ILLUMINTED GARDEN TRAIL
Helmingham Hall Gardens
Helmingham Hall, Helmingham, Stowmarket, IP14 6EF 18th Nov- 18th Dec www.helmingham.com
CHRISTMAS CRAFT MARKET & SANTA'S GROTTO
Stonham Barns Pettaugh Road,Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT
Sat 26th - Sun 27th Nov www.stonhambarns.co.uk
SUFFOLK PONY PARTIES LETTER TO SANTA PONY RIDES
Kersey Mill
Hadleigh Road, Kersey, IP7 6DP
Various dates from 27th Nov www.suffolkponyparties.co.uk
Easton Farm Park Pound Corner, Easton, Woodbridge, IP13 0EQ
Sat 3rd - Sat 24th Dec www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk
FESTIVE OUTDOOR FAMILY TRAIL
Ickworth House
The Rotunda, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 5QE
Sat 3rd Dec - Mon 2nd Jan www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth
STORYTIME WITH SANTA
Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park
Pannington Hall Lane Ipswich, IP9 2AR Various dates from 3rd Dec www.jimmysfarm.com
WHERE'S SANTA?
The Arc Shopping Centre 14 Prospect Row, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3DG
Sat 3rd - Sat 24th Dec www.visit-burystedmunds.co.uk/ events/wheres-santa
BREAKFAST & TEA WITH SANTA
Hollow Trees Farm Semer, Nr Hadleigh, IP7 6HX
Available week days throughout December www.hollowtrees.co.uk
FATHER CHRISTMAS AT NOWTON PARK
Nowton Park Walled Garden, Bury St Edmunds, IP29 5LU Sat 10th - Sun 11th Dec www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR & SANTA'S GROTTO
Suffolk Punch Trust Woodbridge Walk, Hollesley, IP12 3LA
Sat 10th - Sun 11th Dec www.thesuffolkpunchtrust.co.uk
CHRISTMAS AT KENTWELL
Kentwell Hall Long Melford, Nr Sudbury CO10 9BA 10th - 11th & 17th - 18th Dec www.kentwell.co.uk
CHRISTMAS MARKET & SANTA'S GROTTO
Beach Street, Felixstowe Beach Street Felixstowe, Micklegate Road, Felixstowe, IP11 2GN Sunday 11th Dec. www.beachstreetfelixstowe.co.uk
Robin Hood
Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds
Fri 25th Nov - Sat 14th Jan www.theatreroyal.org
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich
Thu 24th Nov - Sat 28th Jan www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
Puss in Boots
The Quay Theatre, Sudbury
Fri 16th - Sat 24th Dec www.quaysudbury.com
Co-Op Juniors Christmas Spectacular
Snape Maltings
Fri 23rd Dec - Mon 2nd Jan www.coopjuniors.co.uk
The Mercury Theatre, Colchester
Sat 26th Nov - Sun 15th Jan www.mercurytheatre.co.uk
Cinderella
The Regal Theatre, Stowmarket
Sat 3rd - Sun 11th Dec www.regalstowmarket.co.uk
The Wind in the Willows
The Red Rose Chain, Ipswich
Thu 15th - Sat 31st Dec www.redrosechain.com
Snow White
The Spa Pavillion, Felixstowe
Fri 23rd Dec - Mon 2nd Jan www.spapavilion.uk
Peter Pan
Ipswich Regent
Fri 16th - Sat 31st Dec www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk
Jack and The Beanstalk
The Marina Theatre, Lowestoft
Tue 13th Dec - Sun 1st Jan www.marinatheatre.co.uk
Cinderella Haverhill Arts Centre
Fri 16th - Sat 24th Dec www.haverhillartscentre.co.uk
Robin Hood & The Babes in the Wood Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge
Fri 23rd Dec - Mon 2nd Jan www.debenplayers.net
Suffolk’s Holiday Activity Programme funded by The Department for Education’s Holiday Activity & Food (HAF) programme is back, offering another chance for children & young people in Suffolk to take part in more activities, across more places for enriching school holidays.
What
HAF programme?
Suffolk Museums have a fantastic spread of events and activities for families to get involved in over the winter months.
