Families Suffolk May/June 23 Digital

Welcome

Now the weather is getting better and the evenings longer, you can get the kids outside to play. We’ve provided some tempting activity ideas for outdoor fun. It’s also a great time for eating outside –from family barbeques to street parties. Check out our simple outdoor dining ideas. Meanwhile, if you’re planning some time under canvas this summer, you may be interested in our top picks for UK camping destinations.

And as we head towards the end of term, don’t forget Father’s Day or a thank you gift for your child’s teacher – we have plenty of ideas for you in this issue.

There are some great giveaways for you in this issue too, including your chance to win a holiday from Away Resorts, tonnes of Orchard Toy Little Shopping Lotto games and much more! Apply inside and also ensure you receive every issue of our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

What’s On

Get in touch

Competition winners from our January/ February issue Congratulations

SOUTH SUFFOLK SHOW

WHERE: Ampton Racecourse BSE, IP31 1HU

WHEN: Sun 14th May

www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk

WHAT'S ON

OUR TOP PICK OF LOCAL FAMILY DAYS OUT

EAST COAST PIRATES 12TH VISIT TO NASAM

WHERE: Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum

The Street, Flixton, Bungay, NR35 1NZ

WHEN: Sun 14th May www.aviationmuseum.net

HADLEIGH SHOW

WHERE: Holbeck's Park, Hadleigh, IP7 5PE

WHEN: Sat 20th May

www.hadleighshow.co.uk

THE SUFFOLK SHOW

Trinity Park, Ipswich, IP3 8UH

Wed 31st May - Thu 1st June

Top 5 fun things to try for free!

Our county’s biggest family day out, the Suffolk Show, is back at Trinity Park in Ipswich this half-term. Every year, the Suffolk Show promises great value for money with free entry for under 15's, free parking and hundreds of free activities once you’re through the gates.

HERE’S OUR TOP 5 THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR:

1. Super sports: Cycling, archery, climbing, trampolining… there’s so much to discover in the action-packed Sports Zone.

2. Giant machinery: Climb aboard giant tractors, learn about harvesting food and watch the magnificent pea viner in the Farming Live Area.

3. Farm Discovery Zone: Brush a pony, feed a lamb, meet a cheeky goat or ride a mini tractor!

4. Military Zone: Have a go on a parachute swing or play underwater games with a military diver.

5. Grand entertainment: From horses, to motocross, to parachuting. Enjoy a packed schedule of displays across the 12 Show Rings.

TO BOOK VISIT:

LEESTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL

WHERE: Kentwell Hall, High Street, Long Melford, Sudbury CO10 9BA

WHEN: Sat 27th - Sun 28th May www.leestock.org

RSPCA SPRING FAMILY FUN DAY

WHERE: RSPCA Martlesham Rehoming Centre, Mill Lane, Martlesham, IP12 4PD

WHEN: Sun 28th May

www.facebook.com/rspcasuffolkcentral

BURY ST EDMUNDS SPRING FAYRE

WHERE: Bury St Edmunds Town Centre

WHEN: Sun 28th - Mon 29th May www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk

MIDDY IN THE 1940'S

WHERE: Mid Suffolk Light Railway, Brockford Station, Wetheringsett, Stowmarket, IP14 5PW

WHEN: Sun 28th - Mon 29th May

www.mslr.org.uk

SPECTACULAR SCIENCE SHOW

WHERE: Haverhill Arts Centre, High Street, Haverhill, CB9 8AR

WHEN: Tue 30th May

www.haverhillartscentre.co.uk

FRAMLINGHAM CASTLE & KIDS RULE!

