Families Leeds and West Yorkshire May/June 2024 DIGITAL

Are you ready for summer? Busy thinking about weekends away, options for holiday camps and getting active in the great outdoors? We can help!

In this issue, we have some great family adventures for you to try, as well as some fabulous family camping and glamping options from our friends at The Outdoor Guide.

We’ve also got a feature on summer childcare, as well as a free downloadable Learn About Time activity book and other educational resources.

You’ll also find party food recipes, Father’s Day gift inspiration, some useful family health advice and of course our trusty What’s On listings.

Finally, in this issue we have some enticing giveaways on offer. By applying, you can ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Claire Bottomley, Editor

Get in touch

Active family adventures

Story time and nursery rhyme apps

50 Things

Clubs & classes directory

Education

Learn about time activity book downloadable

Parenting

Top family camping and glamping

Local news

Kids’ party food

Father’s Day surprises

The perfect weekend break Summer make n’ do’s What’s On

Competition winners from our January/February issue

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

Active adventures with the family

Here are some great activities for the family to try together. Great fun and good for everyone’s fitness.

Climbing

Challenging, exciting but safe activity. Find your local climbing wall.

Orienteering

Embrace a sense of adventure! Advice/ events at British Orienteering.

Cycling

Cycling UK has located safe traffic-free cycling routes across the UK.

Paddling

Great family activity for all ages and abilities.

Fossil hunting

UKAFH encourages all ages/abilities to take part in its event.

Strawberry picking

Find the best pick-yourown strawberry farms across the UK.

Padel ball

Fun, easy to learn form of tennis. Great for mixed ages/abilities.

Walking

National Trust family walks include natural play areas & woodland den building.

Horseriding

Go on a family group lesson at a local riding centre.

A natural environment for nurturing children

The first five years of life are pivotal in a child’s development. Our nurseries based in Lindley, Edgerton and Bradley, Huddersfield and Shelf, Halifax provide the highest standard of quality care and education from birth to five years.

Each nursery has its own individual character and we feel confident you will find a nursery that meets the needs of you and your child.

Ofsted Outstanding Settings Natural outdoor play areas Forest School

Harlequin | Holly Bank | Oakwood House

Fairfield | Bradley House | Portland House

Storytime and nursery rhyme apps

Listening to stories and nursery rhymes is a great activity for travel and quiet time. Here are a selection of apps, many of them free.

Storytime from CBeebies

Beautiful, interactive, app-based story books. Apple & Android. FREE.

Fairy Tales –Bedtime Stories

Interactive reading app with mini games. Apple. FREE.

Dave and Ava Learn and Play

100+ popular rhymes, colourful animation and read-along lyrics. Apple & Android. Free to try.

Storyline Online

Award winning. Actors read children’s books. Includes illustrations. Apple & Android. FREE.

Miximal

Animated version of flip book. Swap parts of animals around. £3.99. Apple.

Princess Fairy Tale Maker

Create fairy tales with familiar characters and pretty scenes. Apple. FREE.

Dr Seuss Treasury Kids Books

Classic collection. Great imagery. Interactive features. Apple. Free to try.

Little Fox Nursery Rhymes

A sing-along songbook, packed with interactive elements. £3.99. Apple.

Toca Tailor Fairy Tales

Create, combine, style outfits for characters in fairy tale setting. Apple. FREE.

50 Things to Do Before You’re Five

Rebecca Oberg, from the team behind 50 Things, explains how this exciting initiative works…

Did you know that even just a few minutes a day of playing together strengthens relationships between you and your children? Or that playful times can be relaxing and enjoyable for you all, which helps with your wellbeing?

50 Things to Do Before You’re Five is available as an app, full of ideas and playful activities, created for families to explore and enjoy at your own pace. It is available for FREE across the whole of West Yorkshire, referencing places and spaces in your local area.

50 Things to Do Before You’re Five was created by our team of education and early years specialists, and every activity helps children learn, with a focus on relationships, language development and playing together.

You can download our app HERE or visit your local website HERE and start your 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five adventure.

Use the tabs, which explain how, when and where to do the activities, as well as useful resources, local links and adaptations for a child with additional needs. There are also suggested books and key words to use, linked with the activity.