Highlights of 2022 include National Horseracing Museum’s ‘Little Horseshoes’ Pre-School Creative Play Sessions on 25th November. Families can expect lots of fun discovering objects, listening to stories and rhymes inspired by the museum’s collections and even make and create something to take home. There’s also Outdoor Forest Fun at The Food Museum on 30th November, a bonus Toddler Time session where little ones will get a chance to use the new forest school area for a session of outdoor forest fun.
In December, there’s Santa Specials at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway on Saturdays and Sundays running up to Christmas. A popular one with the little ones, this is an event not to be missed with steam engine rides taking under 10s to visit Santa at ‘North Pole Halt’ in his Christmas Guards Van. The Hold will also be having a Christmas market on Sat 3rd December, a great opportunity to stock up on lots of goodies for the Christmas period and perhaps enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie in the café.
Some museums in Suffolk are registering to be warm spaces to help support communities following the cost-of-living crisis and sharp rise in energy bills. Make sure you and your family stay warm this winter. Visit the Rural Coffee Caravan website to find a warm space near you: www.ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk/map
Nov/Dec 2022
‘Little Horseshoes’ Creative Play Sessions
National Horseracing Museum | Fri 25th Nov www.nhrm.co.uk
Toddler Time: Outdoor Forest Fun The Food Museum | Wed 30th Nov www.foodmuseum.org.uk/ Military, Murder & Mystery Long Melford Village Hall | Fri 2nd Dec melfordheritage.org.uk/events
Christmas Market at The Hold Suffolk Archives | Sat 3rd Dec www.suffolkarchives.co.uk
The Lettering Arts Xmas pop up shops
The Lettering Arts Trust | Thu 8th – Sun 11th Dec www.letteringartstrust.org.uk
Christmas Carols with The Kitchen Choir National Horseracing Museum | Thu 15th Dec www.nhrm.co.uk
Santa Specials
Mid-Suffolk Light Railway 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th Dec www.mslr.org.uk
Tom Gates Mega Museum Challenge
Aldeburgh Museum | Tue 20th & Wed 21st Dec www.aldeburghmuseum.org.uk
People & Place
Aldeburgh Museum | Thu 22nd – Wed 28th Dec www.aldeburghmuseum.org.uk
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.SUFFOLKMUSEUMS.ORG
CHRISTMAS MARKET AT THE HOLD
Ipswich, Sat 3 December. 10am - 4pm. Come along to our first festive market and stock up on some Christmas gifts from a range of local independent retailers. Free entry.
Ipswich, Sat 3 December. 10am - 4pm. Father Christmas is popping in with his elves to help kick off your Christmas celebrations with a visit to his grotto. Suitable for ages 4 -11. Gift included. £5 per child. Booking required.
Ipswich, Sat 3 December. 10am - 4pm. A selection of fun, festive family crafts. £5 per child. Booking required.
Ipswich, Sat 3 - Sun 4 December. Various times. Pit your wits against our festive puzzles and seasonal riddles. Two rooms available, one family friendly and one for adults. Suggested age 8 +. £10 per person. Booking required.
Ipswich, Sun 4 December. 10am - 4pm. Visit Father Christmas with a BSL Interpreter in a low sensory environment for neurodivergent children and their families. Kids low sensory crafting available. Free entry. Booking required.
Ipswich, Sun 11 December. 1.30pm – 3pm. A free screening of this Christmas classic. Please book in advance to guarantee seats. Grab a deal and avoid queues by booking a cinema snack box when reserving seats.
Bury St Edmunds, Sat 17 December. 2pm - 4pm. Join us for some Christmas crafts inspired by our collections. (Suitable for 5 - 11 year-olds). £2 per child. Booking required.
Lowestoft, Fri 16 December. 1pm – 3pm. Enjoy an afternoon of Victorian inspired crafts and a mince pie. Free entry. Booking required.
Lowestoft, Sat 17 December. 10.30am - 12.30pm. Come and enjoy a selection of festive family crafts. Free entry. Booking required.
Head down to Phoenix Cycleworks, the leading bike park, bike shop and cafe in East Anglia. Open all year around and suitable for all ages and all levels, all rolled into one top class outdoor activity destination. The park, set on either side of the A14 at Kentford, Newmarket joined by an underpass was built by riders and has grown into a day out with something for all to enjoy. Bring your own bike or pick from a range of hire bike options, ranging from balance bikes for toddlers to mountain bikes, jump and dirt bikes, e-bikes to premium bikes. Once you have your bike and safety protection gear sorted, head out to explore over 15 acres of pump tracks, trails, jumps and drops with areas marked out for beginners through to advanced riders. There is also the option of heading off exploring the entire site on the ‘Phoenix Lap’, a 2km cross country perimeter bike park trail.