WHERE: Framlingham Castle, IP13 9BP

WHEN: Tue 30th May - Sun 4th June 2023

www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whatson/framlingham-castle-kids-rule/

WHERE’S WOOLLY CORONATION TRAIL

WHERE: Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich, IP4 2BE

WHEN: Available until Sun 4th June www.ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk

GET WILD IN THE STOUR VALLEY

WHERE: Friars Meadow, Sudbury, CO10 2SS

WHEN: Friday 2nd June

www.riverstourtrust.org/events/ wild-in-the-stour-valley/

NEARLY FESTIVAL

WHERE: Abbey Gardens, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1XL

WHEN: Sat 10th - Sun 11th June

www.nearlyfestival.com/bury/

SUFFOLK DAY

WHEN: Wed 21st June

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.suffolkday.co.uk

DRAGON FEST 2023

WHERE: West Stow Anglo Saxon Village, IP28 6HG

WHEN: Sat 24th - Sun 25th June www.weststow.org

'FRIENDS OF KERSEY' DOG SHOW

WHERE: Kersey Playing Field, IP7 6EG

WHEN: Sun 25th June

E: friendsofkerseyschool@gmail.com

SUFFOLK’S GREEN STORY: REFLECT I LEARN I ACT

FREE CINEMA CLUB - WALL-E

Our free exhibition Suffolk’s Green Story: Reflect I Learn I Act explores several themes ranging from the natural environment to agricultural change, through to the impact of our domestic homes and what we can all do to slow down climate change and choose greener ways of living.

The exhibition will feature fascinating original archive material from our collection in addition to special loans from Britten Pears Arts and the Met Office.

Don’t miss this thought provoking and engaging exhibition.

Closing on 18 June 2023 Free entry www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/whatson

The Hold, Ipswich. Rated ‘U’. Sun 21 May, 1.30pm - 3.30pm.

LET’S GET CRAFTY - ENVIRONMENT

Suffolk Archives, Bury St Edmunds. Craft session. £2 per child. Wed 31 May, 10.30am - 12.30pm.

FAMILY HISTORY FOR BEGINNERS

Suffolk Archives, Lowestoft. Free workshop. Thurs 18 May, 11am - 12pm.

Image (c) Felixstowe Times

Exhibition images

©

Simon Lee Photography

V

£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

Pennikkity Pots Ceramics Café, Ipswich, IP1 3DJ

T. 01473 216865 E: Info@pennikkitypots.co.uk

PennikkityPots pennikkitypots.co.uk

Let off some Steam at The Long Shop Museum

STEAM is at the heart of The Long Shop Museum’s family experience!

The Long Shop Museum is housed in part of the factory that powered Richard Garrett & Sons to engineering greatness. No prizes, then, for guessing that Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Maths form the core of the museum’s offering to families. Over the decades Garrett’s made and used a great variety of products, which the museum has many examples of. In its galleries you will find steam engines, mechanical toys, moulded plastics, trolleybuses, farm tools, aircraft, and family portraits; clocks, castings, design drawings, radios, munitions, and fire engines!

Lately, video and audio interpretation has been introduced around the museum, with animated videos explaining how many of the machines on display work, and giving voice to many of the characters associated with Leiston and the Garrett works. There is a range of activities and interactive trails aimed at families with children from pre-school age to sixteen. As you make your way around the galleries, you’ll discover how 19th century machines were designed and built, how the activities of the Garrett family changed the world throughout the Victorian era and the early twentieth century, and how invention and industry links the past with the present and the future. When you need a break from exploring, the museum has a safe, secure garden area where families can play and picnic together, and the Community Hub includes a children’s play space, family games & puzzles, books, and refreshments. Oh, and your pup is welcome, too!

your FREE Little Shopping Lotto game NOW* Small in size but big in fun – perfect for both home and travel! APPLY HERE

*while stocks last T&C’s apply

What is the CPA approach in maths?

By Jemma Z Smith

CPA (concrete, pictorial, abstract) is a maths teaching approach that has grown in popularity in recent years. It involves using tangible objects for children to add, subtract, multiply or divide. They then progress to using pictorial representations of the objects and ultimately, abstract symbols.

This way of learning is one of the foundations of Singaporean maths, now being adopted in the UK.

Concrete

The tangible, ‘handling’ stage uses physical objects to solve problems. For example:

There are four buttons in the pot. Stanley has two buttons in his hand. How many buttons are there altogether?

In this problem, the children might first count out actual buttons before moving on to non-related objects such as counters.

Of course, almost anything can be used to help a child master this stage from pencils to plastic pots, to counting beans and coins. You don’t need to spend money on concrete resources to support learning.

Pictorial

The next step is for learners to move on to making their own representations.