You can use the events space to find a list of things happening near you. This list is specially selected to include only low or no cost events.

If you work in an Early Years setting or as a childminder and want to know more, EMAIL for details. More info HERE.

Design and construct flowers with Smoby Flower Market Creations Kit Ages 3+

Clubs & Classes Directory

Find inspiration and sign up! Don’t forget to say you saw them in Families Leeds & West Yorkshire magazine.

Number Train

A fun and interactive introduction to maths for preschool children.

Little Seedlings

Pregnancy, baby and toddler classes that focus on development in a fun, easy way.

Baby Ballet

Fun and informal dance classes in North Leeds for ages 18 months to 6 years.

KICKS Football

KICKS Football provides high quality training sessions for ages 4-12.

Tumble Tots

Classes available in North Leeds for babies from 6 months to children aged 7.

Debutots

Interactive storytelling and dramatic play sessions for ages 6 months to 7 years.

Music Bugs

Sensory, playbased music and singing classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Toddler Sense

Explore adventure play on bouncy castles, soft play, ride-ons and more. Ages 13mths-5 years.

YOUR CLUB OR CLASS HERE?

Would you like to promote your club or classes in our next issue and reach 1,000s of local parents?

EMAIL Claire for more information.

Broadening your child’s vocabulary

By Jemma Z Smith

Vocabulary development is often something that parents mention when they approach a tuition company. Unfortunately, this area of learning does not have a ‘quick fix’ solution.

Vocabulary acquirement, retention and application takes a long time. Children need to be exposed to new vocabulary several times in several different contexts in order to fully absorb it and use it in their own writing and speaking, recognise it in a range of uses and be able to adapt it (for example, adding prefixes and suffixes) when questioned in a test environment.

Vocabulary is a vital aspect of primary education, especially for pupils preparing for entrance exams. A rich vocabulary not only enhances language skills but also serves as a key tool for academic success.

Understanding words in various contexts is fundamental for primary pupils. It allows them to grasp the meanings and usage of words, which helps to improve their comprehension skills. Additionally, a strong vocabulary assists in spelling tasks, making children more aware of homophones and homographs, thus avoiding common pitfalls in their writing, particularly in time pressured test conditions. For example, in some verbal reasoning papers, they may be presented with a choice of synonyms to match together: wind, reign, meander.

In this example, wind (verb) and meander are synonyms, but the child may read it as wind - the noun - due to its position next to a word that sounds like another type of weather but is spelt differently.

READ MORE

Accomplish Spor ts Academy Cricket Camp

Hard ball and soft ball groups.

For boys and girls aged 6 to 15.

Skilled and dedicated coaches all DBS checked.

Developing Executive Function skills

Organisation

Card games – play card games which require organising playing cards such as Uno and Crazy 8s. Hobby collection – encourage a collecting hobby (anything from rocks to small toys), which involves sorting and resorting in categories.

Cook together – cooking teaches measuring and sorting ingredients, following directions and managing time.

Planning & problem

Strategy-based board gamestry Checkers, Battleship, Ticket to Ride or Uno.

Scavenger Hunts - derived from a series of clues with a reward at the end.

Let them plan – whether it’s a party or family activity let them decide how, what and when. Let them build – whether Jenga or a Lego tower they have to think carefully.

Time management

Use the ding thing – timers, phone apps etc will help keep them on track.

Create charts – plans and charts help children visualise abstract concepts like time.

Time estimation games – how long does it take to get to grandmas? How much time to get to school?

Use a diary – get your child used to recording important info.

Attention

Learning a musical skill - will test selective attention and selfmonitoring.

Concentration games – like Simon Says, jigsaw puzzles, Spot the Difference promote focus. Picture copying – Get them to copy a picture in a set time. Dancing games – Wii, Xbox or other console games require close attention to copying the dance sequence.

Award-winning Toddler Sense classes available in North Leeds

A session made up of two parts allow toddlers to explore adventure playtime on bouncy castles, soft play, ride ons and more. Followed by themed sensory activities with puppet shows, interactive games and light shows.

For ages 13 months to 5 years

Siblings under 13 months are FREE!

Each week there is different equipment and a different theme; meaning both toddlers and grown ups are never bored!