Make a day of it, enjoy spending time with family and friends enjoying the trails, learning new skills, watching the pros in action as well as checking out the bike shop and catching up at the popular on-site coffee shop.
Phoenix Cycleworks also offers under 16s and adult training sessions with British Cycling Level 3 coaches ranging from absolute beginners to advanced riders and those just wanting to improve their skills. Beginners can learn bike set up, cornering, rolling and braking advancing up to mastering jumps, drops and racing techniques.
Phoenix Cycleworks also offers 1hr balance bike hire for little riders keen to get involved and get pedal ready on our purpose build pump tracks. Balance bikes are the perfect introduction into learning to ride a bike, they are great confidence builders providing independence alongside key gross motor skills, balance, coordination, control and strength.
Phoenix Cycleworks is the ultimate outdoor place to visit with all the family this winter!
Full Day Rider Pass (open until close) - £15
Half Day Rider Pass (1pm until close) - £10
Junior Ride Day Pass (Under 16s) - £10
Under 5s go free with a full paying rider and over 75s are free to ride all year round, so it’s never too late to start a new hobby.
Written by Katie Clark
Suitable from birth. Simply pull on his chord and see his wings flip flap up and down! Made of soft, durable fabrics in a string of lovely contrasting colours, there are six different materials your baby can get to know – a great way to develop the senses and encourage exploration. There are also noisy crinkle feet and a friendly squeak whenever you give his cheeks a squeeze. The hoop you pull to make his wings go up and down also doubles as a handy clip so you can take your dragon with you everywhere you go.
WHERE TO BUY: www.lamazetoys.co.uk
From the Black & White Book Project this pack contains 12 black & white cards that can be used from birth to entertain and stimulate baby development, right up to school age. On the front of the card is an illustration of an animal and on the back there are facts to read about (perfect for older children too).
They are super useful to use whilst your baby has their awake time, whether in their carrycot or on the change mat and as they develop and start their tummy time. With additional packs also available to add on. 25% of profits are donated to wildlife charities.
WHERE TO BUY: www.blackandwhitebookproject.com PRICE: £18.50*
Part of the Jurassic World collection by Tomy they are introducing a younger generation to the movies. These toys are designed to encourage developmental play for babies and toddlers. The colourful and strong Ankylosaurus features stacking armour with four different textured rings that only interlock if they are dropped over the top on the correct order, helping children to learn about logic and develop their problem solving skills. With a removable baby dinosaur that sits in top in his egg. The Ankylosaurus can be pulled along on her click-clack wheels and rattling tail encouraging crawling play for babies or toddlers who can take her for a walk.
WHERE TO BUY: www.toysntuck.co.uk PRICE: £16.99*
This is an interactive learning toy with a friendly, expressive face and multi-colour lights. As your little ones press the different buttons on his belly or rock him side to side, he lights up with bright colours and talks or sings. With over 90 songs, sounds and phrases to teach including the alphabet, counting 1- 20, weather, and emotions there is a lot for your children to enjoy. He even connects to other Linkimals toys and they all interact together. A bonus is batteries are included.
WHERE TO BUY: www.very.co.uk PRICE: £27.99*
With the age range starting from 18 months to around 4 years old there is so much to choose from in the 1.2.3 range, not as much as the range for older children but the pieces are bigger. It comes in stages, so 1 being the “easy start” stage with simple figures, the learning focus on feel and exploring. Stage 2 “first challenge”, are extended play sets helping develop fine motor skills in a creative and fun way. Stage 3 “little expert” are advanced playsets and encourage children to use their imagination and role-play a bit.
WHERE TO BUY: www.playmobil.co.uk PRICE: From £14.99*
The plaster pulling bear game is a great game for all the family. Scaredy Bear has had an accident and is now feeling much better so needs his plasters taking off. Be the first to remove three plasters from the teddy bear but you have to be careful, don’t remove them too slow or you will run out of time and don’t remove them too quick or you will make him cry.