Returning to the buttons example, these could be drawn as four circles on one part of the paper and two more on another part, representing the pot and the hand. Kids can then count each small circle, getting the same answer as with the buttons

Hape Nature Fun Detective Sets

Teacher gift ideas

It’s approaching the end of term again…here are some great ‘thank you’ gift ideas for your child’s teacher, both hand-crafted and shop-bought.

Make a photo frame

Simple, fun project. Requires three materials and a photo memento.

Make a terrarium

Terrariums of all shapes & sizes look great on a desk!

Make DIY hot chocolate bombs

Encased in chocolate & filled with mini marshmallows.

Make pebble class art

Decorate pebbles marking out members of your class and your teacher.

Teacher’s Tin

A novelty desk tidy for the teacher who likes to be organised. £11.79

School backpack charity gift

A charity gift your child’s teacher will love. £11 ActionAid

Keep Calm & Pretend coffee mug

Fun quality mug for the teacher who enjoys a joke. £9.45

Thank You Teacher chocolate gift box

For a teacher with a sweet tooth! £10

Personalised

Teacher’s Survival Kit

Fill with essentialstissues, paper clips, tea bags £7.87

Developing independent learning

By Zuzu Jordan

How handwriting affects self-esteem

By Catherine Loble and Lisa Wander

Big family celebrations occur when our children display independence by taking their first steps or riding their bike without stabilisers.

So how do we then help children develop independence in their learning?

READ MORE

Is it time to rethink school attendance?

By Catherine Lynch

During the pandemic, school absence was understandably high with anxiety about sending children to school and many children absent with Covid 19. However, throughout the past year, problems with school attendance remain ongoing.

READ MORE

Kids who struggle with handwriting are often at a disadvantage in the high-paced classroom setting. According to the Dyspraxia Foundation, they are usually aware of their difficulty and their untidy writing can make them feel uncomfortable and frustrated.

READ MORE

THE head Meet

In this issue we talk to Amanda Childs, Head of Prep School at St Joseph’s College . An independent day and boarding school for children aged 2-18 years. The Prep School was rated as "excellent" for pupil attainment, quality of teaching, curriculum and extra-curricular activities.

What advice would you give to parents choosing a school? Do your homework, find a school that matches your values and expectations; they will not change theirs just for you. Meet the children, meet the Head and watch for the relationships between the staff and the children. Ask lots and lots of questions and most importantly, find a school that best suits your child. The number one priority is for your child to be happy

What attracted you to St Joseph’s College? The school’s ambition and the breadth of opportunities it provides within and beyond the classroom, underpinned by excellent pastoral care; these are all elements of educating children which I value highly. I was delighted by the thoroughly warm welcome I was given by all I met when I visited St Jo’s, as well as the impressive engagement of the children. It was really lovely to see their self-confidence and pride for their school, a sentiment I hold dear.

What was it about the school that made you want to apply for the position at St Joseph’s College? Firstly, I wanted to come back to Suffolk. I love the county with its beautiful countryside, coast and big skies. I grew up in Colchester and so this area of the country is home to me. When I arrived back, it was like having a warm blanket put around me. Secondly, I wanted to find a school which matched my values. I try to live by my values every day. St Jo’s could be described as ‘St Joy’s’, the people are incredibly friendly and the environment is supportive to everyone in it; its creativity helping the children to reach their potential. What more could you ask for?

Who inspired you to teach?

I had an amazing teacher at Primary School called Gina James, she was kind and inspired me to be my best self. To become a headteacher though, would be Robert Emuss, he was the headteacher of the first school I worked at. He was understanding and kind, whilst expecting high standards, and most importantly, the children always came first. He happened to come to Ipswich Prep whilst I was working there, as one fact I didn’t know about him was that he was an Old Ipswichian! He beamed at me with a huge hug and said ‘I always knew you would become a Head!’.

What do you think are the key skills that children should be mastering at the start of their school journey?

To love learning and to know what makes a great learner and how they can use that knowledge to further their own learning. Social skills and positive interaction, and how to appreciate something in everyone can help them go a long way in life.

Are you a cat

or

a dog person? I had cats growing up, and up until recently, I would have definitely said ‘cat’. I now have a golden retriever called Lola who is also a trained school wellbeing dog. I would not say that I have swung completely to the ‘dog’ side but I adore Lola.