Text Lou on 07870275916 www.toddlersense.com/northleeds

Multi Activity Kamp

Help with multiplication and division

Do your kids need a bit of help grasping the concepts of multiplication and division? Try these fun books, apps and videos, many of them free.

Division with Ibbleobble

Helps KS1 kids master division facts and basic calculations. £1.99. Apple.

Doodle Tables

Interactive app for multiplication. KS1-KS2. Android & Apple. FREE

Multiplication & division relationship

KS1 & KS2. BBC Teach. FREE

How to do division by sharing

Help your KS1 child to understand division by sharing. FREE video.

What is multiplication?

Explains how multiplication is simply repeated addition. KS1. BBC Teach. FREE

Multiplication and division

Fun activities supporting your child’s learning at home. KS2. WHSmith. £1.99.

Long Division Workbook

Extra division practice for KS2 kids. Blackwells. £3.78.

Times Table Grid

Colourful times table grid makes multiplication easier. KS2. WordUnited. FREE download.

Wipeout Wall (Multiplication & Division)

Remember multiplication and division facts. Apple & Android. £0.99.

Fantastic family science experiments

These experiments are great for the family to try at home and are full of learning opportunities for the kids, as well as being lots of fun.

Carbon sugar snake

Make a fiery black snake rise from the ground.

Make a barometer

Create a device for measuring air pressure.

Crystal snowflakes

Make dazzling crystal snowflakes.

Leakproof bag

Show off ‘magic skills’ and learn about polymers and friction.

Invisible ink

Be a secret agent and write invisible ink messages.

Soap powered boats

Make a simple boat which water molecules move forward.

Create a water filter

Turn dirty water clean and discuss recycling and pollution.

Fireworks in a jar

Use oil and water for an exciting display.

Singing wine glasses

Make a wine glass sing and play different notes.

Children’s GP services

Dr Ella Russell offers private GP consultations at Tower Clinic, Leeds. Here she explains the wide range of services provided…

As a Doctor and GP of 27 years, I welcome children of all ages at the clinic in Leeds. I offer private GP consultations for newborn babies through to teenagers and am used to managing a very wide range of presentations including infections, skin complaints, feeding problems and mood disorders.

As a parent I understand how worrying it can be if your child is unwell and I can offer same day appointments that are flexible and fit in with family life, even on evenings and weekends.

I can advise on or prescribe medications as needed, refer on to specialists and liaise with your NHS GP if needed.

The Children’s Service can also provide the full range of childhood immunisations, including those not widely available on the NHS, such as Chicken Pox vaccination, and Meningitis B vaccination for children of any age.

We are happy to carry out baby and childhood developmental checks – including the six week new born check and the eight month check.

Get in touch today to see how I can help you and your family. Call 01132 576701 or find out more HERE.

Family camping across the UK

Spark a love of the outdoors from an early age. The Outdoor Guide share some of their favourite camping and glamping choices.

Orcarber Farm, Yorkshire Dales

This is a family run site near the village of Austwick with its country pub, local shop and playing fields with tennis, bowls, football, basketball and a playground – perfect for getting active and enjoying a family break.

Charmill Cottage Campsite, West Sussex

On the edge of the South Downs National Park, this is a little gem that you’ll definitely want to revisit.

Explore and play on Wild Heart Hill, next to the site - look out for the rope swings hidden amongst the trees! Short drive to the beaches of Worthing and Littlehampton.

Love2Stay, Mid-Wales

In the heart of the rolling Welsh hills, overlooking the Severn Valley, there’s enough here to keep all the family busy! There’s a fantastic adventure play area for the children whilst adults can relax in the spa or hot tub.

Sennen Cove Club Site, Cornwall

Located on a cliff top overlooking the Atlantic, the nearby coastline offers secluded coves and sandy beaches where kids can run free.

This campsite is perfectly situated to explore Land’s End, St Michael’s Mount and St Ives.

Family camping across the UK

Spark a love of the outdoors from an early age. The Outdoor Guide share some of their favourite camping and glamping choices.

Loch Ness Shores Club Site, Scotland

In the heart of the Highlands and with views over Loch Ness, this is a simply stunning location. It’s the perfect place to explore the surrounding countryside or perhaps while away an hour or two looking out for the elusive Nessie!