WHERE TO BUY: www.toymaster.co.uk PRICE: £24.99*
Having had our Toniebox since 2018 this is definitely one can really last. One little box with countless ways to play. It is bump proof, has 7 hours of battery life and travel friendly with a headphone jack. There are so many Tonies to choose, from Disney, to your child's favourite story or cartoon character, educational ones with the newest addition of Blue’s Clues and even a Creative Tonie you can record on to it anything you like. So once you have the Toniebox you can keep on adding to the collection so great for future presents anytime of the year.
WHERE TO BUY: www.tonies.com PRICE from £79.95* (Get 10% OFF everything on the Tonies website)
A video making set which includes an adjustable tripod with integrated mobile phone holder, a ring light with 3 different brightness settings and a green screen drape so can get creative with different backgrounds and record your very own professional looking videos.
WHERE TO BUY: www.argos.co.uk PRICE: £25.99*
Tamagotchi Pix Party is the newest addition to the Tamagotchi range and a bit of nostalgia for some us. While maintaining its core Tamagotchi attributes of nurturing, communication, portability, and gaming, your virtual pet is even better with a camera, touch buttons and being able to connect with you friends by reading their Tama code where you can exchange gifts and explore together. You can also complete missions on tamagotchi.com to download items and gifts to your device. Available in 2 colour options.
WHERE TO BUY: www.smythstoys.com PRICE: £39.99*
After the success of the Magic Mixies Cauldron last year I think this is going to be just as good. Create you own magic mixie by performing the creation spell using the light-up interactive wand and 2 special words, watch and wait until the mist inside the ball disappear and revel your Mixie. You can reset your ball and with a refill pack use again and again (sold separately). Also can be used as a night light for a magical bedtime. Batteries included.
WHERE TO BUY: www.jdwilliams.co.uk PRICE: £74.99*
The Xplora is a great start for children who want to be a bit more independent and want a smartwatch. It has all the fitness features of a couple of the more well known brands. The Xplora has the GoPlay platform where your child can earn virtual coins with their steps and also enjoy messaging and selfie elements. Send and receive messages and phone calls from pre-approved contacts. It is waterproof and cellular connectivity (sim sold separately).
It has GPS so you can track your child and set up security zones, in an emergency they can press the SOS button and send a notification to the watch’s saved emergency contacts. Available in 4 colours and on various phone tariffs so price may vary.
WHERE TO BUY: www.myxplora.co.uk PRICE: £99.99*
Only buy from reputable shops.
Look for the name and address of the manufacturer/importer, the type, batch, model or serial number.
Check the toy has a CE or UKCA mark –this is a declaration by the manufacturer that the toy is safe. These marks must be on the toy or its packaging and be permanent and easy to read. On small toys these marks may be on a label attached to the toy or on an accompanying leaflet.
Look for warnings and instructions –these are precautions that need to be taken to ensure safe use. Toys that are not suitable for children under three require a warning to this effect, plus the reason why – for example, they could be a choking hazard. This can be in the form of a pictogram or words.
Christmas is coming and it’s the time of year Trading Standards come across the most dangerous and counterfeit versions of the most popular toys. Fake and copy-cat toys are not only a challenge for the reputable toy sector but can endanger children’s safety. Parents may well feel the pressure to buy the latest ‘must-have’ toys for their children. Budgets are stretched and stores often sell out, so some parents might be tempted to look at cheaper versions available online – but this is also where rogue traders are taking advantage and cashing in.
Toys are subject to stringent regulations in order to ensure they are safe for children. Tests on toys seized by Trading Standards in the past have revealed harmful levels of toxic chemicals, choking and strangulation hazard. Electrical products seized have been found to pose a risk of fire or serious electric shock.
If you come across a toy that you think is dangerous or counterfeit, please report it to Suffolk Trading Standards via 0808 223 1133.
Follow Trading Standards on Facebook and Twitter for up-todate information on unsafe products that have been recalled, and for information on any counterfeit toys that have been seized in the run up to Christmas or sign up to receive their weekly email bulletin on www.suffolk.gov.uk/JoinTheFight
For more advice to help you prepare for winter, visit www.suffolk.gov.uk/WinterMatters
Parents are advised to be cautious and follow this advice:
Cycling is a fantastic way to keep your body and mind fit and healthy and burn off plenty of energy whilst out in the fresh air, but it’s crucial to stay mindful of road safety.