Top children’s literature festivals

Children’s literature festivals are springing up all over the country and offer great entertainment for families. Here’s our selection.

Barnes Children’s Literature Festival

London’s largest festival. Big-name authors, shows & activities. 24-25 Jun

Appledore Book Festival (North Devon)

A dedicated children’s programme. 15-24 Sep

Edinburgh International Book Festival

Hundreds of events for families. 12-28 Aug

Cuckfield Children’s BookFest (Sussex)

Spectacular one day event with author ‘meets’ & talks. 7 Oct

Bath Children’s Literature Festival

Europe’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival.

29 Sep-8 Oct

llkley Literature Children’s Festival (Yorkshire)

Top authors, free dropin events, storytelling, workshops. Oct

Wokingham Children’s Book (Berkshire)

Festival with author

‘meets’ & talks. 15 Oct.

Hay Festival (Wales)

Extensive programme & section for toddlers & parents. 25 May-4 Jun

Great Malvern Festival of Stories (West Midlands)

Storytellers, authors, theatre. 24-29 Oct.

Creative garden play

Water

Plastic water bottle guns – use old squeezy detergent bottles for squirty fun.

Water balloon pinata - make with balloons, water, string and a stick.

DIY Slip n Slide - spread out a long tarp and apply hose for slippery, slidy fun. Ice play – freeze water overnight in empty cartons for building, sculpting and slipping.

Mix & stir

Leaf tea – infuse a variety of leaves from the garden in an old teapot or saucepan. Cappuccino – help them carefully froth a muddy watery mix with a whisk.

Mud ice creams – use ice cream cones, dirt and flowers for decoration.

Garden perfume – using sealable bottles, add water and best smelling flowers and herbs.

Make a cheap & easy mud kitchen

Sand & mud

Mobile mud patch – convert your wheelbarrow into a mud pit. Natural sand pit – dig a shallow hole. Line using plastic with rock edging. Add sand.

Sand wall – attach old, upsidedown cartons and bottles with ends removed for pouring sand. Muddy car wash – get the toy cars really muddy, then wash them in a soapy water bucket.

Creative garden

Small world garden play –connect with the natural world with these imagination zones. Soil art – use an ancient method to make paint from the garden. Paint a mural – let imaginations flow using a washable chalk paint recipe.

Ice excavation – freeze interesting items inside blocks of ice for your children to release.

Make seed bombs

Transform an old chest of drawers into a kid’s kitchen using household junk.

Two simple ways to spread colour and biodiversity in your garden.

Great gifts for the dad in your life

Don’t forget to show dad how much he’s appreciated on Father’s Day on Sunday, 18 June. Check out our gift suggestions for something he might like – all for £20 or less.

FOCO Moccasin slippers

Comfy suede slippers with your dad’s team logo. £15.

Reversible belt

Wardrobe versatility with this reversible black/tan belt. £20.

Dad’s Toblerone

Personalised Toblerone bar for a special treat. £17.

Stormtrooper decanter

For the Star Wars lover. Stores spirits, decants wine and serves. £19.99.

I Love My Daddy picture book

Spend special time with dad with this joyful, rhyming picture book. £6.64.

Tile Mate

Keeps track of Dad’s keys, wallet and phone. £15.99.

V&A Italian hot chocolate

Rich, mouth-watering hot chocolate from Italy in a keepsake arty tin. £10.

Hotel Chocolat Milk Chocolate Old Fossil

Smooth, mellow and from the prehistoric era (remind you of anyone?).

Personalised face cooking apron

Great for the cook who can’t get too much of himself! £19.99.

Upcycling your child’s party

Be kind to the planet with these ideas from Ice Cream and Jelly

Party bags

Store shopping bags can make perfect gift/party bags. With a little imagination, crafty materials and glue, these branded shop bags can be transformed into unique, personalised bags. Or make your own: there are some easy video instructions on making a paper bag in the tutorials section on Instagram.

Tablecloth and napkins

Party bag fillers

Old bed sheets work well refashioned into tablecloths - paint, tie-dye or appliqué in order to tailor them to the party theme. It’s a great activity to get the kids involved in! If you already have a tablecloth, make placemats or a table runner from scrap fabrics to match the theme of your party.

