, Castles, Transport, In the Jungle?

Use television subtitles

Put your child’s favourite programmes on with subtitles and no sound. Can they read along and understand what is happening?

Try karaoke with lyrics

Host karaoke sessions so that children are challenged to read and sing lyrics on the screen.

Learn a poem together

Why not learn a topical poem alongside your child: find one about holidays, the weather or beaches to fit the season!

Think of it as CBBC bedtime stories. Use your phone to film yourself reading a story and send in the video to your child’s teacher. If other parents do the same, the whole class can enjoy a story read by someone other than their teacher!

Film yourself reading a story

Fun ‘back to school’ stationery

There’s nothing more guaranteed to get your child excited about the new school year than some new stationery for back to school. Here are our top summer shopping choices.

Mini Highlighters £2.00 each

Fruit Eraser Collection £3.50

Magnetic Metal Ball Pen £14.99

Fidget Pen £3.50

Super 3D Moving Cover Notebook £2.65

Giraffe Wooden Ruler £3.95

Duck Crayons £3.95

Mini Stationery Set £6.00

Wild Wonders Colouring Pencils £9.95

Visual processing: what parents need to know

By Usha Patel

Helping your child with school transition

By Catherine Loble and Lisa Wander

‘My son’s Educational Psychologist Report revealed he has visual processing problems. But what does this mean?’

Opticians check your child’s eye health and how well their eyes take in visual data. But how well does your child’s brain interpret what they see?

READ MORE

Summer Reading Challenge 2023

Moving to a new class or school can be challenging for kids. Most adapt to changes within the first few weeks but preparation and emotional resilience can greatly help with this adaptation. So how can you support your child through this unsettling time?

READ MORE

NEW Orchard Toys games to giveaway!

8 bundles of NEW Orchard Toy games

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

The Challenge will continue through September.

READ MORE

Bundles worth £30

School uniform labelling options

Labelling school clothes is not a fun job so, to help, we’ve identified some of the most reliable labelling options out there.

SnappyTag

No ironing or sewing. Clip on plastic tags with special tool.

50 labels £23

easy2name Shoe Label Covers

Stick these over a stickon label to protect name from wearing off.

20 labels £3.95

MyNameTags Ministickers

Big enough for child’s name but small enough for stationery.

175 for £15.95

WovenLabelsUK

Sew On

For traditionalists, sew on labels offer durability and value for money. 36 labels £4.99

Stamptastic

Stamping with longlasting ink makes labelling fast and easy. Basic bundle £24

Petit Fernand

Convenient stick-on labels that can used on anything. 30 labels £9

WHSmith Laundry Marker

Short of time and money? Nothing beats a laundry pen. £4.99

Able Labels Iron On Labels

Avoids sewing and produces similar result. 30 labels £3.75

tinyme Nursery Labels

Nursery-themed colourful stickers. Starter pack 144 sticky labels inc 72 iron on labels £23

Avoiding summer learning loss

At home

Encourage creative play. Start with a box of dressing-up props. Teach them to cook. Check out skills it develops by age HERE. Make a scrap book. Encourages creativity, writing and reading. Get gardening. Explore plants in the garden, get kids planting their own.

Reading. Increases vocabulary, literacy and creativity. Try the Summer Reading Challenge

On holiday

Encourage organisation and research skills, involve kids in planning activities for your trip. Challenge kids to concisely describe their holidays in writing by sending postcards. Sandcastle building encourages learning about patterns and structure.

Learning lurks in seaside rockpools! Get the kids to draw and research their sightings.

How to go rockpooling

Out and about

Go on a mini-beast hunt at your local park. Visit a museum, zoo or aquarium. Frequently an interactive experience with educational school holiday activities on offer. Physical activity. Develops concentration, team work and logic. Visit a castle or stately home. A three-dimensional history lesson!

On the move

The AA’s 10 best car games can transform a boring car journey. Encourage appreciation of local food. Choose local and avoid fast food outlets or chain restaurants. Help kids observe climatic and geographic differences compared to where they live. Provide real life exposure to history and culture. Visit places of local significance.

Laying out a scrapbook

Watch

This guide gives you tips on what you need to take and shows what you may find.

At St Joseph s we support the intellectual, spiritual, physical and emotional growth of every student.

Children who thrive are the happiest of all.

Saturday 16 September

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