When children are riding bikes, encouraging them to adopt good habits from an early age is key to their safety and well-being when they’re out and about –Check out our safety tips below:
Helmets are a must for everyone, including toddlers in child cycle seats. A helmet can prevent serious head injuries if your child falls off a bike. It’s also a good idea for them to see adults setting a good example, so if you wear a helmet you can help them see how ‘cool’ helmets are! Please encourage children to wear helmets.
Being visible is critical to being safe as a cyclist. Children may be reluctant to wear them, but hi-visibility vests are essential for cycling on the roads: fluorescent for the daytime and reflective after dark.
Encourage children to get into the habit of looking after their bikes, if they’re well maintained, they will be safer.
In general, children aren’t ready for cycling on the roads until they’re about 11, and then only on quiet roads. While younger children can be amazingly confident and proficient, they won’t be able to handle cycling in traffic, even if they’re accompanied by an adult.
Older children should be adequately trained before they go out on a road. There are various training schemes around the UK
The Suffolk Roadsafe Team are now delivering sessions for families who want to cycle more regularly, whether to keep fit, to commute to work or school, or to go and visit friends! The team can work with you to support your efforts by making sure that your riding skills are refreshed, and you have strategies for dealing with road situations that might concern you.
The sessions are about 3 hours long and free of charge. They will come to you, chat about what you are trying to achieve, and then work on your route or specific challenges that you have.
Based on the National Standards for Cycling, and appropriate content from the Bikeability scheme, our fully qualified National Standard Cyclist Trainers will:
• show you how to ride with your children so that you can help them gain confidence;
• teach you a simple system for remembering how to deal with different road scenarios;
• work with you to improve your safety at any junctions you use;
• guide you in using your road position to control other road users and enhance your safety.
Please email: CyclistTraining@suffolkhighways.org or to find out more, visit; www suffolkroadsafe.com
The media is full of horror stories of child neglect and worse. It would be easy to judge that Social Services are simply not up to the job. The reality is that although those working in social care are under immense pressure and sadly mistakes are made, the majority of instances are more positive, and we are truly fortunate, in this country, to have dedicated services looking after the welfare of children. However, no child should feel unsafe or unhappy and as a parent or relative, it is important that you are the frontline for ensuring the welfare of the young and speaking out if you have concerns.
In our work with families, we sadly see the effects of dysfunction and the potential threats to the well-being of children. Many separating families will be uncertain as to what options
separation can be both emotionally charged and difficult. Thankfully, family law terminology has greatly improved and so now we simply talk about “child arrangements” rather than the old “residence”, “contact”, “custody” and “access” orders. It is important that arrangements relating to children are not seen to be “won”, but rather, settled and agreed. In the majority of cases, separating parents are able to put their children first. Child arrangements that are worked out together with the guidance of specialist advisers stand the best chance of success. However, sometimes further intervention is required to ensure the safety of a child. The parent with whom the child lives may not be able to cope mentally or physically; the other parent may have concerns and feel ignored or helpless.
Children’s Services departments at times receive information that make them suspect a child may be at risk. This information is called a referral. If after receiving a referral, children’s services suspect a child is suffering significant harm, they must investigate this. This is called making child protection enquiries.
Child protection law brings together three different groups: lawyers, social work professionals and of course parents and family members. The most common reasons why a child could be removed from their home and placed outside of family and friends, include abuse, neglect, illness, or abandonment. Under section 47 of the Children Act 1989, where a local authority has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm, it has a duty to make such enquiries as it considers necessary to decide whether to take any action to safeguard or promote the child’s welfare.
As family lawyers, we act for parents and children in matters such as care proceedings. It would be easy to view all these cases negatively – examples where “child arrangements” have failed and the system incapable of protecting the most vulnerable in society. However, outcomes can also be positive and uplifting as I was recently reminded by a client, a father who was put in touch with me following a long ten year struggle to try to protect his son, who ended up being subject to child protection. He recently wrote to me to thank me and the family team for helping and representing him in court proceedings. The court agreed, and ordered that, his son should live with him. “He is now an amazing young man” my client wrote of his child and the same adjective can be used for the father who, with some help and guidance from us, did not give up on making sure that his son was happy and safe. This is surely what every child deserves, and every parent should want.