Make time to make these rather than buying new. Here are some ideas to get you started: scrunchies made from leftover fabric, painted rocks or shells found on the beach, bracelets made from beads from your local scrap store or crayons made from all your kids’ broken crayons.

Wrapping presents

There are many household items that you can use for wrapping gifts: magazine pages, old maps, pieces of sample wallpaper, your kids’ paintings or leftover packing paper. If you can sew, you could make a drawstring bag from leftover fabric scraps. Alternatively, reuse an old pillowcase or wrap with fabric, like the Japanese art of Furoshiki.

Piano lessons for children now available in Acton

Sarah Riddick and her family moved to Suffolk in January this year. Now living in Acton (near Sudbury) Sarah offers KeyNotes Music Classes to children from just four years old. Sarah tells us more about herself and her music classes.

I am a piano and music theory teacher based in Acton (nr Sudbury) having recently moved to the area earlier this year. I have almost 18 years experience of teaching the piano to students aged 3 1/2 to adults of all levels and abilities. I first started learning to play the piano myself aged 6 in a very traditional one to one environment and wasn’t able to be creative, or to play music that I actually enjoyed. I never knew what improvising was and my first teacher wouldn’t play duets or encourage me to compose and so my first lessons felt a little dull which is why I wanted to teach in a different way, and to really encourage my students to have a lifelong love of the piano. When I found KeyNotes Music, I believed this was the best way for beginners to embark on their musical journey. I now offer small group classes using the Keynotes Music curriculum which is an innovative, creative and positive introduction for beginners wanting to take up the piano without the intensity of a one to one lesson. In our groups students are also able to start at a younger age, they learn through play, improvise, compose, play rhythm games and theory games and it develops positive peer motivation being in a group environment where they make friends along the way.

About the Classes

There are between 3-5 students in each class and we have two digital pianos and three keyboards. For the students aged 6+ we also use headphones for a short practice time during the lesson. Each lesson begins with a listening or rhythm activity, we listen to music of different genres, we discuss, and move to the music. I feel it really benefits children to start listening to all types of music through history at a young age.

During each lesson the students will learn a new song, we gather round the piano where I demonstrate the song first, we sing the words, the notes and finger numbers and the children then play for each other and at the end we perform as an ensemble to backing tracks.

Theory and a range of activities away from the piano are provided in each lesson to reinforce the concepts we are learning in that particular lesson.

The children are not simply sat on the piano bench for the duration of the lesson and there are lots of changes of activities so they will never get bored!

Little KeyNotes & Storytellers Classes

The lessons for ages 4-5 are called Little Keynotes and are 30 minutes long and cost £44 a month. This includes all the books and materials used in the lessons.

The lessons for ages 6+ are called Storytellers as the books are based around stories and fairy tales and are 45 minutes long and costs £64 a month, again including the books and materials.

With the Keynotes curriculum parents are constantly supported with free access to the Keynotes website where they can watch videos of the songs the students are learning and weekly parent practice sheets are sent home with activities and ideas on what to do at home in between lessons plus I keep in touch with my parents with regular updates. Owning a piano or keyboard at the beginning is not essential, just a willingness to learn! I am also happy to suggest a good starter keyboard or suitable piano if space and finances are available.

Book a three week trial

I offer a three week trial for students to try the lessons before signing up to weekly lessons and they get the third lesson for free so it's just £22 for Little Keynotes and £32 for Storytellers class. I am also happy to have a meet and greet before starting the classes with students and parents. (Please note payment is made up front before the first lesson and the final lesson is free).

Simple outdoor eating

Take your pick of these great recipes and create meals to eat outside which the family will love.

Roast chicken garden salad

Sweet & sticky chicken wings with classic slaw

Super easy Spanish tortilla

Quick grilled pizza

Lamb meatball pitta pockets

Salt & pepper tofu skewers

Vegetable tartlets

Roasted banana & cinnamon ice cream

Lemon sherbet ice

Win a family holiday with Away Resorts!

Win a four night stay for a family of up to six people at an Away Resort of your choice.