Castlerigg Hall, Lake District

A campsite with a view and a half. Situated near the wonderful market town of Keswick, it overlooks Derwentwater and is a walkers’ paradise. On your doorstep are Blencathra, Skiddaw and Catbells if you’re looking for a challenging walk, or for a smaller fell, Latrigg is wheelchair and pushchair friendly.

Verwood Club Site, Dorset

Whether you’re looking to explore the miles of sandy beaches across Bournemouth and Poole or go and explore the New Forest National Park, this is the perfect base. There’s a great children’s playground on site and your dog is welcome too.

Love2Stay, Shropshire

What’s not to love about your stay here? It’s a luxury touring, caravan and glamping site that offers families everything they could want and more. Whether you and the kids want to go swimming, kayaking, complete an assault course or try your hand at archery, this is the place for you!

Children’s GP Services

Tower Clinic Leeds

Private GP consultations for newborn babies to teenagers

Full range of childhood immunisations, including those not widely available on the NHS

Baby and childhood developmental checks – including the six week newborn check and the eight month check.

Prescriptions and referrals.

Same day appointments including evenings and weekends available.

To book an appointment contact us:

Health website for West Yorkshire parents

Have you visited Healthier Together - a website with advice and information provided by health professionals?

Covering everything from asthma, chicken pox, coughs, colds and croup, to what to do if your child has a high temperature, it is a fantastic resource for parents and carers in this area.

The website attracted over 96,700 visitors within its first 12 months and last year it was runner up and highly commended in the Health Service Journal Digital Awards 2023.

During a spike in Strep A infections, more than 4,000 users accessed the site in just two days to seek guidance.

The website design means the information is available in several languages and formats, and with technology for those who prefer to hear the information read out.

Find out more HERE.

Tailored Transitioning at King’s Magna Middle School

Joseph Birchall, Head of Middle School at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, explains its unique and tailored approach to Year 6 transition…

After Year 5, most students are ready for a new challenge. This is why we tailor our Year 6 curriculum around senior school transitioning. This allows our students to achieve a higher level of knowledge in specific disciplines and to prepare for optional academic, sport, or art pathways within a programme that supports a gradual introduction to senior school life.

Whilst most schools focus Year 6 study on the Key Stage 2 SATs, we forgo these tests and reassign that time to preparing for Key Stage 3 and beyond. Our extra year of tailored learning creates space for computer science, three modern languages and two options where we can emphasise skills such as critical thinking, effective study and revision, collaboration, creativity and entrepreneurship.

Find out more HERE.

Developing skills for good performance

By Gail Hugman

Many parents worry about their children underachieving or not reaching the expected level by the time they leave primary school or sit 11+ exams. But there is good news. By developing your child’s skills it may be easier to improve their performance than you think.

READ MORE

Choosing a reading book

By Zuzu Jordan

‘I don’t like reading’ are words parents dread to hear and battle to change. In such households, reading can become a nonnegotiable, timed and recorded homework chore. Yet we all strive to mould children who want to read, for pleasure. But how?

READ MORE

Supporting

memory retention

By Erin Miller

Does your child struggle to remember things they have learnt at school? Cognitive science can help us to understand how our children’s brains work and how they will learn best, as remembering involves storing information in their long-term memory.

So much to choose from at Carriageworks

Some familiar stories and books get a theatrical makeover at Carriageworks Theatre this May and June.

The Three Bears is a twist on a tale you thought you knew. Then: There was an old lady who swallowed a fly… I don’t know why she swallowed a fly… but The People’s Theatre Company does! And now you can too as this much-loved story is brought to life with a stunning combination of live action, animation, and puppetry.

Based on the brilliant book by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt, YOU CHOOSE brings you an interactive musical show for all the family. In this show –YOU CHOOSE what happens!

Comedy Club 4 Kids provides cracking entertainment for everyone over six years old and under 400 years old (no vampires). The best comedians from the UK and world circuit doing what they do best… but without the rude bits!

Find out more HERE.

Wish 8 – Reducing the impact of poverty in Leeds

Child Friendly Leeds, an organisation working to create better outcomes for children and young people in Leeds, has as its heart 12 wishes. They represent the top issues and ‘wishes’ for 80,000 children and young people in Leeds.