A HAPPY AND SAFE CHILD – WHAT EVERY PARENT WANTS, EVEN IF SEPARATED. BUT WHAT HAPPENS, IF YOUR CHILD IS NEITHER?
Gladwells Pet and Country Stores have three branches in Suffolk, situated in Copdock, Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds.
Regular and first-time customers can choose from a great range of pet and animal accessories and equipment, designed to keep your animals happy and healthy in their environment. The friendly, knowledgeable team at Gladwells Pet and Country Stores will be happy to help you find what you’re looking for in-store. As an independent retailer, they compare favourably to supermarket prices for animal feeds, treats and accessories, helping you to get more for less for your family pets. They stock feed, accessories bedding and much more for horses, dogs, cats, caged and wild birds, small animals, reptiles, fish, small holdings and poultry.
Festive pet treats, toys and accessories are the perfect way to bring some extra cheer to Christmas this year. Gift vouchers are also available all year round and make the perfect gift for any pet owner or animal lover.
All of the Suffolk stores also offer a home delivery service - just give them a call to place your order! Phone numbers can be found on their website: www.gladwellspet.co.uk. Alternatively, you can also call ahead to reserve a product for collection.
If you are looking for a safe and easy way to drop off and collect parcels this festive season their Suffolk stores also have UPS Access Points. To find out more just head to the UPS website.
You can also follow Gladwells Pet and Country Store on the following social media platforms: Facebook: @gladwellspetcountrystores Instagram: @gladwellspetandcountrystore
Keep an eye out for competitions to win products and store vouchers as well as monthly special offers and any seasonal opening time changes.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our loyal customers that have supported us through this year, and to any new customers discovering us for the first time, welcome to the family!"
From Gladwells Pet and Country Store
Suffolk mum Sharon Wrighton will be joining Families Suffolk Magazine for the next year to offer valuable financial advice. As an Independent Mortgage Advisor with Wolsey Mortgage Company, Sharon has a wealth of experience that she will be sharing with us.
As a busy mum of three, I understand how hard it can be to find the time and energy to sort out your finances. As a parent there are the daily school runs, the after-school clubs and weekends can just fly by leaving little time for anything else.
A mortgage is the biggest financial commitment most of us will ever make, but they can be complicated. Lenders can often use technical language that can be confusing, and with thousands of products available it's not easy to find the right deal for your needs. I like to bring a relaxed approach to my appointments. Whether it's over a cup of coffee, via video/ telephone call or in the comfort of your own home. My job is to simplify mortgages and make them easier to understand.
If you go direct to a bank for a mortgage you will be limited by their own deals which may or may not be the best product for you. There might be other products in the market that have a better rate which will save you money in the long term that an Independent Mortgage Advisors will be able to tell you about.
When it comes to your mortgage I am not tied to any bank or building society and I can look at the whole of market. I will find the most appropriate mortgage deal for you and your family, taking everything into account. I also have an extensive knowledge of the mortgages available from different lenders and can search the market on your behalf and recommend the right deal.
To find these deals on your own would involve a lot of research and talking through your circumstances many times with different lenders.
Buying a home or re-mortgaging can take time, there are numerous forms to fill in and different parties to chase. I like to take this stress away from the clients by arranging the paperwork and preparing each individual case, making the transaction as smooth as possible. I regularly keep in touch with the lender and liaise with solicitors, so you don't have to.
Throughout my career I have arranged mortgages for people from all walks of life - ranging from simple to complex financial situations like adverse credit. Residential, Buy To Let, Guarantor, Let to Buy, holiday homes and product transfers, to name a few.
Part of the service that I provide is to look at your protection needs including, life insurance, critical illness cover, income protection and building insurance. I can recommend cover that will protect you and your family to help ensure that you keep your home whatever life throws at you.
With the current financial climate, it has never been more important to make sure that you and your family are covered. Over the next year I will be offering advice in all of these areas to ensure you and your family are financially secure.
I usually charge a fee of £275 for a mortgage or remortgage, which covers all administration costs. However, the initial consultation is free and the fee is only payable after a mortgage offer has been produced.
For readers of Families Suffolk Magazine I will reducing this fee to JUST £99 saving you £176.00.
Please use discount code: FamiliesSuffolk
For more information or to book a FREE CONSULTATION with Sharon Email: sharon@wolseymortgage.co.uk Call: 07955 199219
For more information about Wolsey Mortgage Company visit: www.wolseymortgage.co.uk
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TRIAL!