Experience one of Away Resorts’ fabulous UK locations, from countryside to coast, all within areas of natural beauty. Your accommodation will be off-thescale amazing and new experiences await at every turn. Jam-packed with activities, entertainment, fantastic facilities and events, every member of the family will be grinning from ear to ear.

Explore The New Forest, Hampshire, Tattershall Lakes

Appletree or Cleethorpes Pearl in Lincolnshire, Mersea Island in Essex or Golden Sands in North Wales –or perhaps somewhere else will take your fancy.

Full list of locations HERE.

APPLY HERE by 30 June 2023

T&Cs.

6 Available

Sustainable toy for curious little explorers

Eco family days out

Entertaining and inspiring places with a conscience that also offer bags of adventure for a family visit.

Bewilderwood

Environmentally-friendly adventure parks in Norfolk and Cheshire.

The Centre for Alternative Technology

Snowdonia, Wales. Interactive displays, ecodemonstrations & family activities.

Cornwall. Rainforests, Mediterranean zones & outdoor gardens.

The Living Rainforest Berkshire. Tropical rainforest adventure with plants & animals.

Award-winning indoor and outdoor adventure park in North Norfolk.

Award-winning family fun park in Gwynedd, Wales.

Essex. Ancient woodlands, arboretum & The Wild Wood play area.

Kent.

Set in 40 acres of ancient woodland & holds over 200 British animals in natural enclosures.

London.

Land train, nature play area, the Hive & the Children’s Garden.

Wildwood Trust

Greenwood Family Park

Kew Gardens

Pensthorpe

The Eden Project

Markshall Estate

Tackling summer ailments

Summer is fun but it’s good to be prepared for the common ailments your child may suffer that are peculiar to the season. Here are our tips.

Sunburn

* Stay in shade from 11am to 3pm;

* Cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses;

* Use at least factor 30 sunscreen;

* Reapply frequently.

Insect bites

Most improve within hours. * Remove the sting; * Wash affected area; * Apply cold compress to any swelling; * Avoid scratching/bursting any blisters.

Dehydration

Thirst/dark yellow, strong smelling wee, weeing less, lightheadedness, dry mouth, lips & tongue – if untreated, can become serious. * Give extra fluids gradually.

Asthma

*Keep taking preventer inhaler;

* Take reliever inhaler everywhere; * Use your action plan; * Go outside earlier - air quality better; * Drink plenty of fluids.

Heat exhaustion

Dizziness/nausea/ headache/fast breathing or heartbeat. * Move to cool place; * Remove clothing; * Give sports drink/water;

* Cool skin; * If still unwell after 30 minutes, call 999.

Tick bite

* Cover skin walking outdoors; * Use insect repellent;

* Check for ticks on clothes and skin;

* Remove quickly;

* If rash appears or child become unwell, see GP.

Eczema

Itchy, red, dry, cracked skin.

* Dress in thin cotton layers; * Use light cotton blankets or sheets; * Apply moisturising cream;

* Keep out of the heat.

Swimmer’s Ear

eczema

Painful ear/itchiness/reduced hearing/noises inside ear/discharge from ear. * Use drops from pharmacist.

* If symptoms after a week, see a GP.

Pollution causes asthma in children and stunts lung growth

Asthma

Asthma is a common, long-term condition which affects the airways in the lungs.

Asthma causes the airways to become tight, which makes it harder to breathe. Simple treatments can help to keep asthma well controlled in most children. The severity of asthma symptoms varies between children, from very mild to severe.

Triggers for asthma include colds and flu, pollen, exercise, house dust, mites, pets like cats and dogs, stress, cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes from vehicles.

A good way to avoid excess exhaust fumes from vehicles is to always switch your engine off when parked.

Keeping a personal log and action plan is important in proactively managing asthma. It is also important to make sure children have enough medications.

The Healthy Suffolk website has more information about asthma in children including signs and symptoms, triggers, and treatment and management, as well as other common childhood illnesses. Visit ‘Take asthma seriously’ and ‘Health and Wellbeing in the First Few Years’, at: www.HealthySuffolk.org.uk

Have you heard about Asthma Friendly Schools?

To prevent avoidable harm to children with asthma, all schools in Suffolk are being encouraged to join the Asthma Friendly Schools initiative.