Wish 8 is that Leeds is a city that reduces the impact of poverty and helps families who need it. It is a place where children, young people and families experiencing poverty feel they are supported and receive the help they need. They have their basic rights and needs met.

Since October Child Friendly Leeds (CFL) has been raising awareness of one wish per month. During May 2024, the focus is on Wish 8. This month, CFL’s new Wish 8 page has gone live on its blogsite. The page highlights the help available to families across the city, from support with bills and food to uniform swaps to free things to do.

Find the page HERE.

Kids’ party food options

Looking for something a bit different to the traditional sandwiches and sausage rolls? All these recipes are popular with kids and easy to make.

Mini cheese & onion pasties

A classic which will go down a treat with kids.

Mini pizza quiches

Individual portions using tortilla wraps and a muffin tin.

Instant frozen berry yoghurt

Three-ingredient frozen yogurt - a lighter alternative to ice cream.

Homemade vegetable crisps

A healthy food in disguise - make without a drop of oil.

Pizza pinwheels

More healthy but yummy morsels, popular with kids.

Chocolate-chip cookie ice-cream sandwiches

Chewy American-style biscuits filled with ice cream!

Strawberry lemonade

A healthier option than fizzy canned drinks.

Chicken lollipops

Involve your child in preparing these easy-tomake tasty morsels.

Rainbow fruit skewers

Simple, colourful and a fun way to get kids eating fruit.

Father’s Day subscription box gifts

Want to change it up a bit and gift your dad a subscription box this year? We’ve explored some great ideas below.

Baker Boxx

For star baker dads.

Simple monthly baking kits. From £10 per month.

Gadget

Discovery Club

A quarterly delivery of a tech goodies box. From £69 every 3 months.

Mystery Football Shirt Box

A different, genuine, international football shirt. £30.99 per box.

Sock Geeks

Personality-matched socks in the post every month. From £6.95 per month.

Abel & Cole Monthly Cheese Club

A monthly box of specially selected, organic cheeses. From £16.50 per month.

Beer subscription

Different beers expertly selected from around the world. £27 per month.

Pact Coffee Award-winning speciality coffees grown ethically. From £7.95 per month.

Best Seller Book Box

Send dad the most popular books every month. From £14.99 per month.

Cadbury Bar Post Box

A monthly box full of milk chocolate treats. £66 for 6 months.

The perfect family weekend

Summer is here! Wanting to plan a weekend away? Here are some great options the whole family will love.

Bournemouth Beach Lodges

Dorset

These seaside huts will be a hit with kids.

Short Break in Thorpe Forest

Norfolk

Luxury woodland cabins in a forest setting. Family-friendly activities.

National Showcaves Centre for Wales

Sleepover and visit the mammoth dinosaur park.

Blackberry Wood

Sussex

Enchanting and quirky glamping experience in the Sussex countryside.

Sleepover in Knight’s Village

Warwick Castle

Glamping, luxury lodges + hotel. A ‘must’ for fans of Horrible Histories!

House in the Clouds

Suffolk

Fantasy family

accommodation with fab views.

Port Lympne

Safari Park

Kent

Stay amongst the wildlife.

Stay at the Forbidden Corner

North Yorkshire

A unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises.

Glamp at the Eden Project

Cornwall

Explore this world class attraction and sleep under stars.

Kids’ summer make n’ do projects

We’ve brought together the perfect selection of creative and outdoor projects for your child to try this summer.

DIY pavement paint

Concoct vibrant paint colours, then get painting! Easily washable.

Jellyfish suncatcher

Great summer-themed craft activity for preschoolers.

Sunshine weaving

This solstice craft can be make from recycled materials and scraps.

Sponge sailboat craft

Stay cool on a warm day with this fun, simple-tomake water activity.

Straw bubble wand

Simple to make and perfect for getting the kids outside.

Instant vanilla ice cream

Just put ingredients in a bag and shake!

Frozen paint cubes

Ice and paint are the perfect combination for a summer day.

Paper plate frisbees

Turn ordinary paper plates into frisbees and head out to the park.

Sundial

Great project for sunny days and helps learn to tell the time.