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Weekly classes Thurs/Saturdays, FREE TRIAL! x x x x
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01732 457 100 www.funkymonkey.info
Just £35/£25 sibling discount. Booking essential. www.funkymonkey.info
By Gabrielle Nash
If your child turns four this academic year, they’ll be starting Reception next September and now’s the time to make their primary school applications. Exciting times!
Your child’s primary school and its community becomes a large part of your family’s life, so feeling happy about the choice is very important. Depending on where you live you might have just one, two or maybe three schools to apply to. Or there may be numerous schools if you live in a city. So how do you go about knowing which will be a good fit for you and your child?
The catchment area
School catchment area is a key admission criterion for schools. This is generally be based on the furthest distance that a pupil was admitted to the school the previous year but boundaries can be extended or shrink, according to the variables of each intake year. For example, one year there may be a larger cohort of siblings or looked-after children taking priority or it may be a year with a high birth rate, so the map alone does not guarantee your top choice.
You can check each school’s catchment area through your local authority to establish whether you’re likely to fall within it. Think carefully before aiming for a school for which you’re not in the catchment area. You don’t want to waste one of your choices.
Consider your working week. If you’re commuting to work, how will you do that after school drop-off? Is there a train or bus nearby or space to park your car?
Every school is organised and managed differently, so you’ll need to do some research to see what each school offers and what matters most to you. When you’re shortlisting schools, it’s important to visit to get a feel for each one. Go armed with lists of questions and an open mind.
Each school will have its own personality but so does your child. Are they loud or reserved? Smaller schools with just one-form entry might suit a quieter child. If your child has
any special educational needs, you’ll want to know the school caters well for them.
What wrap-around care does the school offer? If it doesn’t suit your needs, are there sufficient alternative options? Find out which secondary schools pupils go on to and see how that impacts on your thought process. For example if a high proportion of the pupils go to the best local secondary school, then that’s a plus.
1. While an Ofsted report is important, do not solely base your decision on it. Inspectors give ratings in their report: outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.
The Ofsted report will also give feedback on how different groups of children fare and the school’s strengths and weaknesses.
2. Reach out to school parents on social media to get a range of opinions. See how they align with yours. Go through the application procedure on your local authority’s website so you’re fully aware of the process.
3. Faith schools are an attractive option in many areas but it’s likely you’ll need to complete an additional form outlining your family’s religious practices.
4. When you are allocated your child’s school place in the spring, you can consider appealing the decision if you’re unhappy with the outcome. There are no guarantees the position will change though.
5. If you have a summer-born child, you may be able to defer their school start. You’ll need to approach your local authority.
In this issue we talk to Mrs Broom, Headteacher at Cliff Lane Primary School.
Cliff Lane is a thriving primary school just outside the center of Ipswich and is part of Asset Education. Located just across the road from Holywells Park, it sits on a
beautiful site, where Planet Earth is one of the main key curriculum drivers. Cliff Lane has its own Nursery provision, so welcomes children from as young as 3.
What or who inspired you to be a teacher? I was inspired to become a teacher by my own year 6 teacher at Primary School and by various other educators along the way. Each one, made me believe in myself and what I could achieve. They always showed so much passion and enthusiasm for teaching and helping children reach their full potential that I was inspired to do the same.
What was it about the school that made you want to work at Cliff Lane Primary School? Cliff Lane is on a wonderful journey and everyone at the school is so dedicated and passionate that they pull you into that journey from the moment you step into the school. All of the staff and children are happy and friendly and make you feel incredibly welcome and I wanted to be part of that from the very beginning.
What does being a Headteacher mean to you? I feel privileged to be given the opportunity to lead Cliff Lane. I would say that I have the best job in the school as I get to be part of the educational journey of so many children. Not only that, I get to work with an incredible group of educators who are constantly striving for the best.
How would the students at Cliff Lane Primary describe you?
I asked my Deputy Headteacher, Ms King to ask a few children and this is what they said; kind and lovely, helpful, supportive, caring, respectful, selfless, generous, energetic, thoughtful and a really good Headteacher. It is so wonderful to be surrounded by such positive children. I always wanted to be an approachable Headteacher that children felt comfortable talking to so these comments are very reassuring.