An Asthma Friendly School:

1. Has an asthma policy which is regularly reviewed and refreshed.

2. Has an up-to-date register of children with asthma to support the pupils throughout the school year.

3. Has a copy of their pupils’ Asthma Annual Plan to effectively support them.

4. Has access to an emergency asthma kit and can evidence that it is regularly checked and has well trained staff who can use them during emergency.

5. Trains all its staff to be able to support asthmatic children well at school.

6. Has a named Asthma Champion who can provide support. Ask your school about what support they have in place for children with asthma.

Be Well, Feel Well: A healthier Suffolk in 2023 is a partnership between Suffolk Mind, Public Health & Communities and a range of community groups teaming up to focus on ways for you to be well.

The campaign for 2023 which focuses on 12 ‘emotional needs’ – one for each month - to bring you practical tips, people’s stories and support to keep you well.

MAY: Achievement

We all need to feel that we are achieving things and growing. These don’t have to be huge achievements either. Achievements can be small tasks, like cooking a meal for ourselves, which give us the sense that we are in control of our lives and managing. Achievement is good for our self-esteem, especially if we are doing something we are good at and learning to get better.

JUNE: Sleep

We all need the right amount of sleep in a 24-hour period, about eight hours for the average adult and less as we get older. What can we do to get better sleep?

Use this QR code to find out more about how achievement as well as getting a good night’s sleep can support our wellbeing.

STEM craft activities

Stimulate your child’s interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics with these inspiring craft ideas.

Create salt dough fossils

Fun activity which shows kids how fossils are made.

Paper straw rockets

Experiment with propulsion and flight with these easy downloadable templates.

Gravity action art

A super-easy way of seeing science and art working together.

Magnetic slime

Discover how to create magnetism with this fun activity.

Paper building blocks

Simple craft demonstrating engineering with paper.

Fruit Solar System

A fruity way to grasp the planet sizes in our Solar System!

Invisible ink art

Fascinating art project where science plays a big role.

Make a volcano

A safe miniature eruption!

Robot Hands

Discover the mechanics of robotics and how everything works together.

Best travel games for kids

Perfect for stashing in a corner of the suitcase or car when you head away this summer!

Mixups

Compact card game for Snap or creating fantastical beasts.

Ages 4+. £5.94

Othello on the Move

Pint-sized version of this classic strategy game.

Ages 7+. £9.95.

Mini 4 in a Row

Classic game. All-in-one folding compact design. Ages 3+. £5.59

Articulate!

Compact version of this classic fast-talking description game.

Ages 6+. £10.19

Cluedo Grab & Go

All the thrills of the classic detective game in a mini set.

Ages 8+ £5.

Battleship Grab & Go

Compact, mobile version of the Battleship game. Ages 7+ £5.

Dino Dump

Speedy card game featuring kids’ faves: dinosaurs and poo!

Ages 6+. £9.99

100 PICS Riddles

Family Travel Card Game

Pocket sized, full of family-friendly brain teasers. Ages 6+. £6.99.

Rummikub Travel

Fast-paced game of tile manipulation. Ages 8+ £15.99.

Top UK camp sites for families

Looking for a family-friendly camping experience? Take a look at our top picks.

Catgill Farm

Camping to glamping in Yorkshire Dales. Outside village of Bolton Abbey.

Burnbake

Woodland campsite/ luxury lodges in Dorset, close to coast & Corfe Castle.

Kelling Heath Holiday Park

Surrounded by Norfolk woodlands/trails, indoor/ outdoor pools, steam railway.

Sherwood Pines Campsite

Acres of Nottinghamshire woodland, walk to adventure playgrounds, Go Ape, bike hire.

Gwithian Farm

West Cornwall. Close to beach & pub, goats & guinea pigs to feed.

Glenmore Camping

On the shores of Loch Morlich, Scottish Highlands. Hiking, swimming, kayaking.

Fforest Fields

Set on family run farm in Wales; green hills, woodland trails, lakes.

Red Shoot Camping Park

Ideal base to explore New Forest, attractions nearby, family friendly pub.

Heathland Beach

Walk to Suffolk beaches.

Heated pools, fishing lake, tennis, family restaurant.