How would you describe day to day life at Cliff Lane Primary School? Calm, focused, engaging, purposeful, fun and enjoyable.
navigate their next steps both in Secondary school and in their wider communities. But it is not just about the future. It is also about providing children with experiences now that are enriching and meaningful, that will add to their well-being and feed their natural curiosity, awe and wonder at the world around them.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A teacher!
What
mastering during their school Journey? Children need to leave Primary School with a passion for learning. At Cliff Lane, our core value is ‘Belief’ and we strongly believe that every child can achieve their full potential. Our curriculum has been carefully designed to ensure that children will leave Cliff Lane with the knowledge and skills to enable them to
What is your most useless skill? Being able to make a bed to hotel standard in less than three minutes.
What is your real-life superpower? Being a full time working Mummy to two beautiful children.
For more information about Cliff Lane Primary School visit: www.clifflaneprimary.co.uk Call: 01473 251604
do you think are the key skills that children should be
Perhaps your mental image of a bully is someone who pushes your child over in the playground or steals their money or their lunch? Or maybe you picture your child hunched over their phone
Talk to your child about what it is to be a good friend. For example, a good friend is kind and makes them feel good about themselves. This will help to highlight where there may be false friendships.
Talk to your child about the difference between banter and bullying. Banter is playful and both parties find it funny. Bullying is repetitive and hurtful. It also involves a power imbalance. Tell them that if someone constantly puts them down, they are not a real friend and not worth their time.
These forms of bullying are easy to recognise, although, of course, not always easy to deal with. But what about more subtle types of bullying like baiting and false friendships? How do you recognise these and are they actually bullying?
As we head towards Anti-Bullying Week which starts on 14 November, Families asked the Anti-Bullying Alliance, part of the National Children’s Bureau, to share its tips and advice.
To 'bait' someone is to intentionally make a person angry by saying or doing things to annoy them. Baiting can be used in bullying both on and offline and is aimed at getting 'a rise' out of them. It can even be used to encourage someone to become a bully. It can also sometimes be used secretively to try and get a person to explode in a rage or react negatively so that they get in to trouble.
What NOT to do:
If your child is being baited, here’s what to advise them:
• Don't take the bait!
• Don't argue with a person or appeal to their sense of reason or logic while they are baiting you. They want you to rise to it.
• Don't retaliate and fall into a trap.
What TO do:
Learn to recognise baiting for what it is. If your child knows what the bully is
trying to do it is easier to understand it. Remind your child that the bait often has nothing to do with what the other person really wants.
Explain that what the person is feeling is temporary and they will probably feel different in a few days or a few hours. Talk to an adult you trust such as a teacher or parent and explain what the bully is doing and why you think they are doing it.
If your child is falsely accused of something, they or you should politely, briefly and calmly state the truth, one time only.
Advise your child to remove themselves from the situation calmly. End the conversation and exit the space.
Get support. You or your child should describe what has happened to you so you or their teacher, who will help them come up with a reasoned, effective plan of how to deal with it.
These describe relationships where someone pretends to be your child’s friend but actually uses their power to bully them.
Sometimes bullying isn’t as straight forward as someone openly being horrible to another person. It can be much more complicated than that. False friendships can sometimes be hard for adults to identify, so imagine how difficult they are for children!
Speak to your child’s teacher with your child. Ask them their perspective. Does your teacher fully understand the friendship dynamic?
Don’t encourage your child to retaliate as this might get them into trouble themselves or put them in a dangerous position.
Some children are more likely to have false friendships, for example disabled children. It is especially important that disabled children understand what makes a good friend.
If your child doesn’t have many other friends, you could encourage them to get involved in extra-curricular activities or activities outside of school, so that they might be able to develop other friendships and improve their confidence.
If your child is being bullied by someone who they thought was their friend, this can be especially hurtful. Make sure you praise them for telling you and agree a way forward together. Tell them it is not their fault.
With thanks to the Anti-Bullying Alliance for this article. For more information about Anti-Bullying Week, visit www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
or device being pursued by bullies online?
At St Joseph’s we support the intellectual, spiritual, physical and emotional growth of every student. Children who thrive are the happiest of all.
Join us for our Prep and Senior School Open Day. Family tours also available, to find out more please visit stjos.co.uk or email admissions@stjos.co.uk
Independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 2–19. Nursery open all year round